ROCHELLE — City officials are set to begin negotiations with Rochelle Elementary School District 231 for a school resource officer.

District Superintendent Jason Harper addressed Rochelle City Council members, explaining the ways the district is collaborating with the police and city staff to ensure a safe school environment for all students and staff.

Three Rochelle Police officers have interviewed for the elementary-level SRO who would primarily be stationed at the Rochelle Middle School as well as rotating to the elementary schools. During the summer months the SRO would work more with the city. The contract could be anywhere from 3 to 5 years.

A decision on the new SRO is expected sometime in the near future.

Harper, along with Rochelle Police Chief Eric Higby, said positioning the SRO at the middle school level is an ideal age to make an impact.

“The SRO is an educator and an informal counselor and mentor. Law enforcement is the third component,” Higby said. “They are there for security and to address threats but we really want them to interact and be a role model for the children.”

Echoing Higby’s sentiments, Harper said the district views the SRO position as a “preventive, proactive measure.” The SRO would also working with administration and staff on how to provide a better learning environment. Harper said the multi-year contract gives the SRO and the school time not only get better acquainted but to also seek additional ways to impact the learning environment.

“We’ve seen through statistics, statewide, nationally…SROs can have a major impact on that,” Harper said. “What we hear time and time again, yes it’s good for safety and security if an incident were to happen, but these SROs end up having such a huge impact in playing a role in so many other ways. We look forward to continuing these conversations and establishing relationships for the long term.”

Jeff Fiegenschuh, City Manager, explained the tentative agreement has the school district covering a portion of the SRO’s salary and the city pay the salary during the summer months. He also gave his viewpoint on the importance of having an SRO in schools.

“It’s about advocating and building relationships with those kids, helping them build relationships with police officers,” Fiegenschuh said.

He added the city is moving forward with negotiations and plans to present it to the next city council meeting for approval.

Public hearings

Immediately before Monday evening’s council meeting, two public hearings were held — the first hearing involved an amendment to an annexation agreement and subdivision of property in Progress Park, located on Steward Road; the second involved an annexation and zoning of four properties to B-2 located at the corner of North Caron and Flagg Roads. Both matters were presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission last week and both received a unanimous recommendation for council to approve the measures.

Resident Sally Sawicki voiced concerns regarding any future development along the Flagg and Caron Road areas could potentially raise flooding issues. City engineer Sam Tesreau explained there are ordinances put in place for any development to include storm water drainage.

Council approved the votes for both, with Councilman John Bearrows abstaining on the Flagg and Caron Road items due to conflict of interest.

Loan agreement

Adam Lanning, Supt. of Water/Water Reclamation addressed council regarding the future wastewater treatment upgrades, which is in the design process. In order to proceed with the funding, a loan agreement is necessary between the city and the Illinois EPA. Council approved the ordinance, authorizing the city to borrow funds from the Waste Pollution control Loan program in the amount of $7 million. The upgrades are expected to begin in the fall of 2019, with payments beginning sometime in 2020.