The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session for Study Session on Monday, January 17 2005 at 5:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert. Terry M. A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White and Charles "Chuck" Austin. Alderman Ann L. Keefe was absent. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne and Planning Administrator Alan Carmen. Others present included Executive Director of the Rock Island Housing Authority Susan L. Anderson, Managers of RIHA’s Community Housing Solutions Steve Moller and Olie Johnson, Housing Authority Board Member Beth Mahlo, and Executive Director of Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation Dan Carmody.
City Manager John Phillips noted that the items to be discussed included the Hope VI Grant that the Housing Authority is applying for, and also the CDBG Allocations that have been revised due to a loss of funding. He stated that there were some items to be discussed in Executive Session if there was enough time following these discussions.
Susan Anderson reviewed the history and the mission of the Rock Island Housing Authority, which has been in existence for over fifty years. She noted that they are committed to pursuing new and creative ways to meet the changing housing needs of the diverse population of Rock Island. She discussed their Asset Management Plan, along with the Physical Needs Assessment and Market Study, which were done with the input provided by residents, staff, commissioners, City staff, community leaders and citizens of Rock Island.
One of the sections of the document deals with the demolition of Valley Homes and the subsequent development of the property for rebuilding single-family houses. Ms. Anderson reviewed the relocation plan and the types of houses that would be built on this property. She indicated that they plan to remove the hill in order to build the houses on the land. She indicated that the grant is due by February 2. She discussed the options for relocation of the people currently living in Valley Homes, which will include relocation to other RIHA owned properties, to privately owned rental property in Rock Island, assistance with home ownership, and other relocation assistance.
Ms. Anderson discussed the plans for the Creekwood Park, which will consist of single-family housing units. She stated that they are partnering with the Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation on this project. She stated that they plan to have about thirty-seven new mix, single-family homes on the Valley Homes property and adjacent land, with one third for low income, one-third for moderate income and one third at market value.
Ms. Anderson discussed the various benefits of the project, noting that both current and future residents would benefit through the creation of more affordable housing opportunities in Rock Island. She stated that eth City of Rock Island would benefit through the removal of older and obsolete housing and the creation of new homes and additional homeowners. The City would also gain through an increased tax base, which would allow them to improve the quality of life for all citizens by providing enhanced services. She stated that the community benefits through the elimination of low-income housing neighborhoods and the negative stigma associated with them, as would as with the creation of new housing which will enhance and improve the quality of life for residents throughout the community.
Ms. Anderson explained that the grant is not easy to obtain, as there were seventy applicants last eyar and fifteen were funded. She stated that this year, the funds have been cut so there will only be six grants awarded in the amount of $20 million per grant. She noted that they have been speaking with community leaders and have a number of letters of commitment. Dan Carmody stated that this project reinvents the area between Broadway and the hilltop. He noted that they are also working with the developers of the other new development on the site of the Huber Home.
Alderman White noted that there were no places for a swing set, and the size of the lots was too small. She stated that there are other small lots in the neighborhood where there is no space for a garage or for children to play, and suggested that they increase the size of the lots. Ms. Anderson stated that this is a conceptual plan, and the details will be worked out after the grant money is received. She indicated that, once they are awarded the grant, they have ninety days to submit their plans. She stated that they are looking for support for the concept and the idea. Ms. Mahlo stated that they need to find final numbers for the amount of land available, and they have discussed the same concerns as Alderman White expressed about the lot size. Alderman Conroy asked if they were able to establish a covenant to regulate what can be placed on the property such as different types of outbuildings. Ms. Anderson responded that they have not gotten that far as yet. Alderman Bauersfeld asked about the sewer infrastructure on the site. Mr. Phillips stated that they will be relocating the utilities to accommodate the project, and the city agrees to rebuild these utilities that will also benefit the other development as well. Steve Moller noted that they are not sure as yet what lines are currently present on the property.
Alderman Bauersfeld noted that he supports the acquisition of additional property for the project, and asked if the City was being requested to purchase lots for the additional ten houses. Mr. Phillips stated that the City might have some lots available for the ten additional structures, but they are not implying that the city will purchase the property. He noted that the city is being asked to extend the utilities.
Ms. Anderson stated that the HOPE VI is a fifty-two month program, with a ninety-day planning period. She indicated that the HUD Secretary will be making the final decision, and encouraged those who will be visiting Washington D.C. to speak in favor of this grant. She stated that, if the grant is not awarded this year, they would request a critique of their grant application and plan to submit it again the following year. They plan to begin site clearance in early spring of 2006, if the funding is approved. She noted that they have applied for a separate grant for the demolition and site clearance. She stated that they would continue to look for other opportunities to apply for additional grants. She discussed the Voss Brothers building which has been converted to offices for the Housing Authority, with the upstairs being converted to apartment units that will be in the $50,000 range. Mayor Schwiebert noted that this new project will be a complement to the College Hill Condominiums. He stated that it is important to maintain a sizable rental housing stock in the city.
CDBG ALLOCATIONS
Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne and Planning Administrator Alan Carmen reviewed the recommendation that is on the Agenda. Alderman Conroy expressed concern that the members of the Citizens Advisory Committee spend time to determine the allocations, and then Council changes their decisions. Alderman Brooks stated that the King Center is being asked to perform more services with less money available, and he does not think the money should be taken from the City but rather from CDBG funds.
Alderman Bauersfeld stated that when the King Center was built, it was determined that tax dollars would not be used to support the King Center, and we need to continue with that policy. He added that it is not the City’s responsibility to support social service programs. Alderman Conroy stated that his concern is that in two years, there will not be enough money to support the King Center. Mr. Phillips stated that there might be a way to plug the gap this year, using Block Grant carryover funds.
Mr. Champagne discussed the carryover funds, stating that there have been staff vacancies that have allowed for some of the carryover to occur. He stated that they can use 15% of this funding for social services. Mayor Schwiebert suggested that the City should consider continuing funding for some of the long-term organizations that have relied on CDBG funding over the years, noting that the King Center is the first responsibility of the City. Alderman Bauersfeld noted that all agencies listed work with children in training them to become better citizens and building character.
Following discussion, consensus of Council was to approve the recommendation of the staff to fund all agencies listed with the reductions noted, have staff prepare a memo regarding the use of the carryover CDBG funding to “plug the gap” for this year, and to look at long term policies to fund the larger portion of the King Center budget in years to come. This policy will be discussed at the Goal Setting Session in September.
Jerry Jones, King Center Director, stated that the HOPE VI grant would assist them in providing some of the additional services for about four years. He noted that Council would receive a report in February from the King Center with more details. Alderman Brooks noted that the expansion for the King Center is expected to generate more revenue with additional programming and uses available.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
_____________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session on Monday, January 17, 2005 at 6:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert. Terry M. A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White and Charles "Chuck" Austin. Alderman Ann L. Keefe was absent.
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 Austin to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of January 10 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
The City Clerk read an Ordinance amending Chapter 16,
including the increase of Sewer Rates for February 1, 2005 and January 1, 2006.
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Conroy to consider,
suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld,
Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #7
2407 24
STREET/HANDICAPPED PARKING ELIMINATED
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amendment
eliminating a handicapped parking space in front of 2407 24th
Street. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman
White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll
Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks,
Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
2944-2945 5
AVENUE/REZONING
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amendment
regarding the rezoning from B-3 to R-3 at 2944/2945 5th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded
by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance
CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES:
Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
RESOLUTIONS
Agenda Item #9
TAX ABATEMENT
RESOLUTIONS
The City Clerk noted that the following Tax Abatement
Resolutions can be adopted with one motion if Council wishes to do so. A motion made by Alderman Austin and
seconded by Alderman White to adopt the following the Resolutions with one
motion CARRIED on a Voice vote.
a) The City Clerk read a Resolution authorizing Tax
Abatement in the amount of $434,342.50, such funds to be provided from
Wastewater Revenues, Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center Revenues and
General Funds, to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds,
Series 1999.
b) The City Clerk read a Resolution authorizing Tax
Abatement in the amount of $798,246.25, such funds to provided from Water
Revenues, Sunset Marina Revenues, Special Assessment Revenues, and Park Funds,
to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, Series 2001.
c) The City Clerk read a Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $232,252.50, such funds to be provided from Tax Increment Financing, Gaming Revenues, Sewer Revenues, and Sunset Marina Revenues, to pay principal and interest on all but the Library portion of the General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2002, and authorizing the Tax Levy sufficient to pay principal and interest due on the Library portion of the issue in the amount of $176,310
d) The City Clerk read a Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $275,017.50, such funds to be provided from Public Benefits, Wastewater and Sunset Marina funds, to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, Series 2003.
e) The City Clerk read a Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $1,003,187.94, such funds to be provided from Public Benefits, Debt Service, Wastewater and TIF funds, to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, Series 2004.
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and
seconded by Alderman Austin to adopt the Resolutions CARRIED on a Roll Call
vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy,
Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin.
NAYS: None.
Agenda
Item #10
The City Clerk read a Resolution in
support of the Creekwood Park Development Project. Mayor Schwiebert noted that this grant is the first step in the
process of getting the grant for rebuilding the Valley Homes property. Alderman Brooks stated that the concept is a
good idea with mixed income levels in the same area, noting that one third will
be lower income, one third will be moderate income, and the remaining third
will be market value homes. Mayor
Schwiebert stated that the HOPE VI grant would also help the King Center
continue some programs and generate new ones.
Alderman White added that the homes in this development would be about
$90,000 to about $160,000 each.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by
Alderman Bauersfeld to adopt the Resolution CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld,
Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read a Resolution authorizing
participation of the City of Rock Island in the Federal Surplus Property
Program. Chief Terry Dove, RIPD,
reviewed this program, stating that this is a three-tier program with a wide
variety of equipment available at different times. There is no cost for this
tier of the program, adding that there is a requirement that the item be put
into use the first year and be used for eighteen months following the purchase.
The information on available items will be shared with other departments. A motion made by Alderman Austin and
seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adopt the Resolution CARRIED on a Roll Call
vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy,
Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin.
NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12a
The City Clerk read a report from General Administration
recommending payment to Lyle Sumek in the amount of $2,012.83 for materials
received following the 2004 Goal Setting Session.
Agenda Item #12b
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works
Department recommending payment to Hawkeye International in the amount of
$3,635.89 for emergency engine repairs on the Roll Off Truck.
Agenda Item #12c
MISSMAN,
STANLEY AND ASSOCIATES/AMERICAN DISCOVERY TRAIL
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works
Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley & Associates in the
amount of $18,956.50 for the construction observation services for the American
Discovery Trail.
Agenda Item #12d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works
Department recommending payment to Phoenix Corporation of the Quad Cities in
the amount of $40,195.59 for the 14 ½ Street Sanitary Sewer Improvement.
Agenda Item #12e
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley and Associates in the amount of $5,797.00 for the 24th Street Resurfacing.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of January 7
through 13 in the amount of $869,554.34.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to
allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.
AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and
Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
2005 UTILITY
STREET REPAIR PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works
Department regarding bids for the 2005 Utility Street Repair Program,
recommending the bid of Centennial Contractors in the amount of
$268,653.00.
A
motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to award
the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract
documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.
AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and
Austin. NAYS: None.
CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS
Agenda Item #15
ILLINOIS EPA CONSENT
DECREE/CONTRACT
The City Clerk
read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the Illinois EPA
Consent Decree, recommending that that Council approve the Consent Decree,
authorize the City Manager to execute the documents, authorize staff to begin
working immediately with the City of Moline and Triad Engineering to implement
the supplemental environmental project in March 2005, and authorize the payment
of $1,000 to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
A
motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the
Consent Decree, authorize the City Manager to execute the documents, direct
staff to begin implementation as stated, and authorize payment to IEPA in the
amount of $1000 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld,
Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
BUDGET/FINANCE
Agenda Item #16
CHILDREN’S GARDEN
PROJECT/Q C BOTANICAL CENTER
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.
Cheryl
Carney, Executive Director of the Quad City Botanical Center, spoke about the
project. She noted that a statement
will be made to the public regarding this project at the end of February or
first of March. She requested City
support for the project in order to begin the process. She stated that once the Children’s Garden
is completed, they hope that it will be a destination stop for tourists, and it
will combine history, transportation and other things of interest. She requested that $50,000 of the $200,00 be
given to them at this time in order to begin the project. Alderman Conroy noted that the 4200,000 was
pledged years ago for the Q C Botanical Center for work on the railroad
crossing, and this money was now being allocated for the Children’s
Garden.
A
motion was made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to support
the project with the forgiveness of payments and allocations as
recommended. A motion to amend the main
motion, to allocate payment of $50,00 of the $200,000 at this time to the
Botanical Center, with the remainder to be paid after the one million dollars
have been raised, CARRIED on a Voice vote.
The main motion, as amended, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy,
Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin.
NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
CDBG
ALLOCATIONS/ADJUSTMENTS
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and
Economic Development Department regarding the 2005/2006 Adjusted CDBG
Allocations, recommending that Council approve the proposed CDBG budget for
2005-2006, which includes a proportional reduction across the board, as
recommended by the CAC. Mayor
Schwiebert reviewed the discussion held during the earlier Study Session,
noting that the funding for CDBG has been reduced, and this will reduce the
allocations across the board. He noted
that the City would use carryover funds from past years to fully fund the King
Center. Following discussion, a motion
made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the
proposed CDBG budget as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld,
Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
RICAB/CATFISH PROJECT
The City Clerk
read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding
a request from RICAB regarding their Catch-A-Catfish Project, recommending that
Council authorize sponsorship of one of the catfish as requested at the cost of
$2000.00. Greg Moroni, Executive
Director of the Rock Island Clean and Beautiful Program, spoke to Council
regarding the project. He stated that
the catfish would be displayed until the auction, which is scheduled for August
21. He noted that he kickoff will be in
April, and a map will be available identifying the various locations of the
catfish that have been decorated. He
stated that this is part of a program to educate the public about the benefits
of preserving our natural resources and recycling. Mayor Schwiebert suggested locating the city-sponsored catfish
near City Hall or in the downtown area.
No decision was made for the location, but Mr. Moroni will meet with
staff and/or elected officials to determine which one they want and where to
locate it.
Following
discussion, a motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman
Bauersfeld to sponsor one catfish and authorize payment to RICAB in the amount
of $2000 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and
Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
AUTOMATED REFUSE
COLLECTION/IMPLEMENTATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works
Department recommending that Council approve the switch to Automated Refuse
Collection, and authorize staff to solicit bids for automated refuse collection
trucks and refuse carts. A motion was
made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the
switch to automated refuse collection and authorize staff to solicit bids for
trucks and refuse carts needed for the program as recommended.
Bob
Hawes, Public Works Director, spoke about the program and responded to questions
from Council. He discussed the savings that would be realized with the
implementation of this program. Council
requested that he provide a more detailed report regarding the areas where
savings would occur and the time frame when these savings would be realized.
City Manager John Phillips noted the calls received primarily from senior
citizens concerned about being able to handle the containers. Mr. Hawes noted that they would have their
choice of size, and they are not difficult to roll. He noted that they can also make special arrangements to have
manual pickup service, or in some instances, the staff will get the cart, empty
it and return it to the site.
Mr.
Hawes discussed the difference in cost if the City of Moline does not become a
partner in the program. He noted that
it will take three or four months to put the truck specs together, and by the
first of May, they should have an indication about the number of trucks needed.
He stated that the actual bids for the trucks and carts would come back to
Council for approval. Following further discussion, a motion made by Alderman
Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to DEFER the item CARRIED on a Voice
vote, in order to get a breakdown on the start-up costs, the amortization,
additional costs, saving s each year and the differences if we are a
stand-alone city.
Agenda Item #20
FIRE DEPARTMENT
PROMOTIONS/CHANGES
The City Clerk read a report from the Fire Department
regarding revisions to the process for establishing the promotion list from
recently enacted Fire Department Promotion Act, HB 1195. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and
seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the changes as recommended and refer to
the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
Agenda Item #21
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
CENTER/BOARD
The City Clerk read a memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending five reappointments to the Martin Luther King Community Center Board of Directors – Latricia Andrews, Tony Banks, Brian Hollenback, Matt Pappas and John Thorson. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the reappointments as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
City Manager John Phillips called attention to the report on the Issues Agenda, and asked Greg Champagne to discuss the “Broadway Local Historic District Nomination Status Report.” Mr. Champagne reviewed the process, noting that 70% of those received are opposed, and 30% of those received are in favor of the Broadway Local Historic District Nomination.
Mr. Phillips also pointed out the Springfield Trip with the Chamber of Commerce March 2 and 3, and the Washington Trip in the middle of March.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Austin commented on the Memorial Service at the Martin Luther King Community Center earlier in the day.
Pat McLaughlin, 1820 2nd Avenue, representing the Coalition to Save the Old Lincoln School, discussed their efforts to date. She stated that an attorney would be filing papers Tuesday for not-for-profit status, and preparing a contract for the sale of the property at the end of the week. She stated that they expect to have corporate donors as well as former students contributing to the fund, and she asked Council to repeal the ordinance regarding eminent domain, to offer TIF funds for the project, assist in the plan for restoration, provide forgivable loans, secure grant fund and work to get retail merchants in the building.
Mayor Schwiebert commended the group for the energy, but noted that the city has had no cooperation from the current owner in the past, and the building deterioration has had a negative effect on the neighborhood. He noted that the city will move forward with their plans.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by
Alderman Brooks to recess to Executive Session on matters of Property
Acquisition and Personnel CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld,
Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:00 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 9:00
p.m. A motion made by Alderman White
and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Monday, January 24 CARRIED on a
Voice vote.
The meeting was recessed at 9:01 p.m.
______________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk