The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 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, Vern L. Winter, Evelyn “Evie” R. White and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. Alderman John E. Bauersfeld, Jr. was absent, and Alderman Beth Y. Mahlo arrived at approximately 5:40 p.m. during the Executive Session. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Administrative Assistant/Public Works Tim Ridder, City Engineer Jim Johnson, and Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson.
City Manager John C. Phillips noted that there were two items scheduled for the Executive Session, and pointed out a map that was requested by Alderman Brooks that identified the locations of all liquor licensees in Rock Island. He stated that copies of this map would be available for Council if they requested one.
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Forlini to recess to Executive Session on matters of Personnel and Property Acquisition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 5:30 p.m. Alderman Mahlo arrived at 5:40 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:35 p.m. City Engineer Jim Johnson reviewed the progress being made on the west side of the Great River Plaza. He showed a sketch of the plaza area, and noted that the proposed drop-down gate at the west side has been eliminated and replaced with a hinged gate that will be partially hidden. He indicated that the gate was going to be similar to the type of fencing that will be placed on the entrance to the Centennial Bridge, but noted that Dan Carmody prefers a different type of gate. Council encouraged Mr. Johnson to remember that this is a City project and not a District project. Mr. Johnson noted that there would also be a planter that will be used for the placement of an art piece, which is being designed by Quad City Arts. This structure will also have access to water, as well as a pipe with a drain.
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to adjourn CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo 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, February 17, 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, Vern L. Winter, Evelyn “Evie” R. White, Beth Y. Mahlo and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. Alderman John E. Bauersfeld was absent.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to Order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman Forlini gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Mahlo to approve the Minutes of the meeting of February 10, 2003, as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #6
The City Clerk read an Ordinance amending Chapter 4, adjusting Building Permit Fees. A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Forlini to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #7
CITY
PROPERTY/DISPOSITION
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regarding the sale of City property located at 1310, 1314, 1316 and 1322 Second Street, and 1301 First Street in the amount of $60,329.00. A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
SUBURBAN
HEIGHTS/ANNEXATION
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance annexing territory known as the Suburban Heights subdivision to the City of Rock Island. A motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Mahlo to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance.
Greg Champagne, Community and Economic Development Department Director, reviewed the reason for the ordinance. He noted that one of the top priorities of the City Council is retail development. He stated that development generates retail sales taxes. He stated that Rock Island has not had much success in attracting large retail development because of the lack of large available areas.
Mr. Champagne reviewed the proposed site, and stated that, contrary to what some have said, Rock Island has no developer for that property at this time. Mr. Champagne reviewed the benefits that the residents would have living in Rock Island, such as garbage pickup at no charge to them, as well as Police, Fire and Ambulance services.
Kelly Anderson, 21 Suburban Heights, and owner of both 21 and 22 Suburban Heights lots, expressed his opposition to the annexation. He noted that six or eight months ago when he was working on some home improvements, he was approached by a representative of Mel Foster who indicated that there were three developers interested in his property. He stated that people were deceived, and asked why someone did not stop him from improving his house then. Mayor Schwiebert assured him that there was no developer involved in this, and when that time comes, Mr. Anderson would have an appraisal and property estimate done. The improvements he has made would be reflected on the appraisal. He stated that, if Mr. Anderson felt the appraisal was too low, he could have his own appraisal done and negotiate the selling price with the developer.
Bob Brown, 3 Suburban Heights, stated that he sees the different sides of the issue. He also noted that it is hard for some people to stand up and talk about this. He stated that economic development out in that area would be the single best way to provide more money for good education in our schools. He stated that there is frustration among the residents who feel that they were misrepresented. He indicated that the offer he received was very fair, while others he talked with had not received fair offers for their property. He asked if the city would act on the offers, and Mayor Schwiebert explained the role of a developer.
Mr. Brown asked about the process of the annexation and city services. Mayor Schwiebert stated that, if the annexation is approved, the ordinance would become effective April 2 – the first day following the general election – and on that day, city services would be provided, including garbage service, Police and Fire services at no cost to the homeowner. He also discussed the need for more housing developments in this area of Illinois, on this side of the river, and people have to be aware of creative and imaginative ways to develop. Mr. Brown stated that this is a trust issue – whether or not the City will move ahead with development.
Kevin Dedobbellaere, 10015 Turkey Hollow Road, Taylor Ridge, spoke on behalf of his mother who lives at 14 Suburban Heights. He noted that his mother did not sign anything, and he was not contacted as the person who is taking care of the house issues for her.
Collette Guerdet, 11 Suburban Heights, stated that she was given a fair offer, and would like to sell for the price offered to her. She stated that she was dealt with fairly, and the representative was honest with her.
Carol Schipper, 20 Suburban Heights, stated that she has lived in her home since 1990, and loves the place she is living now. She stated that it is well taken care of, and after putting a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the house, she does not want to move. She stated that the offer she received was good, but she does not want to sell.
Elmer Hanson, 25 Suburban Heights, spoke of the residents of Suburban Heights being like a family. He stated that he and his wife lived there since 1961, and neither is in good health. He stated that the price offered would not be enough to purchase a new home, and their house in Suburban Heights is paid for. He stated that they would have to go in debt to purchase another house. He encouraged the Council to leave Suburban Heights as it is now.
Roberta Brooks, 19 Suburban Heights, stated that she has lived in Suburban Heights for three years, moving back there after leaving several years ago. She stated that she plans to retire there comfortably, and encouraged Council not to vote in the annexation. She asked if any kind of force could be used if the property owners refused to sell. City Manager John C. Phillips responded that they are not contemplating forced annexation, adding that the residents would not be required to hook up to City water and sewer. He noted that the City is annexing for commercial purposes.
Alderman Conroy stated that he is looking into the future, and this is a major traffic corridor. He stated that a retail development here would help the school districts and make a better community. Alderman Mahlo asked about the three-year tax rebate that was mentioned by Mr. Champagne, and Mayor Schwiebert responded that it is not part of the ordinance and would not be added to the ordinance at this time, but rather would be part of a later agreement.
Alderman Winter stated, “a man’s home is his castle” and commended the people in the audience for being courteous in an endearing situation. He stated that this would be a major thoroughfare when the Rock Island Parkway is completed and there will be a lot of traffic in that area. He noted that development will occur, and he would rather have them working together than working in conflict. He stated that he would be supporting this ordinance.
Following discussion, the motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Mahlo to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo, Forlini and Mayor Schwiebert. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
The City Clerk read a Resolution appropriating $200,000.00 of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for street maintenance. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Winter to adopt the Resolution CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10a
The City Clerk read a statement from the City Attorney in the amount of $4,697.37 for legal services during the month of January.
Agenda Item #10b
The City Clerk read a report from General Administration recommending payment in the amount of $4,117.09 to Rock Island School District for the city’s portion of the 2002 Fall Community Newsletter.
Agenda Item #10c
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Thomas Payne in the amount of $16,997.75 for settlement of a workers compensation claim.
Agenda Item #10d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Environet in the amount of $15,285.00 for services related to the Illinois Casualty Project at Third Avenue and 20th Street.
Agenda Item #10e
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman, Stanley and Associates in the amount of $4,704.00 for the Great River Plaza Renovations Project.
Agenda Item #10f
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to the Illinois Department of Transportation in the amount of $47,565.88 for the Fourth Avenue Resurfacing Project.
Agenda Item #10g
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Frye Builders in the amount of $46,802.10 for the Great River Plaza renovations Project.
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Winter to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of February 7 through 13 in the amount of $448,639.02. 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, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for tree removal, recommending the bid of Turkle’s Tree Service in the amount of $3,680.00. A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Forlini to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
The City Clerk announced that this was being removed from the agenda at this time at the request of the applicant, and would be placed on the agenda next week.
Agenda Item #14
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Alderman Forlini for a northbound left turn signal from 25th Avenue onto 17th Street, recommending approval of the request. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
The City Clerk read a memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending the reappointment of Larry Tschappat to the Board of Zoning Appeals, and the new appointment of Deb Kuntzi to the Preservation Commission. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Winter to approve the appointments CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
ITEMS
FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
UCR
COMPARISON REPORT
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to the ten-year comparison report from Chief Dove. He noted that there is a 39% decrease in crime over the last ten years and a 36% decrease in violent crime over the last ten years. Mayor Schwiebert commended the Police Department as well as the citizens for getting involved and the organizations like the CCC who work with the police on various programs to alleviate crime in the city. Alderman Brooks commended the City Council for passing the CORA Ordinance and other organizations.
OTHER
BUSINESS
TWEET
KISSES
Alderman Mahlo thanked Jackson Tweet for the chocolate candy kisses that were in each of the Council packets on Friday.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Monday, February 24, 2003, at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:35 p.m.
___________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk