The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 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, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr. Vern L. Winter, Evelyn “Evie” R. White, Beth Y. Mahlo and Frank J. Forlini, Jr.   Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, Finance Director Bill Scott, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, City Engineer Jim Johnson, Public Works Administrative Assistant Tim Ridder, Police Chief Terry Dove, Library Director Ava Ketter, Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne, Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen, Fire Chief Al Sinksen.                                                                                                                                                                          

 

BUDGET/TAX LEVY

 

John Phillips asked Bill Scott to address the Council.  Mr. Scott referenced his memo No. 03-38 discussing a proposed 2002 property tax levy.  This memo recommended a 6.9% property tax levy increase be adopted and a public hearing be held on December 9, 2002.  Mr. Scott stated that Rock Island County has projected a 6.9% increase in property values for the area and a public hearing is required if a levy increase of more than 5% is proposed.  It is forecast that the 6.9% levy increase would generate $620,692 over last year’s levy.  Staff does not recommend an increase in the property tax rate of $2.54.  The money raised by adopting a 6.9% tax levy increase would be used for the general fund, police and fire pensions, and library costs. While this tax levy will not solve the anticipated budget shortfall, without this additional money, major reductions in service will be required.  Mayor Schwiebert noted that the city has reduced its dependence on property taxes from 44% to 28% since 1988.  Dave Conroy questioned the cost allocation study recommendation that Parks and Recreation allocate funds to reimburse the General Fund for costs incurred by Parks and Recreation.  John Phillips replied that the cost allocation study has been completed but the results have not been distributed to Council for discussion. Mayor Schwiebert noted there seemed to be consensus about the proposed 6.9% tax levy and Council directed that staff proceed as necessary.  A public hearing will be scheduled for Monday, December 9, 2002 and the proposed levy will be placed on the Agenda for the December 23, 2002 City Council meeting.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

A motion to adjourn to Executive Session was made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Mahlo at 6:05 p.m.  

             

ADJOURNMENT

 

            Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:25 p.m.  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, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.    The meeting was adjourned at 6:26 p.m.

                                                                                                           

                                                                                                            ____________________________

                                                                                                            Carol Gentry, Deputy City Clerk

 

           

           

            The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 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, John E. Bauersfeld, Vern L. Winter, Evelyn “Evie” R. White, Beth Y. Mahlo and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. 

 

INTRODUCTORY PROCEEDINGS

 

             Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to Order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.  Alderman Bauersfeld gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of the meeting of November 18, 2002, as printed, CARRIED on a Voice vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

PROCLAMATION

 

Agenda Item #6

FAMILY LIFE WEEK/NOVEMBER 24 – 30

 

            Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring the week of November 24 through 30 as Family Life Week.  Representatives from the Scottish Rite Cathedral accepted the document.

 

ORDINANCES

 

Agenda Item #7

500 7 STREET/SPECIAL USE PERMIT

 

            The Deputy City Clerk read a Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit for a grocery store at 500 7th Street.  A motion made by Alderman Winter 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, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #8

UNIFIED ZONING ORDINANCE/ZONING MAP

 

            The Deputy City Clerk read the Unified Zoning Ordinance, with minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, convenience, comfort, prosperity and general welfare. 

 

            Alderman Mahlo brought to the Council’s attention an email message from Mark Schaecher, 9421 12 Street W, Rock Island requesting the zoning for the property he owns at 1030 21 Avenue remain B-3 and not be changed to R-3.        

 

            Following discussion, Alderman Conroy made a motion to amend the zoning map to show the property at 3030 31 Avenue remain zoned as B-3.  Motion carried unanimously on a voice vote. 

 

            Motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

CLAIMS

 

Agenda Item #9a

TRIAD ENGINEERING/WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

 

            The Deputy City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $4,696.60 for services relating to the Ongoing Litigation Support for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Compliance Program.

 

Agenda Item #9b

MISSMAN STANLEY & ASSOCIATES/43 STREET RECONSTRUCTION

 

            The Deputy City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley & Associates in the amount of $4,304.20 for services relating to the 43rd Street Reconstruction.

 

Agenda Item #9c

MISSMAN STANLEY & ASSOCIATES/30 AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION

 

            The Deputy City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley & Associates in the amount of $7,319.80 for services relating to the 30th Avenue Reconstruction.

 

Agenda Item #9d

MISSMAN STANELY & ASSOCIATES/42 AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION

 

            The Deputy City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley & Associates in the amount of $3,646.60 for services relating to the 42nd Avenue Reconstruction.

 

Agenda Item #9e

VALLEY CONSTRUCTION/17 STREET RESURFACING

 

            The Deputy City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Valley Construction in the amount of $311,454.92 for the 17th Street Resurfacing.

 

Agenda Item #9f

VALLEY CONSTRUCTION/EMERGENCY WATER MAIN REPAIR

 

            The Deputy City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Valley Construction in the amount of $6,453.22 for an emergency water main repair at 17th Street and 35th Avenue.

 

Agenda Item #9g

FRANK PEETERS SOD COMPANY/2002 SOD AND TREE PROGRAM

 

            The Deputy City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Frank Peeters Sod Company in the amount of $10,768.00 for the 2002 Sod and Tree Program.

 

            A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #10

NOVEMBER 15 – 21, 2002

 

            The Deputy City Clerk read the claims for the week of November 15 through 21 in the amount of $334,920.59.  A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Forlini to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS

 

Agenda Item #11

MISSMAN STANLEY & ASSOCIATES/ENGINEERING SERVICES

 

            The Deputy City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a contract with Missman Stanley and Associates in the amount of 4,000.00 for the structural engineering services in relation to the Rock Island District Rehabilitation 2nd Avenue Reconstruction between 17th and 18th Streets. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the contract and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #12

GENERAL CONSTRUCTORS, INC./CENTENNIAL BRIDGE

 

            The Deputy City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a contract with General Constructors, Inc. in the amount of $9,841,812.67 for the Centennial Bridge Construction, and recommending that the contract be approved, and the Bridge Manager and Public Works work together to determine a target date for removal of the tolls. 

 

A motion was made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the contract, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents, and direct staff to work together to determine a target date for removal of the tolls.

 

Sue Nelson, Centennial Bridge Manager and City Engineer Jim Johnson addressed the Council.  Ms. Nelson stated that the cost estimates had come in higher than anticipated and that the Centennial Bridge Commission recommended several small cuts of aesthetic materials in order to allow the contract to be approved within the 45 days necessary to proceed with transferring the bridge to the Iowa and Illinois Departments of Transportation.  The Commission viewed these cuts as minor but necessary and recommended reinstating them if money allowed after the contract was awarded.  Approval of the Centennial Bridge Commission recommendation would allow for the removal of the tolls at the end of February, 2003. 

 

After discussion, an amendment was made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Forlini that the tolls remain in place until all the improvements can be paid for and that the tolls be removed by the end of April 2003.  Amendment carried unanimously on a voice vote.

 

The motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the contract as amended (totaling $10,194,145.42), authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents, and direct staff to work together to determine a target date for removal of the tolls CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #13

TURKEY HOLLOW ROAD/MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITY

 

            The Deputy City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the transfer of maintenance responsibility of Turkey Hollow Road.  A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the Agreement for the Jurisdictional Transfer for a portion of Turkey Hollow Road, and authorize the Mayor to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #14

REGALIA MANUFACTURING/FLAGPOLE IN RIGHT OF WAY

 

            The Deputy City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a request from Regalia Manufacturing to place a Flagpole in the Right of Way, with the stipulation that a Certificate of Insurance be provided holding the City harmless from any injuries that may result as a result of the placement of this flagpole.  A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Brooks to allow the request as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #15

ALLEY VACATION/4-5 AVENUE, 21-22 STREET

 

            The Deputy City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Mark Preston of Fanth Curry Home Improvement Company to vacate a 20-foot wide segment of a north/south alley right of way between 4th and 5th Avenue and between 21st and 22nd Streets.  A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman White to approve the alley vacation, allocate the entire vacated right of way to the applicant as recommended, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White, and Mahlo.  NAYS: Alderman Forlini.

 

 

 

 

ITEMS FROM THE CITY MANAGER’ S MEMORANDUM

 

City Manager John Phillips brought to the Council’s attention a follow up report on Modular Buildings and information on the City obtaining a Rental Rehab V Grant in the amount of $157,500.  Closing on the grant will be on or before March 31, 2003 and the program will assist 11 properties.

 

OTHER BUSINESS

 

            Alderman Bauersfeld commented on the letter from Jewel/Osco and encouraged that other grocery retailers in the area work to improve their services and facilities in Rock Island.

 

RECESS

 

            A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to recess to Monday, December 9, at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

 

                                                                                                            ______________________________

                                                                                                            Carol Gentry, Deputy City Clerk