The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 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, 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, Finance Director Bill Scott, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Park and Recreation Director Bill Nelson, Library Director Ava Ketter, Police Chief Terry Dove, Fire Chief Al Sinksen, Municipal Services Superintendent George Seiz, Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen and Public Works Assistant to the Director Tim Ridder.

 

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

 

            City Manager John C. Phillips noted that the information from Lyle Sumek Associates was received and had been distributed to Council members places in Council Chambers.  The City Clerk distributed copies of a newspaper item in reference to a Senior Housing Complex recently opened and similar to that being planned in Rock Island, regarding Agenda Item #9. She then distributed a memo for Council members to complete and return indicating whether or not they plan to be away for any Council meetings during January, February and March.  She also announced the candidates for the Aldermanic positions who have filed, noting that filing ended at 5:00 p.m.

 

BUDGET PLANNING DISCUSSION

 

            City Manager John Phillips called attention to the recommendations that were being made for possible cuts and or changes in fees for the budget. He stated that these are some options that staff has come up with, and they tried to select items that have no or little impact on citizen services.  He stated that the decrease in staff numbers will be done through attrition rather than layoffs, and suggested a package approach with this.

 

            Council discussed the items one at a time.  They began with the Police Department recommendations, which involved the Court Officer, False Alarm Fees, the DARE Program, and a charge for scheduling the Off-Duty Officers.  Chief Dove suggested hiring two part-time retired police officers, and allowing the current sworn officer to go back on the street. He stated that the two part-time retired officers could be sworn in as Special Deputies and they would have the knowledge that is needed for the job. 

 

            The False Alarm Fees were discussed, and Chief Dove stated that there are a number of false alarms due to negligence on the part of the homeowners. The increase in fees would hopefully make them more sensitive to the upkeep of their alarms.  Consensus of the Council was to increase these fees, but no amount was determined at this time.

 

            The DARE Program was reviewed, and Chief Dove explained that it is a very important element of Community Policing.  He stated that they are making some changes in the program, going from the Fifth to the Seventh Grades, with a refresher for Ninth Graders.  He stated that there is no hard evidence that the DARE Program does work, but the contacts made with the Police Officers and the students are very good.  

 

In response to a suggestion about having our own program without the regulations of DARE, Chief Dove noted that would involve purchasing or writing all lesson plans and workbooks, along with purchasing all other materials currently provided by the DARE Program.  Alderman Bauersfeld suggested removing DARE from the budget without eliminating two officers.  He then talked about funding one officer from the City Budget with the second officer to be paid from the school, private donations and other funding. Mayor Schwiebert stated that he feels the DARE Program is a core function to Community Policing.  Alderman White stated that DARE Officers have a positive influence on the students, but matching funds are necessary to continue the program.  Currently, the School District gives $20,000 for the program.

 

            Chief Dove reviewed the Off-duty Officer charge, suggesting that anyone who hires on off-duty officer pays an additional $1.00 per hour to help defray some of the costs associated with the scheduling, training, and liability associated with these off-duty assignments.  Alderman Bauersfeld asked why the city was doing the scheduling, etc.  Chief Dove responded that it is necessary to know which officers are working and where they are at, because there is a limitation of hours an officer is allowed to work.  He added that the officers working off-duty are able to assist the other officers when necessary also, specifically in the District.

 

            Bob Hawes, Public Works Director, reviewed the suggestions from Public Works.  He discussed the Yard Waste Program, stating that the suggestion was to eliminate the weekly collection and establish a drop-off program where people can only drop off one day a week, probably on Saturday.  He stated that the current program is a financial loser.    Mr. Hawes discussed the snow removal and snow hauling downtown also.  Council discussed the parking fees and fines, and Mr. Hawes suggestion to increase these so they more closely reflect those of the neighboring cities.  Alderman Bauersfeld suggested looking at increasing the parking permit fees, but not eliminating the courtesy ticket.  Mr. Hawes then reviewed the Construction Permit Fees, the restructuring of the Assistant to the Public Works Director position, the transfer of one Maintenance Worker I position to Utilities Maintenance, and the Car Allowance/Fleet Reduction.  He noted that several of the Department Managers drive city vehicles, and the suggestion is to give them a vehicle allowance monthly that would cover their gas, insurance and upkeep of the vehicle.  Council questioned the communication devices that need to be put into these vehicles, stating that some of them probably would not want the radios in their own personal vehicles. 

 

            Since there were a number of items that were not discussed at this session, it was decided to continue this discussion next week, beginning with Item #14 (Public Works).  Council members were asked to bring back the information that was distributed in the packets.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

            A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks 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, December 16, 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 and Frank J. Forlini, Jr.  Alderman Beth Y. Mahlo was absent. 

 

 

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 Winter gave the Invocation.  A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Forlini to approve the Minutes of the meeting of December 9 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None. 

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

Agenda Item #6

ANNUAL SNOW ROADEO/RICK SCHMIDT

 

            Mayor Schwiebert and Public Works Director Bob Hawes presented the 2002 Snow “Roadeo” award to Rick Schmidt of Municipal Services.

 

 

ORDINANCES

 

Agenda Item #7

2530 28 STREET/HANDICAPPED PARKING

 

            The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a Handicapped Parking Space in front of 2530 28th 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 and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

 

Agenda Item #8

2201, 2232 12 STREET/REZONING B-1 TO R-4

 

            The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amending a zoning district and zoning map, changing 2201 and 2232 12th Street from B-1 to R-4.  A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Forlini 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 #9

3200 8 STREET/REZONING I-1 TO R-6

 

            The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amending a zoning district and zoning map, changing 3200 8th Street from I-1 to R-6.  A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Forlini to consider the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: Alderman Bauersfeld.

 

Agenda Item #10

TAX LEVY/2002-2003

 

            The City Clerk read an Ordinance regarding the Proposed Tax Levy for fiscal year beginning April 2002 and ending the thirty-first day of March 2003.  Alderman Bauersfeld stated that he would be voting for this ordinance at this time, but he was opposed to increasing taxes.  He stated that he wants to look at reductions rather than increasing taxes.  Alderman Conroy expressed similar thought, stating that he was voting for the tax levy now, but it would be back next week for the final vote, and he hoped to be able to see more budget cuts before that.  Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Brooks to consider the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

 

CLAIMS

 

Agenda Item #11a

CRAWFORD COMPANY/CREMATORY INCINERATOR

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Crawford Company in the amount of $3,607.38 for repair work on a crematory incinerator.

 

 

Agenda Item #11b

BRANDT CONSTRUCTION/THIRD AVENUE REHABILITATION

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brandt Construction in the amount of $373,578.00 for the Third Avenue Rehabilitation/Resurfacing Project.

 

 

Agenda Item #11c

TRI-CITY ELECTRIC COMPANY/18 AVENUE TRAFFIC SIGNAL

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Tri-City Electric Company in the amount of $4,684.72 for the 18th Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements Project.

 

 

            Alderman Bauersfeld asked for an update on Third, Fourth and Fifth Avenue projects.  Mr. Hawes explained that Third and Fifth are done except for some punch list items that will be completed next spring.  Fourth Avenue has an asphalt base, and the surface course will be placed down next spring.  He stated that the barricades that are there now will need to be moved before winter.

 

            Alderman White asked why the Parks Department staff was not being utilized to design the landscaping.  Mr. Hawes stated that they are very busy with their own work, and would not have time to devote to this type of work.  He stated that Parks provided assistance with the Plaza landscaping.

 

            Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman   and seconded by Alderman   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

DECEMBER 6 THROUGH 12

 

            The City Clerk read the claims for the week of December 6 through 12 in the amount of $341,431.33.  A motion made by Alderman Forlini 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.

 

PAYROLL

 

Agenda Item #13

NOVEMBER 25 THROUGH DECEMBER 8

 

            The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of November 25 through December 8 in the amount of $870,790.00. 

 

GENERAL FUND

$591,867.00

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CENTER

2,862.00

FEDERAL COPS GRANT

3,867.00

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT

20,409

LIBRARY

37,694.00

ELDERLY SERVICE CONTRIBUTION

370.00

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

11,373.00

WATER

60,463.00

SEWER

38,060.00

BRIDGE

6,992.00

SUNSET MARINA

7,243.00

PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

57,198.00

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

22,039.00

SELF INSURANCE

1,738.00

EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE

574.00

M L K ACTIVITY FUND

4,557.00

DRUG PREVENTION

3,484.00

TOTAL

$870,790.00

 

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

 

CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS

 

Agenda Item #14

TRACKMASTERS/RAILROAD MAINTENANCE

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2002 Railroad Maintenance, recommending the bid of Trackmasters in the amount of $6,380.00.  Alderman Bauersfeld asked if they were going to do all the railroad tracks in the City, and Mr. Hawes responded that they would be doing the portion of the track near the Centennial Expressway, which is the portion owned by the City.  A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman White to award the contract 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 #15

KJWW ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS/VAULT REMOVAL

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the mechanical engineering services related to the removal of an underground vault, recommending the bid of KJWW Engineering Consultants on a time and material basis, with an estimated cost of $9,200.00.  A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Winter to award the contract 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.

 

PROCEDURES/POLICIES

 

Agenda Item #16

REGIONAL SERVICE DELIVERY/CONTINUATION OF PROJECT

 

            The City Clerk read a report from General Administration regarding Regional Service Delivery, recommending that the City Council support the work on the Project Team and encourage them to meet to identify and recommend areas for cooperation, collaboration or consolidation of services; and that the Project Team be authorized to solicit the services of a professional consulting firm through a public “Request for Qualifications” and “Request for Proposal” process, with the recommendation of the firm selected to be submitted to both City Councils for consideration and approval. 

 

           

            Alderman Bauersfeld and City Manager John Phillips discussed the purpose of this project.  Mr. Phillips stated that this was not an exhaustive list, but was a place to start.  Mayor Schwiebert stated that this could provide better or same level of services at a lower cost, as stated in the plan.  He also noted that it should include Homeland Security as well as Hazardous Materials.  Mr. Phillips stated that the Police and Fire groups that meet regularly are already addressing these issues.

 

            Alderman White asked about the cost of the consultant for this, and Mr. Phillips stated that the Request For Qualifications would be done first to determine what consultants have experience in this area.  He noted that by June of 2003, there should be an agreed upon list, and there will be more information. 

 

            Bernie Klauer, Rock Island Businessman, spoke to Council about his concerns about combining the two Fire Departments or Police Departments.  He stated that the Moline Fire Department is short-handed, and Rock Island should not supplement them, but he did not see a problem with mutual aid.  He also expressed concern about the Inspections Division.  He said Moline has been short of Inspectors for awhile, and Rock Island should not be doing their inspections for them unless Rock Island has more staff to cover this city first.

 

            City Manager John Phillips stated that the committee is studying and identifying area where there may be an opportunity to work together to save money while still providing good service to the citizens of both cities. 

 

            Mr. Klauer stated that he did not know that the Building Code was adopted in Rock Island until he heard it from another contractor.  Mr. Phillips suggested that perhaps staff can come up with a way to notify the contractors in instances where ordinances are adopted that would affect them.  He stated that the project team is made up of the City Administrator from Moline, City Manager of Rock Island, along with Public Works Directors, Fire Chiefs and Police Chiefs primarily.  He noted that, if a consultant is hired, employees would be involved in the discussions.  Alderman Brooks stated that the information should be shared with employees, and suggested regular updates on the discussions of the committee.

 

            Mr. Phillips stated that no final decisions were being made at this time, and the decision to be made was whether or not for the Project Team to move forward and solicit the services of a professional consulting firm.  Alderman Brooks expressed concern about the Inspection Division helping out Moline, when they are already very busy with our own code enforcement.  Mr. Phillips stated that the City would have to be paid for this service.  Alderman Conroy suggested informing each person who takes out a building permit about the new code.  Mayor Schwiebert stated that participants should be notified any time there are regulatory changes made.  Mr. Klauer suggested notifying the trade associations and they could then notify their membership.  Greg Champagne, Community and Economic Development Department Director, stated that he would research that and determine how the participants can best be notified of regulatory changes.

 

            Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Winter to support the work of the Project Team, encourage them to continue to meet, and authorize them to solicit the services of a professional consulting firm as recommended CARRIED on a Roll call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

 

Agenda Item #17

SMALL BUSINESS LIABILITY RELIEF/GRANT

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a grant application for funding through the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfield’s Revitalization Act.  A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman  Winter to authorize staff to submit the grant application 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

 

There were no items discussed from the Memorandum Packet.

 

OTHER BUSINESS

 

There was no Other Business to be discussed.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

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

 

            The meeting was recessed at 7:25 p.m.

 

 

RECESS

 

            Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 8:35 p.m.  A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Monday, December 23, 2002, 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 8:37 p.m.

 

                                                                                                ______________________________

                                                                                                Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk