In the Know
From the City Manager’s Desk --Jeff Fiegenschuh
I was recently invited to participate in an online course on Positive Intelligence, and it really made me pause and think about my own mental and physical well-being and how important it is to live a life that’s more than just my career. As we push through busy schedules, deadlines, and daily responsibilities, it’s easy to forget one important truth: we are more than our jobs. Our lives outside of work matter just as much, if not more, to our overall happiness and health. Taking the time to nurture our well-being isn’t a luxury, it is very much a necessity
Each of us has a life story unfolding both at and beyond the workplace, whether it’s spending time with family, exploring hobbies, traveling, volunteering, or enjoying a quiet moment of peace. These moments help us recharge, gain perspective, and reconnect with who we are at our core. When we make time for ourselves, we come back to work more energized, focused, and fulfilled.
Self-care looks different for everyone It might mean going for a walk, hitting the gym, reading a good book, or catching up with friends. It could also mean setting healthy boundaries, getting enough sleep, or saying “no” when you need to. Just as importantly, it means showing yourself the same compassion and patience you offer others. We all face challenges and practicing empathy toward ourselves helps us move through them with strength and grace
So today, we celebrate you, not just as a valued part of our city team, but as a whole person. Take time to do what fills your cup, brings you joy, and helps you feel connected to the people and passions that matter most to you. Life beyond work is where some of our best memories are made. Celebrate it, embrace it, and always remember the motto: you deserve the same care, kindness, and empathy you give so freely to others.
Yours in Kindness, Jeff
H u m a n R
Meet the newest Members of our team!
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·November 18 Kim Brownlee from MissionSquare will be presenting regarding our Roth and 457b options and meeting one on one with staff in Council Chambers.
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·December 16 Emily Tazic from IMRF will be presenting in Council Chambers and answering questions.
·Employees need to complete their Q4 KnowBe4 Cyber Security training by December 31 , 2025. st
·November’s IMUA Safety Meeting will be held in Council Chambers on November 5 at 7:30am. th
Benefit Highlight: Wondr
If you are enrolled in the City’s health insurance plan, you may have received emails from Wondr. Wondr is an entirely digital weight-loss program offered by IPBC.
Wondr is not a diet plan. Wondr uses a series of videos to teach clinically proven skills that seamlessly fit into your lifestyle. These lifestyle skills include learning when and how to eat. Learning this allows you to continue to eat foods you love and continue to lose weight. Participants can earn points by watching videos and tracking progress. These points can be redeemed for various prizes. One of our colleagues has earned a blender from participating!
Below are the Wondr participant results:
• 85% feel more in control of their weight
• 61% have more energy
• 62% feel more confident
• 33% sleep better
The program is offered at no cost to you if you, your spouse, or a dependent aged 18 or older is enrolled in a BCBSIL medical plan and meets the eligibility criteria To see if you qualify, visit wondrhealth.com/IPBC and complete the online application. If accepted, you will be notified via email and informed of your program start date. You will receive a welcome kit, which includes information about the program and helpful resources. When it’s time for the program to begin, you will receive an email with a link to get started.
Policy Highlight: Work Attire
At the City of Rochelle, we take pride in the professional image our employees present to the community. Everyone plays a part in maintaining that image by dressing appropriately for their role and practicing good grooming habits. A professional appearance helps create a positive work environment, supports morale, and promotes safety.
During regular business hours, traditional business attire is expected unless your Department Head designates a casual day. Even on casual days, clothing should be neat, clean, and appropriate for the workplace and departmental guidelines.
We’ll make reasonable accommodations for employees’ religious beliefs or disabilities while maintaining a professional appearance to the public.
This is a summary of the policy, and these guidelines aren’t meant to cover every situation—use good judgment and common sense when choosing what to wear. If you’re unsure, check with your supervisor or Department Head.
Supervisors are responsible for making sure employees meet these standards. For full details on the policy please visit ESS to access the employee handbook.
H u m a n R
Focus on Safety
Cold Stress Guide
Safety Tips for Workers
·Your employer should ensure that you know the symptoms of cold stress.
·Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.
·Take regular breaks to warm up when needed.
·Dress properly for the cold.
·Stay dry in the cold because moisture or dampness, e.g., from sweating, can increase the rate of heat loss from the body.
·Keep extra clothing (including underwear) handy in case you get wet and need to change.
·Drink warm, sweetened fluids (no alcohol).
·Avoid touching cold metal or wet surfaces with bare skin.
·Use proper engineering controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by your employer.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 2025.
t Downtown Stage & Parking Lot
At the September 22 City Council meeting, the contract with DPI Construction was approved for our Downtown project. Contract #2 includes a new parking lot on the corner of 2 Avenue and Washington Street, and the restrooms and stage venue. This project is a part of the $1,151,794 DCEO Rebuild Downtown & Main Streets Capital Grant. nd nd
Potential timeline of construction- fencing has been placed around the parking lot on the corner of Main Street and 5 Avenue, as this will be the starting point of the project. Weather permitting, the foundation for the restrooms and stage venue will be completed this fall. All other parking lots will remain open. Work will also begin on the parking lot on the cormer of Washington and 2 Avenue this fall. th nd
Hickory Grove Site
e v e l o p m e n t
C o m m u n i t y
Within our Northern Corridor, a Request for Proposal (RFP) has been released to attract developers to the Old Hickory Grove site located at 1123 N 7 Street. This parcel is in a B-2 Commercial Highway Zone with a heavy traffic count. The RFP is due October 23, 2025.
Housing Development: The Grove
Another project completed in our Southern Corridor is The Grove Housing Development. This new development has added 30 new units to our housing stock. All 30 units were rented within a week of construction being completed!
a n c e d
• Data Center
-Working through Colocation and VLAN Service Agreement to bring to City Council scheduled for 2nd Council meeting in October
Customer Service
- Worked through Parallels issues on Counter 1. Pulled out machine from Elizabeth to rebuild for new hire
Cybersecurity
-Ongoing KnowBe4 Trainings
-Ben working to create Table top exercise per Policy
Electric
-Working on Fiber plan for scheduled outage to remove poles near Hillcrest Finance
-New Computer received for new Finance Director Ready to install
Fire Department
-New AIO Computer installed in training room
HR
-Insurance meeting with Britt
Laserfiche
-Ongoing changes to forms for multiple departments. Creating new forms for internal work and additional fiber options
PD
-Camera PC received.
-Cable ran for Radio
-Multiple new hires
Streets
-New hire
Water
-Replaced Adams Laptop
-Waiting on Andrew for his laptop
-2 Windows tables being used in lab
Water Reclamation
-Assisted with SCADA problems due to switch failure
Advanced Communications
-Fiber mapping software was approved for purchase. Casey went through initial training on setting application up
-Ongoing updating customer agreements and speeds
-Working on documentation of Fiber Cross connects at all fiber locations to show where fiber goes, who it serves, and what it is used for. Long overdue work and tedious.
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Transitioning to a New Finance Director
The Finance team is preparing for the transition to the new Finance Director, Matt Hoffman. As we work towards his arrival, we are streamlining several accounts and procedures and are ready to welcome him to the team.
2026 Budget
Matt Hoffman Finance Director
As the 2026 budget is rounding to the final details, we are starting to prepare for the work of the Distinguished Budget. Both Betsy and Celeste will participate in the work of this project along with Mark.
Accounts Payable
The A/P team has been working towards streamlining the invoice process by setting up all vendors to send invoices via email to make for a quicker turn around. We have also been working with the IT Department to round out our process to for travel and mileage requests through Laserfiche.
TIF Agreements
We will be in attendance for the upcoming Joint Review Board meeting.
The Finance department remains committed to excellence, transparency, and preparing for a smooth leadership transition.
Pink Patch Project Fundraiser
We’re having a fundraiser in honor of Officer Kovacs’ mother who passed away from breast cancer in 2015. The Northwestern Medicine Living Well Cancer Resources is where she would go for support during her struggle. Your donations will go directly to this center and the Tammy Kovacs Memorial Scholarship that will be awarded to a local Rochelle Township High School student whose life has been impacted by breast cancer We have had numerous requests for previous years shirts, so we are bringing back all the past years designs. The shirts and any other items can be ordered directly from 926 Custom Embroidery. Stop into the store at 404 Lincoln Highway and scan the QR code to place an order Our patches will be the same as last year and will be $10! Any donations can be made out to "Rochelle FOP Lodge 127".
We have had two new lateral officers sworn in this month! Please welcome Officer Nevres Gibic and Officer Cody Borcherts. They both started on 9/29/25.
New Officers
p o l i c e d e p a r t m e n t
Battle of the Badges
The Rochelle Police Department and Rochelle Fire Department competed against each other in the Battle of the Badges! The Police Department won and took home the Championship belt! All together, they raised $1,100 for the Focus House Alternate Education Program!
E l e c t r i c d e p a r t m e n t
The Utility Expo
Blake Toliver, Jay Mulholland, Jason Burdin and Andy Rogde attended The Utility Expo in Louisville, KY which is one of the largest events for utility professionals. This is a great opportunity for RMU to check out the latest innovations for utility equipment, technology and services.
Lineman’s Safety Rodeo
Chris Cox, Casey Howard, Jimmy Turcato and CJ Miskell competed in the annual Lineman's Safety Rodeo coordinated by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives on Thursday, September 25. The team placed third in the armor rod install, and CJ Miskell placed first in the same event as an individual. Congratulations!
E l e c t r i c d e p a r t m e n t
Utility Dynamics placed a new utility vault for the Diesel Plant Feeder Exit Upgrade project.
A sewer line was accidentally hit during directional drilling for the Diesel Plant Feeder Exit Upgrade project, causing RMU crews to quickly take action and make the necessary repairs.
The department was able to complete and submit our application for the Reliable Public Power Provider designation with the APPA. Applications are reviewed by an 18-member Review Panel of public power professionals from across the country assessing four areas: reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement. We are just awaiting feedback!
City employees were all invited to attend a luncheon hosted by the Electric Department, with assistance from Customer Service, at the 1030 facility to kick off Public Power Week on October 1st. Thanks to all who joined us for tacos and ice cream!
E l e c t r i c d e p a r t m e n t
If you haven't already, check out our Employee Spotlights on the RMU Facebook page, and get to know some fun facts about us!
The Industrial Athlete program continues weekly with Jonathan Staab from Rock Valley Physical Therapy leading sessions with the Generation Plant and Electric Operations employees.
Linemen got the new purple banners hung downtown in time for RTHS Homecoming
F i r e d e p a r t m e n t
Battle of the Badges
On Saturday, October 4th, the Rochelle Fire Department faced off against the Rochelle Police Department in this year’s Battle of the Badges charity volleyball game at Flight Deck Bar and Grill. Thanks to the incredible support from community members and generous local business sponsors, the event raised $1,100 for Focus House, an alternative program supporting area youth. While Fire came up short on the scoreboard, we were proud to stand alongside our brothers and sisters in blue for such a great cause, and we’re already looking forward to a rematch next year, once we decide on the sport!
Fire PRevention Month
October is always one of our favorite months, Fire Prevention Month! This year, our crews were busy visiting schools and community groups to share fire safety tips and give kids a hands-on look at what we do. We had a great time with the St. Paul 8th graders, who asked some awesome questions and got a close-up look at firefighting as a career. We also met with several homeschool groups, including the GRACE Co-op at New Hope Church, where the kids even got to spray water from the hose, always a crowd favorite! We love seeing the excitement on their faces as they learn how firefighters work to keep the community safe.
F i r e d e p a r t m e n t
Haybale Decorating
Every fall, one of our favorite traditions is decorating our hay bale! We always seem to come up with a crazy idea that starts with a sketch and a laugh, but somehow, everyone pitches in to make it happen. From planning and painting to those last-minute fixes, the whole crew works together to bring the design to life. It’s become something we all look forward to — a fun way to show our creativity, teamwork, and community spirit while giving everyone driving by something to smile about.
EMS News
In EMS news, we’ve got several EMT-Basic students training with us right now, and it’s been great having them around the station. We always enjoy helping teach the next wave of first responders; it’s a good reminder of where we all started and a chance to pass along a few tips and stories from the field.
Our 2% Foreign Fire Board also recently purchased a LUCAS device for the department. The LUCAS is a mechanical CPR system that delivers steady, high-quality chest compressions during cardiac arrests It keeps CPR going strong while freeing up our hands for other important tasks, and a great addition to our EMS equipment lineup.
Water Reclamation Week
Rochelle Municipal Utilities celebrated Water Reclamation Week October 20-24. With no national designated week or day to appreciate Water Reclamation Departments across the country, RMU did not want to the let year go by without celebrating the men and women who work hard to protect we designated honoring our updates on Our team Rochelle has high-quality
Discharge Stream Health Survey
The Water Reclamation Department completed its final Survey in October for 2025. The department was again happy to find pollution-sensitive species in their collection. Darters were identified downstream from the discharge location indicating the treated effluent a minimal impact on this species of fish which is sensitive to pollution. The Department will share the data we have collected with the IDNR and resume surveys in April 2026.
a t e r d e p a r t m e n t
Treatment Plant Upgrades
The second phase of upgrades to the Water Reclamation Plant are almost complete. With just the final details left, upgrades to the clarifier, aeration tanks, and blower building are completed, and these facilities are back online. Plant upgrades have been made in two phases with Phase II including replacement of the tertiary sand filtration system, roof replacements, and upgrades to the clarifiers, excess flow lagoons, and main influent lift station. With future phosphorus limits expected to be set by the IEPA, these upgrades will allow the treatment plant to meet them with limited chemical treatment as possible.
Well 8
The much-anticipated arrival of the new iron filter happened on the last day of September. Over the next few weeks, valves will be installed on the filter. Also taking place in the coming weeks, Well 8 will undergo repairs and extensive upgrades. When finished, all major construction will be completed, and minor final details will take place with an expected online date in the first part of December.
This major infrastructure upgrades to Well 8 are designed to improve water quality and ensure long-term reliability for our community. With nearly 75% of the construction complete, the new iron filtration plant will be able to treat 2.6 million gallons per day and have the capability to remove radium if the need were to arise. It is expected to be completed later this fall. This $7.4 million project was 100% funded through the IEPA State Revolving Fund with full principal forgiveness.
Students Explore City Government
I had the privilege of participating with Jenny Thompson for a Council mock session, helping St. Paul students learn how state-level decisions impact local government. We covered how items come to the City Council for approval and discussed that while the City can set rules within its limits, nearby villages and towns may have different regulations. It was also a chance to show that Rochelle residents have a voice through their elected officials and how local government works for the community.
FOIARequests finalized
Permits Issued:
○ Floyd J.Tilton VFW Post 3878
○ Ducks Unlimited
○ Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival Inc.
○ Brandon Dodrill Memorial Foundation
○ Rochelle Lodge #903 Loyal Order of Moose
○ Ogle County G.O.P.
○ FlaggTownship Museum
○ Golden K
○Thunder Chapter –A.B.A.T.E.
○ Masonic Lodge
○ Hub Senior Center
○ HOPE of Ogle County
Liquor Code Updates:
At the October 14th Council Meeting, the City Council voted unanimously to approve updates to two sections of the liquor code.
One of the updates clarifies the hours of alcohol sales. It was recently brought to City’s attention that the hours listed in the Municipal Code didn’t match the long-standing practice observed by local businesses.
According to ordinances adopted in 1966, 1989, and 2012, the official hours of sale were:
• Monday–Thursday: 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. the following day
• Friday–Saturday: 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. the following day
• Sunday: 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
In practice, Thursdays have historically followed the same schedule as Fridays and Saturdays, 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. The update simply brings the Municipal Code in line with that long-standing schedule.
This adjustment also helps ensure consistency with gaming machine operations. The Illinois Gaming Board regulates when gaming machines must be shut off, and those hours are tied directly to an establishment’s licensed liquor hours. Aligning the City’s ordinance with current practice helps local businesses stay compliant with state gaming regulations while keeping the rules clear and consistent for everyone.
The second update approved by the City Council addresses the residency requirement for liquor license eligibility, specifically the section related to nonresidents of the City
The Municipal Code requires that a liquor license applicant, or, partnership, at least one partner, reside within City limits. A proposed amendment initially suggested allowing liquor license managers to live within 75 miles of the City, as long as all partners and owners met all other eligibility standards under state and local law
After discussion, the Council decided to remove the residency requirement entirely. Council members believe that in the rare event of an emergency or enforcement issue, the Rochelle Fire and Police Departments are fully capable to make a safe and timely shutdown decision if necessary
This change aligns the City’s liquor licensing process by recognizing today’s business realities. Ownership and management often extend beyond city boundaries, while still ensuring that public safety and regulatory compliance remain top priorities.
U t i l i t y B i l l i n g
Celebrated Customer service week with food and flowers
We worked hard on our Haybale Moo-ving Utilities Forward
Celebrated Public Power Week with lots of social media posts and lunch with a Taco truck and Ice cream truck. We had an awesome table in our lobby with lots of educational information & giveaways!
Communications Team
In October, we held our first official meeting of the City of Rochelle Communications Team! This is something I have hoped to make a reality for a long time and I am thrilled to have so many great people working to better share our good work with our employees and community. The purpose of the committee is to be sure we are sharing information to and from every single department in the organization.
Communications Team Members are:
Autumn Hernandez, Jillian Condon, Khrysta Oleson, Andy Rogde, Mandi Morris, Luisa Nambo, Heather Floress, Ange Gillis, Eric Holden, Araceli Flores, Carmen Swanson, Casey Heuer, Rose Hueramo, Evan Dickson, Jenny Thompson, Jeff Fiegenschuh
In our first meeting, we reviewed our internal, external, and crisis communications plan and learned about how the First Amendment applies to social media. Did you know, the City cannot delete comments from social media except under specific circumstances? Commenters can be critical and even swear without having their comments deleted since that speech is protected by the First Amendment.
We also refreshed everyone on First Amendment auditors - people who come into public facilities and ask questions while filming for YouTube. First Amendment auditors are self-proclaimed and do not act in any official capacity. The best practice in dealing with them is to treat them as any other customer. They are allowed to film in publicly accessible portions of our facilities.
ENd of Year UPdates
Fairways Golf Course is finishing up another record-breaking year!
Total rounds, through the end of September, were 15,893, up around 400 from 2024. With the nice weather sticking around, we still have golfers visiting the course every day. The course will close for the season the second week in November. Flags will be removed and temporary tees will be in place until spring.
Projects have been wrapped up for the year, including tee boxes on holes 6, 9 and 12. Over the winter months, tree trimming will be underway and pine trees will be limbed up around the course.
Reminder: Employees and their spouses receive a 50% discount on season passes at Fairways! 2026 passes will go on sale soon. Full price season passes are $500 and are $250 with the employee discount. Middle School student passes are $50, and High School student passes are $100.
TheEnd!
