CALL TO ORDER
Roll Call
Acceptance of Journal
Journal of Proceedings for the Community Relations Commission held on January 8, 2026
PUBLIC SPEAKERS
INFORMATION ONLY
Commission’s Discussion with the Mayor
Public Works Department Update - Director Scott Sanders, City of Rockford Public Works Department
Public Works Department Update - Director Scott Sanders, City of Rockford Public Works Department
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Continue Discussion of 2026 Action Plan
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
ADJOURNMENT
THE CITY OF ROCKFORD INTENDS TO COMPLY WITH THE INTENT AND SPIRIT OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. IF A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER, PERSONAL P.A. SYSTEM, OR OTHER SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ARE NEEDED, PLEASE CALL THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AT (779) 348-7391 AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE, SO WE CAN BE PREPARED TO ASSIST YOU.
Chairman Brown led a presentation of the CRC's 2026 strategic goals, emphasizing a transition from listening sessions to "measurable action" and advisory work for the City Council. He referenced communication challenges and highlighted a "follow-up gap" where residents’ concerns related to the Commission and then shared with city staff often result in delayed feedback to the Commission to respond to the residents.
Mayor Thomas McNamara’s Response and Commitments:
• Closing the Loop: Mayor McNamara committed to instructing department heads to prioritize "closing the loop" on Commission inquiries.
• Direct Access: He proposed an "open door policy," such as quarterly direct communication sessions with him, to hear Commissioners’ concerns firsthand.
• Youth Engagement: The Mayor strongly supported adding a youth member to the commission, suggesting the Commission decide if this role should be voting or advisory.
• REGROW Funding: The Mayor clarified that recent REGROW funding did not advance because there was no motion from the council. He encouraged the Commission to submit funding recommendations in writing to the Democratic caucus.
• Housing Initiatives: The Mayor discussed zoning reforms to move away from project-by-project council approval to create developer certainty. He reported that building permits for one- and two-family homes have increased to over 100, though the city still needs approximately 6,000 to 9,200 new units.
• New Appointments: Zsa Zsa Johnson and Shamir Shanklin are expected to join the commission in March. The Mayor also noted a need for more balanced representation on the commission to reflect the city's population. He also agreed to attend meetings personally to thank exiting members if the Commission desired.
Director Sanders provided a detailed overview of the city's infrastructure priorities and current projects.
• Lead Service Lines: The city has replaced roughly 4,100 lines but has 30,000 remaining. Sanders suggested a potential ordinance or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to require resident participation so entire blocks can be replaced efficiently.
• Road Safety and "Road Diets": The department is prioritizing "road diets" and multi-use paths, focusing on moving people safely rather than quickly.
• Snow Plowing: Sanders explained the odd/even parking rules are designed to clear at least one lane to the curb line. He admitted that while contractors have supervisory obligations, city staff often monitors routes directly.
Commissioner James McDowell reported that this week is the snow sculpting competition at Sinnissippi Park.
The commission discussed the best way to approach the Democratic Caucus regarding REGROW funding, leaning toward a collaborative letter of recommendation.
Chairman Brown asked for a Motion to Adjourn.
Commissioner Martin moved to Adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Mary Kaull. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote. (Commissioner Norma Borrero was absent).
The meeting adjourned at 7:39 PM.
Michaela Harris presented the revised 2026 Action Plan and Implementation Plan. She stated the plan now includes specific "Initiative Leads" and a "Status" tracker to ensure accountability for each goal. She discussed the Commission’s social media strategy. Following a meeting with the Marketing Director, the Commission will initially use the main City of Rockford social media pages to build a following before establishing a stand-alone page.