Lundin wins aldermen’s tribute as a dynamic force
ROCKFORD — The City Council observed a moment of silence Monday night for Jon
Lundin, a civic champion who intentionally avoided public praise in his pursuit
of public progress.
Lundin, 64, died Thursday night of a heart attack.
“Jon Lundin was that type of individual who was good at creating and developing
ideas and letting those things grow,” Ald. Doug Mark, R-3, said. “And you never
saw his name involved.”
Lundin’s death accidentally coincided with a new manufacturing initiative he
spearheaded at The Abilities Center, 1907 Kishwaukee St. Lundin headed the
nonprofit work-force development agency for more than 23 years.
In a move planned before his death, the council approved spending $2,500 of
community development block grant money for each job created as part of a
high-tech laser-cladding project. At least 10 full-time permanent jobs will be
created; more than half must be filled by low- to moderate-income people.
“There’s somebody’s name who’s not on that proposal, and that would be Jon
Lundin,” Mark said. “He was more than about downtown. He was all about
Rockford.”
Mark also noted Lundin’s successful drive to rehabilitate worn-down houses and
other forgotten buildings.
In other business:
The Code and Regulation Committee approved a change in city law to allow On the
Waterfront patrons to carry alcoholic beverages into and out of establishments
within the festival boundaries.
A similar measure was approved for 2006 on a one-year trial basis. If approved
by the full council, this year’s change would be permanent.
The Public Works Department is in a holding pattern on neighborhood street
projects, waiting for Springfield to decide when city merchants can begin
collecting a voter-approved sales tax for roads, sidewalks and flood control.
Director Bill Bittner said it was difficult to begin the contract process until
the city knows how much sales tax money will be generated in 2007.
If no taxes are collected in 2007, Bittner said, the effect would be permanent:
“It’s lost.”
Staff writer Bob Schaper can be reached at 815-987-1410 or
bschaper@rrstar.com.