The Rock Island City Council met for Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2003 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 R. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Vern L. Winter, Evelyn “Evie” R. White and Frank J. Forlini, Jr.   Alderman Beth Y. Mahlo was absent.  Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Fire Chief Al Sinksen, Finance Director Bill Scott, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, Public Works Administrative Assistant Tim Ridder, and Land and Development Programs Coordinator Mary Chappell.

 

BUDGET SCHEDULE

 

            City Manager John C. Phillips reviewed the Budget Schedule, including the Saturday Budget Review Sessions.  Following a review of the Council members schedules, it was decided to move the Saturday Budget Review Sessions to March 8 and 15. 

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

            A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Executive Session on matters of Property Acquisition, Litigation and Personnel CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

            The meeting was recessed at 5:35 p.m.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

            Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:40 p.m.  A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman White to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini.  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 at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2003      in the Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall.  Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David R. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Vern L. Winter, Evelyn “Evie” R. White and Frank J. Forlini, Jr.   Alderman Beth Y. Mahlo was absent. 

 

INTRODUCTORY PROCEEDINGS

 

            Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to Order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.  Alderman White gave the Invocation.  A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Winter to approve the Minutes of the meeting of January 20, 2003, as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

ORDINANCES

Agenda Item #6

5 AVENUE, MASONIC TEMPLE AREA/ONE HANDICAPPED PARKING ELIMINATED 

 

            The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amending a Special Ordinance eliminating one handicapped parking space on 5th Avenue adjacent to the Masonic Temple.  A motion made by Alderman Conroy 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, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #7

BONDING PROCEDURES, FEES/AMENDMENT

 

            The City Clerk read an Ordinance amending Article I, Chapter 9, regarding the Bonding Procedures and Fees.  A motion made by Alderman Forlini 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, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

CLAIMS

Agenda Item #8a

ZIMMERMAN/LATERAL LINE RECONNECTION COSTS

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Mark Zimmerman in the amount of $5,191.65 for sewer lateral line reconnection costs.

 

Agenda Item #8b

WALKER PARKING CONSULTANTS/PARKING STRUCTURE REPAIR

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Walker Parking Consultants in the amount of $10,397.42 for the 16th Street and 3rd Avenue Parking Structure Repair Project.

 

 

 

Agenda Item #8c

RYAN & ASSOCIATES/MODERN WOODMAN WATERMAIN REPLACEMENT

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Ryan & Associates in the amount of $34,835.15 for the Modern Woodman Watermain Replacement.

 

Agenda Item #8d

TRIAD ENGINEERING/WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $7,210.00 for ongoing litigation support services relating to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Compliance Program.

 

Agenda Item #8e

TRIAD ENGINEERING/TURKEY HOLLOW ROAD WATERMAIN EXTENSION

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $14,883.75 for the Turkey Hollow Road Watermain Extension.

 

Agenda Item #8f

DAVENPORT ELECTRIC CONTRACT COMPANY/

51 STREET WEST, ANDALUSIA ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Davenport Electric Contract Company in the amount of $9,043.22 for the 51st Street West and Andalusia Road Traffic Signal Improvements Project.

 

Agenda Item #8g

ITRON/WATER SERVICES HANDHELD COMPUTERS

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Itron in the amount of $3,339.05 for water services handheld computers.

 

Agenda Item #8h

MISSMAN, STANLEY & ASSOCIATES/PARKING STRUCTURE REPAIRS

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman, Stanley and Associates in the amount of $3,645.20 for the 16th Street and 3rd Avenue Parking Structure repairs.

 

            A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

 

 

Agenda Item #9

JANUARY 17 THRU 23

 

            The City Clerk read the claims for the week of January 17 through 23 in the amount of $925,187.47.  A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Winter to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

PAYROLL

Agenda Item #10

JANUARY 6 THRU 19

 

            The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of January 6 through 19 in the amount of $859,058.82.

GENERAL FUND

$576,759.18

COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

122.71

KING CENTER

2,922.91

FEDERAL COPS GRANT

3,011.79

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT

19,105.56

LIBRARY

37,906.94

ELDERLY SERVICE CONTRIBUTION

296.63

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

10,414.07

WATER

58,151.52

SEWER

37,037.64

BRIDGE

8,155.28

SUNSET MARINA

7,840.17

PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

54,777.42

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

21,829.91

SELF INSURANCE

1,541.70

EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE

574.26

CAFETERIA PLAN

10,734.22

MLK ACTIVITY FUND

4,605.70

DRUG PREVENTION

3,271.21

TOTAL

$859,058.82

 

            A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Winter to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

BIDS/PURCHASES

Agenda Item #11

PANTHER UNIFORM/EMS COATS

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Fire Department regarding the bids for sixty-two EMS coats, recommending the bid of Panther Uniform in the amount of $11,952.36.  Alderman White asked about the coats, and Fire Chief Al Sinksen responded that these coats meet the IFPA regulations in that any blood borne pathogens cannot penetrate them and they are also warm. 

 

Following the discussion, a motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Winter to award the bid as recommended and authorize purchase CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #12

USA BLUE BOOK/TRIPOD RESCUE SYSTEM

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the purchase of a Tripod Rescue System and accessories, recommending the bid of USA Blue Book in the amount of $3,249.25.  A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman White to award the bid as recommended and authorize purchase CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #13

BOB RIDINGS INC, LANDMARK FORD, GREEN CHEVROLET/VEHICLES

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the State Contract purchase of fourteen replacement vehicles from Bob Ridings Inc, Landmark Ford and Green Chevrolet, and recommending the declaration of the current vehicles as surplus for the auction in the fall of 2003.  Alderman White asked if these vehicles could be used another two years to save money, and Public Works Director Bob Hawes responded that it would cost more money in maintenance of the vehicles than the cost of the new vehicles.  He noted that the money is in the amortization fund to replace these vehicles.  Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Forlini to award the bid as recommended and authorize purchase, declare the current vehicles as surplus, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #14

AKZO NOBEL/SLURRY TRUCK

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the replacement of the slurry truck, recommending the bid from AKZO NOBEL in the amount, with trade in, of $215,267.00.  A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to award the bid as recommended and authorize purchase as recommended, declare the current vehicle as surplus for trade-in purposes, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS

 

Agenda Item #15

MANAGEMENT SERVICES/AGREEMENT

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a revised agreement for Management Services.  This item had been deferred January 20 with two motions on the floor –

 

 

A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to amend the contract as follows:  First paragraph – add “90 days unless extended by actions of both Councils; Office Hours – change 11:30 p.m. to 11:30 a.m., and in paragraph 7 – change the second “sixty days” to thirty days.  A motion was made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the Inspection Management Agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract for inspection management services with the City of Moline. 

 

            Kaye Whitley, 2501½ - 24 Avenue, Rock Island, and the Union Steward for the Inspection Division City of Moline employees, stated that AFSCME has the same position as last week, in that they need a Building Official full-time in Moline.  A motion was made to TABLE, which generated a discussion on motions that are TABLED.  Following this discussion, it was suggested that the City Attorney prepare a written opinion on TABLING items and actions that could be bac and give his reasons for the opinion.  A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Winter to TABLE this item CARRIED on a Voice vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None. 

 

Agenda Item #16

MILAN/POLICE FIRING RANGE

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding renewal of the contract with Milan for the use of their Police Firearm Range at the existing rate of $500.00 per year for two years.  A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman White to approve 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, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #17

WALKER PARKING CONSULTANTS/PARKING STRUCTURE AMENDMENT

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a contract amendment with Walker Parking Consultants to cover the electrical work, with the design work to be billed on an hourly basis at a cost not to exceed $17,800.000 and the construction phase cost estimated at $2,600.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the contract amendment and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #18

1712 2 AVENUE/BALCONY

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an agreement with Kai Driessens regarding the construction of a balcony on public right of way at 1712 2nd Avenue.  Alderman Forlini suggested that the balcony should be extended to the edge of the curb for aesthetic purposes.  He said that it would look short and stubby according to the plans.  Mr. Phillips stated that they are trying to accommodate pedestrian traffic. Greg Champagne, Community and Economic Development Department Director, added that they plan to have an outdoor café on the sidewalk below also. 

 

 

A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld 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, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

 

CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM

 

            There were no items from the Memorandum to be discussed.

 

OTHER BUSINESS

 

ANTI-WAR

 

            Pamela Pilcher Spencer, 1826 29th Street, spoke to Council about the negative impact of war, noting that the cost of the war would utilize funds that should be used for education of the children. She spoke about the good education people can get in Rock Island, and stated that the war would take other resources from the City also.

 

            Julie Abdel-Fattah, 1332 42nd Avenue, spoke about an anti-war Resolution that was being presented to Council.  She also noted the importance of education for the children.

 

            Christopher Dunn, 1316 2nd Avenue, presented a proposed Resolution against the war, and read it to the Council, asking the City Council to pass it.  Mayor Schwiebert noted that this could not be acted on at this meeting, and noted that Resolutions adopted by this Council generally are those that impact the local citizens and their resources.  He further suggested that it could be discussed among the Council members and, if they choose to do so, they can add it to the Agenda for action at the next meeting.  There was no motion made by Council. 

 

EDUCATION

 

            Ametra Carrol, 1609 6th Street, spoke to Council about the education in Rock Island schools.  She spoke about the need to improve the schools in order to provide better education for the students.  She stated that improving the schools is the only way to lift people out of poverty, reduce crime, create a stronger economy and make a lasting change in this country. Seven elementary school children accompanied her to the lectern.  Three of them – Tina Williams, student at Grant, Robert Mosely, student at Earl Hanson, and Erika Rice, student at Hawthorne-Irving, introduced themselves to the City Council and asked the City Council to help them get a good education.  Ms. Carrol asked that Mayor Schwiebert and the Council work with the School Board and lead them in the right direction.  She stated that she disagrees with the Mayor’s answer from last week that it was not his place to direct the School Board.  She noted that children are our greatest assets, and the majority of school children who fail in school wind up in jail.

 

            Mayor Schwiebert stated that he was not pleased that Ms. Carrol chose to use this public forum to attack him personally.  He noted that the schools and the City are separate legal bodies, adding that Rock Island is different from Chicago where Mayor Daley was given authority over the school board by the legislators. 

 

Mayor Schwiebert further stated that everyone is interested in seeing the students succeed, and he and others have received calls from citizens about the schools.  He noted that he has shared these concerns with member of the School Board.  He stated that the Mayor does not have the legal authority to dictate to the School Board. 

           

Alderman Brooks stated that this is not the first time the subject of the schools has been brought up to the City Council.  He noted that one issue is the high rate of suspensions, and encouraged Mayor Schwiebert to play a role in getting this issue resolved.  He stated that issues have been brought up to the School Board, but they are not being heard. He further suggested that the School Board use the Public Access to broadcast their meetings.

 

            Alderman Bauersfeld stated that he appreciated Ms. Carrol and the students coming to the meeting.  He noted that all parents have concerns and opinions about the schools.  He stated that he has received calls, and has shared these concerns with members of the School Board, as has Mayor Schwiebert.  He stated that the Council is not ignoring them, but downgrading oneself in a public forum sometimes can cause embarrassment.  He encouraged Ms. Carrol to use the election format to voice her opinion, if she is dissatisfied with the current School Board members’ actions.  He stated that everything takes time, and noted that the School Board has taken some suggestions and acted on them.  He also encouraged Ms. Carrol to call him, stating that he would talk with her and other parents as well as School Board members, but in a private forum.

 

RECESS

 

            A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Forlini to recess to Monday, February 3, 2003, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

            The meeting was recessed at 7:50 p.m.

 

                        _______________________________

                        Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk