The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session for Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 11, 2002, in the Community Room of the Martin Luther King Community Center. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I (MLKC Board Member), David R. Conroy, Vern L. Winter, Evelyn “Evie” R. White, Beth Y. Mahlo and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. Alderman John E. Bauersfeld, Jr. was absent. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Director of the Martin Luther King Center Jerry Jones, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson (MLKC Board Member), Finance Director Bill Scott (MLKC Board Member), Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen and Public Works Director Bob Hawes. Also present were members of the Martin Luther King Community Center Board – Dennis Pauley, Laticia Andrews. Edward Yancy, Tony Banks, Dan Allen and Ken Martin.
City Manager John Phillips reminded Council about the Employee Appreciation Breakfast Tuesday morning from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Quad Cities Botanical Center.
Jerry Jones, King Center Director, reviewed the results of the Leisure Vision Survey that was completed earlier this year. He indicated that the survey showed that 56% of the persons using the King Center used it for special events, while 47% used it for socializing. Another 35% used it for community meetings, and 23% used it for Information and Referral. The most important situations facing residents were a need for adult mentoring and alcohol and drug abuse by youth. The survey results indicated that the most important activities to offer included after school learning, mentoring for youth, and job training for youth, while the most important programming spaces to build or expand were the educational areas for tutoring, job training center and private counseling rooms. He stated that the Board members took this survey and came up with the plan that was being presented at this time. He introduced Dennis Pauley who then reviewed the plan.
The plan includes a technology center/computer room, training room, after school programming, additional office space, and expanded community room, kitchen, restrooms and storage. Mr. Pauley reviewed the various uses of the rooms and areas indicated by the plan. He indicated that the Counseling Rooms would be used for job interviews, drug and alcohol counseling and other types of counseling. He stated that the Robert Young Center, Catholic Social Services, and other agencies could use these rooms. The drop-in lab and the virtual library uses were explained, and the need for adult computer training was discussed. The training rooms would be used for job training and after school activities, tutoring and other programs. He indicated that the after school training would include some classes by the Park and Recreation Department as well as other community resources.
Mr. Pauley described how the expanded community room would serve the community by accommodating larger crowds for the King Center special events as well as being utilized by others for large events such as weddings, etc. He discussed the need for additional office space. He stated that Jeff Dismer came up with the building plan, which makes some changes to the current building, and adds on the community room.
Alderman Winter asked why they need multiple room or areas for the same uses, such as classrooms and job training. He also asked about duplication of services. Mr. Jones responded that the rooms are needed to respond to the various ages of clients that are present at one time.
Mr. Pauley requested $35,000 and seven to nine months to meet with others, do a feasibility study based on the survey, find other agencies that can utilize the King Center if it is expanded, etc. and come back to the Council in nine months. Alderman Winter suggested that the capital costs as well as ongoing operational costs should be a part of that study. Alderman Conroy asked if the Martin Luther King Center or other agencies would be running the programs and doing the counseling. Mr. Jones responded that the plan includes hiring additional staff as well as working with other agencies to share the counseling times and spaces with them. Alderman Mahlo if there is adequate parking. Mr. Pauley stated that the parking is another issue that needs to be addressed.
City Manager John Phillips noted that they would need public funds as well as private funds. He stated that the City should expect to be a substantial contributor to the project. Dan Allen added that for all major projects involving private funding, the City was expected to make a substantial contribution. Ken Martin indicated that they need to look at how the project can impact the community tomorrow, and discussed the effect of the Metro Youth Program on the members of the community. He also stated that Metro could use an expanded facility at the King Center for their tutoring, self-esteem classes, as well as math and science assistance.
Mr. Phillips stated that staff would look at the Capital Improvement Plan budget, and also the general operating budget to see if the amount requested for the feasibility study is available during the next year.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Forlini to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6: 25 p.m.
______________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, November 11, 2002, 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, Vern L. Winter, Evelyn “Evie” R. White, Beth Y. Mahlo and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. Alderman John E. Bauersfeld, Jr. was absent.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to Order, led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of the meeting of November 4, 2002, as printed, CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
ORDINANCES
Agenda Item #6
30
STREET/RESIDENTIAL PARKING
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing Type B Residential Parking in front of 1202, 1206 and 1208 30th Street. A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Forlini to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #7a
CITY
ATTORNEY/LEGAL SERVICES
The City Clerk read a statement from the City Attorney in the amount of $6,614.40 for legal services during the month of October.
Agenda Item #7b
BRANDT
CONSTRUCTION/HICKORY COURT SEWER RELOCATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brandt Construction in the amount of $27,243.00 for the Hickory Court Sewer Relocation Project.
Agenda Item #7c
BRENT
ANDERSON/PARKING STRUCTURE RESTORATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brent Anderson Associates in the amount of $158,764.50 for the 16th Street and Third Avenue Parking Structure Restoration Project.
Agenda Item #7d
TRI-CITY
BLACKTOP/2002 SUNSET MARINA PARKING LOT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Tri-City Blacktop in the amount of $85,931.70 for the 2002 Sunset Marina Parking Lot Resurfacing Program.
Agenda Item #7e
VALLEY
CONSTRUCTION/4 AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Valley Construction in the amount of $166,268.81 for the 4th Avenue Reconstruction Project.
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Forlini to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
NOVEMBER
1 THROUGH 7
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of November 1 through 7 in the amount of $1,072,231.48. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS
Agenda Item #9
FRYE
BUILDERS/GREAT RIVER PLAZA RENOVATIONS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Great River Plaza Renovation, recommending the bid of Frye Builders in the amount of $263,622.36. Alderman Conroy asked if there were new plans, indicating that the Council had not yet seen the plans for the streets. Bob Hawes, Public Works Director, responded that these bids are for the east block lighting, watering system, planters, etc. The West block will be done later, and Council will see that design when before the work is done. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Mahlo to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City manger to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
KJWW
ENGINEERING/FIRST AVENUE DECORATIVE LIGHTING
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a proposed contract with KJWW Engineering Consultants in the amount of $17,500.00 for electrical engineering services for the First Avenue Decorative Lighting Project.
A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman White to approve the contract and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
INDUSTRIAL
PRETREATMENT PROGRAM/MODIFICATIONS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding proposed changes to the Industrial Pretreatment Program. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Winter to approve the modifications as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
Agenda Item #12
4700
44 STREET/SITE PLAN REVIEW
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Riverfront Corridor Overlay District Site Plan Review Request at 4700 44th Street, recommending approval of the site plan. A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman White to approve the site plan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
2640
BLACKHAWK ROAD/SITE PLAN REVIEW
The City Clerk noted that this item was being withdrawn from the Agenda at the request of the property owner, and deferred to December 9, 2002.
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
Agenda Item #14
SUNSET
MARINA BOATERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE/APPOINTMENTS
The City Clerk read a memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending the new appointment of John Lee and the reappointments of Michael Lewis and William Barlett to the Sunset Marina Boaters Advisory Committee. A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Forlini to approve the appointments CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
ITEMS
FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to the following items in the Memorandum Packet:
a. “New Eastern Cul-de-Sac Location at 2324 Third Avenue” memorandum with attachments, responding to the discussion of November 4;
b. Community Development Block Grant Allocations;
c. 2002 Project Status Report from Public Works;
d. Updated Issues Agenda 2002-2003;
e. Email received from Moody’s Investors Service regarding the City’s Bond Rating. Council members requested information regarding the comparison between Rock Island and other area cities in Iowa and Illinois;
f. Notice of the Sunset marina Boaters’ Advisory Committee Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 12;
g. An article from the Peoria Journal Star regarding the budget shortfall in Peoria. Mr. Phillips noted that the City of Rock Island is not alone in its budget struggles.
CENTENNIAL
BRIDGE
Mr. Phillips asked Public Works Director Bob Hawes to discuss the Centennial Bridge status. Mr. Hawes explained that they had not received enough information last week for the Bridge Commission to have their meeting last Thursday, so it was rescheduled for Thursday, November 14. He indicated that they are doing some value engineering of the contract, and are looking at reductions in the scope of the plan. He noted that additional revenues will need to be generated, and the State has said that they will provide inspection services. He indicated that there is a conference call planned for Tuesday, and they may be able to reduce the amount of the contracts. He noted that they could hold the bids for thirty days. He stated that there should be more information for the Council next week after the Bridge Commission meets Thursday. He noted that, at this time, he has no recommendation as to when to remove the tolls, and will come back later with a recommendation after they have reviewed the options.
Alderman Winter asked about the status of Fourth and Fifth Avenues, questioning if they will be ready for winter. Mr. Hawes stated that they will need to be usable for winter, but will not have the pavement markings done at that time. He stated that the surfaces might be bumpy, and they will be finished in the spring. He indicated that the parking building will also be usable for the winter, and this is only the first phase of the project. He added that First Avenue and the exit off the bridge would be worked on. He explained that Fourth and Fifth Avenue required some Federal aid, and the project was put on hold until that process was completed.
OTHER
BUSINESS
USED
CAR LOTS/TRAILER
Alderman White asked if trailers are allowed to be used as offices at Used Car Lots in Rock Island. She referred to seeing one at one of the area cities, and stated she did not want to see that here.
She asked how this could be prevented. Greg Champagne stated that it would be allowed as long as it complies with the building and zoning code. He added that he will see how the regulations are applied in other cites.
WATER
LEAK
Gary Beck, 2353 26th Street, spoke to Council regarding a water leak near his house. He stated that there has been water in the street sixty-one days as of this date, and he checked to see how much water was running. He stated that it comes to a total of about 87,000 gallons of water. He discussed the issues of the property owners. Alderman Winter stated that the notice was sent two weeks ago to a Chicago area lending institution that now has possession of the house. He indicated that this was a ten day notice, and was the second notice sent. He explained where the leak appears to be, and stated that this is a messy situation. He noted that staff is doing everything they can and they have a process that they have to follow. Mr. Beck suggested shortening the time period. Mayor Schwiebert stated that this is a different situation that involved a sequence of notices to be mailed to several different persons. City Attorney John Konecky stated that he would need to look at the facts in more detail before making any statements on the matter.
Mr. Beck also noted that his grandfather sat on the City Council several years ago with a John Bauersfeld.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Mahlo to recess to Executive Session on matters of Property Acquisition and Litigation CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:25 p.m.
RECESS
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 8:25 p.m. Alderman White asked about the discussion between Hy-Vee and staff that took place about six years ago regarding possibilities for expansion. She asked which two apartment buildings they own. Following a brief discussion, a motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Monday, November 18 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:30 p.m.
______________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk