In the Know - October 2025

In the Know

From the City Manager’s Desk --Jeff Fiegenschuh

Our leadership team is well underway preparing the FY 2026 budget presentation for December. This year is a little bittersweet with the pending retirement of Chris Cardott, our finance director. I want to thank Chris for her years of dedicated service to our community and organization.

Since 2017, some of her many accomplishments include: Working with the city manager to secure the sale of our electric transmission assets to ComEd.

Earning both the GFOA Distinguished Budget Award and the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

Guiding multiple bond issuances to fund critical infrastructure improvements. Strengthening financial reserves in all major funds.

Helping secure an upgrade of our S&P bond rating from A+ to AA-.

Chris, I have learned a great deal from you. Your financial leadership has helped steward our community forward and leaves a legacy.

The FY 2026 City of Rochelle budget totals over $130 million across all funds, with a General Fund of roughly $15.2 million. The General Fund covers all tax-supported departments including Public Safety, Public Works, Community Development, and Administration. Other major funds include enterprise funds, debt-service funds, and TIF funds. This plan continues our tradition of balanced budgets excluding one-time capital expenses, while positioning Rochelle for sustained growth.

From the City Manager’s Desk

2026 Highlights

Capital Improvement Plan: More than 100 projects, with a multi-year total of approximately $410 million, including street reconstruction, storm-sewer upgrades, water-system enhancements (new well and iron-removal plant), electric distribution improvements, and IT upgrades throughout the city and at the Technology Center.

Downtown Redevelopment: A $3.1 million contract funds Main Street enhancements a new stage, restrooms, parking lot reconstruction, and alley improvements supported by a mix of TIF bonds, grants, and enterprise revenues.

Transportation & Economic Development: 20th Street/Flagg Road intersection upgrades, continued Illinois Route 251 preparations, golf course improvements including new pickleball courts, and ongoing expansion of the Rochelle Intermodal Transload Center (RITC).

Utility Modernization: Construction of a new substation near Mighty Vine, final waterreclamation plant improvements, and design/engineering for a new Tech

No major staffing changes are planned. We will continue to monitor and adjust staffing levels to maintain vital services, particularly in public safety, public works, and utilities and to emphasize internal promotions and cross-training that build leadership capacity across all departments.

This year I will offer two budget presentations for any staff member who wishes to learn more about the process and the financial decisions behind it. Please reach out with any questions or comments about the budget or any issue affecting the organization. I leave you with words that guide my leadership vision:

“I will never bring disgrace to my city, nor will I ever desert my comrades. I will fight for the ideals and sacred things of the city, both alone and with many. I will revere and obey the city’s laws and do my best to incite a like reverence and respect in those above me and those below me. I will strive unceasingly to quicken the public’s sense of civic duty. Thus, in all these ways, I will hand down my city, not only not less, but greater and better than it was handed down to me.” Athenian Oath

Respectfully,

Jeffrey A. Fiegenchuh, MPA, ICMA-CM City Manager

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Policy Highlight: Customer Service Standards

Did you know the City has customer service standards outlined in the handbook?

It is the goal of Cityof Rochelle to provide quality,reliable and affordable city services, while fostering a small-town atmosphere of friendliness and caring in our community. To these ends, city employees must embrace the timeless spirit of public service, while constantly seekingnew ways to increase the efficiency of city operations. Customer Service supports and enhances the relationships we have with those we serve. Even brief interactions are opportunities for good service.

The hallmark of a great small town is the knowledge people have of one another, and the willingness to use that knowledge to make each other’s lives a littleeasier. As City employees, we operate a not- for-profit service organization that is vitallyimportant to those who reside,do business, or visit Rochelle. Each of us has a responsibility to do our part to keep Rochelle a special place.

·Report all work-related injuries or illnesses to HR as soon as possible or no later than the end of your shift.

·An injured employee who seeks any sort of medical care/treatment for a work-related injury must obtain a Return to Work (RTW) form from their treating physician and provide this document to HR prior to returning to work.

·If you anticipate being out more than 3 consecutive days for an injury or illness please contact HR to discuss if FMLA paperwork is appropriate.

Policy Highlight: Customer Service Standards

The following Rochelle Customer Service Standards have been established as a guide for employees and as a reminder that the spiritin which we discharge our duties is just as important as the work itself.

*The following standards can be found in more detail in our employee handbook on ESS:

1.Make every first impression a positive one.

2.Every employee is empowered to help.

3.Employees must be prepared to serve.

4.Pride shows: Always displaya high level of professionalism to fulfill your role in the maintenance of the City’s good reputation.

5.Good service requires flexibility.

6.Conflict resolution is everyone’s responsibility.

7.Empathy is always the best policy.

8.People deserve a timely response to their inquiries.

Find full details and requirements in the Employee Handbook on ESS!

H u m a n R

Benefit Highlight: Health Screening

Based on data from previous screenings, returning participants showed improvement in 9 out of 10 key health indicators—proof that awareness leads to action. Want to learn even more about your health? Optional add-on tests are available for hormones and vitamin levels.

Who can participate? All full-time employees can participate once a year in this free screening. Full-time employees, their spouses, and retirees on our insurance can participate for free twice a year.

Your participation matters! We need at least 75% participation from employees enrolled in our health insurance plan to qualify for the highest wellness tier. Reaching this tier means lower health insurance premiums for everyone so by taking part in the screening, you’re not just benefiting your own health, you’re helping keep costs down for the whole team.

There will be snacks and drinks provided to participants once they complete their screening. Another great perk of participating: you’ll receive a check! We return the wellness funds we receive directly to participating employees—it's our way of saying thank you for prioritizing your health.

See below for how much you could receive based on your participation.

·Full-time employees on our insurance: $400

·Full-time employees not on our insurance: $100

·Spouses of full-time employees on our insurance: $50

·Retirees on our insurance: $50

As always, if you have any questions, please contact the hrhelpdesk@rochelleil.us.

Focus on Safety

·Risk Management is in the process of implementing HSI, an EHS/LMS platform, that offers safety training and compliance solutions allowing the City to keep workers safe and meet operational and regulatory compliance requirements. HSI should be up and running in October of 2025.

·The City has been meeting with MMA, our broker, and completing renewal applications for our risk management program. Renewal quotes are anticipated early to end of October.

·On August 27 , Jonathan Staab of Rock Valley Physical Therapy, presented an analysis of his findings upon observation of Electric Operations Linemen and Generation Plant Operators. He will begin working with these employees on September 16 to teach soft tissue extensibility and stability movements in effort to prevent injury and practice good body mechanics in the field.

·Fehr Graham is collaborating with Risk Management to review, revise, and update the City’s written safety programs This review is designed to address any regulatory or program updates with a focus on mitigating hazards across our organization.

p o l i c e d e p a r t m e n t

We’ve hired two new officers – Ashtin Sorgea (top photo) and Dominic Dimaggio (bottom photo). Ashtin has started police academy at Sauk Valley and will graduate in 16 weeks. Dominic is a lateral and is doing field training now.

p o l i c e d e p a r t m e n t

Elvis Baneski was promoted to Sergeant and Matt Wittenberg was assigned to the detective division. Congrats to them both!

U t i l i t

Our team had the opportunity to close the office for the day and attend a Tyler software IL User Group Meeting. Rochelle was proud to host this event, bringing together participants from Illinois and Wisconsin The training gave us the chance to share ideas, learn best practices, and strengthen our knowledge of the system. We’re excited to put what we learned into action to make your experience with us even better.

Team Meetings

Our staff has been doing weekly Team meetings on Wednesday’s. Matt joined us for lunch and gave us a demonstration on Residential and Commercial electric meters. Matt has been very busy charging out meters in town. There are currently 3,000 electric meters in our system that are remote disconnect, which brings us close to 50% of our electric meters being remote disconnect! This is such great news for the health of our meters in our service territory!

U t i l i t y B i l l i n g

RMU is introducing a monthly Nest Giveaway! This month customers enrolled in Auto Pay were automatically entered to win. Congratulations to Russ Zick who was our winner this month! Stay tuned to the RMU Facebook page, as we will post how to win each month!

Pictured:

Administering the Oath of Office to Four New Police Officers

Officer Sorgea Officer Dimaggio

The oath is more than a formality; it is a solemn pledge taken by elected officials, municipal clerks, police officers, firefighters, and others in public service to perform their duties with honesty, integrity, and dedication. It commits them to carry responsibilities according to the law and to serve the public with fairness and accountability. For police officers and firefighters, it emphasizes their duty to protect lives and property, often in challenging or dangerous situations, while upholding professionalism and ethical standards. The oath serves as both a legal requirement and a moral reminder that public service is grounded in trust, responsibility, and the commitment to act in the community’s best interest.

Northern Illinois Mayors’ Association & Northwestern Illinois Municipal Clerks Association

OnAugust 21 a joint meeting was held. The Northern Illinois Mayors’Association (NIMA) is a regional group where mayors from Northern Illinois gather to network, share ideas, and hear presentations on issues affecting their communities. It serves as an informal forum for collaboration, Northwestern Illinois Municipal Clerks municipal clerks that provides carrying out essential processes, ensuring municipalities run smoothly and consistently

Ice Cream Trucks & food CArts

On September 22, 2025, the Rochelle City Council approved an update to Chapter 70 of the Municipal Code to specifically address ice cream trucks and food carts, which had not been clearly covered under the previous rules. This change is important because, in recent years, the City has received many requests from both community members and potential vendors asking for permission to operate these types of businesses. Without clear provisions in the code, the City could not formally allow them to operate, leaving gaps that created confusion for vendors and limited opportunities for the public to enjoy these services

By adding ice cream trucks and food carts into the existing mobile vendor framework, the City now provides clear guidance on how these vendors can operate safely, fairly, and consistently with other businesses Ice cream trucks are allowed to continue their traditional music and will be licensed as itinerant merchants, while food carts must follow mobile food vendor rules such as operating only in designated areas, observing safety and cleanliness standards, and closing during restricted nighttime hours This ensures that all vendors know the rules, that the public can enjoy safe and wellregulated food options, and that City staff can enforce the code consistently. Ultimately, this update supports local entrepreneurship, protects public health, and responds to the community’s interest in having more diverse and accessible food options.

Updates:

OnlinePosting:ApprovedCouncilMinutes

FiveFOIARequestswerefinalizedinAugust.

VitalRecordsforAugust2025:

○171CertifiedDeathCertificates

○10CertifiedBirthCertificate

OneDayLiquorLicenseSpecialEvent

○FuzionBar&Grill–FiestaHispana

○Tecalitlán–FiestaHispana

PermitsIssued:

RafflePermitsfor2025:

○FloydJ.TiltonVFWPost3878

○DucksUnlimited

○LincolnHighwayHeritageFestivalInc.

○BrandonDodrillMemorialFoundation

○RochelleLodge#903LoyalOrderofMoose

○OgleCountyG.O.P

○FlaggTownshipMuseum

○GoldenK

○ThunderChapter–A.B.A.T.E.

○MasonicLodge

○HubSeniorCenter

○HOPEofOgleCounty

NoActiveSolicitorsPermithavebeenissued.

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PW – Administration

·Boss 811 training for users on new locating software.

·Conducted required safety training meetings.

PW – Airport

·We hosted a Fly-in Drive in on 9/14 for the IL Aviation Academy Everything went as planned

·We are hosting a Rusty Pilots Seminar in our Community Hangar on October 11, 2025. AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) will facilitate the meeting.

·We have been informed by IDOT of $294,552 additional funding has been approved for the 8 place T-hangar building planned for construction in early 2026.

·IDOT has installed an operations counting system, as they have in every nonprimary airport in the state This will be used for a one-year study to determine Take off and landing activity per airport. Resulting data will be used for allocating annual fuel refund grants in the future.

PW – Facilities & Events

Miscellaneous building maintenance and repairs.

·Mowing and Trimming City properties and R.O.W

·Set up mutilple events downtown and at the Airport.

PW- Forestry

·Trimmed trees in downtown area.

·Trimmed multiple trees in Cemetery

·Located and grinded stumps.

·Removed multiple dead or diseased trees.

PW- Fleet

·Repaired deck on Airport batwing mower R286.

·Replaced bad brake chamber on R101.

·Replaced entire tarp assembly on R155.

Repaired fuel leak on R107.

·Replaced hydraulic hose and fittings on R128.

·Repaired steps and brackets on R155

·Repaired hydraulic leak and lights on R149 Toolcat.

·Diagnosed and repaired major hydraulic leak on R132 Bobcat skid loader.

·Replaced Batteries and repaired hydraulic leaks on R143.

·Replaced bad drag link and adjusted on R152

Repaired broken steering cables on R244 Graco paint machine.

·Fabricated and repaired flagpole for Airport.

·Completed mandated state truck inspections for the fall.

PW- Traffic

·Responded to locate requests

·Continued refreshing paint on street markings city-wide.

·Replaced red traffic signal bulb on Steward Rd and 251 intersection.

·Replaced red traffic signal bulb on Flagg Rd and Purple Pass intersection.

·Replaced green traffic signal bulb on Steward Rd and Caron Ct intersection

Replaced stop signs at multiple locations after sidewalk program had to remove them to complete work.

·Replaced broken post on stop sign at Wood St and Quarry

·Replaced red traffic signal bulb at 251 and Flagg Rd intersection.

·Made repairs and changes to railroad crossings for quiet zone.

PW- Stormwater

·Fixed storm water pipe from Parkview to Kyte Creek

PW- Streets

·Continued filling potholes

·Tore out and replaced street radiuses for sidewalk program in Caron addition

Final lift on Clark gas station entrance

·Began quiet zone repairs on the high crossing

·Paved 2 alleys in Caron addition

PW- Solid Waste

·Continuing with city-wide street sweeping.

·Appliance Pick-ups every Thursday

·Picked up dead animals, trash, tires, and debris from ROW as needed.

·Landfill tonnage ranging between 1000 to 1200 tons per day.

·Conducted monthly city-wide brush collection on August 18,19.

·Delivering and picking up barricades for dumpsters as needed

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EfficiEfficiency & Long-Term Planning

The Finance team is still working on ensuring everyone is cross trained. Betsy and Celeste both attended the Tyler User event here in Rochelle and were able to make contacts with other communities to potentially increase our efficiency. Betsy will also be attending the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy soon as well. Both have been helpful during this transitional time.

Capital Improvement Plan

Staff have submitted proposed capital projects for 2026-2045, including identified funding sources. The CIP continues to be a valuable tool in budget development and long-term fiscal planning

2026 Budget

Jeff, Mark and Chris have met with each department to discuss their 2026 budgets. There are a few finishing touches being discussed before moving forward in the budget process.

TIF Agreements

The team met with Community Development to review the payments outlined in the Lighthouse Pointe, Northern Gateway, and Eastern Gateway TIF agreements. We will be in attendance for the upcoming Joint Review Board meeting.

Pension Funds

In preparation for the transition to a new Finance Director, the department is focusing on thorough cross-training and documentation of key processes. This includes finalizing pension procedures with Lauterbach & Amen for both the Fire and Police Pension Funds.

Additionally, Finance is working with the City Manager to propose a change in the pension funding methodology. Currently, the City uses an amortization schedule for the unfunded liability with maturity in 240 The proposed method would maintain this base but amortize any annual changes in unfunded liability over a 15-year period, creating a more responsive and sustainable funding approach.

The Finance department remains committed to excellence, transparency, and preparing for a smooth leadership transition.

W a t e r d e p a r t m e n t

Discharge Stream Health Survey

There are many reasons a reclamation department would complete a survey of their discharge stream, including gathering data to optimize treatment processes, identifying any issues, and analyzing environmental impacts on the stream. For the RMU Water Reclamation Department, determining the ecological health of the discharge stream and assessing any long-term impacts is a priority

The wastewater that the treatment plant receives is called influent. Influent goes through an intricate cleaning process, and then, it is discharged into the Kyte River. The discharged water is called effluent. Water reclamation departments in Illinois are given a permit from the IEPA and must adhere to limits set for pollutants like bacteria, nutrients, and heavy metals. Sometimes, the IEPA will require water reclamation departments to monitor other pollutants to measure impacts on the environment. Effluent must meet permit limits, so it is tested, and the results are reported to the IEPA.

To ensure the effluent does not have a negative effect on the Kyte River, the RMU Water Reclamation Department decided to complete health surveys of the stream. The department went through the IDNR General Scientific Permitting process to use electrofishing to survey the health of the Kyte River It received its permit in August. Crews have completed the first survey, which included five sites, three upstream and two downstream from their discharge point.

At each location, crew members gathered data about the site, including weather conditions, water quality parameters, and depth of the stream. A crew of four to five members enter the waters. Someone will electroshock the fish, giving them a small volt of electricity to stun them for just a few minutes. One to two team members will net the fish and pass them along to one to two people with buckets, who will measure the fish and then return the fish back to the stream. The team member who is measuring the fish wears a camera and records the process for the fish to later be identified.

a t e r d e p a r t m e n t

Capturing the data for as many fish as possible in each location is crucial to determine the health condition of the stream, but crews hope to see very specific types of fish. The presence of pollutant-sensitive species is vital and an indication the effluent is not having any negative effects on a discharge stream. Crew members celebrated and were excited when they started catching darters post their effluent discharge point. Darters are a pollutant-sensitive species, and a very good indication the effluent discharging into the Kyte River is not having a negative effect on the stream.

Crew members plan to complete two more surveys this year, one in September and one in October. Surveys will continue each year once a month from May – October in effort to provide long-term data regarding impact the effluent is having on the Kyte River. These surveys will allow the RMU Water Reclamation Department to make data-driven decisions in the future and provide valuable information to the IEPA regarding our discharge stream

Treatment Plant Upgrades

The second phase of upgrades to the Water Reclamation Plant started last summer and is expected to be completed later this fall. Plant upgrades have been made in two phases with phase two 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.

In the last month, a new cloth media traveling bridge filter system has been installed and is online. The filtering system is more efficient and builds capacity to filter almost 10 million gallons a day The design offers improved safety, reduced maintenance and effectively removes suspended solids and particle phosphorus.

a t e r D e p a r t

Sewer Lining

The sewer lining and repairs made to facilities throughout the southeast section of Rochelle are complete. This project lined over 16,000 feet of sanitary sewer, replaced 27 manhole adjustment rings and castings, lined 94 vertical feet of manhole complete with appurtenances and surface restoration and chemically grouted 272 sewer services.

Well 8

These 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.

Current Projects

Lead Service Line Replacement Project

As part of the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, the IEPA has required all Community Water Systems (CWS) to maintain an inventory of all service lines materials. This inventory is regularly updated and submitted to the IEPA annually This Act requires CWSs to inform residents that have lead and galvanized lines of the health effects of lead. These letters went out to residents in April. In addition to education, the city also treats the water supply to control corrosion and minimize lead released.

Also, this Act has required CWSs to create a lead service line replacement plan for lead and galvanized service lines. The City worked with Willett Hoffman and Associates to create a replacement and has submitted it to the IEPA. We are working to secure funding to complete this project and replace service lines.

Well 13

The Well 13 project is still on track to begin drilling in 2026. In partnership with Willett Hoffman and Associates, the City continues to work to secure funding through the IEPA. This new well will allow Rochelle to confidently meet the city’s demand, increase redundancy, and relieve other well pumps and equipment. The designated location of Well 13 would allow for future development and mitigate pressure issues on the Northeast section of Rochelle.

F i r e d e p a r t m e n t

Kinder Morgan Exercise

On August 23, 2025, the Rochelle Fire Department partnered with the Rochelle Police Department to take part in a large-scale hazmat training exercise at the Kinder Morgan facility.

The scenario simulated a major gasoline tank fire, allowing fire, police, and partner agencies to train side by side and strengthen our ability to respond effectively to real-world emergencies.

We want to thank all the local, state, and federal agencies that participated, along with Ogle-Lee Fire Protection District, MABAS 18, Dixon City Fire Department, Dixon Rural Fire Department, Oregon Fire Department, Byron Fire Department, and Northwest IMAT for their teamwork a

Egg Drop Experiment

On August 29th, 2025, we attended one of our favorite annual events, partnering with Focus House for their Egg Drop Experiment. The students design creative contraptions to protect their eggs, and we put them to the test by dropping them from the ladder truck—first at 70 feet, then at 100 feet. It’s always a blast seeing how excited and inventive the kids get, and this year every single student’s egg survived the experiment!

i r e d e p a r t m e n t

Surface Water Rescue Training

On September 5th, the department conducted a surface water rescue training. Crews deployed the RDC (Rapid Deployment Craft) and practiced rope bag throws. To change our routine, this training was held at the Tech Park pond. While there, we partnered with RMU to assist in placing a fountain in the pond helping them address algae issues while giving us a new location to complete our Water Ops JPRs. Looking ahead, we plan to return to the same pond this winter for ice rescue training, at which time we’ll also assist RMU by removing the fountain. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Congratulations Licensed Paramedics!

We’re proud to announce that after countless hours of classes, exams, clinical shifts, and ride time, the following members are now officially licensed paramedics in the State of Illinois! Congratulations on this huge accomplishment and all your hard work to get here! Kortney Powell, Javier Salinas, David Montero, Trey Lodico

Battle of the Badges

Battle of the Badges 2025 is set for October 4th at 5:00pm! This year, the Rochelle Police Department has challenged us to a friendly game of beach volleyball at the Flight Deck Bar & Grill All proceeds from the event will benefit Focus House. Come out, cheer on your team, and support a great cause!

CALL VOLUME: Aug 15, 2025- Sept 15, 2025

(12%)

Calls YTD: 2,313

A d v a n c e d C

·Data Center

oWorking through Colocation and VLAN Service Agreement to bring to City Council

·Network Administration

oNetwork Administration Work

-Worked with Vendor to schedule City Hall/PD Access Control System

o1030 RMU/COR Complex

-Changed PC in computer community area for SCADA

oCustomer Service

-Ordered new iPad for Community Events

oCybersecurity

-Ongoing KnowBe4 Trainings

-Ben attended APPA Cybersecurity Conference

oElectric

-Working on Fiber plan for scheduled outage to remove poles new Hillcrest

-New hire for Electric Dept Linemen

oFinance

-Computer equipment ordered for new Finance Director

oFire Department

§Ordered new AIO Computer for training room

oLaserfiche

-Ongoing changes to forms for multiple departments. Creating new forms for internal work and additional fiber options

oPD

-See access control under top heading

-Multiple new hires

oStreets

-New hire

e

n

oWater

-Replaced bad drive in WIMS Server

-Ordered replacement laptop for Adam

-Ordered 2 Windows tables for the lab

oWater Reclamation

-Assisted with SCADA problems due to consultant plugging equipment into the network incorrectly

·Advanced Communications

oFiber mapping software was approved for purchase. Casey went through initial training on setting application up.

oOngoing updating customer agreements and speeds

oWorking 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.

·GIS

oCasey received GISP Certification for her ongoing trainings.

·Tech Center

oScheduling NIMPA meetings out here now that the AV System has been upgraded

E l e c t r i c d e p a r t m e n t

Linemen completed Pole Top / Bucket Rescue Training on September 3 at the Caron Road location.

Shout out to the Fire Department for their assistance in installing the new pond fountain at the Tech Center. This will help with algae control, and the electric service will be installed in the next few weeks to have this up and running.

E l e c t r i c d e p a r t m e n t

Crews are working on terminating the cable for the underground conversion at Flagg & 20th St.

We completed onsite training with AiDash so crews are ready to utilize the application and we can streamline the treetrimming process for all involved and mitigate vegetation damage/potential outages.

Met with representatives from Veregy Solar as they surveyed City buildings for potential solar installations.

Continuing to update meter information as they are replaced.

Utility Dynamics is installing the underground conduit for the conversion at Dement Rd & Rte 38. This will eliminate all overhead crossings for the Rte 39 diverging diamond intersection.

C o m m u n i t y D e v e l o p m e n t

Memorial Butterfly Garden

On August 26 , the City dedicated a Memorial Butterfly Garden to Diane McNeilly The garden is located at 927 N 7 Street. Diane was an amazing role model for many throughout her career. She will be missed.

Staff Development

Community Development staff have attended multiple virtual webinars this month. They include ICMA- Tax Increment Financing Series Session: TIF Basics, ICMA- Scaling TIF Assistance and Best Practices, and From Plan to Project: Permitting & Capital Budgeting for Planners Confirmation.

C o m m u n i c a

City & COunty Communications & Marketing Conference

September began with the annual City & County Communications and Marketing Association Conference. I enjoyed sessions on new ADA requirements for public agency websites & social media; internal communications planning; AI and crisis communications planning.

One of the best sessions was on refining messaging through AI prompt generation and utilizing generative AI to increase productivity. I immediatly subscribed to the paid version of ChatGPT (with my own money!) and am testing what I have learned.

The former Communications Director for Washington DC’s Metropolitan Police Department presented on the preparation, internal communications and messaging following the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. Communications staff was split into two shifts and issued external video statements in two-hour increments throughout and following the event. The session included opportunities for attendees to weigh in on what they would do next in various situations.

I also enjoyed catching up with fellow graduates of the Certified Public Communicator (CPC) program and staffing the 3CMA table to promote the CPC program to fellow communicators

OSLAD Grant Application

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On September 30 , I hit the submit button on an application for an OSLAD Grant to fund a pickleball court at the golf course. Although we have these funds included in our 2026 budget proposal, grant funding would alleviate the local burden and would cover 50% of the cost. We should receive a response in the Spring of 2026, just as we are ready to begin construction! A big thanks to Sam Tesreau and Casey Heuer for their assistance in providing maps and documents for the grant application. I couldn’t have done it without either of them.

Mock City CounciL meeting

Speaking of AI....ChatGPT helped me put together an entire mock City Council meeting agenda for a group of 8 Graders from St. Paul. The class is learning about local government, and with just ten students, they were the perfect fit for our dais. Rose Huéramo and I taught the kids the ins and outs of making motions, voting, and taking roll call. One student played the City Manager role and read “staff reports” on a number of issues, including electric scooters, backyard chickens, curfew, and others. The kids enjoyed the opportunity to debate their positions with one another and asked many great questions.

Tourism Website

Over the past year, we have been working to move all of our website content to Wordpress, a more stable content management system than Joomla, the previous platform our sites utilized The tourism site was the latest to undergo the transfer and timing was perfect as we were able to incorporate purple into the branding of the site. Check it out at www.enjoyrochelle.com!

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Bankruptcy Accounts

Autumn Hernandez and I have worked with CM Fiegenschuh and City Attorney Lanzito to formalize our process for handling utility accounts in bankruptcy protection. It was reaffirming to hear that our current process is correct and we have more knowledge on the topic and how it pertains to our utility billing office and our customers.

Communications Team

We’ve had an awesome response to the Communications Team idea with a new member from every single department! Our first meeting will be on October 16 . Feel free to share ideas for internal & external communications with me or with your department’s representative! th

DISC Training for Management Staff

Have you heard your department director talking about “DISC training” recently? Last year, we each took the DISC assessment and shared our results in a training session as a way to learn how to better communicate wtih one another.

Our management team recently held a follow-up session where we did a SWOT analysis of our management team and came up with ways to combat our challenges. Some of those ideas include setting clear expectations; prioritizing growth & educational opportunities for staff; having difficult conversations; and hosting more educational opportunities for Council & Staff.

As part of this training, the City has access to an online platform called Cloverleaf where we can expand access for members of our individual departments and teams in the future! The platform sends a daily email with examples of how an individual on the team prefers to receive communication We have all commented on how helpful those prompts have been over the past year and look forward to continuing with the program.

TheEnd!