ROCHELLE — The Rochelle City Council held its regular meeting Monday night at city hall, announcing several city initiatives, recognizing community volunteers, and swearing in a new police sergeant. Mayor John Bearrows acknowledged the work of the Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival Committee. Committee members were praised for organizing the weekend festival with a small team, receiving widespread positive feedback from residents and council members.
Rochelle Police Chief Pete Pavia spoke after the swearing-in ceremony for Elvis Boneski, appointed to sergeant with the Police Department. Boneski, who began with the department in 2008, has extensive experience in patrol and investigations, including certifications in truck enforcement, juvenile work, and interview/interrogation techniques. He has served as a lead homicide investigator and earned multiple DUI enforcement awards over the years. Pavia described Boneski as thorough, dedicated, and well-qualified for the promotion.
The council heard a presentation from Abby Hoskins, regional council manager for Birth to Five Illinois Region 47, covering Ogle and Whiteside counties. Hoskins outlined programs to improve access to early childhood services, sharing updates on the OWL (Ogle, Whiteside, Lee) Early Childhood Hub, a regional website and Facebook page designed to connect families with childcare, preschool, home visiting programs, and other developmental resources.
The city also approved the sale of city-owned property at 1414 Pickwick Drive to adjacent residents for $6,000, with proceeds directed to the city’s electric fund.
Council also took on the adoption of the City of Rochelle Strategic Communications Plan, presented by Community Engagement Director Jenny Thompson. Thompson described the plan as the result of her participation in the Texas Christian University Certified Public Communicator Program, a nationally recognized graduate-level program. The plan outlines goals for external, internal, and crisis communications, plus expanding social media outreach. Prompted by input from the community and staff, they also chose to adopt purple as the city’s official color. This will lead to updates on websites, signage, and branding over the next several years.