CITY OF ROCK ISLAND

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 February 2, 2009.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of February 2, 2009 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

Update Rock Island By Mayor Schwiebert.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that this evening Council will be acting on the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan. The Five Year Capital Improvement Plan is a means by which the City maintains the public infrastructure. Mayor Schwiebert offered that the plan is for fiscal years 2010 through 2014. It is an 85 million dollar plan over a five (5) year period that comes from a variety of sources, which include; gaming, rates in water and sewer areas and carryover funds from the prior year’s balance that helps to pay the Capital Improvement Plan. Mayor Schwiebert indicated that approximately 30 million dollars of the 85 million dollars will be spent for City streets including; reconstruction, resurfacing and other special projects. Mayor Schwiebert indicated that this plan also includes special assessment projects.

Mayor Schwiebert offered that one of the major concerns that the City is faced with is a 65 million dollar unfunded federal mandate regarding the combined stormwater and sanitary sewers. The Mayor stated that the City is working with the Congressional delegation to seek funding for this project. It was noted that due to not having federal funds as of yet, a portion of the Capital Improvement Plan is allocated to pay for these costs; 45 million dollars of the 85 million dollars is directed towards this project. The Mayor added that this represents a measured and deliberate effort on part of the City to take care of its public infrastructure on which the public depends and to allow for some improvements of services in the process.

Mayor Schwiebert announced that on March 13, 2009 at 6:30 p.m., a workshop entitled Knowledge Through Neighbors will be held at Augustana College in the Olin Center. The Mayor offered that this is a task force that is intended to assist small organizations with the utilization of websites and newsletters to communicate with people they seek to serve. The Mayor added that the workshop is free to the public and desserts will be served. It was noted that people are encouraged to RSVP by calling (309) 732-2900 or through the City website www.rigov.org.

Mayor Schwiebert indicated that on February 9^th, 11^th and 18^th, the Rock Island Public Library will be sponsoring Black History Month programs. The Mayor indicated that the Library will also be celebrating the 200^th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth with a variety of activities, which are free and open to the public.

Mayor Schwiebert noted that Rock Island Parks will hold a Parent’s Night Out Valentine’s dinner and wine tasting at Atlante on Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. The public may register online at www.rigov.org or call (309) 732-7275.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that there will be a Parent’s Night Out at the Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center on February 13, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Anyone interested may log on to the City’s website www.rigov.org or call (309) 732-7275. Mayor Schwiebert also offered that the Parks Department will be sponsoring a Seeding and Plant program.

Agenda Item #7

Proclamation declaring Monday, February 9, 2009 as Give Kids a Smile Day.

Mayor Schwiebert made reference to the Proclamation declaring Monday, February 9, 2009 as Give Kids a Smile Day.

Agenda Item #8

A Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 1219 3^rd Avenue.

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 1219 3^rd Avenue. 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

A Special Ordinance amending a Special Ordinance by eliminating a handicapped parking space at 327 10^th Street.

Alderman Tollenaer moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Special Ordinance amending a Special Ordinance by eliminating a handicapped parking space at 327 10^th Street. 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

Resolution approving an agreement with the City Manager and authorizing the Mayor to execute the contract documents.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderman Pauley to adopt the Resolution. 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

CLAIMS

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, 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 the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $45,839.25 to the Treasurer of the State of Illinois for the City’s share of the Mill Street Resurfacing project. (038)

b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 in the amount of $45,457.50 to Centennial Contractors of the Quad Cities, Inc. for the Armory Park temporary flood protection barrier. (039)

c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 and final in the amount of $61,818.00 to Advanced Environmental Testing & Abatement, Inc. for the Armory Asbestos & Lead Based Paint Abatement project. (040)

d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $2,679.00 to DrinkerBiddle&Reath for professional legal services for the Pretreatment Program NPDES permit. (041)

Agenda Item #12

Claims for the week of January 30 through February 5 in the amount of $468,972.99.

Alderman Pauley moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo 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 #13

Report from the Public Works Department regarding the State Contract purchase of one (1) 2009 Ford F250 truck from Landmark Ford, Inc. in the amount of $16,080.00.

Note: Before Item #13 was read, the City Clerk noted that the Parks Department wanted to substitute fleet number 2357, which is a 1978 Chevy pickup truck for surplus instead of the 1990 Ford F250 that was recommended in the memo.

Alderman Pauley moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve the purchase as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance declaring the current truck as surplus. 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 Police Department regarding a bid for the purchase of office furniture and four (4) workstations for the Narcotics Unit from Iowa Illinois Office Solutions in the amount of $9,664.44.

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to award the bid as recommended and authorize purchase. 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 #15

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the replacement of a street light pole, recommending the bid be awarded to Springfield Electric Company in the amount of $8,910.00.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to award the bid as recommended and authorize purchase.

Discussion followed with Alderman Austin inquiring as to whether the City would be able to recover any insurance from the person who damaged the pole.

City Manager John Phillips responded yes.

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 #16

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the replacement of the Sunset Marina office floor, recommending the bid be awarded to GCO Flooring, Inc. in the amount of $2,917.63.

Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded to award the bid as recommended and authorize purchase. 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 #17

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for Security Cameras for the Centennial Bridge, recommending the bid be awarded to Tri City Electric in the amount of $10,692.00.

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Conroy to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents.

Discussion followed. Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to what the purpose would be for having security cameras.

City Manager John Phillips inquired upon Police Chief John Wright to give an explanation.

Chief Wright stated that the security cameras would be used as surveillance cameras for follow up investigations for issues on both sides of the river.

Agenda Item #18

Report from the Finance Department regarding adjustments to the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget, recommending increasing fleet services budgeted expenses by $320,462.00 and reducing general fund contingency by $88,689.00.

Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded to approve the budget adjustments 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 #19

Report from the Personnel Department regarding a General Wage Increase for non-affiliated employees.

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to approve a 2.00% General Wage Increase to non-affiliated employees effective March 23, 2009 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 Public Works Department regarding the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan.

Alderman Pauley moved and Alderman Conroy seconded to approve the plan as recommended, authorize staff to include the Gaming and General Fund carryover recommendations and the fiscal year 2010 capital expenditures in the draft fiscal year 2010 budget and authorize staff to undertake the engineering and planning for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 capital expenditures.

Discussion followed with Mayor Schwiebert inquiring upon City Manager Phillips to give background information regarding the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan.

City Manager Phillips indicated that the City does this annually to provide an updated plan for spending of capital improvements in the City. Mr. Phillips stated that this is a comprehensive approach. All areas of possible capital spending including facilities, street, water, sewer, stormwater, parks etc. are reviewed. It was noted that anticipated revenues are reviewed. The revenues are matched up with expenditures from the capital projects that are prioritized.

Mr. Phillips added that Gaming allocations are also included in the report. It was mentioned that some of it is capital and some of the allocations are not capital expenditures; they may be transfers to other funds for other purposes. Mr. Phillips offered that there is General Fund carryovers included in the report. It was explained that if there is excess General Fund balance beyond targeted reserves, this would be shifted into capital. It was noted that this is included in the report as revenue.

Mr. Phillips stated that bond proceeds were also included in the report. It was noted that the City will be planning a bond issue in late March. Information will be provided next week on this item. Mr. Phillips offered that the main projects that need to be financed through the bond sale this year include a Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center project and the balance of Armory Park. Mr. Phillips stated that also included in this is the annual special assessment borrowing.

Agenda Item #21

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding consideration of the Rock Island Industrial Park Number Five Addition Final Plat.

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Austin 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 #22

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for establishing seven (7) 30 minute parking spaces with no meters on the west side of 17^th Street between 1^st and 2^nd Avenue, and for the installation of one (1) additional handicapped parking space on the east side of 16 ½ Street between 1^st and 2^nd Avenue.

Alderman Pauley moved and Alderman Conroy seconded to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance.

Discussion followed with Alderman Brooks inquiring as to whether Modern Woodmen Bank made the request.

City Manager Phillips stated yes and that the bank would be moving into the building and there were different needs for parking as a result of the change.

Agenda Item #23

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for the removal of residential parking on both sides of 15^th Avenue between 5^th and 6^th Street.

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo 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 #24

Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet.

City Manager John Phillips inquired upon Public Works Director Bob Hawes to review salt options as it relates to how the City will handle the purchase for road salt for next year. Mr. Phillips offered that Mr. Hawes would also review cart options regarding the Recycling program.

Mr. Hawes stated that this year, there were difficulties with the City’s process for services regarding the purchase of salt. It was noted that the City was able to obtain the salt that was needed and the City could still order 1,200 tons of salt if needed.

Mr. Hawes offered that because of the difficulty with the salt purchase, options were reviewed. One option identified was to participate in a joint bid with the City of Davenport. Mr. Hawes indicated that this season, Davenport’s price for salt ($60.00 to $90.00 per ton) was less than the purchase of salt for Rock Island through Central Management Services ($130.00 per ton delivered). It was noted that Davenport’s price did not include terminal and local transportation costs. Mr. Hawes indicated that the City of Davenport has agreed to allow Illinois communities to participate in the bid this year.

Mr. Hawes stated that it would be better to continue with Central Management Services. Mr. Hawes offered that the advantage of continuing with Central Management Services allows flexibility. The City would have the flexibility of ordering 70% of the salt order and could order up 130% at the same price. The salt also is stored at the river terminal until needed. Mr. Hawes indicated that the City has control over the amount of salt delivered and time of delivery. Mr. Hawes added that with the Davenport process, there is no flexibility to adjust the salt order; the whole salt order would have to be purchased up front and the salt order would probably be delivered all at once. In addition, the salt order may exceed the City’s storage capacity in which a new salt dome would have to be built or the City would have to rent outside storage space to house the salt, which would have to be covered.

Council then discussed the costs associated with both processes and the road salt options as it relates to purchasing the salt through the Davenport process or through Central Management Services.

It was noted that the City has never placed a bid through the Davenport process. Mr. Hawes stated that this year was the first year that the City had a problem with the State.

Mr. Hawes stated that there had been discussions regarding the size of carts for the Recycling program. Mr. Hawes offered that a number of options were reviewed. It was noted that currently, there are 31 customers out of approximately 2000 customers that are paying to have a second cart. Mr. Hawes stated that it is recommended to provide all customers with a large cart option for a one-time fee of $10.00. Mr. Hawes added that a customer’s small cart would be substituted with a large cart. It was noted that this would be for recycling only; there would be no change in regards to refuse carts.

Mr. Hawes indicated that when a new customer signs up for the recycling program, they will have the opportunity to choose the cart size they want. There would be no charge for a small recycling cart. If the customer prefers a large cart then it would be a one-time fee of $10.00. Mr. Hawes added that there would also be a $10.00 fee for any existing customer that would like to switch to a large cart.

Council members discussed lid and cart sizes as it relates to recycling.

Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to when the implementation would take place.

Mr. Hawes stated that letters would be sent out to customers to solicit information; the received information will be built into the Recycling program. Mr. Hawes added that in the new budget year, money will be available for the carts.

City Manager John Phillips stated that information was included in the memo packet regarding the Rock Island Arts Update.

Alderman Tollenaer thanked everyone that supported the wine tasting at the Quad City Botanical Center on Friday night.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that he had the opportunity to attend a session last week with Artspace. The Mayor noted that it was a good session and well attended by a number of folks in the arts community.

Agenda Item #25

Other Business

Timothy Dooling of 832 14 ½ Street stepped forward and voiced concerns regarding civil matters and Police issues.

Agenda Item #26

Executive Session on Property Acquisition.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy at 7:30 p.m. to recess to Executive Session on matters of Property Acquisition. The motion 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.

Agenda Item #27

Recess

Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 7:57 p.m. A motion was made by Alderman Tollenaer and seconded by Alderman Austin to recess to Monday, February 16, 2009 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 7:58 p.m.

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Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk