The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:15 p.m. at Rock Island High School Library. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Dennis E. Pauley, Stephen L. Tollenaer, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Also present were City Manager John Phillips, Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne, Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen, Chief Building Inspector Tom Ayers, Information Technology Services Director Claire Gordon, Personnel Director John Thorson, Community Marketing Director Jennifer Fowler, Rock Island/Milan School District Marketing Director Holly Sparkman, Parks and Recreation Director Bill Nelson, Mr. Rick Loy, Superintendent of Rock Island Schools, Mr. Mike Oberhaus, Associate Superintendent of Rock Island Schools, Associate Superintendent Mr. Jim Andrews, Mr. Ken Jaeke, Director of Instruction and Assessment, Mr. Steve Clark, President of the Rock Island/Milan School Board, and members of the Rock Island/ Milan School Board, which include; Ms. Linda Dothard, Mr. Russ Kennel, Mr. Dave Rockwell, Mr. Earl Strupp, Mr. Jerry Tutskey, and Mr. Jim Veasey. Aldermen Terry M.A. Brooks I and David Conroy were absent.

 

REVIEW OF 2007-2008 CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES

 

Mr. Steve Clark led the discussion by welcoming the City Council and staff; and thanked the City for their support with their help of the Building Excellence Plan. After introductions from city administration and staff, school administration and school board members, Mr. Clark inquired upon Mayor Schwiebert to say a few words. Mayor Schwiebert stated that the City appreciated the opportunity for the joint meeting and appreciated the school board’s hospitality. Mayor Schwiebert also commented that the City was glad to have the opportunity to hear the plans that the school district has for the future of the schools. Mayor Schwiebert then inquired upon City Manager John Phillips to discuss the City’s goals and priorities.

 

Mr. Phillips stated that the Mayor and City Council have been setting goals through a strategic planning process annually for over 20 years. Mr. Phillips pointed out that last year was the first year that Green Initiatives showed up on the City’s list of priorities. Mr. Phillips discussed various Green Initiatives the City has implemented and future hopeful initiatives, which included; Green Award for purchase of 21 hybrid vehicles; Hydropower Plant purchase; and creation of the Green Team that continue to study all types of opportunities for sustainability. Mr. Phillips noted that the City is promoting the Green Initiatives internally as well as throughout the community. Other Top Priorities Mr. Phillips discussed included; establishing development plans for the area around the new casino; supporting retail development along the Blackhawk Road Corridor; begin design and establish a financing plan for the construction of Armory Park; and as schools are a critical part of the community, work with the Rock Island schools to consider actions needed to respond to school restructuring.

 

Mr. Phillips reviewed the High Priorities, one of which is to support Columbia Park redevelopment. Mr. Phillips noted that the City is working with MetroLink to put in a 25 million dollar new maintenance facility. The other High Priorities Mr. Phillips discussed included; encouraging the development of environmentally sustainable businesses; promote 11th Street retail; enhance retail recruitment in the downtown and throughout the City; and encourage the development of new housing in the $150,000.00 to $200,000.00 range.

 

REVIEW OF BUILDING EXCELLENCE PLAN

 

Mr. Steve Clark inquired upon Mr. Rick Loy to provide an update on the Building Excellence Plan.  Mr. Loy stated that it was time for the Rock Island schools and the City to make bold moves regarding the schools, and this is what the Building Excellence Plan entails. Mr. Loy commented that a citizen’s task force was assembled in 2004, facilities were studied and public forums were held to gather community input. Mr. Loy noted that overall, there were 33 scenarios regarding the restructuring of the schools that were considered by the school board.   

 

Mr. Loy explained that the Rock Island/Milan School Board is repositioning from eleven (11) to nine (9) mid-sized elementary schools. Mr. Loy stated that the plan will include; building a new magnet school with a math and science emphasis at the current Villa site; and the Primary and Intermediate Academies will be merged into one school, to be located at the current Primary Academy building. Mr. Loy noted that the Primary Academy will be expanded to accommodate the students. Additionally, major additions will be built on to Eugene Field and the Academy; and Audubon Elementary and Horace Mann Choice School will be closed. Mr. Loy stated that educational partnerships with Augustana College, St. Ambrose University and Western Illinois University will be created to enhance curriculums at Longfellow, the Academy and the new school at the Villa property. Mr. Loy added that additional spaces will be built on to Denkmann, Earl Hanson, Frances Willard, Longfellow, Ridgewood, Thomas Jefferson, Edison and Washington Schools.

 

Mr. Loy then discussed funding for this major project. Mr. Loy stated that this is an opportunity with the outstanding debt to refinance it; any bonds will be recalled and an additional 22 million dollars will be added to those bonds; and the bonds will then be refinanced for an additional ten (10) years.  The most important element, Mr. Loy pointed out is that this will be able to be accomplished without raising the tax rate.

 

Mr. Loy discussed the benefits of this process. It was stated that research reportedly links student achievement to upgraded facilities. Additionally, Mr. Loy commented that other benefits will include; the three college partnerships; the plan will serve as a catalyst for improving math and science instruction; $600,000.00 will be saved per year in operation costs by operating more efficiently; and the money will be reinvested into curricular program enhancement.

 

Mr. Loy provided reasons to everyone on why they should vote on Tuesday, February 5, 2008. The first and most important reason is that it will not increase the tax rate. Another reason noted by Mr. Loy was that the plan of repositioning will serve as a catapult for Rock Island schools. It will also be seen as a community of choice in the Quad City area. Mr. Loy reiterated that the passage of the referendum will make Rock Island schools great at the same tax rate.

 

Mayor Schwiebert inquired to Mr. Loy as to what may be included in the plans for the building of the new school as well as for the refurbishing of the existing schools that may be of a sustainable nature. Mr. Loy responded that the new school as well as in all the additions of the existing schools will have recessed (indirect) lighting and will be using green systems.

 

Chief Building Inspector Tom Ayers stated that the State Board of Education modernized the building codes this year. Mr. Ayers commented that one of those codes that schools must now be modified and constructed on is the Energy Conservation Codes. Mr. Ayers pointed out that it affects a lot of construction decisions regarding cost, heating, lighting and various other construction decisions.

 

STATUS OF THE REFERENDUM

 

Mr. Loy stated that referendum wise, there is a group named Citizens From Strong Schools. Additionally, there are six (6) to twelve (12) sub-committees.  Ms. Sparkman offered that each sub-committee head is in charge of a parent group, and responsible for contacting all of the booster clubs and PTA’s in the schools.

 

Mr. Loy noted that the groups are in the process of distributing signs out into the community; and a newsletter will be distributed by the end of the week, which explains the Building Excellence Plan. Mr. Loy added that all of these things will help to spread the word out into the community to let them know that this plan does not raise taxes when the citizens vote on the referendum on Tuesday, February 5, 2008. 

 

STATUS OF THE VILLA

 

Mr. Loy stated that this has been the most aggressive project that has been assembled regarding the Villa. It was noted that the Rock Island/Milan School District is still working with the State of Illinois on the rescission of the status of the Villa. Mr. Loy stated that some progress has been made. Mr. Loy offered that they need to start demolition this winter; and in the spring, building can begin. Mr. Loy concluded that they are on a very tight time frame if the new school is to open at the Villa site on August 1, 2009.

 

After more discussion, Mr. Clark thanked everyone for attending the meeting.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to adjourn the meeting carried on a roll call vote. Those voting Aye being Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was adjourned at 6:19 p. m.

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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                                                                                      Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 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 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. Alderman Terry M.A. Brooks I was 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 Conroy gave the Invocation. 

 

Agenda Item #5

Minutes of the Meeting of January 7, 2008. 

 

A motion was made by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo and seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of January 7, 2008 as written. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #6

Proclamation declaring January 21, 2008 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

 

Mayor Schwiebert read the Proclamation declaring January 21, 2008 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 21, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the Martin Luther King Center.  Mr. Jones noted that the theme for this year is Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere. Mr. Jones offered that time will be spent recognizing some of the people in the community who epitomizes Dr. King’s legacy and his dream and to recognize a true American hero.

 

Agenda Item #7

CLAIMS

 

It was moved by Alderman Pauley seconded by Alderman Austin, 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 Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

a.       Report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding payment in the amount of $27,221.00 to Active Network Inc. for annual software maintenance. (020)

 

b.      Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $5,857.50 to Avatech Solutions for installation of Autodesk Civil 3D 2008 and training of personnel. (004)

 

c.       Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #2 in the amount of $5,280.00 to Avatech Solutions for installation of Autodesk Civil 3D 2008 and training of personnel. (011)

 

d.      Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,129.00 to Davenport Electric Contract Company for Industrial Park street light repairs. (005)

 

e.       Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #2 and final in the amount of $43,001.80 to Municipal Sewer Services LLC for the 2007 Sewer Cleaning and Televising project. (010)

 

f.       Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #6 in the amount of $206,167.55 to C. H. Langman for 7th Avenue resurfacing of Mill to 11th Street. (012)

 

Agenda Item #8

 
 
Claims for the weeks of January 4 through January 10 in the amount of $869,783.05.

 

Alderman Tollenaer 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 Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #9

Report from the Fire Department regarding the purchase of self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) maintenance equipment from MES-Illinois in the amount of $3,174.70.

 

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

 

Agenda Item #10

Report from the Fire Department regarding the purchase of one (1) PRECOR EFX Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer from Body Dynamics in the amount of $3,000.00.

 

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

 

Agenda Item #11

Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of thirteen (13) UHF band two way radios from GEM Electronics in the amount of $5,285.54.

 

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

 

Agenda Item #12

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the purchase of Detective car lights and siren speakers, recommending the bid be awarded to Ray O’Herron Company Inc. in the amount of $6,037.20.

 

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

 

Agenda Item #13

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for City Hall air conditioning replacement, recommending the bid be awarded to Ragan Mechanical Inc. in the amount of $56,652.00.

 

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderman Tollenaer 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 Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #14

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an agreement with the Ressco Group.

 

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

 

Discussion followed with Alderwoman Murphy stating that it is an exciting project for 14th Avenue. Alderwoman Murphy offered that she thinks a lot of people will be excited about this new project of bringing the Gendler’s name back to Rock Island.

Mr. Dave Requet of 34 Wildwood Drive stepped forward and stated that this is an exciting project; it is a first step in the process of regenerating that corner. Mr. Requet commented that it has taken several years of planning with City staff and working with Augustana College to create some type of campus town setting; promoting a concept of College Hill.

 

Mr. Requet explained the layout of the new building. Mr. Requet pointed out that underneath the entire structure there would be a cellar in which 40% of that will be used for retail for the wine shop. Mr. Requet offered that they will also market the Vault, which will be a basement area that will include refrigerated beers, wines and individual wine lockers where members of the Wine Club can store their wine. Mr. Requet commented that this will be a great way to cross merchandise the old Gendler’s Wine Club with the restaurant.  Mr. Requet noted that upstairs will feature a games facility, and the restaurant will have an outdoor dining area. Mr. Requet noted that the name of the restaurant is the Black Ram and not the Black Sheep. Mr. Requet concluded by thanking Alderwoman Murphy and City staff in making the project a reality.

 

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

 

Agenda Item #15

Report from the Finance Department regarding modifications to the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget.

 

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

 

Agenda Item #16

Report from the Personnel Department regarding Merit Funding for non-affiliated employees.

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to approve full funding of the merit system (range 0% to 3.00%) retroactively to April 1, 2007 as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being 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 a request from David Levin and Hertz heavy equipment rental to apply for a Special Use Permit to operate a heavy equipment rental/sales business at 500 16th Street.

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderman Conroy seconded to allow for the application of the Special Use Permit as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #18

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding changes to the Human Relations Commission Ordinance. (Motion whether or not to approve the changes to the Human Relations Commission Ordinance as recommended, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance.)

 

Agenda Item #18 was deferred from Monday, December 17, 2007 Council Meeting; and it had been requested that Agenda Item #18 be deferred until Monday, January 21, 2008 for action. 

 

Agenda Item #19

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to restrict traffic on 41st Street between 20th Avenue and Denkmann School to northbound only on school days from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

Alderman Austin moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve the request as recommended, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance.

 

Discussion followed with Alderman Austin stating that he had talked with various neighbors who had commented on the traffic issues at Denkmann School regarding the congestion of traffic when parents drop off students in the a.m. hours and dismissal in the p.m. hours. Alderman Austin mentioned that the Principal of Denkmann School stated that this is an issue year after year; and a restriction on traffic may help. 

 

Alderman Austin stated there are very few houses that use 41st Street to access their drive ways. However, the driveway of the property at 2000 41st Street goes on to the street. Alderman Austin had concerns that during the a.m. drop off time and p.m. pick up time of students, that future property owners at 2000 41st Street would be prevented from entering their home in the p.m. (school dismissal time) due to the restriction of northbound traffic only. Alderman Austin advised that the current property owners were fine with this restriction, but future property owners may not be enthusiastic about this restriction. Alderman Austin inquired to the Mayor as to whether there was a need for appropriate language to be drafted in the Ordinance that would require this to be revisited if the property at 2000 41st Street changed hands.

 

City Manager John Phillips stated that they may come back and revisit this issue at any time.

 

Alderman Austin stated that he would support this restriction. 

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

 

Agenda Item #20

Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet.

 

City Manager John Phillips did not have any items to discuss.

 

Mayor Schwiebert stated that Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias was in town today and announced with the City, the actual first use of the State Green Awards program in connection with purchase of the City’s 21 hybrid vehicles (Honda Civics) from Zimmerman Motors. Mayor Schwiebert noted that this is the first type of purchase in the state.

 

Agenda Item #21

Other Business

 

None

 

 Agenda Item #22

No Executive Session

 

 An Executive Session was not held.

 

Agenda Item #23

Recess

 

A motion was made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, January 21, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

 The meeting was recessed at 7:05 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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                                                                      Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk