The Rock Island City Council met in regular session on Monday, January 10, 2005, at 6:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall.  Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert. David A. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Evelyn "Evie" R. White and Charles "Chuck" Austin.  Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, Daniel Rockwell and Ann L. Keefe were absent.

 

INTRODUCTORY PROCEEDINGS

 

            Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to order and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.  Alderman Bauersfeld gave the Invocation.  A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of the meeting of December 10, 2004, CARRIED on a Voice vote.

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

Agenda Item #6

STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS/MAYOR SCHWIEBERT

 

            Mayor Schwiebert gave his annual State of the City Address, the contents of which follow:

 

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

I.              Looking back on the year just ended, we can view with satisfaction a number of important priorities and projects that were either brought to a satisfactory conclusion or advanced significantly during the last year. 

                Beginning on the economic development front we saw much activity.

We cleared the way for the Jumer’s Casino Rock Island to relocate from its downtown riverfront site to the intersection of I-280 and the Rock Island Parkway.  The process included annexation of the site as well as extension of economic benefits to facilitate the project, which will result in an initial $65 million development; with an estimated $25 million of construction in the future.  The total of $90 million in new construction represents among the largest single economic developments project in recent Quad Cities’ and certainly in Rock Island’s long history.  Progress now awaits appointments by the Governor to vacancies on the Gaming Board; so final approvals can be given the project, which will create hundreds of new jobs for Northwest Illinois.

                With the proposed relocation of Jumer’s, we also focused last year on crafting a new plan for our downtown riverfronts in collaboration with the City of Davenport.  The RiverVision Study concluded with a report recommending a variety of projects; including riverfront housing, parks, and other amenities to give our waterfronts the prominence they deserve.  As we move to implement RiverVision plans in the year ahead, we look forward to working with Modern Woodmen, other District businesses, as well as our partners in Davenport in refocusing on the greatest natural attraction our region possesses; namely, the Mississippi River.

                During 2004, we continued to expand the boundaries of our downtown with new projects along Third and Fourth Avenues, including the opening of JTM Concepts, and start up of the Third & Twenty-Two Sports Restaurant, Stick-Em-Up Graphics, and the Christian Family Care Center.  These and other projects are expanding our downtown to run from 11th Street all the way to the Botanical and Expo Centers, and from the river south to Seventh Avenue.

Also on the economic development front in our Southwest Industrial Park, Thoms Proestler Company built a nearly 600,000 square foot expansion; and Premium Manufacturing invested nearly $1.5 million for purchase of new industrial space.  T. Steele Construction opened a new headquarters for its business specializing in cell tower and wind turbine construction.  A new tech company, Process Automation Concepts, started its computer-aided design service.  Meanwhile in the Sunset Business Park on our west side, Bandall relocated its packaging supply company, joining Habegger Corporation as the latest additions to our expanding distribution industry in Rock Island.

                Although not within the confines of the City proper, our namesake Rock Island Arsenal has seen tremendous expansion in its manufacturing operations over the last year, growing from just a little over 20% use of manufacturing capacity three years ago to over 80% utilization now.  Again and again in the current war in Iraq, the Arsenal—our area’s second largest employer—has proven its indispensability by producing reliably and quickly the protective equipment and material our soldiers need in foreign fields of battle.  Simply put, the private sector cannot and will not meet the specialized, urgent needs of our soldiers in real time the way a government-owned and operated organic base like the Arsenal can do.  Hopefully, this will be remembered by those developing the base-closing list for BRAC to be announced in May of this year.   We’ll be working hard to see it’s not overlooked.

               

 

City of Rock Island economic development tools also found good use last year.  We closed 11 loans through the Commercial/Industrial Revolving Loan Fund totaling over half a million dollars.  These loans leveraged over $3.6 million in private investment to create or retain 175 jobs. Another popular city program, the Façade Improvement Fund, extended about $373,000 in public money to spur over $2.3 million in private investment, thus enhancing over 40 businesses throughout the city.

               

II.            On the housing front, we’ve seen more activity during the last year in Rock Island than perhaps any time in the last 30 years. 

For instance, during the last year in the downtown alone, the $4.8 million Sala Apartment Building began renovations, converting it into 33 units of mixed market rate and affordable housing.  Upper floors of the Voss Brothers Warehouse on Third Avenue, will be upgraded this year to provide an additional 35 units of quality residential space at an estimated total project cost of $5.2 million. 

Meanwhile, at the former Huber Home/St. Mary’s convent site off of 30th Street, a group of developers announced plans late in 2004 for the College Hill Condominiums—a 74-unit project with a total estimated market value of between $19 and $26 million.  At the former Villa de Chantel, we approved plans for conversion into 64 units of market-rate senior assisted housing.  And Chippiannock Cemetery sold 16 acres of land off 17th Street for construction of 34 single-family “villa” properties estimated to sell at around $400,000. 

The Youth Build program, a five-part collaboration of Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation, Transitions, Thurgood Marshall Learning Center, and others completed its first house and started its second, giving students useful job skills, providing an affordable home to a new homeowner, and helping infill in our older neighborhoods.

                Altogether these projects alone total 240 units of new housing within Rock Island during the next year.

                In addition, in Southwest Rock Island; all 17 single-family lots in Highland Place subdivision sold within four months of project opening.  Grading and infrastructure improvements at Fox Trail Subdivision off Ridgewood Road were completed last November, and we look forward to construction of 33 new homes there.

                In short—although a while in coming—new residential construction is moving forward in Rock Island at a robust pace.  I’m pleased to say that the city has been a major player in making this happen.  Our City Council made this a priority several years ago and has put dollars behind initiatives to stimulate more new home construction in Rock Island. Our staff—both in City Hall and at Renaissance Rock Island—have developed creative and effective strategies for insuring the dynamic public and private partnership needed that will grow our population and our tax base.

 

III.           As to city operations, 2004 was a year of notable achievements as well.  In an era of budget deficits as state and federal levels, we can take pride that during the last year Rock Island not only maintained its Moody’s bond rating but actually improved it from A2 to A1.  In raising our rating, Moody’s cited the City’s low debt, sound financial practices and operating reserves, as well as prudent use of gaming dollars.  The strong growth of certain key area businesses like Modern Woodmen, Thoms Proestler, and the Rock Island Arsenal also helped.  Beyond the affirmation of good management, Moody’s rating upgrade will also save taxpayers thousands of dollars on future bond issues. 

During the last year, Rock Island also received its fifteenth straight Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association.  This is the seventh best city record for this award in the entire State of Illinois and the best record for the Quad Cities.

                In addition, for the fourteenth straight year, the City Council was able last year to reduce our property tax rate and to continue reducing our reliance on property taxes as a percentage of General Fund revenues. 

And we committed over $4 million to new street improvements in 2004, while maintaining our traditional high standards of city services.   We developed a rental property registration process; and we explored new ways for reducing leaf burning.

 

IV.           Finally, looking back on the past year, I’d like to touch on just a few added points of pride:

Longfellow Elementary School—my own alma mater many years ago—won a national reading competition award in April, 2004 from the Reading is Fundamental Foundation in Washington, D.C.  We’re proud of our students who again demonstrated the high quality of both public and private education in Rock Island.

                In keeping with sound marketing practices, the City also worked on developing a new “brand”—one capturing our distinctive character as a solid community rich in historical and cultural traditions and building progressively on those traditions for an even better future.  This brand will be rolled out early this year.

We also worked on a number of area-wide initiatives.  In addition to RiverVision and the Arsenal, we’ve essentially completed construction work on the now toll-free Centennial Bridge.  We expect to turn over ownership of this magnificent structure to the States of Illinois and Iowa this year. 

And, in affirmation of Rock Island’s frequent and conspicuous celebration of our history, last year Rock Island became the first—and so far only—city in Illinois to be given a Preserve America Award by Congress and the White House.

                In short, we have much to celebrate and much from which to take confidence.

 

 

 

CHALLENGES FOR THE COMING YEAR

                As the year just ended brought some real accomplishments, so the year ahead will pose some real challenges.    

One of the greatest continuing challenges we face as a city comes from unfunded mandates from the federal and state governments. 

Federal stormwater regulations have forced us to create a new stormwater utility tax.  De-funding by the Federal government of the COPS program (which paid the salaries of two police officers), as well as cuts in popular and useful programs like Community Development Block Grants, weaken the federal-local partnership at a time we’re faced with rising costs and social responsibilities.

                The state government doesn’t do much better when it comes to unfunded mandates.  The adoption of increased property tax exemptions last year is resulting in the likelihood of increased city property tax rates this year for the first time in the last fourteen years.  Mandates in pension and other benefits, together with rising health care costs, continue to drive up dramatically costs of local government; forcing local tax increases to maintain existing levels of service. 

These are all examples of an ongoing problem we experience at the local level from federal and state governments doing something that sounds good to the public, but then not paying for it—and instead shifting the burden to local taxpayers.  It does taxpayers little good to see their taxes reduced at one level merely to see them increased at another to pay for needed services—particularly when many local taxes fall most heavily on those on fixed incomes.  Better for each level of government to raise the revenues needed for the services or programs it considers necessary, and then work together to expand the economy. This ultimately lightens the burden on all by broadening the tax base; while better balancing federal, state and local responsibilities.

As to the matter of taxes and deficits, let us remember that if something is worth doing, it’s worth paying for.   Taxes are the modest price we pay for democracy—a far humbler price than that demanded of our young men and women in uniform in foreign fields of battle.  May we learn from their example of sacrifice and service; even as we pray for their safe and speedy return.

Fortunately, during this last year we saw evidence of economic recovery in Illinois.  After several years of declining revenues; income, replacement, and sales taxes are now all moving gradually upward.  We hope this continues to allow us to grow our Quad Cities economy.

                Against this backdrop, we in Rock Island need to move forward on several fronts in the coming year:

                1.                First, we must continue always to work to provide our citizens with good government; one that is responsible in managing its finances and delivering services, responsive to citizen needs, and determined to craft a positive vision for the future. 

2.                We need to continue to work regionally to improve our area.  The Arsenal will be a big issue here as we strive to keep our area’s second largest employer open and strong for the good of our nation.

Also, we should work with our neighbors in Davenport to give flesh to RiverVision plans. Lighting Lock and Dam 15 and creating a high visibility, elevated park adjacent to our downtown levee—one that would allow people to actually see the river from our riverfront—could be great lead off projects.  Ongoing efforts to expand the downtown business District and its arts and cultural offerings likewise need to move forward.  We have a great arts base in Rock Island that needs to be cultivated.  An exciting Urban Center on our riverfront can draw new businesses and young talent to our Quad Cities;

3.                We need to look at better use of sites like the Quad City Industrial Center and its linkages to Augustana College and Quad City Botanical Center and Expo Centers.  Recently unveiled plans for Columbia Park on this former Farmall site should be refined and implemented.  Those envision a great new mix of residential, industrial, and recreational uses at this location.

                4.                On the residential front, we need to complete the high quality projects presently on the boards, to allow more people from a variety of backgrounds to call Rock Island home.  Of particular future interest will be further development in the downtown and underused areas of Old Chicago west of the downtown; as well as continued expansion in our Southwest.  Our new city marketing campaign should help sell many more people on the benefits of living in Rock Island.

                5.                Retail has been a weak spot in Rock Island’s economic base for many years.  A study commissioned last year with Buxton Consultants of Dallas, Texas, will generate leads for major new retailers for Rock Island.  Results of this study need to be pursued with an eye toward attracting one or more large retailers to the city.

                In all of these things, we’ll have our work cut out for us.  Yet we can take confidence in the strong team that exists in Rock Island.  We have excellent private sector partners—with key business leaders that regularly step up to the plate to help make good things happen.  We have a wonderful staff, both within the City and in Renaissance Rock Island that provide great ideas and energy for accomplishing our goals.  We have an outstanding City Council that works cohesively towards setting goals and implementing them.  And finally, we have great citizens that respond to challenges to make our community an ever-better place to live, work and play—and one of which we can all be proud.

                With these critical ingredients, our future promises to be as bright as the developments of the last year suggest it should be.

                Let us, then, continue to move forward with confidence and vision; open to a diversity of ideas and enthusiastic about what the future can bring.

Thank you.                                                                                        Mark W. Schwiebert, Mayor

 

 

Agenda Item #7

HOLIDAY LIGHTING CONTEST/AWARDS

 

            Lisa Ahern, Website/Grant Coordinator, and staff representative with the Beautification Commission, along with Mayor Schwiebert, presented the awards for the 2004 Holiday Lighting Contest.

             

Residential:                        Commercial:  

Permon and Joyce Tew – 1851 30 Street                         OH Nuts – 4020 Blackhawk Road

Mark and Tammi Doran – 3627 24 Avenue                         River Park Healthcare – 2545 24 Street

Jack and Linda Sackfield – 3701 34 Street

 

PROCLAMATIONS

 

Agenda Item #8

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY/JANUARY 17

 

            Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring January 17 as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day   Martin Luther King Community Center Director Jerry Jones accepted the proclamation, and reviewed the events that will occur on January 17 at their annual celebration.  The celebration begins at 10:30 a.m.

 

CLAIMS

 

Agenda Item #9a

CITY ATTORNEY/DECEMBER STATEMENT

 

            The City Clerk read a statement from the City Attorney in the amount of $6,323.62 for legal services during the month of December 2004.

 

Agenda Item #9b

HERRERA/PLUMBING EXPENSES

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Francisco Herrera in the amount of $2,084.00 for plumbing expenses.

 

Agenda Item #9c

OWENS/PROPERTY DAMAGE, CLEAN UP

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Evelyn Owens in the amount of $760.00 for property damage and cleanup expenses.

 

Agenda Item #9d

ANCEL, GLINK, DIAMOND, BUSH, DICIANNI, ROLEK/LEGAL SERVICES

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Ancel, Glink, Diamond, Bush, Dicianni and Rolek in the amount of $3,335.81 for legal services.

 

 

 

Agenda Item #9e

RYAN AND ASSOCIATES/HVAC REPAIRS

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Ryan and Associates in the amount of $2,518.47 for emergency HVAC repairs.

 

 

Agenda Item #9f

MILLER TRUCKING AND EXCAVATING/DETENTION POND, STORM SEWER

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Miller Trucking and Excavating in the amount of $71,420.49 for the Saukie Baseball Field Detention Pond and Storm Sewer Improvements.

 

Agenda Item #9g

PEETERS SOD COMPANY/2004 SOD AND TREE PROGRAM

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Peeters Sod Company in the amount of $4,055.00 for the 2004 Sod and Tree Program.

 

 

Agenda Item #9h

RAIL CITY CONSTRUCTION/2004 50/50 SIDEWALK PROGRAM

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Rail City Construction in the amount of $4,694.80 for the 2004 50/50 Sidewalk Program.


Agenda Item #9i

PHOENIX CORPORATION/R I PARKWAY EROSION CONTROL

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Phoenix Corporation in the amount of $222,868.09 for the Rock Island Parkway Erosion Control. 

 

 

Agenda Item #9j

CENTENNIAL CONTRACTOR/2004 UTILITY PATCHING PROGRAM

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Centennial Contractor in the amount of $20,080.54 for the 2004 Utility Patching Program.

 

Agenda Item #9k

MISSMAN, STANLEY AND ASSOCIATES/AMERICAN DISCOVERY TRAIL PROJECT

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley and Associates in the amount of $8,629.50 for the American Discovery Trail project.

 

 

 

Agenda Item #9l

SHIVE-HATTERY/DETENTION POND

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Shive-Hattery in the amount of $13,067.98 for the Saukie Baseball Field Detention Pond Project.

 

Agenda Item #9m

TRIAD ENGINEERING/WATER AND SEWER EXTENSION, CHLORINATION SYSTEM

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $764.00 for professional services for the Water Extension and Sewer Extension to Turkey Hollow Road and Remote Chlorination System.

 

Agenda Item #9n

GENERAL CONSTRUCTORS/CENTENNIAL BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors in the amount of $154,207.61 for the Centennial Bridge Improvements.

 

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

 

Agenda Item #10

DECEMBER 17, 2004 THROUGH JANUARY 6, 2005

 

            The City Clerk read the claims for the weeks of December 17 through January 6, 2005 in the amount of $1,199,644.82.  A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.    AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Bauersfeld, White and Austin.  NAYS: None.

 

PAYROLL

 

Agenda Item #11

DECEMBER 6 – 19, DECEMBER 20 – JANUARY 2

           

            The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of December 6 through 19 in the amount of $942,175.70, and December 20 through January 2 in the amount of $986,148.31.   

 

FUND

12/6 – 12/19

12/20 – 01/02

GENERAL FUND

$612,392.41

$627,683.38

TIF DISTRICT #1 DOWNTOWN

457.22

584.48

TIF DISTRICT #2 SOUTH 11 ST

187.67

196.33

TIF DISTRICT #3 NORTH 11 ST

187.70

196.36

KING CENTER

3,154.17

3,221.17

FEDERAL COPS GRANT

2,611.86

2,567.08

COMM. DEV. BLOCK GRANT

24,337.58

24,696.06

LIBRARY

42,467.39

42,685.53

ELDERLY SERVICES CONTR.

3,156.62

112.89

WATER

62,551.78

71,912.00

SEWER

34,333.66

36,749.74

COMMUNITY EC. DEV.

15,005.36

15,290.06

SUNSET MARINA

7,842.27

8,279.85

PARK AND RECREATION

67,158.80

88,585.74

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

21,330.03

22,133.00

ENGINEERING

28,969.30

29,470.91

SELF INSURANCE

1,916.57

1,510.77

EMPLOYEE HEALTH INS.

1,000.36

1,021.64

CAFETERIA PLAN

4,059.70

00000.00

MLK ACTIVITY FUND

4,886.37

4,992.28

DRUG PREVENTION

4,168.88

4,259.04

TOTAL

$942,175.70

$986,148.31

 

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

 

CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS

 

Agenda Item #12

TURKLE’S TREE SERVICE/2004-2005 TREE REMOVAL, TRIMMING CONTRACTS

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2004/2005 Tree Removal and trimming Contracts, recommending the bid be awarded to Turkle’s Tree Service for Tree Removal in the amount of $36,515, and Tree Trimming in the amount of $10,307.  Alderman White commented on the difference between this bid and that of the other bidders.  Bob Hawes, Public Works Director, responded that all of the bidders received the same specifications to bid on, and this company has done some work for the city in the past, but have not had this contract.  Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to award the bids as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.    AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Bauersfeld, White and Austin.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #13

LESTER CONSTRUCTION/DEMOLITION AND SITE CLEARANCE

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding bids for the demolition and site clean-up of six residential properties and the former Midway Oil Site, recommending the bid of Lester Construction in the amount of $54,010 for the six residential properties, and the bid of Lester Construction in the amount of $10,010 for the former Midway Oil Site at 4301 3rd Avenue.  A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Conroy to award the bids as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.   AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Bauersfeld, White and Austin.  NAYS: None.

 

 

 

 

 

Agenda Item #14

LANDSCAPE FORMS/20 STREET OVERLOOK ENHANCEMENTS

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the 20th Street Overlook Enhancements, recommending a sales agreement with Landscape Forms for the canopy in the amount of $18,533.75.  A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the sales agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the sales documents as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.   AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Bauersfeld, White and Austin.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #15

QUAD CITY BOTANICAL CENTER/REQUESTS

 

The City Clerk read a report from General Administration regarding requests from the Quad City Botanical Center, recommending support for the Children’s Garden Project by forgiving the payment for 2004 and 2005 in the amount of $56,304 as a contribution to the project, and authorizing the payment of the $200,000 now allocated for the pedestrian crossing to the Quad City Botanical Center for the Children’s Garden Project when private sector pledges for the project reach a total of $1,000,000.00. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to DEFER this item to January 17 CARRIED on a Voice vote.

 

Agenda Item #16

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT/RIVERVISION COORDINATING COMMITTEE

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an Intergovernmental Agreement with Davenport establishing the RiverVision Coordinating Committee. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the agreement and authorize the Mayor to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.   AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Bauersfeld, White and Austin.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #17

CDBG ALLOCATIONS/BUDGET

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the 2005-2006 Adjusted CDBG Allocations, recommending the proposed CDBG budget, which includes a proportional reduction across the board.  A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to DEFER this item to January 17 CARRIED on a Voice vote. 

 

Agenda Item #18

2012 30 STREET/SPECIAL USE PERMIT

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Drake DeVore and for permission to apply for a Special Use Permit to operate a part time chiropractic office at 2012 30th Street.  A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to allow Mr. DeVore and Dr. Gabryshak to apply for the Special Use Permit as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.

 

 

 

Agenda Item #19

FOX TRAIL ADDITION/FINAL PLAT

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a review of the final plat of Fox Trail Addition, recommending approval of the final plat subject to the public improvements and submittal of all required signed certificates.  Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne reviewed the addition and the map on display on the screen in Council Chambers.  He noted that there would be thirty-two single-family lots, and the property is next to Foxwood.  He stated that once this step is completed, the lots can be purchased, and they should be available February 1. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the final plat with the stipulations stated, as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.    AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Bauersfeld, White and Austin.  NAYS: None.

 

ITEMS FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM PACKET

 

RENTAL HOUSING INSPECTION PROGRAM

 

            Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne and Building Official Tom Ayers reviewed the progress of the new Rental Housing Inspection Program.  Mr. Champagne stated that they have about sixty to sixty-five percent of the rental units registered, based on numbers that they have from various available data.  He noted that the first inspection would be a visual inspection that will require a walk around and not just observation from a vehicle.  He discussed the color scheme that the staff has worked out to identify the priority level of each of the properties.  Mr. Ayers stated that they processed about one hundred more this week.  They are planning to send out further notices to others on a mailing list, and will be giving them an additional time to register, since the deadline originally was December 31 2004.

 

2005 PROJECT LETTING SCHEDULE

 

            City Manager John Phillips called attention to the Project Letting Schedule for 2005, listing the projects and when they will be letting the bids for each.

 

ANIMAL ADOPTIONS

 

            Mr. Phillips expressed appreciation to the Rock Island Police Department for their creativity in sponsoring the special “Adopt An Animal” for the holidays.  He noted the increase in cat and dog adoptions during the month of December in comparison to other months and years.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

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

 

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

 

 

RECESS

 

            Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 7:45 p.m. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to recess to Monday, January 17 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.   AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Bauersfeld, White and Austin.  NAYS: None.

 

            The meeting was recessed at 7:46 p.m.

 

                        __________________________________

                        Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk