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 David A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy. Absent were Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, Daniel Rockwell, and Charles O. Austin III. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to recess to Executive Session on a matter of Personnel CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 5:40
p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular session at 6:35 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:37 p.m.
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Cynthia A. Neiggemann, Acting 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 A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III.
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 Brooks gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of the meeting of January 16 2006 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PRESENTATIONS
Agenda Item #6
SWEARING-IN OF NEW CITY
CLERK
City Clerk Jeanne Paggen swore in Cynthia “Cindy” Neiggemann as new City Clerk, to become effective January 30, 2006.
PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Schwiebert presented retiring City Clerk, Jeanne Paggen, with an official gold key to the City and proclaimed that January 23, 2006 is Jeanne Paggen Day. The City is also planting a tree in Jeanne’s honor at a site of her choice.
ORDINANCES
Agenda Item #7
4TH STREET AND 5TH
AVENUE/BOULEVARD PARKING
The Acting City Clerk read an Ordinance establishing boulevard parking on the west side of 4th Street and north side of 5th Avenue adjacent to the Watts property. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
27TH STREET AT 20TH
AVENUE/STOP SIGN PLACEMENT
The Acting City Clerk read an Ordinance amendment removing stop signs on 27th Street at 20th Avenue and installing stop signs on 20th Avenue at 27th Street. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to table the Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #9
8TH STREET AND 9TH
STREET AND 9TH AVENUE AND 11TH AVENUE/
VACATION OF SEGMENT
OF EAST/WEST ALLEY
The Acting City Clerk read an Ordinance vacating a segment of an east/west alley between 8th Street and 9th Street and 9th Avenue and 11th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
The Acting City Clerk read an Ordinance amending
Article I, Chapter 9 regarding CORA bonding procedure. A motion made by Alderman Austin and
seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance
CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell,
White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
RESOLUTIONS
Agenda Item #11
SIGNATURE CHANGE/CITY CLERK
The Acting City Clerk read a Resolution changing authorized signatures for the City Clerk from Jeanne Paggen to Cynthia Neiggemann. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adopt the Resolution CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #12
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to accept the following reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
a. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Alexis Fire Equipment Company in the amount of $116,936.00 for an HME Fire Truck.
b. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brandt Construction in the amount of $18,625.35 for the 24th Street Resurfacing: 17th Street to Blackhawk Road.
c. Report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Attorney David Goldberg in the amount of $13,554.25 for a worker’s comp settlement.
Agenda Item #13
The Acting City Clerk read the claims for the week of January 13 through January 19, 2006 in the amount of $1,195,817.90. A motion made by Alderman Conroy seconded by Alderman Rockwell to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
JANUARY 2 THROUGH JANUARY 15
The Acting City Clerk read the Payroll for the weeks of January 2 through January 15, 2006 in the amount of $1,040,735.70. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
2006 UTILITY STREET
REPAIR PROGRAM/CENTENNIAL CONTRACTORS
The Acting City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2006 Utility Street Repair Program, recommending the bid of Centennial Contractors of the QC Inc. in the amount of $255,790.75. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
CASINO ROCK
ISLAND/AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT
The Acting City Clerk read a report from General Administration regarding the First Amendment of the Casino Rock Island Development Agreement. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the first amendment as recommended and authorize the Mayor to execute the contract document CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None. ABSTAIN: Alderman Rockwell.
Agenda Item #17
The Acting City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding purchase of land on Ridgewood Road. Mayor Schwiebert commented on the future development plans for the Southwest Rock Island area regarding wetland mitigation and an office park. Alderman Rockwell commended the Community and Economic Development Department on their work regarding wetland mitigation.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the purchase as recommended, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
The Acting City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an agreement with the Chicago Federal Home Loan Bank for participation in the MPF Endowment program. Alderman White commended the Community and Economic Development Department for their work in applying for this program.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.
Agenda Item #19
2006 JUSTICE ASSISTANCE
GRANT/AGREEMENT
The Acting City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding the 2006 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG). A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the agreement as recommended and authorize the Mayor, City Clerk and City Attorney to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
The Acting City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding Executive Session minutes scheduled for release. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the list for release at this time as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
City Manager John Phillips spoke on the status of Council goals which included the Long-Term Control Plan and Water System Upgrade Plan, Illinois Gaming Board approval to relocate the Casino Rock Island to their new site, options for RiverVision and the Armory, implementation of the new automated refuse collection program, expansion of Steel Warehouse and KJWW to their Rock Island facilities.
Mr. Phillips advised that a joint meeting with the School Board is tentatively scheduled for 4:30 p.m., March 14, 2006 at the Rock Island High School Library. He also discussed the 10.3% reduction in funding for the Community Development Block Grant program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at the national level and advised that the New Old Chicago design process is continuing to move forward.
Mr. Phillips mentioned the Sylvan Slough Natural Area project and requested Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne give an update. Mr. Champagne advised that the project is on target for the August 15 deadline date with demolition to start March 1. One concern is the planting of park material with high temperatures in early and mid-August. A request will be issued to the USEPA to allow for an extension for fall planting. Alderman Conroy requested that the design for this project be reviewed again by Council.
Mr. Phillips requested Public Works Director Bob Hawes give an update on the new automated refuse program. Mr. Hawes advised that automated refuse collection would begin the week of February 6. Also beginning Monday, February 6, each refuse customer may schedule one free Special Pickup per year with additional Special Pickups at $25.00 each. He advised that beginning Saturday, February 11, the City will provide a refuse and yardwaste drop-off center at the Public Works Department (1309 Mill Street) with the center being open 8am to 6pm every Saturday except holidays. Mr. Hawes advised that customers may dispose of old, unwanted refuse cans during the last week of collection with the old system, during the first week of the automated system, at the drop-off centers, or by using their Special Pickup. A press release was to be released Tuesday, January 24, 2006.
Alderman Rockwell inquired as to the orientation and training process for this new system. Mr. Hawes advised that the drivers and operators have gone through this process; however, the first couple of weeks in February will surely prove to be a challenge. Alderman Conroy stated that this new system and program will also allow customers to recycle and will also improve neighborhood appearance.
Mr. Phillips mentioned a copy of a Resolution from the Metropolitan Airport Authority of Rock Island County, Illinois for Council’s information. Mayor Schwiebert advised that this could impact the community at the Quad City Airport. It was agreed that this would be put on the agenda for February 6 for a Council vote.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor Schwiebert asked if there was any other business to address. Alderman Conroy stated that City Clerk Jeanne Paggen was a great city clerk and is a true Rock Solid Rock Islander.
George Henderson, 1318 14th Street, spoke to Council regarding the Sound Ordinance. He explained that his grandson had been stopped and went through the hearing process. He expressed concern that the appeal process was unclear to him. Assistant City Attorney Ted Kutsunis advised that there are procedures on filing a Notice of Appeal through the Circuit Clerk’s office.
Rodney Reed, PO Box 1651, Milan, spoke to Council regarding his trailer and property that has been in City possession. Assistant City Attorney Kutsunis reviewed the history of this issue and indicated the current status which is the items are to be sold at a public auction with the profits to used for the storage costs incurred by the City.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Executive Session on a matter of Personnel and Litigation CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:50
p.m.
RECESS
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 8:45 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Austin to recess to Monday, February 6 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:47 p.m.
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Cynthia A. Neiggemann, Acting City Clerk