CITY OF ROCK ISLAND

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 Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Stephen L. Tollenaer, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Also present were City Manager John Phillips, Mr. Trent Lehman and Mr. Bob Schmidt of the Ferguson Group, Actuary Tim Sharpe and Principal Dave Schreiber and Bruce Morrow of Schreiber Anderson Associates.

FERGUSON GROUP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

City Manager John Phillips placed a conference call with Trent Lehman and Bob Schmidt of the Ferguson Group. Mr. Phillips stated to Mr. Lehman and Mr. Schmidt that he had distributed the list of the recommended issues and position papers that the Ferguson Group had worked on, which will be submitted to the congressional delegation.

Mr. Lehman stated that last year, the City of Rock Island had a successful year. Mr. Lehman also gave a brief summary of what was included in last year’s appropriations. Mr. Lehman noted that last year, out of the seven (7) appropriation requests, five (5) of those were funded, which included; The Martin Luther King Center Training Program ($282,000.00), Martin Luther King Center Renovation ($670,000.00), MetroLink ($500,000.00), Sunset Marina Dredging ($98,000.00) and Mill Creek South Slough Project ($148,000.00).

Mr. Lehman explained that for fiscal year 2009, the Ferguson Group and staff came up with a list of 20 projects that were believed to have potential for possible Federal funding in the future. Mr. Lehman acknowledged that they are recommending nine (9) projects out of the 20 that would have the best opportunity for receiving congressional support in 2009.

Mr. Schmidt stated that $1.43 million dollars will be requested for the construction of the City's long-term plan for the management of its combined sewer overflow problem. The project is the 1^st Avenue Sewer Interceptor Project. Mr. Schmidt offered that the cost of the project is $2.6 million dollars. The funds requested represent the Federal share of the project in accordance with the cost-sharing requirements of the State and Tribal Assistance Grants program, which have been established by Congress. Mr. Schmidt stated that the Ferguson Group is recommending a request for an authorization (WRDA) for the Corps of Engineers to participate with the City in the implementation of the Long Term Control Plan. Mr. Schmidt stated that these two (2) projects have a reasonable chance of success this year unlike last year.

Mr. Schmidt noted that they are recommending $500,000.00 in the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill to construct improvements for Sunset Marina Improvements.

Mr. Lehman stated that funding is being sought to pay for the cost of an engineering study for Moline and Rock Island Water System Connections. Mr. Lehman noted that the cost of the project is $150,000.00 and the request will be for $75,000.00. Mr. Lehman explained that the City of Rock Island is in partnership with the City of Davenport, Iowa for a joint request for $1.75 million dollars to establish a water taxi service between the two cities. Mr. Lehman noted that this is part of the River Vision Plan.

Mr. Lehman then stated that $500,000.00 will be requested for the Upper Riverfront Promenade for Armory Park in the fiscal year 2009 Transportation-HUD appropriations bill. Mr. Lehman noted that there is a good chance that this will move forward in the coming year.

Mr. Schmidt stated that a request will be made for authorization in the Water Resources Development Act for the Core of Engineers to participate in the reconstruction for flood protection for Armory Park.

Mr. Lehman discussed the Illinois 92 Corridor project stating that a request will be made for $325,000.00 in the fiscal year 2009 Transportation and Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill to implement the center segment of the Illinois 92 Corridor.

After both gentlemen discussed the recommendations, discussion followed with questions regarding other projects that were not on the list and other recommendations for the future.

PENSION PRESENTATION

City Manager John Phillips stated that Mr. Tim Sharpe will explain what goes into the decisions of how much the City should fund the Police and Fire pensions.

Mr. Sharpe stated that all benefits are set by state statutes. The benefits that the City provides are the same benefits as every municipality in the State of Illinois provides. Mr. Sharpe noted that the pension funds are managed locally.

Mr. Sharpe explained that his role is to calculate the City’s contribution requirements to the fund each year, and calculate the financial disclosure, which appears in the City audit. Mr. Sharpe offered that the two assumptions that play a key role in the calculations are the investment return rate (8%) and the salary income rate (5%), which is used in the calculations. Mr. Sharpe mentioned that salary increases throughout the year have been consistent. The return on investment has been approximately 7%. Mr. Sharpe noted that they have held up rather well.

Mr. Sharpe explained that the funds have three (3) sources of income, which include Police and Fire contributions of 10% of the Police and Fire pay; investment income that the fund generates each year; and the amount that the City contributes to the fund each year.

Mr. Sharpe stated that during the year, both funds earned about 8.5%, and salaries went up approximately 5%. Currently, both funds are up to 55%. Mr. Sharpe commented that these funds are a little behind the state average, which is 65%. Mr. Sharpe offered that both funds continue to grow on a net basis of about one (1) million dollars a year.

Mr. Sharpe expects that five (5) years from now, both funds will have approximately 30 million dollars, if they continue to increase at one (1) million per year, and the pension payout will probably increase to 3 million dollars at that point in time. Mr. Sharpe noted that things are going fairly well.

Mr. Sharpe then discussed contribution amounts. It was noted that both funds have a City contribution requirement of approximately 1.5 million dollars; and, these funds are 55% funded.

City Manager John Phillips then presented a PowerPoint presentation on the impacts of the City’s ability to finance services for these funds. Mr. Phillips stated that the City has seen an increase of 123% since 1997. It was noted that the City of Rock Island has always funded its obligations (100%) in the Police and Fire pension funds.

Mr. Phillips offered that the City has 60 active Firefighters, 86 active sworn Police Officers, and 273 IRMF employees. Mr. Phillips stated that in 1997, the City’s contribution of payroll was 26%. However, it has grown to 36% of payroll over that period of time. Mr. Phillips commented that the percentage of total property taxes that funds the pension was at 16% in 1997; currently, it is 29%, which is close to one-third of the property tax. Mr. Phillips offered that the property tax is the only source of funds that is contributed to the Police and Fire pensions and that totals 3.1 million dollars. Mr. Phillips mentioned that the total levy for Parks and the Library is 3.6 million dollars. Mr. Phillips offered that if things go according to plan, and it is only 5% per year; and the City continues to raise the property tax levy at 2.5 % to 3%, it would still be about 40% of the City’s tax levy.

Mr. Phillips explained that one of the factors that results in this is the enhanced benefits over time. The legislature establishes benefit levels and the City funds it. In every year since 1999 (except for 2006) some form of pension enhancement has been passed. Mr. Phillips firmly stated that this is a major concern; and, the legislature should stop enhancements. Mr. Phillips stated that it is important that the City funds the obligations they already have. It was noted that on the Agenda this evening is a draft Resolution that suggests a group of legislative changes that include; increase public disclosure; recommend reducing conflicts of interest; and require cost studies be done before pension changes are made and other such reforms. Mr. Phillips commented that the City will encourage the legislatures to support this.

Discussion followed regarding questions on pension funding and the ability for the City meet requirements.

ARMORY PARK UPDATE

Principal Dave Schreiber of Schreiber Anderson Associates addressed Council and stated that the goal of the meeting is to choose a preferred option of the two (2) option concepts (Arc and Silhouette). Mr. Schreiber then inquired upon Bruce Morrow to share with Council the results of the survey from which 50 people were presented with the two options last week. Mr. Morrow shared with Council the results of the survey. Mr. Morrow stated that both concepts were received rather well; but overall, 26 people preferred the Arc concept.

Mr. Morrow then presented the elements that the community thought were the most important. Those elements included; flexible open space; stage/performance area; water features; an observation tower; a lower promenade; a river view; shelter and shade; gateway features; public art aspect; upper promenade; a transient marina; floating light towers; large boat landing and an ice skating rink. Other important elements that the community thought were important included; the park and downtown area need to be connected; drop off parking; restrooms; greenspace; family oriented activities and a name change.

Mr. Morrows showed the scale drawings of the two options (Arc and Silhouette) and offered various pros and cons that the community commented on. Various pros for the Arc concept included; reuse of Armory foundation; stage serving as an icon; flexibility and multi-use spaces; and drop–off area. Several negative aspects included; no major focal point at end of Arts Alley; no day use parking and limited reference to the historic Armory. Mr. Morrow then offered various pros and cons for the Silhouette concept. Various pros included; reuse of a portion of the existing Armory basement; covered stage; easy control access to main stage area; multiple use areas and performance and stage area relate to Armory. Several cons included; exposed levee bank on east end of site; no drop-off area; large plazas without shade and no day use parking. Mr. Morrow stated that these are the parameters in which Council may think about when choosing a preferred option.

Discussion followed with Mayor Schwiebert stating that it is very important to incorporate features from both concepts into the preferred concept. The Mayor suggested that a handicapped accessible drop-off be included as well to have a program and non-program space, and a north and south line of vision.

Alderman Austin as well as other Council members agreed that the gateway arches were not needed.

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo stated the family features such as an ice-skating rink should be incorporated into the preferred concept.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that more discussion would follow regarding Armory Park preferred options at the end of the regular meeting tonight.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to adjourn the meeting carried on a roll call vote. Those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was adjourned at 6:36 p. m.

__________________________

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, Stephen L. Tollenaer, 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 Mejia-Caraballo gave the Invocation.

Agenda Item #5

Minutes of the Meeting of January 21, 2008.

A motion was made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of January 21, 2008 as written. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #6

Public Hearing on a request from Scott Ryder (Aqualetic Swim Club of the Quad Cities) to amend a Special Use Permit to identify himself as the new owner, add two additional dwelling units, rent the clubhouse facility for receptions and parties and add an additional 4’ by 5’ attached sign on the north façade of the structure at 3204 27^th Avenue.

Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:48 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Scott Ryder (Aqualetic Swim Club of the Quad Cities) to amend a Special Use Permit to identify himself as the new owner, add two additional dwelling units, rent the clubhouse facility for receptions and parties and add an additional 4’ by 5’ attached sign on the north façade of the structure at 3204 27^th Avenue.

Mayor Schwiebert swore in Mr. Ryder.

Mr. Ryder of 2018 North Main Street Davenport, Iowa (home) and 3204 27^th Avenue (Business) addressed the Council and explained that currently there are four (4) rental units (three (3) apartments and a house) on the property. Mr. Ryder stated that he would like to be permitted for the two (2) additional units because in the past, the property was only permitted for two (2) occupancy apartments.

Alderman Austin inquired to Mr. Ryder as to where the two (2) additional dwelling units are on the property.

Mr. Ryder stated that currently, there are three (3) apartments above the clubhouse area; adjacent to that is the house, which would be a unit. In the past, the owners lived in the house. Mr. Ryder assured Council that he would not be living on the property.

Alderman Austin stated that Mr. Ryder is asking that parties would be scheduled primarily on Friday and Saturday evenings until approximately 10:00 p.m. Alderman Austin offered that he would feel more comfortable with the specific evenings and hours, and Alderman Austin was also concerned with the noise of amplified sound in the neighborhood.

Alderman Conroy inquired to Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen as to what were the circumstances for denial of the housing in 2004.

Mr. Carmen responded that one issue was a sign, which was initially approved; and recently there was a request for additional occupancy. The previous owner occupied that unit without the benefit of a Special Use Permit being approved, which raised neighbors’ concerns.

Alderman Conroy inquired if this would be a zoning issue. Mr. Carmen stated that this is a Special Use Permit and zoning issue. Mr. Carmen explained the details of why it would be both a zoning and Special Use Permit issue.

Alderman Pauley inquired to Mr. Ryder if this would be open to the public in terms of renting the facilities for parties.

Mr. Ryder stated that his intention would be for only the membership (who belonged to the club) to rent the facilities for parties.

Alderwoman Murphy inquired to Mr. Carmen as to whether there had been any noise or traffic complaints as a result of the apartments or house being rented. Mr. Carmen responded that he has not heard of any complaints recently.

After more discussion regarding previous owners, illegal violations of the Special Use Permit and operational hours, Mayor Schwiebert inquired if there was anyone who wished to speak in favor of the Special Use Permit application. With no one stepping forward to speak in favor of the Special Use Permit application; Mayor Schwiebert inquired if there was anyone who wished to speak in opposition to the Special Use Permit.

Mr. Bob Steeber of 2628 32^nd Street stepped forward and stated that the reason the apartments were not approved in 2004 was due to the third apartment being built without permits. Mr. Steeber stated that he did not have any objection to the other apartment or house being rented out. However, he would like to see the building inspector make sure that the third apartment is up to code. Mr. Steeber offered that if the renting of the facility for parties is approved, he would like to see a sign posted within the structure that limits it to 50 or 60 people.

After more discussion regarding the Public Hearing notice that was sent out to all residents that would be affected by the Special Use Permit, it was detected that there was a discrepancy in the notice verses the report that was on the Agenda. The notice that Mr. Steeber received stated that the hours of operation for the receptions and parties would be 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The report to Council stated that the parties would be open to the public and would be scheduled primarily on Friday and Saturday evenings until approximately 10:00 p.m.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that the neighbors may not have received proper notice. Mayor Schwiebert suggested to defer action for a couple of weeks so that proper notice could be sent out and then it could be determined if there were any other concerns.

Mayor Schwiebert summarized several of Mr. Steeber’s concerns regarding the Special Use Permit application. Mayor Schwiebert stated that Mr. Steeber did not have concerns regarding the four (4) units being occupied as long as there are proper inspections done on them; there was not a problem with the swim club hours as they have existed; and no problem with the signage. Mayor Schwiebert stated that Mr. Steeber would have a problem with the parties if they were held beyond 5:00 p.m. Mayor Schwiebert inquired to Mr. Steeber if those assumptions were correct.

Mr. Steeber stated that as long as the parties were inside there would not be a problem. If the parties were outside, and there was a lot of noise then there would be a problem.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that there may have been a problem with the notice that went out in that it did not accurately reflect what was being requested with regard to the hours for the party activities. New notices must be provided to all neighbors that may be affected by this Special Use Permit application.

The Mayor inquired upon Mr. Carmen as to when new notices could be sent out to the neighbors. Mr. Carmen responded that the first meeting in March would be fine.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that on the advice of the City Attorney, he would close the Public Hearing for all purposes on the Special Use Permit with the exception of the party schedule on which new notice will be sent out to the neighbors; and then if it was the will of the Council, an approval could be granted for the number of units as the Council wants to approve and for the signage provision, but not the issue for the reception/party area.

With no other persons present to speak in favor of, or in opposition to the Special Use Permit application, Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7: 21 p.m.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to refer to the City Attorney in regards to the apartment complex and the number of rentals from two (2) to four (4), and the signage modification, subject to all buildings meeting applicable code requirements. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #7

CLAIMS

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

a. Report from General Administration regarding payment in the amount of $10,766.46 to Lyle Sumek and Associates Inc. for October 2006 Goal Setting Session services.

b. Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $5,945.80 to Konecky, Koenig, Kutsunis and Weng for legal services rendered for January 2008.

Agenda Item #8

Claims for the weeks of January 18 through January 31 in the amount of $1,691,762.65.

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

Agenda Item #9

Payroll for the weeks of January 14 through January 27 in the amount of $1,174,512.84.

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

Agenda Item #10

Report from the Finance Department regarding bids for Audit Services for fiscal years ending March 31, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, recommending the bid be awarded to Eide Bailly LLP in the amount of $324,650.00.

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

Agenda Item #11

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding bids for construction materials for the DeSoto Arts Building, recommending the bid be awarded to Builders World Lumber and Home Center in the amount of $13,264.95.

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to award the bid as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #12

Report from the Personnel Department regarding a three-year contract extension with Jeff Scarpinato of Holmes-Murphy, recommending a health facilitator services rate of $16,500.00 per year from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2011 and $5,000.00 optional request-for-proposal rate to rebid health care services.

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded to approve the three-year contract extension as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents.

Discussion followed with Mayor Schwiebert inquiring as to whether wellness training was included in the contract.

City Manager John Phillips explained it is part of the services provided by the consultant for the health care planning, and the Personnel Department does cover wellness.

Personnel Director John Thorson stated that the staff is looking towards a wellness initiative to help risk assessment.

After discussion, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #13

Report from the Public Works Department regarding a license agreement with Qwest Corporation.

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the agreement as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #14

Report from the Public Works Department regarding an agreement between Rock Island County and the City of Rock Island for alley paving behind City Hall.

Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderman Austin seconded to approve the agreement as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents.

Discussion followed with Alderman Tollenaer stating that his friends live and work in the City of Rock Island (three (3) generations of friends); and if this arrangement is made with the county, it will stifle any and all benefits that these three generations of Rock Island residents may incur over this project. Alderman Tollenaer offered that the agreement prohibits a life-long resident of Rock Island from bidding on the project.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that Alderman Tollenaer may be referring to a provision in the agreement that requires an Impact Agreement. The Mayor inquired upon Mr. Jerry Lack from the Building Trades to offer some background information on the Impact provision in the agreement.

Mr. Lack pointed out that the Impact Agreement does not prohibit anyone from bidding on a public contract or project provided the contractor signs a one-time agreement with the Building Trades. Mr. Lack offered that as an owner, goals must be met. An owner wants a quality project at a competitive price; a quality construction project done with a skilled workforce; the project completed in a timely fashion and on budget; and, the owner wants to make sure the project is finished and it is satisfactory. Mr. Lack stated that under the Impact Agreement these goals are consistently met.

Mr. Glen Evans addressed Council and stated that he did not have a problem with the Impact Agreement. Mr. Evans stated that he would like to see people in the community working in some of these projects.

After discussion, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, Alderman Tollenaer.

Agenda Item #15

Report from the General Administration regarding a Police and Fire pension Resolution.

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to adopt the Resolution as recommended.

Discussion followed with City Manager John Phillips stating that this Resolution joins with the effort that is taking place across the state to shed light on what is of considerable concern regarding the increasing obligation of Police and Fire pensions for municipalities.

Mr. Phillips pointed out that the City’s contribution per active Firefighter is $22,000.00 per year, and $18,500.00 per active Police Officer. Over the years, Mr. Phillips noted, the State of Illinois has enhanced pension benefits for employees, but they contribute nothing to the cost of the pensions. Mr. Phillips offered that local communities have no control over benefits, but they have to pay the expenses. Mr. Phillips commented that the City has seen huge increases in the amount of required contributions since 1997. In 1997, the City contributed 16% of the property tax levy. Today, it is 29% of the City’s property tax levy just to fund Police and Fire pensions. Mr. Phillips stated that this is a growing concern; and the Illinois Municipal League and other cities are stating that they do not want further enhancement of benefits.

Mr. Phillips noted that the City needs to make sure that the existing obligations can be funded and this will be a challenge. In conclusion, Mr. Phillips stated that the City of Moline and East Moline will be considering this Resolution.

Agenda Item #16

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding revisions to the Human Relations Commission Ordinance.

Note* Action on Agenda Item #16 was deferred from Monday, January 21, 2008 Council Meeting.

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderman Brooks seconded to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance.

Discussion followed with Mayor Schwiebert stating that this item had been deferred from past meetings. The Mayor noted that clarification has been made by staff regarding that the sub-committee would be subject to the Open meetings Act requirement; as a result, the Mayor offered that the screening procedure that was suggested would make sense.

Agenda Item #17

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the fiscal year 2008-2013 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and fiscal year 2008-2009 One-Year Action Plan.

Alderman Pauley moved and Alderman Austin seconded to approve the fiscal year 2008-2013 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and fiscal year 2008-2009 One-Year Action Plan as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to submit the plan and any comments received through February 8, 2008 to HUD for their review and approval. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #18

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding consideration of a two lot minor (with an Outlot) Final Plat of Rock Island 1830 Development Addition located at the northeast corner of 18^th Avenue and 30^th Street.

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

Agenda Item #19

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding consideration of a three lot minor Final Plat of Kilcoin’s Hilltop Addition located at the southwest corner of 18^th Avenue and 38^th Street.

Alderman Tollenaer moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded to approve the final plat as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, 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 convert the existing handicapped parking space on 6^th Avenue to No Parking, and install two (2) handicapped parking spaces west of the existing space.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, 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 Tollenaer, 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 brought to the Council’s attention suggested dates for the Strategic Planning Session. Mr. Phillips noted that the dates of September 12, 2008 and September 13, 2008 have been reserved with Lyle Sumek for the session.

Mr. Phillips updated the Council on the progress that has been made on the priorities that were identified during the Goal Setting Session in September 2007. Mr. Phillips stated that the City has made tremendous progress with several Green Initiatives including Curbside recycling, hybrid vehicles and the CREB bonds for the Hydropower Plant.

Mr. Phillips mentioned that a design contract was approved for Armory Park, and much progress has been made in developing a design concept. The City was also successful in receiving $1,688.00 in Federal assistance for fiscal year 2007-2008; the City adopted a Capital Improvement Program; a three year agreement was reached with AFSCME A; the Illinois 92 Corridor Traffic Study was completed; and the Sylvan Slough Natural Area was opened; and more progress has been made with Columbia Park.

Mr. Phillips offered that overall, a lot of good progress has been made in implementing the priorities that the Mayor and City Council identified in late 2007.

Mr. Phillips brought to the Council’s attention the one sheet summary Sidewalk Master Plan included in the memo packet. Mr. Phillips noted that the plan outlines the purpose, tasks involved and the schedule.

Mr. Phillips offered that the revised Block Grant allocations numbers were less than what the City budgeted ($43,994.00), and everything is proportionately reduced.

Alderman Austin noted that tomorrow is Election Day, and reminded all citizens that they have an opportunity for their voice to be heard on a variety of issues that are very important to the nation, world and community.

Agenda Item #22

Other Business

Mr. Sam Smith of Dallas, Texas stepped forward and stated that he owns property in the Old Chicago district. Mr. Smith inquired upon Council on their visions for progress for the Old Chicago Area in the next ten (10) years.

Mayor Schwiebert suggested that Mr. Smith talk with the Community and Economic Development Department.

Mr. Russell Youknot of 1539 22^nd Avenue stepped forward and inquired to Council that he would like for Council to consider on-line billing for water bills.

City Manager John Phillips stated that the City is moving in that direction.

At this time, discussion resumed regarding Armory Park preferred concept options.

Mr. Schreiber stated that at Study Session earlier this evening, Council discussed various elements that could be interchanged between the Arc and Silhouette options.

Alderman Pauley stated that there was a definite need for on-site parking. More discussion followed with the parking issues.

Alderman Brooks stated that he leaned toward the Silhouette option and the concept of the stage.

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo favored the Silhouette concept with the contingency that that it has an interactive family spot.

Alderwoman Murphy liked the Silhouette concept. She favored the open space and the interactive fountain area; and liked the idea of a turnaround area for handicapped accessibility. Alderwoman Murphy stated that the observation tower needs to be an icon. Alderwoman Murphy also liked the seating on the lower riverfront promenade. She liked the idea of having seating built into the design that would be conducive to the family environment.

Alderman Austin preferred the Silhouette concept for the stage and versatility of it.

Mayor Schwiebert summarized the favored elements for the preferred Silhouette concept.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that there is an interest in maintaining openness on the riverfront for access and facilities. There also is a desire to have family activities in the space. Mayor Schwiebert offered that there is some advantage in looking at having a water course as opposed to the water wall feature on the western portion of the property; and doing the interactive surface fountain in front of the Armory millennium design structure. The Mayor commented that there is a consensus emerging for the Armory Silhouette in terms of the east and west end spacing, and a handicapped circle borrowed from the Arc concept for the Armory Silhouette on the eastern edge for parking.

Mr. Schreiber suggested that if the gateway arches to the entrance are not feasible, some type of form should possibly be placed at the entrance. The Mayor suggested pillars.

After more discussion, Mr. Schreiber stated that they would take the preferred Silhouette concept with the incorporated elements back, make a composite and come back on Monday, February 18, 2008 for Council approval.

Agenda Item #23

No Executive Session

An Executive Session was not held.

Agenda Item #24

Recess

A motion was made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to recess to Monday, February 11, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

The meeting was recessed at 8:40 p.m.

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Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk