The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:00 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M.A. Brooks I., Dennis E. Pauley, Stephen L. Tollenaer, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Also present were City Manager John Phillips, Personnel Director John Thorson, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Fire Chief Doug Vroman, Assistant Fire Chief Jim Fobert and Trent Lehman of the Ferguson Group was present via a conference call. Alderman David Conroy arrived at 5:15 p.m.

City Manager John Phillips stated that first, there would be an Executive Session on matters of Personnel followed by the regular session discussing the Ferguson Group’s legislative priorities.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

A motion was made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to recess to Executive Session on matters of Personnel. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Those voting Aye being, Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was recessed at 5:15 p.m.

Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:05 p.m.

FERGUSON GROUP-LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

City Manager John Phillips placed a conference call with Trent Lehman of the Ferguson Group.

Mr. Phillips stated that the City has been working with the Ferguson Group to assist with the federal agenda. Mr. Phillips offered that the City is looking at opportunities that may exist in this fiscal year at the federal level. There are issues out on the 2008/2009 appropriations, the 2010 appropriations, the stimulus program and the new Highway Bill should be discussed in the coming year. Mr. Phillips added that the Water Resources Development Act is another piece of important legislation that may be extended this coming year. Mr. Phillips stated that Mr. Lehman and Mr. Schmidt came to Rock Island in November of this past year; they met with all departments to go over possible projects that are included in the memo packet for review. The projects were identified. It was noted that there is also a recommended list of priorities and possible candidates for the Economic Stimulus Package.

Mr. Phillips then inquired upon Mr. Lehman to share with Council what is happening in Washington with regards to the City’s interest for funding for some of these important projects that the City needs for the community.

Mr. Lehman stated that it has been a busy year and added that there are a number of things to be worked on, which include finishing the 2009 agenda from last year and to work on the fiscal year 2010 appropriations process. Mr. Lehman indicated that the major Highway Bill that happens every five (5) or six (6) years, which expires on September 30, 2009 is up for reauthorization.

Mr. Lehman reiterated that the Ferguson Group came to Rock Island in November of this past year, discussed projects with City staff and identified 16 projects that had the potential to be eligible for some type of federal assistance. In addition, there were also six (6) projects included on that list for consideration to be included in the Economic Stimulus bill. Mr. Lehman noted that the Ferguson Group is recommending seven (7) projects from the list of the 16 projects that is believed to have the best chance to receive support from the Congressional delegation in fiscal year 2010.

Mr. Lehman inquired to Council as to whether there were any questions regarding the list of the 16 projects for consideration.

Alderman Conroy inquired if there were any projects that are being held back that the City may do this year and have the ability to get funding for next year.

City Manager John Phillips stated that there are a number of projects for consideration in the Economic Stimulus Package that the City has listed. They are either projects that are already designed or can be designed very quickly. The projects include: 30^th Street Resurfacing, which is under design, but the construction had to be deferred due to budget reductions caused by the downturn in revenue from the State of Illinois; Combined Sewer Storm/Treatment Basin upgrade, which is under design; Water and Sewer Extensions to the Southwest industrial area, which is designed and on the shelf; Ridgewood Business Park infrastructure, which is under design; Resurfacing the Rock Island Parkway, which could be designed quickly and the Raw Water Pipeline Replacement, which is under design.

Mr. Lehman then discussed the appropriations process.

Mayor Schwiebert inquired upon Mr. Lehman to explain where the Economic Stimulus Package is headed and how the City’s process would tie into that.

Mr. Lehman stated that the Economic Stimulus bill is a work in progress. The rules on how this will work are to be determined.

Mayor Schwiebert then inquired to Mr. Lehman if he would comment on the issue of directing block grant allocations towards local municipalities and by-pass the states; and the concept of loans to states as opposed to grants.

Mr. Lehman offered that the Ferguson Group is working on making sure that more monies go back to local governments.

More discussion followed in regards to funds going directly to local governments as opposed to the states.

Mayor Schwiebert discussed the unfunded federal mandate for the stormwater/sewer and the rail yard relocation. Mayor Schwiebert inquired to City Manager John Phillips as to why the rail yard relocation was identified in the initial 16 projects for consideration, but didn’t surface anywhere else.

City Manager Phillips stated that it is a regional issue; it is a Moline, Rock Island and Silvis project. Mr. Phillips indicated that it has to be taken into consideration if this is going to be the City’s priority project for transportation.

Mr. Lehman offered that the project has to be looked at as a separate issue and how the funding breaks down; the project for relocation of the rail yard is approximately $20,000.000.00. In addition, there will not be that kind of money available in the appropriations cycle for the community.

More discussion followed regarding the draft recommendations, Economic Stimulus Package, Water Resources Development Act and other projects that were either recommended or considered.

After discussion, Mayor Schwiebert and City Manager Phillips thanked Mr. Lehman for being available to discuss the legislative priorities.

Mr. Phillips stated that the Quad City Development Group (QCDG) is planning a trip to Washington from March 17, 2009 through March 19, 2009.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion made by Alderwoman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to adjourn the meeting carried on a roll call vote. Those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was adjourned at 6:39 p. m.

___________________________

Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk

Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M.A. Brooks I, David Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Stephen L. Tollenaer, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. City Manager John Phillips was also present.

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 Pauley gave the Invocation.

Agenda Item #5

Minutes of the Meeting of January 5, 2009.

A motion was made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of January 5, 2009 as written. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #6

State of the City Address by Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert.

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

State of the City Address - January, 2009

Tonight will be my last opportunity to address this audience in reviewing the State of our City. As such, I trust you will indulge me in spending perhaps a little less time talking about the future and more about things achieved and lessons learned over the 20 years.

However, not to depart completely from past practice, I’d like to begin by reviewing a few of the achievements and milestones marked in the year just ended, moving on to a few thoughts about the future, and then concluding with some thoughts on lessons learned during the last two decades in our city’s and region’s history.

On The Year Ended:

During this last year, Rock Island made progress in a number of important areas.

Along our major corridors, such as 18^th Avenue and Blackhawk Road, we saw new facilities open, including the splendid new Hy-Vee store on 18^th Avenue, the Virdi Eye Clinic on Blackhawk Road, as well as significant progress made in construction of the new Quad City Kidney Center on 17^th Street and Eye Surgeons Associates Center also on Blackhawk Road.

In the downtown, conversion continues on the old McKesson Warehouse into 22 beautiful condominiums with splendid river views and about 20,000 square feet of first floor commercial space. This building, in addition to providing a great use of a vacant industrial facility adjacent to our Mississippi Riverfront, also incorporates a number of LEED “Green” design principles - including a really “cool” green roof.

The downtown will also witness early this year the demolition of the Armory and development of a wonderful new riverfront park. Representing an $11 million total investment of downtown TIF funds, this new park will include a performance pavilion, fountain feature, river overlook, and playground, as well as ultimately docking facilities and ferryboat service between Rock Island and Davenport. It will be a sort of “Village Green”, literally bringing the majestic Mississippi River from our backyard squarely into our downtown “front yard”. This will also complement our strong and growing office, residential, and Arts and Entertainment District downtown.

The District itself saw revitalization this last year with new staff hired to coordinate downtown development. With a growing number of people who live downtown - especially young professionals - we’re developing a growing neighborhood as well as business base, in this historic heart of our community.

Meanwhile, on the art front, things just keep getting better. With the opening of the newly renovated DeSoto Arts Building at 3^rd Avenue and 24^th Street we’ve added the Quad City Woodturners and DeSoto Potters to our downtown arts scene. They join Quad City Arts, Quad City Ballet, Mid-Coast Arts, Liquid Fire Glass Blowing Studio, and the new DuMarche on 3^rd artist loft condominiums. These attractions together make downtown Rock Island the arts center of the region. Our strong entertainment base promises to combine with the Arts to provide a magnet to attract ever more young people to our community as visitors, residents, and business people.

Of course, the largest single development project during this last year – and, in fact, in Rock Island’s long history – opened in December, 2008. The magnificent new Jumer’s Casino and Hotel Resort features 42,000 square feet of Las Vegas quality gaming space, a 205 room hotel, 4 restaurants, a health spa, and a 7,500 square foot convention and banquet facility - all situated on the edge of a 72 acre lake. We expect this $151 million dollar project will significantly increase our gaming revenue, our property tax base, and our hotel / motel and sales tax revenues. In addition it will generate much needed revenue for the State of Illinois and serve as a catalyst for additional development in our Southwest area. Finally, the new Jumer’s resort frees up our Mississippi riverfront to allow for the development of Armory Park. We are grateful to the Jumer’s organization for sticking with the City through good times and bad over the last 16 years, to end up with this extremely positive project that will serve our community well while providing a major new tourist draw for our entire region.

Last year also saw continued progress in another area of priority to our City Council and me; namely the Greening of our community. We are all conscious of the problems posed by our nation’s excessive dependence on foreign oil, the volatility of fuel prices, and the challenge of global warming and resource depletion threatening the well being of our children. Starting on the local level, Rock Island has sought to lead by example in addressing those challenges. During this last year, we purchased and upgraded the Sear’s Hydropower Plant on the Rock River, to provide 55% of the City estimated future fuel needs. This ranks us at the top of America’s cities in use of non-polluting energy. We also purchased a fleet of over 20 hybrid vehicles for the City fleet and established a “Green Team” in City Hall to explore new ways to make our building code, City facilities, and purchasing processes more environmentally responsible. The savings in long term fuel costs as well as benefits to our environment amply justify these initiatives and reflect well on our City Council and staff for pursuing this priority. They also earned us statewide recognition as Lt. Governor Quinn awarded us our second State Environmental Hero Award for our efforts.

Last year we saw some wonderful developments with long time Rock Island businesses, including the 16,000 square foot expansion of KJWW Engineering. Not only is this a beautiful new addition to KJWW’s headquarters, but it was built in accordance with LEED environmental standards, thereby providing an energy-efficient model for clients worldwide to see how Green principles can be incorporated in a very attractive and functional office setting.

Rock Island has also continued, in these troubled times, to create home ownership opportunities for people who live in our area. The Economic Growth Corporation has now assisted over 410 people with becoming homeowners. A range of creative programs includes Live-Work Rock Island, in which Rock Island employers help pay closing costs for folks who work in Rock Island and buy homes here. Habitat for Humanity has continued its great humanitarian work, by filling all seven lots the City donated in Habitat Park with first time homeowners. We also continue to work with the Housing Authority and private developers to expand housing opportunities in Rock Island. As a result, and unlike many other parts of the country, our property values have remained stable and actually gone up in Rock Island.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the wonderful affirmation that our residents expressed early last year by endorsing, with an overwhelming 65% majority, a bond referendum to allow the Rock Island - Milan Schools to build the first new school in the City in over 35 years and to renovate all our older grade schools to 21^st Century standards. The school district has a tradition of award-winning excellence, which will be well served by this vote of confidence. Both our public and private schools in Rock Island give excellent educational opportunities, from pre-school Head Start Programs, to graduate level courses at the Quad City Graduate Center on Augie’s Campus.

This educational base, coupled with our vibrant Arts and Entertainment District downtown, our great diversity of neighborhoods, and a cultural range that extends from people of multiple faiths to various ethnic backgrounds, truly makes Rock Island the most cosmopolitan of the Quad Cities. It is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

On The Future:

As mentioned at the outset, my comments on the future will be somewhat abbreviated today, given the fact that much of what the future holds in store will be in the hands of others to decide.

However, I would like to comment briefly on the current economic and political situation as it relates to our future.

Because the Midwest tends to be a little less “exuberant” than our neighbors on the east and west coasts, we aren’t seeing the same kinds of dramatic drops in real estate values that afflict other parts of the country.

However, the effects of the national recession on business expansion, consumer spending, and availability of credit, all give us cause for concern. With relatively flat or declining revenues from income, sales, and replacement taxes, as well as increases in costs of government caused by unfunded mandates and rises in costs of materials and services, the days ahead will be challenging. With new leadership in Washington less hostile to Federal economic help to local and state economies, we’re hopeful that there will be infrastructure dollars coming our way at a far greater rate. This should create better opportunities for all of us. Our advance planning in the area of Green development should tie in well with new federal financial initiatives, putting us ahead of the curve in an area President-Elect Obama has targeted as a high priority of his new administration.

Even the debacle of our Governor’s recent arrest may prove ultimately beneficial. It may lead to removal of a player at the state level who has been largely an obstacle to meaningful forward movement over the last half decade.

However, all these changes underscore the need to act regionally, both to attract new businesses and to work effectively with State and Federal governments, to see that our area’s interests are well served and protected in the days to come.

Lessons of the Last Two Decades:

And this leads to my final area of comment: sharing a few thoughts on lessons learned over the last 28 years.

Since I’ve had the opportunity to study in one of the best schools of all – the School of Experience – several things have become apparent to me over the years:

1. That although each of our Quad City communities has their own unique strengths and resources, we all gain when we work together. There are always questions about whether any given city gets its fair share, but we all benefit when we focus on the things which unite rather than divide us. We’re heard better in Washington, Springfield, or with prospective industries when we speak as a community of 400,000 rather than as separate communities of 20, 40, or 90 thousand people. Areawide organizations such as Bi-State Regional Commission, Quad City Development Group, The Rock Island Arsenal Task Force, Quad City Graduate Center, and Quad City Arts cannot exist without the cooperation and participation of all of us; and each in turn has done much over the years to attract new jobs, industries, and a better quality of life to our region.

This doesn’t deny that differences will occur. Or that these area-wide organizations must constantly consider reasonable distribution of benefits throughout the region. Such measures are always important to keeping all stakeholders engaged and satisfied.

But, regional cooperation is critical to our future success.

2. That we must constantly focus and build on our strengths. Rock Island’s proactive, well-run government; its rich culture and history; its compact downtown; its strong civic spirit and diverse economy, all favor our future. We have challenges as well, including aging infrastructure and neighborhoods. But we do well always to focus on our positives in our marketing and development efforts to build on these considerable strengths. Patience, persistence, and a positive outlook will always bear the best fruit.

3. That public-private partnerships are essential to development. I have always been a strong believer in the ability of government to serve as a catalyst for positive change. Hopefully, during my term in office we’ve demonstrated this with some of the things we’ve initiated – such as the Commercial Industrial Revolving Loan Fund set up 25 years ago, which has helped create or retain over 3,900 jobs and leveraged over $80 million in new investments in Rock Island. Or Renaissance Rock Island with its various parts, that has led the way in downtown revitalization and promoting homeownership opportunities.

By the same token, the private sector has become very dependent upon public sector participation to make things happen. There aren’t many major developments within the Quad City region in the last 20 years that haven’t had significant public sector support - whether by way of tax increment financing, revolving loan funds, or other incentives to make a deal work.

But like any partnership, both partners are important. The government cannot do it alone. We may be able to provide incentives, favorable zoning or other provisions, even tax rebates to help desired outcomes come to pass. But without active and major private sector initiatives, things don’t really move forward.

Because of our geography and unique demographics, Rock Island has more of a challenge in generating private sector investment than some of our neighboring communities. That has prompted City Hall in Rock Island to be perhaps more consistently forward-leaning than others in our region.

But this is not, and cannot be enough without significant and enhanced private sector initiatives in the years to come. This is what it will take for the kind of positive momentum we all desire, to yield our community’s even better days in the years ahead.

4. That answers for the future can often be found in the past. As we faced the national economic meltdown this last year, parallels were drawn to the 1930s and the Great Depression. We have found many leaders invoking the experience of Franklin Roosevelt during those dark days as a model for innovation and experimentation. Secretary of Treasury Paulson has exemplified this in repeated efforts to tweak the bailout funds to better respond to the credit crisis and sagging stock market.

On the local level, looking to the past for the future often also makes good sense. So we find ourselves talking about passenger rail service as an alternative to driving to and from Chicago. We find ourselves utilizing hydropower in place of natural gas, drawing an interesting parallel to what brought John Deere and Fredrick Weyerhauser to the area over 150 years ago. We find downtowns once again becoming urban centers, not only for offices and businesses; but for art, entertainment, and residential populations. Volatile gas prices are likely to make in-fill housing and moving back into the city more attractive. The concept of neighborhoods, where people live closer together and share common green space, are also gaining appeal again, recreating something of America’s past.

Such historical awareness may help us respond to a whole new range of 21^st century problems - from rising gas prices, to loss of farmland, to increasing desire to connect with our neighbors. The “past is truly prelude”; and we may shorten our learning curve if we take seriously lessons of the past to build our future.

5. And this brings me to the final lesson that I have seen reinforced over the last 20-plus years: The value of civic engagement.

It has been popular during the last several decades in America to argue that government is bad, greed is good, taxes are a dirty word, and if we all just take care of ourselves, society will be fine.

Now, as a nation, we have come to realize, especially in recent months, that we truly do depend on one another, upon responsible and engaged government, and upon the role of each citizen to do his or her part to build a stronger community. Whatever our gifts - whether as teachers or preachers, plumbers or mechanics, as orators or those who do the deeds that need to be done -we all have gifts that are best measured, not by what we do for ourselves, but what we do for one another. Winston Churchill aptly observed that “we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”.

Rock Island has a wonderful tradition of civic engagement. We have, for many years, had more boards and commissions - with opportunities for citizen service - than any of our neighboring communities. We have always had a can do attitude in the face of economic reversals, such as the plant closings in the 1980s. This has allowed us not to curl up in a ball or sulk when things go wrong. Instead we figure out how we can take what we have and make it better.

With confidence in the presence of this remarkable quality in Rock Island, as well as in our strong and talented team of people in the public and private sector willing to lend a hand, and new Federal and State leadership, I have confidence that the better days of our community still lie ahead.

So, in closing, I want to thank all of you for your support, confidence, and trust over these many years. And I want to express to you my firm belief, in the words of a great American President that “the only limitation on our realization of the future is our doubt in the present. Let us move forward with a strong and active faith”.

Thank you.

Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert

City of Rock Island

January, 2009

Agenda Item #7

Presentation of the 2008 Commercial Beautification and Holiday Lights Awards.

Beautification Commission member Bob Towler and Mayor Schwiebert presented the 33^rd Annual Holiday Lighting Awards to four (4) residential and three (3) commercial winners. First Place residential winners were Kim Reda of 3212 14^th Street and Thomas and Julie Engels of 1911 24^th Street; Paula Arnell of 3904 7^th Avenue was the second place award recipient; and Donald Sturms of 3601 14^th Street was the Third Place winner. Commercial winners were Broadway Presbyterian Church of 710 23^rd Street, which won First Place; Second Place winner was One Hair Place of 1301 30^th Street; and Third Place winner was the Victorian Inn of 702 20^th Street.

Beautification Commission member Bob Towler and Mayor Schwiebert then presented the 2008 Commercial Beautification Awards. The Rotary Trophy winner was presented to KJWW of 623 26^th Avenue. The Mayor’s Award was presented to Hy-Vee of 2930 18^th Avenue. The Beautification Commission Award was presented to the Greater Antioch Baptist Church of 929 14^th Street; and the City Council Award was presented to Virdi Eye Clinic of 4600 30^th Street. There were also 15 businesses awarded with Honorable Mention Certificates. Mr. Towler thanked Trisha Taylor, Website/Grant Coordinator for her efforts on the awards.

Agenda Item #8

Proclamation declaring January 19, 2009 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Mayor Schwiebert read the Proclamation declaring January 19, 2009 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Martin Luther King Center Director Jerry Jones stepped forward and accepted the Proclamation. Mr. Jones stated that he wanted to invite the entire community to the memorial service for Doctor King, which will be held on Monday, January 19, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Martin Luther King Center at 630 9^th Street. Mr. Jones noted that time will be spent recognizing the excellence that exists in the community and follows along the legacy of Dr. King. Mr. Jones offered that the I Have A Dream award will be presented on that day, which recognizes a Rock Island citizen who has given exemplary service to Rock Island and the Quad City community. In addition, Mr. Jones stated that the Tia Rice award will be given to youth for similar reasons. Mr. Jones indicated that another event that will take place at the memorial service includes a full two-year scholarship provided by Blackhawk College in which the Martin Luther King Center will have the honor of selecting the student that will receive that scholarship.

Agenda Item #9

A Special Ordinance amending a Special Ordinance establishing one (1) additional handicapped parking space at 16 ½ Street and 2^nd Avenue.

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance amending a Special Ordinance establishing one (1) additional handicapped parking space at 16 ½ Street and 2^nd Avenue. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #10

A Special Ordinance amending a Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit at 3055 38^th Street.

Alderman Austin moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance amending a Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit at 3055 38^th Street. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #11

A Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 1524 33^rd Street.

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 1524 33^rd Street. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #12

A Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 509 18^th Avenue.

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderman Tollenaer seconded to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 509 18^th Avenue. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #13

TAX ABATEMENT RESOLUTIONS

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Conroy to adopt the Resolutions as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

a. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $787,331.25, such funds to be provided from Water Revenues, Sunset Marina Revenues, Special Assessment Revenues and Park Funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, Series 2001.

b. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $114,150.00, such funds to be provided from Tax Increment Financing, Gaming Revenues, Sewer Revenues and Sunset Marina Revenues to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, Series 2002.

c. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $285,192.50, such funds to be provided from Public Benefit Revenues, Wastewater and Sunset Marina funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, Series 2003.

d. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $436,650.00, such funds to be provided from Public Benefit Revenues, Debt Service Revenues, Wastewater and TIF funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, Series 2004.

e. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $299,475.00, such funds to be provided from Public Benefit Revenues, Wastewater and Park funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, Series 2005.

f. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $426,200.00, such funds to be provided from Public Benefit Revenues and Wastewater funds to pay principle and interest on General Obligation Bonds, Series 2007.

g. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $632,185.00, such funds to be provided from Public Benefit Revenues, Wastewater funds, Hydropower and Gaming funds to pay principle and interest on General Obligation Bonds, Series 2008A and Series 2008B.

h. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $291,010.74, such funds to be provided from Downtown TIF Revenues to pay principle and interest on General Obligation Bonds, Series 2008D.

i. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $53,363.33, such funds to be provided from Hydropower Revenues to pay principle and interest on General Obligation Bonds, Series 2008C.

Agenda Item #14

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to intervene in the property tax appeal of Illinois Casualty Company.

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to adopt the Resolution as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #15

CLAIMS

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Conroy, to accept the following reports and authorize payment as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

a. Report from the Finance Department regarding payment in the amount of $10,000.00 to Katten Muchin Rosenman, LLP for legal services for the Series 2008D General Obligation Bonds issued for Armory Park improvements.

b. Report from the Finance Department regarding payment in the amount of $2,421.63 to ImageMaster for printing services for the Series 2008D General Obligation Bonds issued for Armory Park improvements.

Agenda Item #16

Claims for the week of January 2 through January 8 in the amount of $706,431.96.

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded to allow the claims. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #17

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the purchase of property at 4520 9^th Street and 4630 11^th Street in the amount of $750,000.00.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to approve the purchase as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #18

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the first phase of the Armory Park project, recommending the bid be awarded to Williams/Valley Construction Management L.L.C. in the amount of $2,137,302.00.

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderman Pauley seconded to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #19

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an agreement with Keep Rock Island Beautiful, Inc. for the use of the Centennial Bridge Visitors Center.

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #20

Report from the Martin Luther King Center regarding a contract with the Illinois Department of Human Services in the amount of $55,000.00 for purchasing a van and to support an antiviolence campaign.

Alderman Pauley moved and Alderman Austin seconded to approve the agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents.

Discussion followed with Alderman Brooks inquiring upon Martin Luther King Center Director Jerry Jones to explain what the contract entails.

Mr. Jones stated that this is a contract with the Illinois Department of Human Services for $55,000.00. Mr. Jones offered that $50,000.000 is going towards the purchase of a vehicle or vehicles to provide transportation to program participants to the King Center. Mr. Jones added that due to many youths being denied access to programming due to the lack of transportation to the center, this will serve as a solution to that issue.

Mr. Jones stated that $5,000.00 will be used to support the Violence Is Not The Answer campaign in the Illinois Quad Cities. Mr. Jones indicated that the Illinois Department of Human Services responded to Senator Mike Jacobs’ request for this funding.

After discussion, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #21

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an Ordinance for expanding the prohibition area for potable wells in the City.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance expanding the prohibition area for potable wells in the City.

Discussion followed with Alderman Brooks inquiring upon Special Projects Manager Sally Heffernan to explain Agenda Item #21.

Ms. Heffernan discussed the reason that the City has these types of Ordinances. Ms. Heffernan stated that the City applies to the Environmental Protection Agency for a No Further Remediation Letter in which many banks and other financial institutions require before they will loan the money for purchase, renovation or any type of work or construction on a site. Ms. Heffernan added that if there is any contamination, which is minimal, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency wants some kind of assurance that no one will dig a well into that contamination and hit an area where there would be contaminated water. Ms. Heffernan added that in a number of instances, it is required that a no drinking well Ordinance be attached to the deed or property. It was noted that the Ordinance only covers wells where people would have the ability to get to the water and drink it.

After discussion, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #22

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from the Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation for rezoning from an I-2 (general industrial) district to a PUD (planned unit development) district, preliminary PUD Site Plan and a Riverfront Corridor Overlay District site plan review at 321 and 327 24^th Street.

Alderman Austin moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #23

Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet.

City Manager John Phillips made reference to the report included in the memo packet regarding a neighbor who was concerned about the location of a sign at the Ganson’s development at 3055 38^th Street. It was noted that staff met with the neighbor and the issue was solved.

The Mayor mentioned that he had the opportunity to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony at Ganson’s Neighborhood Bakery and Cafe this past Saturday. Mayor Schwiebert stated that it is a beautiful facility.

Mr. Phillips stated that an update to the water service problem located at 11^th Street and 15 ½ Avenue was included in the memo packet for Council review.

Mr. Phillips made reference to the Budget schedule that was included in the memo packet, and reminded Council members to mark those dates down for the two (2) Budget sessions scheduled on Saturday, February 28, 2009 and Saturday, March 7, 2009.

Mr. Phillips inquired upon Parks and Recreation Director Bill Nelson to update Council on information regarding program assistance, request forms and a new procedure that Parks is pursuing in terms of providing assistance to various organizations.

Mr. Nelson stated that the Budget was reviewed and it was recognized that there were a number of support programs that have helped many groups that have been associated with Parks and Recreation. Mr. Nelson offered that it was realized that Parks and Recreation would not be able to continue to provide all of the support that has been given in the past. It was noted that they wanted to have a better process to determine what associations would be provided with support. Mr. Nelson stated that the letter that was distributed to Council earlier was sent out today to a number of groups that Parks and Recreation has worked with in the past. Mr. Nelson indicated that these associations have been asked to attend a meeting on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hauberg Civic Center to discuss this new process. It was noted that Parks and Recreation is developing a grant proposal in which the organizations or groups will be asked to do self evaluations on their programs. These evaluations will be reviewed and allocations of support will be given out based on that information.

Agenda Item #24

Other Business

None

Agenda Item #25

Executive Session on Personnel.

The Executive Session was held prior to the regular meeting.

Agenda Item #26

Recess

A motion was made by Alderman Tollenaer and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to recess to Monday, January 19, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

The meeting was recessed at 7:31 p.m.

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Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk