The Rock Island City Council met for Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3, 2003, in the Personnel Conference Room of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David R. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Vern L. Winter, Evelyn “Evie” R. White and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. Alderman Beth Y. Mahlo was absent. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, Municipal Services Superintendent George Seiz, Public Works Administrative Assistant Tim Ridder, and Parks Director Bill Nelson. Also present were Dan Carmody of Renaissance Rock Island, and DeeDee Doeckel, Marketing Coordinator.
HOUSING
PROGRAM UPDATE
Dan Carmody, of Renaissance Rock Island, distributed copies of information about the housing programs and projects being addressed by the Growth Corporation. One was the Clipper Condos, and Mr. Carmody discussed these plans and responded to questions. He noted that the people who have expressed interest in purchasing these are in their late twenties and older, singles and couples without children.
The next project Mr. Carmody discussed was the Douglas Park Bungalow project. He noted that there would be one one-bedroom house built on the property and one two-bedroom house. He shared the plans with the Council and discussed the fact that they were planning to use some alternate heating sources in these houses. Alderman Winter asked about the size of the lots, noting that the lots are supposed to be 50 feet and these are smaller. Alan Carmen stated that the plans could go to the Planning Commission and then to Council for final approval of any variances. Suggestions were made to look at acquiring three additional properties and then having sixty-foot lots. Mr. Carmody stated that he would be putting a site plan together, and then will come back to Council to request a donation of three properties as well as $21,640 in funds that have not been used.
Mr. Carmody reviewed the remaining eight items on his list of ten, including the Youth Build program. This program is a joint venture with Thurgood Marshall Learning Center, Transitions and the Housing Authority, and this team would build one of the houses.
Alan Carmen, Planning Administrator, reviewed the housing starts in Rock Island, and the lead-based paint training progress. He suggested an incentive for completing this training, which will result in more contractors bidding on city projects and those of other non-profit housing organizations. The incentive he suggested would be a rebate of one-half of the license fee and 50% of the up-front insurance premium. He stated that the reimbursement would be made when the contractors submit a copy of the license and proof of insurance costs, but only after they have bid an E-PRL case.
Marketing Coordinator DeeDee Doeckel distributed copies of the most recent opinion survey. She noted that generally the Rock Island residents were positive about the City of Rock Island. She stated that the areas of safe community, affordable housing, city services, low taxes, problem solving and neighborhoods/friendly people were areas that saw an increase in percentages from the 2000 survey. Alderman Conroy asked how she would be using that survey in the marketing plan, and Alderman Bauersfeld suggested that she focus on the subjects that received the top results – things that are important to the people. He stated that Parks is focused on a lot, and it is done well in Rock Island, but Parks does not appear to be that important to those who participated in the survey. Mr. Carmody stated that the survey showed that Rock Island residents have become believers in the community. Alderman Bauersfeld asked that Council be kept informed as to what mediums are being used in the marketing strategy. He suggested that they be notified if there was an article being printed in the papers, etc. so they could notify others to watch for it and read it.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Executive Session on a matter of Litigation CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 6:35 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular session at 6:40 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
______________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, March 3, 2003, in the Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David R. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Vern L. Winter, Evelyn “Evie” R. White and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. Alderman Beth Y. Mahlo was absent.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to Order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman Brooks gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Winter to approve the Minutes of the meeting of February 24 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the month of March as “Red Cross Month.”
Agenda Item #7
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring “Let’s Talk About It” a priority health and wellness program for African American males in our community. Darrell Turner accepted the framed document on behalf of the “100 Black Men of the Quad Cities” and noted that this is a recent partnership with the American Cancer Society.
Agenda Item #8
NATIONAL
ATHLETIC TRAINERS MONTH/MARCH
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the month of March as “National Athletic Trainers Month.”
Agenda Item #9
City Manager John C. Phillips presented the budget document for fiscal year 2003/2004 to the City Council. He discussed the draft document, and noted that the budget discussions will begin Saturday, March 8 and continue Saturday, March 15, the Public Hearing on the budget will be Monday, March 17 and the Budget Ordinance will be on the Agenda for adoption March 24.
Mr. Phillips talked about some of the challenges facing the staff as they planned their budgets, and noted that revenue previously received from the state and federal government were not coming in during the next year, such as the Photo Processing Tax. He stated that, with the hiring freezes and the limited snowfall so far this winter, the city could end the Fiscal Year in the black. He noted that the total budget is $73.1 million. He indicated that the next year will be equally or even more challenging, since the city may have exhausted most of the options for additional revenue or cuts in services. He stated that staff, over the next year, would manage and control the rate of increasing costs and take a serious look at opportunities for regional services. He noted that one challenge will be to grow our economy through economic diversity and another will be to take another look at the services and programs the city provides. He stated that they will also be identifying revenues through taxes and other sources.
Mr. Phillips expressed thanks to Finance Director Bill Scott and his staff for putting the document together, as well as the Department Managers for working on their budgets.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a “No Parking” area on the south side of 9th Avenue from 45th to 46th Streets on Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11a
kjww engineering/great river plaza improvements
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to KJWW Engineering in the amount of $5,059.96 for the Great River Plaza Improvements.
Agenda Item #11b
KJWW
ENGINEERING/GREAT RIVER PLAZA RENOVATIONS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to KJWW Engineering in the amount of $3,228.34 for the Great River Plaza Renovations.
Agenda Item #11c
TRIAD
ENGINEERING/TURKEY HOLLOW ROAD WATERMAIN EXTENSION
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $17,808.99 for the Turkey Hollow Road Watermain Extension.
Agenda Item #11d
TRIAD
ENGINEERING/RAW WATER INTAKE STUDY
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $3,218.50 for the Raw Water Intake Study.
Agenda Item #11e
TRIAD
ENGINEERING/WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT COMPLIANCE PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $5,543.43 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Compliance Program.
Agenda Item #11f
CED/STANDBY
GENERATOR PURCHASE
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to CED in the amount of $3,200.00 for the emergency purchase of a standby generator.
Agenda Item #11g
BROWN
TRAFFIC PRODUCTS/4 AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brown Traffic Products in the amount of $7,410.00 for the 4th Avenue Reconstruction Project.
Agenda Item #11h
KJWW
ENGINEERING/R I PARKWAY IMPROVEMENTS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to KJWW Engineering in the amount of $6,827.61 for services rendered relating to the Rock Island Parkway Improvements Project.
Agenda Item #11i
JOHNSON
CONTRACTING SERVICE/AIR CONDITIONING UNIT REPLACEMENT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Johnson Contracting Service in the amount of $5,953.87 for the replacement of the second of two 1940 roof mounted air conditioning units at City Hall.
Agenda Item #11j
STATE
OF ILLINOIS TREASURER/5TH AVENUE RESURFACING
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to the State of Illinois Treasurer in the amount of $258,970.16 for services related to the 5th Avenue Resurfacing Project.
Agenda Item #11k
VALLEY
CONSTRUCTION/4TH AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Valley Construction in the amount of $13,664.67 for the 4th Avenue Reconstruction Project.
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
FEBRUARY
21 THROUGH 27
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of February 21 through 27 in the amount of $327,040.35. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Winter to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS
Agenda Item #13
PHOENIX
CORPORATION/GREAT RIVER PLAZA 2ND AVENUE
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Great River Plaza, 2nd Avenue from 17th to 18th Streets, recommending the bid of Phoenix Corporation in the amount of $549,907.87. A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman White to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
PHOENIX
CORPORATION/GREAT RIVER PLAZA
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Great River Plaza, Phase II. A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Forlini to allow the Phoenix Corporation to withdraw their bid, award the bid to General Construction in the amount of $382,252.07, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None. Mayor Schwiebert explained that the Phoenix Corporation had submitted the low bid but late Friday discovered an error. This motion allows them to withdraw their bid and the bid was then awarded to the second lowest bidder.
Agenda Item #15
MINUTEMAN
PRESS/NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERS NEWSLETTER
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding bids for the Neighborhood Partners Newsletter, recommending the bid of Minuteman Press in the amount not to exceed $5,344.00.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: Alderman Bauersfeld.
BUDGET/FINANCE
Agenda Item #16
FIVE-YEAR
CIP/GAMING FUND ALLOCATIONS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the Gaming Fund Allocations and the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan, recommending that Council approve the proposed Gaming Fund allocations, approve the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2004 through 2008 as presented, and authorize staff to begin implementation of the Capital Improvement Projects identified for Fiscal Year 2004.
Mayor Schwiebert expressed concerns he had expressed during the Study Session discussion of the CIP. He noted concerns that the amount of gaming funds being allocated for Local Streets was much higher than that being allocated for Economic Development. Alderman Bauersfeld stated that this can always be changed for 2004 through 2008, and Mayor Schwiebert stated that he is concerned that the changes will not be made. He stated that once it is in the plan it is more difficult to change. He stated that using Gaming Revenue for local streets short changes economic development. Alderman Winter stated that the repair of local streets is an improvement in the community that supports the local economic development projects.
Alderman Conroy stated that this is the first time Gaming Revenue has been put into the CIP. He suggested taking $500,000 and not putting it in either streets or economic development, but rather saving it to be used for whichever one needed it later. Alderman Brooks stated that he agreed with Alderman Winter about the streets, stating that there is slow deterioration on the streets and they need to be repaired.
Alderman Bauersfeld stated that they took the Utility Tax away from the CIP to fill in the budget, and he suggested doing this for only one year. He stated that they put this into a one-year program and not a binding program for five years. He indicated that he did not agree with the use of the Utility Tax to fill in the budget and would not be supporting the CIP because of the use of the gaming revenue as stated.
Mayor Schwiebert stated that the CIP did not call for the restoration of the Utility Tax, and it needs to state that it will be restored if available. He also suggested that the amount allocated for Local Streets be reduced and put into the fund for economic development for 2004 through 2008.
Alderman White stated that she did not believe more money should be moved to economic development because the neighborhood streets are in deplorable condition. She noted that the gaming revenue is not being spent until we have it. She added that if money is needed in the future in one area, it could be pulled from another area. She called for the question. The motion to limit debate was seconded by Alderman Forlini and was defeated on a Voice vote. AYES: Alderman White and Forlini. NAYS: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld and Winter.
City Manager John Phillips noted that gaming revenue is only spent after we have it and know what can be spent. Alderman Bauersfeld asked why the philosophy was being changed with this CIP, with gaming revenue identified for use in the five years of the plan. Mr. Phillips responded that we have a better idea now of how much money will be received from gaming that can be used for capital projects. He noted that the plan is reviewed each year, and the amount for the coming year will always be subject to change based on the amount received the previous year.
Alderman Winter stated that the CIP is for planning purposes. He noted that the staff followed the direction of Council, and the five year plan has always been a guide. He indicated that the Council determines the direction during Goal Setting and now is not the time to change that direction, but rather to make those changes during the next Goal Setting session in the fall. Mayor Schwiebert commented that the three top priorities determined at the Goal Setting session were economic development goals, and we need to be putting more money into economic development.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Gaming Fund allocations, the CIP and authorize staff to begin implementation of the CIP projects as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: Alderman Bauersfeld.
LICENSES/PERMITS
Agenda Item #17
GIRL
SCOUTS, STRIDERS/RACE-WALK
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application for a run/walk to be held May 17 beginning at 9:00 a.m., sponsored by the Rock Island Striders and the Mississippi Valley Girl Scouts. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Forlini to approve the application CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
ITEMS
FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to the items regarding the STP Funding Status and the Regional Services Study. He also noted the information about the Volunteer Appreciation Event. Mayor Schwiebert stated that the Volunteer Dinner has been rather costly in the past, but has been a nice event at which many of our volunteer members of the many boards and commissions spend time socially and enjoy an evening together. Alderman Bauersfeld suggested that we thank them in some way, perhaps with coffee and cookies at a different location. Alderman White stated that she has been calling some places and found that there may be places where we could have an event at a lower cost. She stated that she would like to serve on this committee and Alderman Bauersfeld volunteered as well. They will meet with the City Clerk within the next couple weeks to make some plans, and the City Clerk will do a report for the Council.
OTHER
BUSINESS
PLAZA
RENOVATIONS
Dan Carmody of Renaissance Rock Island discussed the Plaza renovations. He expressed thanks to City Engineer Jim Johnson and Assistant City Engineer Mike Kane for their assistance in turning around the plans for the Plaza. He stated that they are boosting the tree size to make the trees look like they have been there awhile instead of taking three years to grow. He stated that hanging baskets are an option, and they plan to put the brackets in place for future use. He suggested that the City assist in the cost of the replacement and painting of the stage canopy and the canopies over the food and craft structures. He also suggested removing the park benches from the Plaza and using rocking chairs. He also suggested using plastic stackable chairs on the Plaza that can be removed easily. He stated that they would use decorative wrought iron on the handrails and gates at the end of the Plaza. Mr. Phillips suggested that staff and Dan prepare a memo to be presented to Council incorporating these requests.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Saturday, March 8, 2003 at 8:00 a.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:00 p.m.
___________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk