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, David A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Also present were City Manager John Phillips, Public Works Director Robert Hawes, Personnel Director John Thorson, Risk Manager Troy Larson, Community Economic Development Director Greg Champagne, Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen, Parks and Recreation Director Bill Nelson, Fire Chief Doug Vroman, and City Attorney Ted Kutsunis. Alderman Daniel Rockwell was absent.

 

SWEARING IN OF NEW CITY CLERK

 

Mayor Scwiebert opened the meeting with the swearing in of the new City Clerk, Aleisha

Patchin.

 

FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

 

City Manager John Phillips then opened the discussion by providing the Council with a brief review of a previous weeks update regarding fiscal year 2007/2008 spending bills and the new plan on earmarks. City Manager Phillips explained that the incoming congressional leadership would be a year-long joint resolution for fiscal year 2007 spending with no congressional earmarks and a moratorium on all earmarks until a reformed process is in place. City Manager Phillips stated that although there may be a short-term negative impact there would be appropriations earmarking in the future, beginning in the upcoming fiscal year 2008 process.

 

After the brief review, City Manager Phillips placed a conference call with Trent Lehman and Bob Schmidt of the Ferguson Group. Trent Lehman explained that the Ferguson Group and the City staff were able to identify twenty-five (25) projects that had the potential to be eligible for some type of Federal Assistance.  Lehman noted that these projects reflect the most relevant issues facing the City in the context of the Federal Appropriations process. Bob Schmidt of the Ferguson Group stated that out of the twenty-five (25) projects on the list, nine (9) projects were selected in which the Ferguson Group believed would have the best opportunity for Congressional support in Fiscal Year 2008. Both gentlemen offered that these projects were chosen based on the merits of the project, the Congressional support received last year, the goals represented to the Ferguson Group by the City, the intricacies of the Federal Appropriations process, and the state of development and planning of the projects.

 

After much discussion of possibly eliminating several projects, City Manager Phillips stated that the Combined Sewer Long term Control Plan is a top priority as well as the Metro Link and the Columbia Park projects. City Manager Phillips stated that the City’s top priorities would be put on the January 22nd Agenda for Council approval. Mayor Scwiebert then questioned Mr. Lehman and Mr. Schmidt on when there would be answers about the funding.  Mr. Lehman offered that the current resolutions expire on February 15th, 2007. Earmarks are part of the culture, and hopefully Congress will move forward at that time. Mr. Schmidt stated that possibly in several weeks more would be known on the funding issue. Mayor Schwiebert thanked both Gentlemen for their time.

 

 

Public Hearing Process Revisions

 

Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen addressed the Council to explain several Public Hearing process revisions concerning Special Use Permits.  Mr. Carmen explained that in the past, we have allowed anyone that was called as an interested party or person to register ahead of time, and that they have had the right to cross examine witnesses. This was something that resulted from a Supreme Court decision in 2002, called the Klaeren decision. Legislators now have changed the rules. The procedure now is treated as a Legislative process rather than a Judicial process. This means that in the future, instead of having the right to cross examinations, other people will have a right to be heard, but not to cross examine witnesses, and will be swearing in anyone on a special hearing in the beginning before they offer any statements of testimony to Council.

 

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

A motion was made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo at 6:01 p.m. to recess to Executive Session on matters of Litigation. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was recessed at 6:12 p.m.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to reconvene to regular session at 6:13p.m. The motion carried on a voice vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.  A motion was then made by Alderwoman Murphy and seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried on a voice vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was adjourned at 6:16p.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 Terry M. A. Brooks I, David Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, 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.  Alderwoman Murphy gave the Invocation. 

 

Agenda Item #5

Minutes of the Meeting of January 8, 2007

 

A motion was made by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, to approve the Minutes of the meeting of January 8, 2007 as written.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #6

Special Ordinance allowing the sale of the 2007 General Obligation Bonds to finance the 2006/2007 Spring Hills Estates Reconstruction, 2007/2008 Reconstruction of 32nd Avenue, 12th to 14th Street, Reconstruction of 25th Avenue, 5th to 7th Street, and Engineering for Wastewater improvements in the amount of $4,885,000.00

 

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderman Rockwell seconded to consider the sale of the 2007 General Obligation Bonds in the amount of $4,885,000.00 as recommended.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #7

Tax Abatement Resolutions

 

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

 

a.  Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $789,311.25, 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 $120,250.00, 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 $279,440.00, such funds to be

     provided from Public Benefits 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 $446,500.00, such funds to be 

    provided from Public Benefit, Debt Service, Wastewater, and TIF funds to pay

    principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, Series 2004.

 

e. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $418,725.00, such funds to be 

    provided from Public Benefit, Wastewater and Park funds to pay principal and interest

    on General Obligation Bonds, Series 2005.

 

Agenda Item #8

CLAIMS

 

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

 

 a.  Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #4 in the amount of 

$832,826.51to Brandt Construction for 7th Avenue resurfacing of 11 to 21st Streets. (005)   

 

  b.   Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #7 in the amount of  

$4,075.00 to Kodiak Site Contractors for 2006 Sod and Tree Program. (015)

 

c.     Report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding payment in 

the amount of $12,100.00 to   ESRI, Inc. for annual GSI Software Maintenance. (023)

 

 

Agenda Item #9

Claims for the weeks of January 5, through January 11, 2007 in the amount of $438,847.25.

 

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

 

Agenda Item 10

Report from the Public Works Department regarding the Purchase of Police Car Equipment bids from Ray O’Herron Co., Inc. in the amount of $41,190.00 for items #1, #4 and #16, and from Electronic Engineering in the amount of $17,931.28 for items #2, #3, #5, #6, #11, #12, and #13, and from Communications Engineering Co. in the amount of $1,442.27 for items #7, #8, #9, #10,  #14 and #15,

 

 
 and authorize the purchase of Police Car Lighting Equipment from Ray O’Herron Co., Inc. in the amount of $2,175.00, and request that the current Police Car Equipment be declared as surplus. (009)

 

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Austin, to award the bids, approve the purchase, and refer to the City Attorney to draft an Ordinance declaring the current Police Car Equipment as surplus as recommended.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #11

Report from the Public Works Department regarding Police Car Radio bids from GEM Electronics in the amount of $9,059.70 for twenty-three (23) VHF band two-way radios, and to purchase from GM Electronics twenty-three (23) UHF band two-way radios in the amount of $9,467.03, and request that the current Police Car Equipment be declared as surplus. (010)

 

It was moved by Alderman Rockwell, seconded by Alderman Conroy, to award the bid, approve the purchase, and refer to the City Attorney to draft an Ordinance declaring the current Police Car  Equipment as surplus as   recommended.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #12

Report from the Police Department regarding the purchase of thirty-nine (39) cases of .40 caliber pistol practice ammunition, eight (8) cases of .223 caliber rifle practice ammunition, one (1) case of .223 caliber rifle duty ammunition, and two (2) cases of 12 gauge shotgun practice ammunition from Shore galleries, Inc. in the amount of $7, 512.66.

 

A motion was made by Alderman Conroy, 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 Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

 

Agenda Item # 13

Report from Report from the Police Department regarding the purchase of twenty-five (25) cases of Winchester .40 caliber ammunition from T. J. Conevera’s Inc. in the amount of $ 3, 682.50. (005)

 

A motion was made 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 Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #14

Report from the Police Department regarding the purchase of a Recon Angle Encoder Kit from Laser Technology Inc. in the amount of  $3, 425.00. (151)

 

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

 

Agenda Item #15

Report from the Public Works Department regarding an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Cities of Moline and Rock Island regarding the 18th Avenue and 46th Street Project.

 

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the agreement and pay half the costs in the amount of $44,500.00, and direct the City Manager and City Clerk to sign the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Rock Island and the City of Moline. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item # 16

Report from the General Administration requesting a contribution for the Quad City Venetian Lighted Boat Parade in the amount $1,500.00 to cover part of the cost of insurance.

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy and seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to approve   a contribution for the Quad City Venetian Lighted Boat Parade in the amount of $1,500.00 to cover part of the cost of insurance as recommended. Following discussion, it was then moved by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the request for a $1,500.00 contribution subject to the City of Davenport provide equal support. The motion carried by the following Aye and no vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The main motion was then brought forward for discussion. There being no discussion, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin: those voting

No, none.

 

Agenda item #17

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding Public Hearing Process Revisions on Special Use Permits.

 

A motion was made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to

adopt the Public Hearing process procedures for Special Use Permits as recommended.      The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #18

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to ban parking on the west side of 43rd Street between 14th and 15th Avenues.

 

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

 

Agenda Item #19

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to install a handicapped parking space at 1916 9˝ Street.

 

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

 

Agenda Item #20

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to install a handicapped parking space at 3111 9 Street.

 

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

Agenda Item #21

Items From the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet

 

City Manager John Phillips addressed the Council and stated the City was awarded a $50,000.00 Grant from Tyson Foods to apply to environmental clean up in connection with the Quad City Botanical Center Children’s Garden.

 

City Manager Phillips noted a thank you letter that was sent to the City by Rock Island Public Schools in appreciation for creating the new Lights and Sirens class at Rock Island High School during the second semester of this academic year. Mr. Phillips also thanked Officer Tim McCloud and other officers for their hard work. City Manager Phillips stated that the program is going very well.  Mayor Schwiebert noted that this is an outstanding attempt at giving students a glance into a career as a Police Officer, and a possible tool for future recruitment.

 

Agenda Item #22

Other Business

 

None

 

Agenda Item #23

Executive Session

 

The Executive Session was held prior to the Regular Meeting.

 

Agenda Item #24

RECESS

 

A motion was made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, January 22nd, 2007 at 5:00 pm.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

           

The meeting was recessed at 7:09 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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                                                                                                                                                                                    Aleisha L. Patchin    City Clerk