Rochelle local news summary

Downtown Revitalization Project Moves Forward After Split 4-3 Vote

Council Approves New Market-Based Electric Rate to Attract Large Industry

City Authorizes $74,000 for Final Phase of Spring Lake Cleanup

Rochelle Renews 10-Year Road Maintenance Agreement with IDOT

New Ordinance Regulates Food Carts, Ice Cream Trucks

City Approves Over $115,000 for New Bobcat Loader

Council Members Note City’s Cybersecurity Preparedness

Downtown Revitalization Project Moves Forward After Split 4-3 Vote

ROCHELLE - The City Council approved a $3.1 million contract for the second phase of the Rebuild Downtown and Main Street project after a contentious debate over costs. In a 4-3 decision, the council awarded the bid to DPI Construction Inc., even though it came in 11.4% higher than the engineer's estimate. The primary point of debate was a new 34-stall parking lot on the corner of Washington Street and Second Avenue, which council members Dan McDermott, Tom McDermott, and Bil Hayes voted against including. Proponents argued that removing the parking lot to save $321,000 would be a mistake, as construction costs would likely rise in the future. Mayor John Bearrows, casting a "yes" vote, stated the city had promised the parking lot and that it was cheapest to complete the work while the contractor was already mobilized.

Council Approves New Market-Based Electric Rate to Attract Large Industry

ROCHELLE - In a move aimed at attracting large-scale businesses like data centers, the council unanimously approved RMU’s “Rate 168 — General Service Primary Time of Use above 12,000 kW.” The market-based rate is designed for industrial customers with a minimum demand of roughly 12 megawatts, allowing them to procure their own energy on the open market while still paying Rochelle Municipal Utilities for delivery, demand, and other fixed costs. City officials explained the new rate structure makes Rochelle more competitive for major developments, as it gives large energy consumers more control over their costs. The city is protected through a requirement that customers post a bond to cover their energy purchases, ensuring no financial risk to the utility.

City Authorizes $74,000 for Final Phase of Spring Lake Cleanup

ROCHELLE - The council approved an emergency expenditure of $73,937 for the final stage of environmental remediation at Spring Lake. The funds will pay Clean Harbors to excavate mineral oil-impacted soil, a crucial last step to meet Illinois EPA standards. The project addresses a past incident, and city officials praised Brittney Zick, Human Resources Risk & Safety Coordinator, for her extensive work managing the complex cleanup. It was also noted that Blake Toliver, RMU Superintendent of Electric Operations, and his team have implemented new measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Rochelle Renews 10-Year Road Maintenance Agreement with IDOT

ROCHELLE - Rochelle will continue to maintain state routes within its city limits for the next decade after the council approved a new intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). While the agreement lasts until 2035, city staff expressed concerns about the current condition of several state roads, including Route 251. As a result of negotiations, IDOT has committed to developing a small construction contract to address problem areas. City staff recommended a formal re-evaluation of the agreement by 2028 to ensure the state is holding up its end of the partnership.

New Ordinance Regulates Food Carts, Ice Cream Trucks

ROCHELLE - The council unanimously passed an ordinance to formally regulate ice cream trucks and food carts under the city’s municipal code. The amendment places food carts under the same rules as existing mobile food trucks, requiring them to operate in designated locations and adhere to specific hours. Ice cream trucks are now included under the city’s peddler and solicitor framework but are granted an exception to play music, consistent with their traditional operation. The changes are intended to streamline enforcement and ensure all mobile vendors follow the same set of rules for public health and safety.

City Approves Over $115,000 for New Bobcat Loader

ROCHELLE - The Public Works department will receive a new Bobcat T86 compact track loader after the council approved the $115,554 purchase. The versatile machine, used for tasks ranging from pavement milling to snow removal, replaces an older 2016 model that will be transferred to the Water Department. The purchase was made through the Sourcewell national cooperative contract, which waives local competitive bidding requirements.

Council Members Note City’s Cybersecurity Preparedness

ROCHELLE - Following their attendance at the recent Illinois Municipal League conference, several council members noted that Rochelle is "ahead of the curve" on cybersecurity. Councilman Dan McDermott stated that during multiple presentations on municipal cyber threats, it became clear that many of the recommended security protocols have already been in place in Rochelle for the last four to five years. The comments highlighted the city's proactive stance on protecting its digital infrastructure.

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