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 A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne, and Martin Luther King Center Director Jerry Jones.
FIRE AND POLICE PENSION DISCUSSION
WITH ACTUARY TIM SHARPE
City Manager John Phillips introduced Actuary Tim Sharpe who handles the Police and Fire Pension Plans and who has also been chosen to work with the City and employee groups regarding health plans and premiums. Mr. Phillips advised that Mr. Sharp was asked to come to meet with the Police and Fire Pension representatives and City Council to discuss the current plans, assumptions and the current investment earnings.
An overview of the Police and Fire Pension Plans were presented by Mr. Sharpe. He advised that he met with both Police and Fire Department representatives to discuss the plans as they currently stand. He advised that the Police and Fire pension plans are almost identical and they are currently yielding a 3% return, which is a 5% shortfall from the projected 8% on the plans. Mr. Sharp advised that the funds are still meeting their cash flow payouts of approximately $2M each per year. He advised that there had been a very low period from 2000-2002 in which the plans earned 0%; however, the average over the last 10 years has been 6.5% to 6.75% return. The City continues to maintain their portion of the contributions and has for over the last 28 years.
Alderman Austin inquired as to whether there might be any changes in legislation regarding pension funds to which Mr. Sharp advised probably not, that the funds are holding and the average statewide is approximately 65%. Mr. Sharp advised that the assumption rate could be lowered; however, that would increase the City’s costs.
Mayor Schwiebert advised that lowering the assumption rate and increasing the City’s costs would ultimately increase property tax levies. He advised that this is not the way to go and we should take a reasonable approach to this situation and continue to monitor the progress. City Manager Phillips advised that these plans could be monitored and addressed at any time in the future.
Mr. Sharp advised that these plans should be recovering the earlier decline of 2000-2002 and on the rise. He also advised that after the meetings with the Police and Fire representatives earlier in the day the consensus was to leave the plans in place as they currently stand.
7TH AVENUE BIKE TRAIL
City Manager Phillips asked Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne for an update on the 7th Avenue Bike Trail Project. Mr. Champagne advised that there are now three options to consider in this project. Initially, Option 1 was presented which would remove parking on the south side of 7th Avenue from 11th to 15th Street to accommodate a 10’ wide, separated, two-way bike trail and the existing sidewalk and parking on the north side of the street would remain.
Mr. Champagne advised that after further review staff identified another alternative. He advised that further observation of the location indicated that few cars park on 7th Avenue from 11th to 15th Street and that the properties fronting the Avenue have off-street parking. He stated that staff suggested Option 2, which would eliminate parking on both sides of the street and allow a 5’ wide bike lane to be stripped on the north and south sides of the street. He advised that this Option would have several advantages, which includes being more economical for stripping the bike lanes, facilitation of snow removal, and avoidance of pedestrian/bicycle conflicts.
Mr. Champagne advised if Council did not wish to ban parking on both sides of 7th Avenue, a variation would be an approach similar to that used on 17th Street from 31st Avenue to RIFAC, which would be Option 3. He advised that under this Option, parking would continue to be allowed on the north side of 7th Avenue with a stripped parking lane near the curb and a westbound bike lane adjacent to the parking lane and parking would be eliminated on the south side and an eastbound lane stripped on the south side of the street.
Alderman Brooks stated that with the width of the bike lane in Option 1 excessive loitering in front of homes might become a problem. After discussion, Mayor Schwiebert advised that the consensus leaned toward Option 2 with some possible Option 3 variances; however, the first step would be to contact residents to inform them of these plans.
30TH STREET/BLACKHAWK
ROAD IDOT PLANS
City Manager Phillips requested an update on the 30th Street/Blackhawk Road IDOT Project. Public Works Director Bob Hawes advised the IDOT plans of widening 30th Street, north of Blackhawk Road, would provide a right turn lane at Blackhawk Road for southbound traffic. He advised that IDOT is anticipating a letting for this project in June with prospected completion in the fall of 2006. He stated that IDOT would be forwarding an agreement for City Council approval in the near future.
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES DISCUSSION
WITH THE FERGUSON GROUP
City Manager Phillips made a conference call to Trent Lehman and Bob Schmidt of The Ferguson Group to discuss the City’s Federal Agenda for fiscal year 2007. Mr. Lehman advised that the City’s lengthy “laundry list” was currently narrowed down to seven projects that were chosen on merit of the project and the projects goals from the City.
Bob Schmidt addressed the water-related projects, one of which is the City’s Combined Sewer Long Term Control Plan (regarding the South Slope Interceptor Improvements) and the other is the 22nd Street Stormwater Management Demonstration Project. Mr. Schmidt advised that the combined project fee would be approximately $4M and that $2.2M is being requested through the Interior Subcommittee-Environmental Protection Agency-State and Tribal Assistance Grants. Mr. Schmidt also advised that $20M is being requested through the Water Resources Development Act which would be for an authorization for the Corps of Engineers to participate with the City in the implementation of the Long Term Control Plan.
Mr. Schmidt then addressed two Sunset Marina projects. The first request is for $100,000 through the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee-Corps of Engineers-Operations and
Maintenance, General, which will permit the Corps of Engineers to complete the maintenance dredging that the City began in 2004. The second is requesting $500,000 through the Energy and Water
Development Subcommittee-Corps of Engineers-Operations and Maintenance, General (Section 107), which will permit the Corps of Engineers to construct the emergent dike it has recommended as a solution to the silting problem in the marina. Alderman White inquired as to whether the City needed matched funds and Mr. Schmidt replied no on the first project and yes on the second project with 10% up front.
Trent Lehman discussed the renovation and expansion of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, which is estimated to cost $3M. He advised that a request is being made for $1M through the Transportation/Treasury/HUD Subcommittee-HUD-Economic Development Initiative which is 100% Federal and does not require a match. Alderman White inquired as to whether this $1M was for building only or could it be used for other costs and expenses. Mr. Lehman advised that the $1M Federal could be used only for building construction.
Mr. Lehman also discussed the request for $600,000 through the Department of Labor/HHS/Education Subcommittee-Department of Education-Fund for the Improvement of Education to be used at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for training programs to educate and mentor at-risk youth. Alderman Conroy inquired as to whether a City match was needed for these funds and Mr. Lehman advised that he would double check; however, he thought it was 100% Federal funds and that the money could be available over a three-year period.
Mr. Lehman then addressed the Sunset Business Park where $1M is being requested through the Transportation/Treasury/HUD Subcommittee-Department of Transportation-Transportation and Community System Preservation, which will assist in completing the business park project.
Mr. Schmidt advised that the Appropriation Committees are overwhelmed with requests during this time of year and they look for various indicators to discard requests. He stated that the City’s requests are by no means outrageous and have sound merit.
Mayor Schwiebert inquired about the City Officials trip to Washington, DC to discuss these requests in March 2006. Mr. Lehman advised that his organization would provide briefing documentation and strategy for City Council members in presenting these requests. He also advised that the time frame for another trip would be between March and May for additional City representation.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Pauley 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 6:35 p.m.
___________________________________
Cynthia A. Neiggemann, 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 Conroy gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of the meeting of January 23, 2006 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
RESOLUTIONS
Agenda Item #6
SUPPORT OF WRIGHT AMENDMENT
The City Clerk read a Resolution in support of keeping the Wright Amendment in place as currently drafted. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to adopt the Resolution CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #7
MOTOR FUEL TAX FUNDS/STREET
MAINTENANCE
The City Clerk read a Resolution appropriating $200,000.00 of Motor Fuel Tax funds for street maintenance. Alderman White inquired as to the total dollar amount the City receives from Motor Fuel Tax. Public Works Director Bob Hawes advised that the City receives approximately $1.3M, which is used for maintenance and construction.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy 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 #8
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. Statement from the City Attorney in the amount of $9,035.75 for legal services during the month of January.
b. Report from the Fire Department recommending payment to MES-Globe Manufacturing in the amount of $82,828.00 for firefighting gear.
c. Report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Califf and Harper in the amount of $2,518.65 for legal services rendered for the month of December 2005.
d. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to U.S. Filter/Zimpro, Inc. in the amount of $9,346.41 for the purchase of 12 sections of stainless steel filter screen.
e. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brandt Construction in the amount of $8,935.95 for 17th Street Resurfacing 25th to 31st Avenues.
f. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to C.H. Langman & Son Inc. in the amount of $12,889.21 for 30th St Extension: Blackhawk Road to south 47th Avenue.
g. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Phoenix Corporation in the amount of $54,064.78 for 5th & 7th Street/24th – 25th Avenue Storm Sewer Improvements.
h. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Sunshine Sewer Service in the amount of $2,588.28 for cleaning services at the Water Plant.
i. Report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Attorney George Miller and Jennifer Coppage in the amount of $74,500.00 for general liability settlement agreement.
j. Report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Attorney James Ridge in the amount of $29,347.85 for workers’ compensation settlement for Aaron Boswell.
k. Report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Cindy Lude in the amount of $1,602.28 for general liability claim.
Agenda Item #9
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of January 20 through February 2, 2006 in the amount of $866,768.46. A motion made by Alderman Pauley seconded by Alderman Murphy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
JANUARY 16 THROUGH JANUARY 29
The City Clerk read the Payroll for the weeks of January 16 through January 29, 2006 in the amount of $1,037,054.54. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell 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 #11
SNOWPLOW BLADES
PURCHASE/BONNELL INDUSTRIES, INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of snowplow blades from Bonnell Industries, Inc. in the amount of $6,275.40. Alderman Rockwell asked Public Works Director Bob Hawes to give some background on this purchase. Mr. Hawes advised that bids for this item opened in the fall of 2005 and the contract was awarded to the lowest bid.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the purchase CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
2006 SOD REPLACEMENT AND
TREE PROGRAMS/KODIAK SITE CONTRACTORS INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2006 Sod Replacement and Tree Programs recommending the bids be awarded to the low bidder, Kodiak Site Contractors Inc., in the amount of $29,727.50. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy 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 #13
ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY/AUGUSTANA
COLLEGE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding an Adopt-A-Highway contract with the Augustana College Student Government Association to adopt Blackhawk Road between 38th Street and the Rock Island/Moline border. Alderman White commented on how fortunate the City is to have Augustana College and how their student body is always taking part in City-sponsored programs and events. Mayor Schwiebert agreed with Alderman White and commended Augustana College for their faithful participation in City programs, which also includes the City’s Habitat for Humanity programs.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the contract 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 #14
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding submission of the fiscal year 2006-2007 One Year Action Plan, and any comments that are received through February 9, 2006, to HUD for their review and approval. Alderman White inquired as to how the City collects all the information put into this plan. Community and Economic Development Administrator Alan Carmen advised that requests are sent to many different agencies and then compiled to generate this extensive plan. Alderman Austin commented on how impressed he is with this plan and
commended the department for all the hard work put into it. Mayor Schwiebert questioned a discrepancy in two different dollar amounts. Mr. Carmen advised that he would look into this discrepancy and advise of the correct amount.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the submission of the Action Plan CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE/1210
17TH STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for a Handicapped Parking Space at 1210 17th Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the request 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.
City Manager John Phillips gave an overview of the 2006 Project Status Report from the Public Works Engineering Department. He also presented a report from the Parks and Recreation Department, which was submitted to reaffirm previous agreements and policies regarding water rates for Saukie Golf Course and Whitewater Junction.
Mr. Phillips asked Finance Director Bill Scott to give an overview of the December 2005 Management Report. Mr. Scott advised that the benchmark percentage is 75% and reported that the General Fund revenue and expenditures were 82% and 74% of budget at December 31. He advised that projections for the major general fund tax revenues exceed the budget by 8% and that 64% of the projected surplus is replacement tax. He advised that replacement tax is up 23% from actual in 2005 and the IML estimate for fiscal year 2006 is 32.1%. Mr. Scott also gave overview of the budget figures for gaming, the Library, Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, and the Public Works Department.
Mr. Phillips presented a letter from Peck, Shaffer & Williams of Colorado regarding a request for the Education Media Foundation, a California non-profit corporation, to hold a public hearing regarding a tax-exempt bond issue to obtain their FCC license to operate a new radio station in Rock Island. Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to why the City was getting involved in this since it is California-based. Mr. Phillips advised that the radio tower is apparently in Orion, Illinois; however, the FCC frequency is issued to the City of Rock Island and that is how the City’s request for involvement came about. Mr. Phillips advised that in addition to a public hearing, a resolution is being requested from the City. Mayor Schwiebert advised that he did not feel comfortable with the City sanctioning this request. Council’s general consensus agreed with Mayor Schwiebert on this issue as well.
Mr. Phillips called upon Public Works Director Bob Hawes to give an update on the first day of the new solid waste program. Mr. Hawes informed that it took 11-1/2 hours today to complete waste pick-up. He also advised that Public Works had received 12 calls for special pick-ups and this would
start next week on an appointment basis. He advised that it would take a few weeks for the program to run more efficiently and effectively and for residents to please be patient. Mr. Hawes advised that
residents can bring items to the Drop-Off Center on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. He stated that the City is currently out of waste carts and they have been ordered and will take several weeks for delivery. Mr. Hawes pointed out that more information on this program can be obtained from the Public Access Channel and the City’s website.
OTHER
BUSINESS
Alderman Conroy stated that numerous water shut-off valves are to be moved in Southwest Rock Island and inquired as to the best relocation of these valves (sidewalk versus ground). Public Works Director Bob Hawes advised that the shut-off valves can still be installed in the sidewalk; however, for safety, preference would be to install them in the ground. It was suggested that Council take a look at this policy for future construction.
Alderman Austin and City Manager Phillips commended Public Works Director Bob Hawes and his department for the public meeting that was held to inform residents of the upcoming projects regarding the City’s sewer and water. Mayor Schwiebert commented on the presentation and how well it was received by the citizens.
Alderman Murphy mentioned that she had several inquiries as to whether or not residents could paint or decorate their new waste cans. Public Works Director Bob Hawes advised that these are City property and according to the rules of the program they cannot be painted, decorated or defaced in any way.
Alderman White announced an open house on February 18 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. for the new Rock Island County Animal Shelter and advised they are looking for donations of good condition towels. She informed that the shelter has a full staff with veterinarian services and the City is very fortunate to have both the new Rock Island County facility and the Milan facility.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Executive Session on a matter of Property Acquisition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:33
p.m.
RECESS
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 7:55 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, February 13 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 7:57 p.m.
____________________________________
Cynthia A. Neiggemann, City Clerk