The city plans to build new boat docks along Davis Park in downtown Rockford just north of this structure. The park is shown on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022. The column and murals are not expected to be affected by the boat dock construction. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — City Council members unanimously approved a contract Monday to build a new boat dock in downtown as part of a multifaceted plan to overhaul the look and use of Davis Park.

The council approved a $461,227 contract with Sjostrom & Sons, which is expected to complete the work by June. The project is paid for by a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The new boat docks are one component of a makeover to Davis Park that started in mid-October with the demolition of the 106-year-old Lorden building, a seven-story structure tied to the city’s past knitting industry.

N-Trak Group of Loves Park continues work on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, to remove the remains of the Lorden building in Davis Park in downtown Rockford. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

The plan calls for Davis Park to one day include a sun-tanning beach, multi-use trail, splash pads, canopy stage, skate park and a plaza with space for food trucks during special events.

More news: Lino’s expands into Loves Park with unique curbside restaurant

The 7-acre park at 320 S. Wyman St. is the only park that the city of Rockford owns. City officials said demolishing the building was the first step to opening up the park for more activity.

The work Sjostrom was hired to handle consists of installing the floating boat dock on the Rock River, removing and replacing sidewalk on the riverfront, installing an Americans with Disabilities Act compliant ramp, removal and replacement of the concrete sea wall, hand rail installation, erosion control and other site restoration.

Boat docks are set to be built along Davis Park in downtown Rockford. (Image via City Council packet information)

City Council roundup

Here’s a quick look at some of the other items approved Monday by City Council.

Incentives for business fixes

Traffic moves down Broadway near Eighth Street on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, in Rockford. The Broadway TIF district is one of seven that would be eligible for a new program that offers incentives for renovations. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

City Council voted 14-0 to approve a new program that provides up to $25,000 for business and commercial building owners to renovate their properties in areas of town in need of redevelopment.

The incentive is available to repair properties inside seven tax-increment financing districts, each which has $150,000 available that’s designated for the program.

The program requires private investment from business owners, and the city will match whatever is spent up to a maximum of $25,000. The funds would be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program will launch in the first quarter of 2023.

More info: Program would offer up to $25K in incentives to rehab Rockford businesses

Deadline extended for Barber-Colman deal

City Council voted unanimously to extend its self-imposed deadline to reach a redevelopment agreement with J. Jeffers & Co. to transform the vacant Barber-Colman property into hundreds of living spaces and multiple shops.

The deadline has been extended from Dec. 1 to March 1.

City officials say the company is continuing to make progress on its plans for the $400 million development, which would take place over roughly eight years, but more time is needed to finalize the financial agreement.

Developers have said they hope to start construction next year on the ambitious multi-year venture to create 964 living units and roughly 130,000 square feet of commercial space.

Related: Introducing Colman Yards: A first look at the future of the Barber-Colman complex

Property taxes remain flat

The council voted unanimously to approve a $48.24 million property tax levy for taxes paid next year. The council also approved a $7.38 million levy for the Rockford Public Library.

City officials said it represents the tenth consecutive year that the levy has been kept at approximately the same amount.

“I’m thrilled we are once again able to approve a balanced budget with no increase in property taxes,” Mayor Tom McNamara said news release. “I think it’s critical that we remain good stewards of tax dollars. I’m proud of our City Council and our staff for developing a budget that allows us to live within our means, while still providing essential services to our residents.”

The actual tax rate will be determined in spring by the Winnebago County Clerk’s Office after the Board of Review hears all challenges from property owners about the assessed value of their home or business.

Whether the amount you pay in property taxes to the city increases will largely depend on how the value of your home has changed. However, the amount is likely to increase because property values have been on the rise. The estimated increase in the taxable value of all property in the city is 9%, which could change after the Board of Review hears challenges.

The City Council also approved a 2023 budget with $193.1 million in general fund spending.

Road salt prices spike

City Council approved a contract to purchase road salt this winter at a cost of $86.09 per ton. That’s up 62% from %53.26 last year.

Road salt prices fluctuate from year to year, and part of the increase this year is because fuel costs for delivery are built into the per-ton price. However, it’s not the most expensive rate the city has ever paid. Road salt was nearly $99 per ton in 2015.

The contract allows for the city to spend up to $1.86 million to purchase 21,600 tons of road salt from Compass Minerals America in Overland, Kansas.

Background: Hot commodity: Ice-melting road salt costs increase 62% for the city

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.