The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 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, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, Acting Chief of Police/Captain Tom Payne, Fire Chief Al Sinksen, Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Administrative Assistant/Public Works Tim Ridder, Parks and Recreation Director Bill Nelson, and Building Official Tom Ayers. Also present were representatives of various labor unions and other interested citizens.
City
Manager John Phillips distributed copies of two items with some modifications
that were in the Manager’s Memorandum Packet – Management Report and Gaming
Policy.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Bob Hawes reviewed the report on the Stormwater Management Program. He noted that Rock Island and other cities are required to submit applications March 10 for the Stormwater Permit. He stated that this is a Federal Mandate and its purpose is pollution prevention. He noted that the city could take credit for things that are already in place, such as the Adopt A Highway Program and the street sweeping program. He stated that staff would work with Bi-State for the development of a Hot Line for citizen involvement.
He noted that the items in the plan would not all be done at the same time, and referred to the timetable in the document that indicates the time frame for each process to be accomplished. The plan will become a guideline for the implementation to be in about five years. He suggested that Council look at the plan over the next couple of weeks.
Mr. Hawes then responded to questions from Council. He stated that there is no standard for measurement, and the evaluations will be done on a regional basis. He shared photographs of areas within the city that are creating pollution. He noted that the credit manual should be completed at the end of February or early March, and the Stormwater billing will show up on the April or May water bill.
Mr. Hawes discussed the methods that will be used to educate the public, including information on the website, the hotline, public education through the Public Works Open House and the Sierra Club as well as training seminars. Alderman Winter suggested educating the public on the causes of pollution, and Mr. Hawes noted that some of that is included in the brochure. Mr. Hawes stated that they have talked to Augustana College about an “Adopt A Stream” project as a class project. Another suggestion from Council was to share information with the elementary students to take home to their parents.
Mr. Phillips stated that the budget review sessions with Council have been changed to March 1 and March 8, due to the discussion and the length of time it will take to complete the budget document.
He reviewed the changes that had already been discussed by Council and were included in an item on the Agenda for the regular meeting.
Mayor Schwiebert asked about the yard waste program and the snow hauling from downtown. Mr. Champagne stated that he can look at the TIF regulations to see if TIF money can be used for the snow hauling. Mayor Schwiebert stated that the downtown area is rather sheltered, and suggested that the snow needs to be hauled away because there is no place to shovel the snow and it does not melt there very fast. He stated that the snow hauling can be covered by the utility taxes. He suggested that they are breaking the rules for the gaming funds if they use them for operating purposes. He also expressed concern about the loss of two positions, stating that this would put the citizens and other workers at greater risk. He further suggested using Utility Tax to fund the two firefighter positions. Alderman Winter stated his agreement with the exception of a reallocation of a larger portion of the gaming money to Capital with a smaller portion to Economic Development.
Alderman Conroy expressed his concern, stating that he was not in favor of eliminating the two firefighter positions, and also suggested eliminating the pay for performance changes from the list of things to be taken out of the budget. Mayor Schwiebert stated that staff would need some direction from Council for the Capital Improvement plan. He suggested spending money on Economic Development, stating that spending up front on Economic Development generates a tax base. Alderman Winter stated his opposition to the proposed decrease in the pay for performance, noting that would be penalizing the best performers. He suggested reviewing the Administrative format that determines which employees receive the pay for performance.
Alderman Brooks stated that the city should use the gaming money to pay the bills. He indicated that it is an extra source of revenue that is available, and should be used now. He stated that the citizens had a tax increase, and now the services that are paid by these taxes are being cut. Alderman Conroy stated that the bond rating was given because of the gaming policy, and it should stay as it is to maintain the same bond rating. Alderman Winter stated that the city should be careful about buying property for no reason and “mothballing” it.
Alderman Bauersfeld expressed his thoughts on the budget options, stating that the D.A.R.E. Program should be eliminated, people should be able to live with the elimination of the snow hauling for one year, the two firefighter positions should be eliminated, and the pay for performance option should be adopted. He noted that the pay for performance is beyond any other normal changes in pay. He also stated that there appears to be less cohesiveness among the Council members than in the previous week, and he plans to separate items from the list. He stated that everyone will need to make sacrifices, and they may have to look at tax increases next year.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion made by Alderman Winter 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 6:40 p.m.
______________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 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 White gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Forlini to approve the Minutes of the meeting of January 13, 2003, CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #6
The City Clerk read an Ordinance authorizing a Mutual Aid Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System Agreement in the City of Rock Island. City Manager John Phillips explained that this is similar to the ordinance adopted by the Fire Department. Acting Police Chief/Captain Tom Payne indicated that this ordinance would allow resources to be shifted from one area to another. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Winter 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 #7a
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Andrews Carpentry & Construction in the amount of $16,904.28 for services relating to the 2002 City-Wide Storm Sewer Projects.
Agenda Item #7b
BRANDT
CONSTRUCTION/HICKORY COURT SEWER RELOCATIONS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brandt Construction in the amount of $89,693.45 for services relating to the Hickory Court Sewer Relocations.
Agenda Item #7c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman, Stanley & Associates in the amount of 47,211.00 for services relating to the 85th Avenue West Paving.
Agenda Item #7d
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Califf and Harper, P.C. in the amount of $5,826.25 for legal services for the months of September and October 2002.
Agenda Item #7e
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Pappas and Schnell, P.C. in the amount of $8,125.32 for legal services through the month of September 2002.
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy 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 #8
JANUARY
10 THROUGH 16, 2003
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of January 10 through 16 in the amount of $473,413.32. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White 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 #9
INSPECTION
MANAGEMENT SERVICES/MOLINE
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Management Services Agreement with the City of Moline, recommending that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the contract for inspection management services with the City of Moline. A motion was made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the Inspection Management Agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract for inspection management services with the City of Moline.
Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne explained that the City of Moline has no Building Official at this time. He reviewed the proposal, and stated that staff would report back to Council within sixty days of the contract. He stated that the two employees of Rock Island would not be performing inspections in Moline, but rather would be assuming management services only. He stated that the City of Rock Island Inspections Division would continue to provide quality services, and if this sharing of employees was not working out, he would come back to Council immediately. He noted that the temporary pay increases for Mr. Ayers and Mr. Newberry would be terminated at the end of the contract period.
Mr. Phillips stated that they have been looking at opportunities to work together, and this one exists because there are vacant positions now in Moline. Alderman Winter noted that we set the policy and hired a consultant to see how Moline and Rock Island could work together. He added that this would be a tool to measure the effectiveness of this process. Alderman Bauersfeld asked Moline City Administrator Dale Inman if the two people who will be performing the duties of the Building Official in Moline have the support of the Council and City Administration. Mr. Inman responded that they have that. He added that they would be working under the direction of Scott Harrington, who is the Moline CED Director. Alderman Bauersfeld stated that it is equally important that management and staff work together.
Alderman Forlini raised questions about the wording of the contract, referring to a sixty-day termination in a ninety-day contract. He suggested that it would have to be a one hundred twenty day contract if there is a sixty-day termination requirement after the contract is in effect for sixty days. He also stated that this is looking at the future, not only in Building Inspections but other areas for consolidation of services.
Alderman Brooks asked about the number of inspections that are done each day. Mr. Champagne responded that there are various types of inspections – housing, mechanical, electrical, building, etc. He noted that he did not have the numbers available. Alderman White stated that she is opposed to doing this because the staff does not have time to do additional work. She stated that no department is overloaded with staff, and Inspections is very busy all the time.
A motion made by Alderman Forlini to amend the contract as follows: First paragraph – add “90 days unless extended by actions of both Councils; Office Hours – change 11:30 p.m. to 11:30 a.m., and in paragraph 7 – change the second “sixty days” to thirty days. Alderman Bauersfeld seconded the motion. Alderman Winter asked if this amendment was acceptable to Mr. Inman, and he responded that it was.
Kaye Whitley, Union Steward for Inspections, #1132, spoke to Council. She introduced the staff of the Moline Inspection Division. She stated that the votes cast in favor of this will be a significant decline by four persons. She questioned the agreement, stating that it is a stall tactic on the part of the City of Moline to not fill these positions. She stated that they would still be under the Moline policies and procedures. Louis Sandoval stated that they need the full-time positions because the lack of them is detracting from the services for the citizens and the community. He stated that this is a personnel problem and they need to hire staff.
Dino Leone, Staff Representative for AFSCME, Council #31, stated that this is against the State Labor Act that states that there can be no direct dealing. He noted that the agreement negotiates wages for union members, which is against the state labor law. He also indicated that he was left out of the process and they will have to respond. He stated that he hoped that management and union would be able to come to the table and discuss this. Mr. Phillips stated that they have always had a good relationship with the unions, and AFSCME would have to technically approve the wages. Alderman Conroy suggested that this be discussed with them before being approved by Council.
Mr. Inman stated that the Moline City Attorney, Jeff Lester, reviewed the contact and stated that there was no violation of the State Labor Act.
Following further discussion, a motion was made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman White to DEFER action on this for one week. Motion CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
JOHNSON
CONTRACTING COMPANY/VACUUM-TYPE PUMP OUT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the purchase and installation of a vacuum-type pump out for the Sunset Marina fuel dock and recommending that the bid be awarded to Johnson Contracting Company in the amount of $10,851.00. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Winter to award the bid as recommended and authorize purchase CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
COLLECTION
CONSULTING SERVICES/BIDS
The City Clerk read a report from the Finance Department regarding the Collection Consulting/Services Request for Proposals and recommending that the City Council reject the billing services bid and direct staff to rebid the collection agency contract. A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Conroy to reject the billing services bid and direct staff to rebid the collection agency contract CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
BUDGET/FINANCE
Agenda Item #12
BUDGET
PLANNING/POLICY OPTIONS
The City Clerk read a report from the City Manager enumerating a number of budget planning policy options for the 2003-2004 Fiscal Year, recommending that the options presented be incorporated into the 2003-2004 budget plan. A motion was made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Winter to incorporate the options presented into the 2003-2004 budget plan.
City Manager John Phillips reviewed the position, stating that this was not the final budget but rather options for the Council to consider. He noted that the Council will be reviewing the Draft Budget at Saturday Budget Sessions in March. He stated that the projected budget is two million dollars short, and these options are being proposed after five weeks of discussion and adjustments. He noted that there are no great options, adding that there would be fewer positions but no layoffs.
A motion was made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman White to reinstate the Pay for Performance at 3% maximum, using funding out of the Utility Tax, with 50% from Economic Development and 50% from Capital. Alderman Winter stated that a 1.5% maximum penalizes good employees. Alderman Bauersfeld stated his opposition to this, indicating that 1.5% was adequate for good employees. Alderman White asked how many of the employees receive a 3% increase, and Mr. Phillips responded that it is unusual for an employee to receive the 3% increase.
Alderman Forlini asked how many of the employees are eligible for the Pay for Performance, and Mr. Phillips responded that about 86% of eligible, and about 97% of these receive it.
Following discussion, the motion to retain the 3% maximum Pay for Performance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter and White. NAYS: Alderman Bauersfeld and Forlini.
A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Conroy to include in the budget the snow hauling in the downtown area CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
A motion was made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Conroy to delete #15 (regarding the Sales Tax TIF) as an option, which suggests using Gaming Funds to compensate the General Fund for this loss. Alderman Brooks stated that the City should use Gaming Revenue to get out of this crisis. He stated that we could use this source of revenue and not have to eliminate anything. He stated that he is opposed to all the proposed changes. Following discussion, the motion CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Winter, White and Mayor Schwiebert. NAYS: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld and Forlini.
A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Conroy to replace the two firefighters for safety and security, using money from the Utility Tax CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter and White. NAYS: Aldermen Bauersfeld and Forlini.
A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Conroy to attempt to reduce the Tax Levy by $100,000, using Utility Tax, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter and White. NAYS: Aldermen Bauersfeld and Forlini.
A motion was made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to remove the $1.00 per hour charge for off-duty officers in the District and replace the amount with Utility Tax. Alderman White stated that the District brings a lot of money to the city with their events. Alderman Winter stated that the administrative costs for providing these officers need to be replaced. Alderman Conroy stated that he has worked the gates for several of the events, and believes that the District can afford to pay these fees considering the number of people who attend and the entry fees paid by them. Following discussion, the motion FAILED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman White. NAYS: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter and Forlini.
Alderman Bauersfeld stated that he would be voting against the main motion. He stated that there are some difficult decisions to make, and any additions made today will need to be addressed next year. He stated that they are giving pseudo tax relief back to the citizens and there will need to be a tax increase next year. He stated that he was disappointed in some of the Council members at this meeting.
Alderman Forlini discussed the profits recession in the country, and stated that the changes being made tonight are cosmetic changes. Mayor Schwiebert noted that twenty four million dollars was spent on Capital last year, and it would be necessary to cut that spending this year. He also discussed the gaming policy and the creative use of gaming revenue.
Following discussion, the main motion, to incorporate the options presented, with approved amendments, into the 2003-2004 budget, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter and White. NAYS: Aldermen Bauersfeld and Forlini.
TRAFFIC
ENGINEERING/PARKING
Agenda Item #13
FIFTH
AVENUE/REMOVAL OF HANDICAPPED PARKING
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Mark Zimmerman to remove two handicapped parking spaces on Fifth Avenue adjacent to the Masonic Temple. Alderman Forlini asked why these two handicapped parking spaces were located on Fifth Avenue when the entrance to the building is on the street. Mr. Hawes stated that this is what the Masonic Temple requested at the time they were originally installed, and they had indicated that they would be making some changes to the building. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to remove one space and direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
3903 14
AVENUE/LOADING ZONE, NO PARKING
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Greg Mosely regarding the installation of two street signs in front of Harris Pizza at 3903 14th Avenue, one reading “No Parking Loading Zone” and the second stating “No Parking to Corner.” A motion was made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance. After questions arose regarding whether there were to be two different signs, or one sign that read “No Parking Loading Zone,” Council decided to defer this for clarification. The motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to DEFER the item CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
9 AVENUE,
45, 46 STREETS/PARKING BAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Johannes Bus Service to ban parking on the south side of 9th Avenue between 45th and 46th Streets. Ann Baldwin, 4510 9th Avenue, stated that she and other neighbors were not informed of this request. She stated that she understands that Johannes has problems, but suggested that they could use a smaller vehicle, since the bus has only two children on it when it picks up the two children on the end of that street. She also stated that this family lives on the north side of the street. She stated that one problem exists because there are three multiple family homes that have off-street parking available, but renters seem to be parking on the street. She discussed the park nearby, stating that there will be a parking problem anyway, and with parking banned on one side, the problem will be even worse. She asked if staff could discuss some other solutions with Johannes, and also if the sign could specify the No Parking at specific times such as 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the school year.
A motion was made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by /alderman Conroy to send this issue back to Traffic Engineering for more consideration CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
Agenda Item #16
901 14 ½
STREET/PRL PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an emergency PRL Program commitment of $22,513 for Glinnie Euell of 901 14 ½ Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to commit the $22,513 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
ITEMS
FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
ACTION
AGENDA
Mr. Phillips pointed out the Action Agenda Status Report, which includes the progress and current status of projects and on the goals set by Council.
LEGISLATIVE
TRIPS
Mr. Phillips called attention to the information about the legislative trips to Springfield and to Washington D.C., and requested that any Council members interested in participating need to contact Carol to let her know so she can make the necessary arrangements.
OTHER
BUSINESS
FALL
CLEAN UP
Jerry Miller, 1516 41 Street, stated that eliminating the Fall Clean Up will increase the amount of trash laying around, and the cost is a small price to pay for a cleaner city. He asked Council not to eliminate this from the budget.
FALL CLEAN
UP AND YARD WASTE PICKUP
Norm Moline, 3836 28 Avenue, asked that Council not eliminate the Fall Clean Up or the Yard Waste Pickup. He indicated that charging the subscription fee would put an undue burden on the taxpayers who are already paying taxes for this service. He discussed the importance of clean air, and waste pick up as well as yard waste pickup. He stated that these are public appearance items that affect everyone city-wide.
He stated that making it a voluntary fee would become a disincentive when those who pay the subscription fee see that others in their own neighborhood do not pay the fee and are burning freely. He suggested that it be a mandate for all properties at a cost of $50.00. He further stated that this will bring in $100,000, and both the Fall Clean Up and the Yard Waste Program would be covered.
City Manager John Phillips stated that the Spring Clean Up is still in the budget, and this seems to be the program that is used by more people than the Fall Clean Up. He stated that the staff reported that most of the items picked up during the Fall Clean Up are items that can be picked up all year by the regular trash pickup.
Bob Hawes explained the proposed plan for yard waste, and Mr. Phillips noted that not a lot of people use the Yard Waste Pickup now. Mr. Hawes stated that the current charge of $1.50 per sticker, and the added cost of $.50 per bag costs about $2.00 per bag. With the drop off system, people can put their yard waste in any bag, without the necessity of a sticker, take it to the drop off center, and empty the bag at no cost to the resident. Others who wish to have the curbside service would pay $100.00 per year, plus $1.00 per bag. He noted that regulations have changed over the years, and they can no longer pick up appliances or tires. He stated that there is a telephone number people can call to have these items picked up at no cost to them, and if residents need the number, they can call the Public Works Department. Alderman Winter stated that most things that can be containerized can be picked up during the year. He added that a lot of people mulch, and picking up yard waste is not a necessity of life. Alderman White stated that people would continue to burn leaves and yard waste until the Council does something about it.
SCHOOL
SYSTEM
Ametra Carroll, 1609 6th Street, spoke to Council regarding the School System. She asked that the Mayor and Council get involved and work with the School Board to help them better the schools in the district. She expressed her concern about some of the policies used at the schools, such as their detention policy where students are sent home from school and not allowed to attend classes.
Mayor Schwiebert stated that the City Council does meet with the School Board twice a year, but running the schools is not the job of the City Council. He encouraged Ms. Carroll to contact the School Board members and voice her concerns.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, January 27 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 9:00 p.m.
______________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk