The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session for Study Session on Monday, January 24, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of 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. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips.
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Executive Session on a Personnel Matter CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 5:20 p.m.
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld 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 6:35 p.m.
_________________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, January 24, 2005 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 Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of the meeting of January 17 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring January 29 as Transitions Youthworks Day. Sue Golden and Genevieve Rafferty, representing Traditions, accepted the proclamation and spoke briefly on the organization and the plans for a fundraiser at Circa 21 Saturday night, January 29. The cost is $55.00 per person, which includes a buffet dinner and show. They also introduced Joan Holgate and Norma Riplinger, staff members at Transitions.
The City Clerk read an ordinance amending Chapter 2, regarding Fire Department Promotions. 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.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #8a
TRIAD ENGINEERING/WATER
TREATMENT EVALUATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $12,327.52 for professional services for Water Treatment Evaluation.
Agenda Item #8b
FIRST INSURANCE FUNDING
CORP/PROPERTY INSURANCE
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to the First Insurance Funding Corp. in the amount of $13,146.87 for property insurance on the Centennial Bridge.
Agenda Item #8c
TRIAD ENGINEERING/TURKEY
HOLLOW ROAD
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $1,980.50 for professional services for the water extension to Turkey Hollow Road and Remote Chlorination System.
Agenda Item #8d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Gardner Carton and Douglas in the amount of $1,899.00 for professional services for the Pretreatment Program – NPDES Permit.
Agenda Item #8e
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Shive-Hattery in the amount of $6,850.19 for consulting services for the Saukie Baseball Field Detention Pond project.
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 #9
JANUARY 14 THROUGH 20
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of January 14 through 20 in the amount of $370,022.86. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
PAYROLL
Agenda Item #10
JANUARY 3 THROUGH 16
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of January 3 through 16 in the amount of $970,892.63.
|
GENERAL FUND |
$639,640.96 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #1 DOWNTOWN |
568.61 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #2 SOUTH 11 STREET |
196.39 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #3 NORTH 11 STREET |
196.34 |
|
KING CENTER |
3,177.19 |
|
FEDERAL COPS GRANT |
1,325.92 |
|
COMM. DEV. BLOCK GRANT |
22,826.72 |
|
LIBRARY |
43,792.19 |
|
ELDERLY SERVICES CONTRIBUTION |
75.44 |
|
WATER |
63,980.31 |
|
SEWER |
36,043.54 |
|
COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC DEV. |
15,078.93 |
|
SUNSET MARINA |
8,790.50 |
|
PARK AND RECREATION |
65,126.87 |
|
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE |
22,283.50 |
|
ENGINEERING |
29,449.74 |
|
SELF INSURANCE |
1,510.75 |
|
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE |
1,021.64 |
|
CAFETERIA PLAN |
6,599.82 |
|
MLK ACTIVITY FUND |
4,952.72 |
|
DRUG PREVENTION |
4,254.55 |
|
TOTAL |
$970,892.63 |
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
BIDS/PURCHASES
Agenda Item #11
GEM ELECTRONICS/BASE STATIONS
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding the purchase of two new base stations as part of the radio system upgrade, recommending the purchase from GEM Electronics in the amount of $15,330.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to authorize the purchase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
GEM ELECTRONICS/ANTENNA SITE,
POLICE RADIO
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding bids for the purchase and installation of radio equipment for the new antenna site in Moline and the additional police radio frequency, recommending that the bid be awarded to GEM Electronics in the amount of $59,215.00. Alderman Austin stated that he was pleased to see this purchase being made using the grant money available. Alderman White asked if we would be paying rent to Moline for the antenna site, and Lt. Wayne Sharer, RIPD, responded that was being discussed and no decision has been made. He explained that this is being done in order for Rock Island to be able to communicate better with the other cities on the radios. He stated that our frequency would be able to reach the other Quad Cities with the antenna in Moline and other sites in Rock Island. The antenna site in Moline will be on a new water tower at 7th Street and 12th Avenue. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to award the bid as recommended and authorize purchase CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
BRANDT CONSTRUCTION/
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 20th Street Overlook Enhancement, recommending the bid of Brandt Construction in the amount of $118,307.85, and also recommending that Council authorize the use of an additional $59,857.00 in Downtown TIF funds to help finance this project. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Austin to award the bid as recommended, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents and authorize the additional TIF funds as requested CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL
RESOURCES/
AMERICAN DISCOVERY TRAIL
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a Project Agreement between the City of Rock Island and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources regarding funding for the American Discovery Trail Project. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the agreement 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.
Agenda Item #15
VELIE DRIVE/WEST ROCK RIVER
BRIDGE PROJECT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the West Rock River Bridge Project and a request for Velie Drive to be connected into Blackhawk Road as part of the new construction, and that access be provided from 44th Street to the property to the east of 44th Street and South of Blackhawk Road, including an agreement providing for the City to pay a share of the cost of the traffic signal at the intersection of the Velie Drive connection, a Resolution appropriating $12,075 from Motor Fuel Tax Funds, and a Resolution approving the plans and specifications propertied by IDOT for the work. Alderman Bauersfeld asked staff for more details.
Public Works Director Bob Hawes reviewed the information and the map. He explained the route for people to get to Moline and to Rock Island from the new bridge. Alderman Bauersfeld commented that people coming to Rock Island will have to go through four STOP signs to get here, while anyone going to Southpark will have easy access. Mr. Hawes indicated that the State pays the City for routine maintenance of the State highways in the area such as 11th Street and the new road off of Blackhawk Road. He suggested that the City support this, because otherwise this portion of the road will not have the type of maintenance that the other portions of the road will have. He noted that Blackhawk Road widening is not in this year’s Capital Plan for the State, but is in their five-year plan. Mr. Hawes stated that the bid opening for this phase will be in March, and they plan to complete construction at the end of 2006.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the agreement and two resolutions, 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: Aldermen Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: Brooks.
Agenda Item #16
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a change order for the demolition, recommending that Council award a bid to Lester Construction in the amount of $20,222.02 for demolition and site clearance at the former Midway Oil site at 4301 Third Avenue, and demolition at the former Andich/Watts site at 4327 Third Avenue. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to award the contract 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.
Agenda Item #17
AUTOMATED REFUSE
COLLECTION/CHANGE FROM CURRENT SYSTEM
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 from January 17 remained on the floor – 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.
Public Works Director Bob Hawes reviewed the report. He indicated that the City of Rock Island has an excellent refuse system that is working well, and people were questioning why it is being changed. He stated that Worker Safety is one of the main reasons for this. He stated that the automated system is safer for the workers. He indicated that the appearance of the neighborhoods will improve because there will be less trash scattered in all the neighborhoods. He added that the neighborhoods with alley refuse collection would receive the greatest benefit.
Mr. Hawes discussed the enhanced service that the refuse carts will provide because they will be more convenient for the customers. He stated that some customers are already using privately owned refuse carts of various sizes, and they are creating problems for the refuse collectors because they are too large for one person to handle. He discussed the accommodations that will be made for the customers that have a legitimate reason for not using the automated system – such as having the refuse collectors move the cart from the garage to the curb, emptying it, and returning it to the same location. Mr. Hawes stated that the annual cost of the proposed system is lower, and continued to explain the cost savings that will be realized. He noted that, if the switch is not made, the City would still have to deal with the problems caused by the privately owned refuse carts. He noted that the collectors are being injured as they wrestle with the larger and larger containers. He stated that the size of the container could be restricted if need be, and another option would be to have two men handling these large containers. He indicated that either of these options would be costly.
Mr. Hawes stated that gaming money will be used for the initial cart costs, and the cost to purchase the fleet is minimal. Alderman Bauersfeld asked what can be done if someone wants to change the size of the container. Mr. Hawes stated that the residents would all be contacted initially to determine the size of container that they will need. If they need to change the size, they can call the Public Works Department and a different size container will be delivered to them in place of the other one. Each customer will be given one free container of either size, and an additional container will be available for $40.00 per year. Alderman White stated that storage is one concern she has heard from the residents, but added that it looked like these containers would fit where residents keep their current containers in most instances.
Concerns were expressed by Council regarding the implementation of the program, the individual situations, and cost savings if the truck had to go up and down the same street. Mr. Hawes stated that the implementation would be done using a database of customers. They expect to have three hundred sixty customers or more who will require the manual operation continued because the automation will not work for their area. He stated that it would take about a year for the trucks to be delivered once they are ordered.
Alderman White stated that this seems to be a win-win situation for everyone. Mayor Schwiebert asked again about the trucks going up and down both sides of the street, and how this could save money. Mr. Hawes responded that this process will be more productive than the current system. He stated that they would be eliminating the overtime and other costs from Clean-Up Week. He discussed the free special pickup, noting that once a year a special pickup will be done for free for each resident. Any additional special pickups for the same address would cost the resident $25.00. He suggested that neighbors can get together for a special pickup several times per year, using a different address each time.
Alderman White noted that public education will be important, and Mr. Hawes stated that $2,000 is built into the budget for this. There will be information distributed with each cart also. He stated that the implementation process might be ugly while people get accustomed to it, but the program is necessary for worker safety. He stated that the residents would actually have better service with the special pickup available to them. He noted that six hundred households tried it and loved it. Alderman Brooks added that the people were upset when it was taken away from them.
Bruce Rannow, President of Local 988, and a refuse worker, stated that they are in favor of the change. He noted that there are problems now – safety concerns with needles and other sharps disposed of improperly, along with repetitive motion injuries. Alderman Austin expressed concern about the one person being no the route by himself/herself. Mr. Rannow stated that the one-man trucks operated in the same way, and there was a learning curve involved, as there will be with this system.
Mayor Schwiebert asked about the discussion with Moline, and Mr. Hawes stated that we could save about $50,000 if Moline decides to go along with us. He explained that Moline could also choose sections of the program rather than going along with the entire plan. Mayor Schwiebert asked about costs if a container gets destroyed. Mr. Hawes responded that they have not determined how to address this issue, noting that when they put out the six hundred containers, they lost ten of them. He stated that, if treated properly, they should last ten years.
Following discussion, the motion CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
The City Clerk read a report from General Administration regarding a request from the Quad City Botanical Center requesting the City submit an application on behalf of the Quad City Botanical Center for $750,000 through the Scenic Byway Program. Alderman Conroy asked if this was going to be part of the one million dollars they are trying to collect, and Mr. Phillips stated that the one million dollars will be from private contributions. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to submit the grant as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
CDBG CARRYOVER/FISCAL YEAR
2005-2006
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding CDBG Carryover for fiscal year 2005/2006. Mayor Schwiebert explained that this was a result of discussion at the last meeting regarding carryover from the previous years to be used to fund the King Center. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the CDBG carryover as detailed in the report CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
Agenda Item #20
LABOR DAY PARADE/COMMITTEE
APPOINTMENTS
The City Clerk read a memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending Labor Day Parade Committee members - reappointments of Art Milton, Mary Chappell and Grace Shirk, and new appointments of Bernard Klauer, Adam Lynch, Samme Montgomery and Jared Vogele. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the reappointments and appointments CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ITEMS FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S
PACKET
City Manager John C. Philips called attention the Status report on the City Council Goals. He asked Bob Hawes to discuss the “24th Street Resurfacing and Bridge Rehabilitation.” Mr. Hawes indicated that they have to put new decks on two bridges in this area, and they plan to close off 24th Street to traffic for a period of time. He stated that, if they close off one lane at a time, it would be more costly and also take longer to complete the project. He stated that emergency services would be contacted, adding that they would have to use another route even if only one side of the street was open. Questions were asked about the bike path extension, and Mr. Hawes stated that he would be looking at that and will respond at a later date.
Alan Carmen discussed the sign ordinance enforcement. Alderman Bauersfeld commented on the Budget Process and commended staff and Mr. Phillips for doing a good job at predicting revenue and expense.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman White announced that Alderman Keefe wants people in her Ward to communicate with her again, and she gave the e-mail address for her – alk33@aol.com. Alderman Bauersfeld mentioned a bus stop at 17th Street, and stated that more information will be available on the concerns about it.
Alderman
Brooks discussed the recent meeting of the School Board and their decision to
close Grant School. He expressed
concern that those attending the meeting were asked to write their questions
rather than being given the opportunity to verbally express them. He indicated that he and others did not
agree with the decision because the children will have to travel across busy
intersections to get to a different school, and buses will not be provided for
them. Mayor Schwiebert stated that the
Council will be meeting with the School Board in two weeks.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to recess to Monday, February 7 CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:25 p.m.
_________________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk