The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 18, 2002, 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, 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, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Planner Alan Fries, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, and Municipal Services Superintendent George Seiz.  Also present were several members of the Planning Commission – Ted Johnson, Dennis Pauley, Norm Moline and Lorianne Swanson.

 

ZONING ORDINANCE/ZONING MAP

 

            Planning Administrator Alan Carmen reviewed the preliminary process for the zoning ordinance and zoning map.  He noted that there were about 5,000 notices mailed out, in addition to several public hearings.  He introduced Ted Johnson, member of the Planning Commission, who assisted with the presentation.  Mr. Johnson stated that the Planning Commission is very encouraged by the Unified Zoning Ordinance.  He stated that the public has been given many opportunities to share their ideas and concerns or ask questions, and many of them did that.  He stated that the Planning Commission was very well prepared for each meeting, and that helped the meetings go well.  He then reviewed each category of change, and Mr. Carmen displayed maps that referred to the various areas.

 

            Mr. Johnson noted that there are fifteen zoning districts identified in the current ordinance, and these will remain there. He stated that he proposed ordinance has 23 districts.  He noted the comparisons between the districts, the new districts, and the changes that were made to some of the existing districts that were primarily in the setback requirements.

 

            Mr. Johnson discussed some of the areas that were left as they are, noting that if the residents stated their opposition, the Planning Commission tried to come up with a solution that was agreeable to all.  He discussed the C-1 and C-2 districts, noting that these were Conservation districts like Blackhawk State Park, and not commercial districts as some people thought initially. 

 

            Staff and Council discussed the plans for proceeding with the Zoning Ordinance and Map.  Mr. Carmen stated that the Ordinance should be passed first.  Council indicated that both items should be on the same agenda, and City Manager John Phillips noted that they would go on November 25.  Alderman Winter commended the Planning Commission and the staff for doing a good job of balancing the land use plans with the zoning.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

            A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Executive Session on matters of Property Acquisition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

            Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:39 p.m. 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

            A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Mahlo 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 6:40 p.m.

 

                                                                                                ____________________________

                                                                                                Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk

 

 

 

                                                                                               

            The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, November 18, 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.

 

INTRODUCTORY PROCEEDINGS

 

            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 Mahlo and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of the meeting of November 11, 2002, as printed, CARRIED on a Voice vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

PROCLAMATIONS

Agenda Item #6

BIBLE WEEK/NOVEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 1

 

            Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the week of November 24 to December 1 as “Bible Week.”

 

Agenda Item #7

FAMILY LIFE WEEK/NOVEMBER 24 – 30

 

             Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the week of November 24 to November 30 as “Family Life Week.”

 

Agenda Item #8

NATIONAL FAMILY WEEK/NOVEMBER 23 – 30

           

            Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the week of November 23 to 30 as “National Family Week.”

 

Agenda Item #9

FEED AMERICA THURSDAY/NOVEMBER 21

           

            Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring Thursday, November 21, as “Feed America Thursday.”

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

Agenda Item #10

500 7 STREET/SPECIAL USE PERMIT

 

            Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:50 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Alpha Jalloh for a Special Use Permit to operate a neighborhood grocery store at 500 7th Street.

 

 

            Alpha Jalloh, 1017 14 ½ Street, discussed his request, noting that the neighborhood needs a grocery store.  Alderman Brooks asked why there is only one employee, and Alan Carmen, Planning Administrator, stated that was the request of the applicant.  Mr. Jalloh stated that there would be one person in the store at all times.  He added that his daughter or son might help occasionally.  Alderman Brooks suggested increasing the number to at least two employees. 

 

            Alderman White asked about the neighbors’ reactions to lighted signs.  Alderman Brooks stated that neighbors have been asking for streetlights in that area, and he felt that they would appreciate the additional light from the signs.  Alderman Mahlo noted the letter received from Lavaida Hall in support of the grocery store in that location.

           

            Tony Bleaker, who owns property on 6th Street, stated that he is concerned about the possible sale of alcohol in the store.  Mayor Schwiebert explained the liquor license process to him, noting that any application for a liquor license would need signatures of the neighbors.  He also noted that a liquor license was not included with the Special Use Permit at this time.

 

            Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m.   Alderman Brooks stated that there are people in the neighborhood who will use this store because they cannot get out easily.  Alderman Forlini suggested not limiting the number of employees, and Alderman Mahlo stated that this number is based on the number of parking spaces available, as with other Special Use Permits.  Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Mahlo to approve the Special Use Permit with two employees and the other stipulations 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.

 

ORDINANCES

Agenda Item #11

INDUSTRIAL PRETREATMENT PROGRAM/MODIFICATIONS

 

            The City Clerk read an ordinance amending Chapter 16 of the Code of Ordinances regarding changes to the Industrial Pretreatment Program.  A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman White 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 #12a

R I ELECTRIC MOTOR REPAIR/SUBMERSIBLE PUMP

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment in the amount of $3,427.85 to Rock Island Electric Motor Repair for one submersible pump.

 

 

 

 

 

Agenda Item #12b

LANGMAN CONSTRUCTION/EMERGENCY WATER MAIN REPAIR

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment in the amount of $9,444.38 for an emergency water main repair.

 

Agenda Item #12c

ELDERLY LIVING DEVELOPMENT, INC./TAX REBATE

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment in the amount of $17,457.23 to Elderly Living Development, Inc. representing 80% of the tax increment generated by the project at 1220 51st Avenue after completion.

 

            A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman White 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 #13

NOVEMBER 8 THROUGH 14

 

            The City Clerk read the claims for the week of November 8 through 14 in the amount of $491,853.93.  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, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

PAYROLL

 

Agenda Item #14

OCTOBER 28 THROUGH NOVEMBER 10

 

            The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of October 28 through November 10 in the amount of $851,748.43.

 

GENERAL FUND

$578,925.80

MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMUNITY CENTER

2,861.61

FEDERAL COPS GRANT

3,883.22

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT

18,495.29

LIBRARY

38,729.44

ELDERLY SERVICE CONTRIBUTIONS

29.21

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

14,417.44

WATER

50,796.66

SEWER

38,489.76

BRIDGE

8,653.89

SUNSET MARINA

7,564.76

PARK AND RECREATION

57,184.68

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

21,790.68

SELF INSURANCE

1,538.58

EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE

561.80

MARTIN LUTHER KING CENTER ACTIVITY FUND

4,556.96

DRUG PREVENTION

3,268.65

TOTAL

$851,748.43

 

            A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Mahlo to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

BIDS/PURCHASES

 

Agenda Item #15

COLLECTION AGENCY/REJECT BID

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Finance Department regarding proposals for the services of Collection Agency Consultant and Collection Services, recommending that the Council reject the one bid received, and rebid the collection agency contract. Alderman Forlini stated that Council did not receive all the information needed to make a decision.  Finance Director Bill Scott responded that the RFP will be redone since only one bid was received, and they are hoping for better bids.  He noted that the RFP will be changed to include more specifications and clarification, and they are hoping that the same company will bid again.  Alderman Winter noted that Mr. Scott would be changing the RFP to get a better response.  Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Brooks to reject the one bid and direct staff to rebid the contract as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White and Mahlo.  NAYS: Alderman Forlini.

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

 

Agenda Item #16

RENAISSANCE ROCK ISLAND, BRINSHIRE DEVELOPMENT/SALA APARTMENTS

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Renaissance Rock Island and Brinshire Development for a contribution of $200,000 in Fiscal Year 2003/2004 downtown Tax Increment Funds to support the renovation of the Sala Apartments.  Dan Carmody, Executive Director of Renaissance Rock Island, spoke about the plans for this project.  He noted that the building has a solid structure, but the systems are in need of replacement.  He discussed the financing package, noting that it was complicated.  He stated that this is an important historical structure, and should be easy to get it on the Historical Register.  He indicated the rent will range from $350 to $750 per month, for studio to three bedroom units.  He stated that the three bedroom units are about 1,200 square feet, and the lower level will have a studio apartment, a community room, laundry and storage.  City Manager John Phillips noted that the TIF funds that will be used for this project are generated from the Downtown TIF District and can only be used in this same district.  Mr. Carmody stated that the first application has to be in this week.

 

 

Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman White to approve the contribution of funds as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White and Mahlo.  NAYS: Alderman Forlini. 

 

Agenda Item #17

2816 8 AVENUE/EMERGENCY PRL PROGRAM

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment for an Emergency PRL Program at 2816 8th Avenue in the amount of $17,815.00.  A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Winter to commit $17,815.00 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.  Alderman Mahlo noted that the report indicated that the bid was within 10% of the construction officer’s estimate, and she asked if it was 10% higher or 10% lower.  Staff will get back to her with the answer.

 

Agenda Item #18

3146 12 STREET/ROOF STANDARD PAYMENT LOAN

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment for a Roof Standard Payment Loan at 3146 12th Street in the amount of $4,152.00.    A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman White to commit $4,152.00 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #19

2128 STADIUM DRIVE/SUPPLEMENTAL REHAB LOAN

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment for a Supplemental Rehab Loan at 2128 Stadium Drive in the amount of $1,125.50.  A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman White to commit $1,125.50 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

ITEMS FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM PACKET

 

GREAT RIVER PLAZA RENOVATIONS

 

            City Manager John Phillips called attention to the information regarding the Great River Plaza renovations.  He noted that this is a preliminary design.  Alderman Winter stated that it seems to be a good design that includes the use of the street during the daytime as well as the flexibility to be closed off for District events that use both sides of 18th Street.  Mr. Carmody stated that there would be a meeting Tuesday, November 19 at 11:00 a.m. at LaFigaro with business owners.  The plan will be presented to them at that time and give them the opportunity to share their concerns and ideas.  There will be other meetings with business owners later, and then the plan will be brought back to the Council.

 

 

OCTOBER 2002 MANAGEMENT REPORT

 

            Finance Director Bill Scott indicated that the management report indicates that the statewide revenues are not coming in as budgeted.  He stated that the report also includes a new section in response to requests from Council to see the Park funds from the specific activities.

 

            Alderman Winter noted that East Moline shared some information at the recent Northwest Municipal League and their cash flow is very poor.  He commended Mr. Scott for being aggressive in keeping an eye on our cash flow.  Mr. Scott stated that the declines are in sales tax, and the local revenues seem to be very flat.

 

ILLINOIS LAW ENFORCEMENT MUTUAL AID GOVERNING BOARD

 

            Mr. Phillips noted that Chief of Police Terry Dove has been elected to the Governing Board of the Illinois Law Enforcement Mutual Aid.  Chief Dove explained what this Board will be doing, noting that each city will respond with mutual aid to other areas in the same district in the event of a major catastrophe.  He added that, if the city itself was hit with the same catastrophe, they would not be expected to respond.  Alderman White asked about the Iowa cities, and Chief Dove stated that there are a number of border cities, and they are currently working on contingency plans with other cities.  He stated that this plan will mirror what the Fire Department currently has.

 

WATER SERVICE LEAK/2607 24 AVENUE

 

            Mr. Phillips called attention to the updated information regarding the water leak that was discussed last week by a resident.       

 

OTHER BUSINESS

 

CUL DE SAC

 

            Robert Wilson, 2324 Third Avenue, spoke to Council and asked if they had made a decision about moving the curb further away from his church located at the dead end of Third Avenue.  He stated that it is an accident waiting to happen, because his grandchildren and others at the church will be out in the street.

 

            Alderman Winter stated that there is no traffic in this cul de sac with the exception of his church members.  He noted that they would be driving slowly, and this should not present a problem.  Alderman Mahlo stated that she knows that change is frustrating and upsetting, but there are other churches as well as residences that have had to deal with changes.  Mr. Wilson then discussed the snow plowing, stating that after the plow goes through, he has to find the guys to have them come back to clean off his area or else he has to shovel it away himself.  Alderman Winter stated that he has to shovel his driveway after the snowplow goes through, and many other residents have the same problem.  Alderman Forlini indicated that, following church services, it was common for the pastor to step outside and greet the people as they left the church. There was no decision made to change the curb location.

 

 

 

RECESS

 

            A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Winter to recess to Monday, November 25, 2002, 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 8:00 p.m.

 

                                                                                                ______________________________

                                                                                                Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk