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, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Also present were City Manager John Phillips, Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, and Martin Luther King Center Director Jerry Jones.
FINANCIAL
SOFTWARE
City Manager John Phillips opened the discussion by inquiring upon Martin Luther King Center Director Jerry Jones to provide to the Council information regarding the Financial Software Selection Project.
Mr. Jones explained that over six (6) years ago, Harris Inc., purchased the Creative Computer Solutions, which is the current financial software application used by the City. Harris Inc. renamed the product Harris Select Financials. During the past six (6) years, Harris has provided minimal improvements to Select Financials. The City began exploring for alternative software as early as 2003. During the exploration of alternative solutions, it was determined that GEMS would be a potential option. However, GEMS was purchased by the Harris Company, and with this purchase, the City was prompted
to expand the search for new software. Harris has indicated that the current CCS Software is still supported but will not be enhanced. The City has understood this to be a gradual elimination of CCS/Harris Select Financials as it is today. MLC Director Jones stated that Committees have been established to address this issue.
Mr. Jones affirmed that the City plans to replace its financial software to improve the exchange of information, budgeting, and additional Financial Management, Project Accounting, Grant Management, and other various reasons.
Mr. Jones concluded that there is a definite need for new financial software that is adaptable and flexible. Currently, there may not be just one company that creates all the components of software needed by the City now or in the future. Careful attention has to be made to any solution presented to attempt to ensure it is an enterprise application comfortable in the role of integration.
BIKE
PATH GRANT PROGRAM
Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne presented information to the Council regarding the Bike Path Grant Program. Mr. Champagne stated that in the past years, the City has received several grants through the Bike Path Grant Program, mainly in support of the Great River Trail project. There is a March 1st deadline for an application submittal. Mr. Champagne explained that grant funding would allow work to begin on the Rock Island Cross Town Connector which would serve as a connection between the West Rock River Bridge and the Great River Trail. Mr. Champagne stated that the concept is intended to create both an on street and separated bike trail.
Mr. Champagne offered that a joint application with the City of Moline to construct trails linking to the West Rock River Bridge received grant support, and work on the bridge link is expected to begin later this year with the Rock Island segment connecting to the on bridge bike lane and running through Ben Williamson Park at 44th Street. The Rock Island Cross Town Connector will extend along the 44th Street right-of-way to Blackhawk Road, cross Blackhawk Road and run west to 38th Street, run north along 38th Street to 31st Avenue, run west along 31st Avenue to Sunset park and connect with the Great River Trail.
Mr. Champagne noted that the Bike Path Grant Program has a maximum award of $200,000.00, which has to be matched dollar for dollar by the City. The state program will not fund on-street striping, but will fund separated trails. CED Director Champagne affirmed that with the Council’s support a separated trail could be constructed in the Blackhawk Road and 38th Street right-of-ways. However, the City would be responsible for striping the bike lanes on 44th Street using non-grant funds.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion was made by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Rockwell at 5:54 p.m. to recess to Executive Session on matters of Personnel. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. It was then moved by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to reconvene to the regular Study Session. The motion carried on a voice vote. Those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was recessed at 6:27 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion made by Alderwoman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Conroy to adjourn the meeting carried on a voice vote. Those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p. m.
_____________________________
Aleisha 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, Daniel Rockwell, 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. Alderman Austin gave the Invocation.
Agenda Item #5
Minutes
of the Meeting of February 12, 2007
A motion was made by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderman Rockwell, to approve the Minutes of the meeting of February 12, 2007 as written. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #6
Presentation of the 2007-2008 Budget from City Manager John Phillips.
City Manager John Phillips addressed the Council and presented the 2007-2008 Budget.
Mr. Phillips stated that the budget is a financial plan that outlines where funding will come from, and where funding will be spent. The budget serves as an operations guide to staff on how each department will be allocating resources to get the job done.
Mr. Phillips explained that the General Fund covers the revenues and expenses of many City services. Police, Fire and Public Works comprise approximately ¾ of the General Fund with 34% being spent in Police, 26% in Public Works and 23% of spending in Fire. Personnel costs are a major item in the budget totaling approximately 66% which includes utility expenses, solid wastes disposal fees, and many other services included in the City Budget. It’s proposed at 30.3 million dollars. This represents an increase of 9.9% over last year’s budget.
Mr. Phillips noted that the Illinois based revenues are based on the State Economy and the distribution formulas that the State provides. Income Tax is 11% of the General fund. This is a 7.95 increase over last year’s budget. It has been steadily increasing since 2003, and that reflects improvements in the State economy. Mr. Phillips indicated that the locally based revenues are Use Taxes and the situation is not as strong. It has increased approximately 44% since 2003. The local Utility Tax is stable with little growth anticipated. The Sales Tax is basically flat. It is expected to fall $117,000.00 short of the budget. Mr. Phillips noted that the City is working hard to increase locally based revenues.
Mr. Phillips indicated that the largest area with a projected 3.3% increase would be in wage expenses. While Health Insurance has doubled in the last five years from 2001 to 2006, more modest increases have been seen in the last two years. However, planning is likely to lower the cost in the proposed budget.
City Manager Phillips stated that pension costs continue to be a major concern. Pension costs are budgeted for the next year at $5,000,000,00. It is 67% higher than five years ago. The increase is due to lower periods of earnings on funds, and actions by the State General Assembly to enhance employee pensions benefits for Police Officers and Firefighters.
Mr. Phillips indicated that the Total Budget is proposed for $76,994,109.00, and this is an $11.3 million dollar increase over 2007 with services up $6.9 million and capital up by $2.6 million dollars.
On the issue of Property Tax Collection, Mr. Phillips mentioned that it is basically flat if adjustments are made for Inflation. The property tax bill that residents receive shows that the schools receive 55% and the City receives 26%. For every dollar that the citizens pay in property taxes, the City receives 26 cents.
City Manager Phillips noted that the Property Tax Rate has gone down from $4.13 per $100.00 of assessed value. This year it stands at $2.44. The assessed values of properties have decreased the tax rate, and taxes will be collected at a rate less than the growth of property values in the City. City Manager Phillips noted that his recommendation for the tax rate levy is to increase it at 1.14% with no additional Police Officers or firefighters.
City Manager Phillips noted that the Police and Fire Pension is 28% of the Property Tax. Phillips stated that it is critical for the State Legislature in Springfield to stop the continuing enhancement of public employee pensions.
City Manager Phillips concluded the discussion with various strategic issues sighted for the coming year. One of which is to maintain and enhance the financial strength of the City.
Agenda Item #7
Resolution appropriating $200,000.00 of Motor Fuel Tax funds for street maintenance
Alderman Conroy moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded to adopt the Resolution as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #8
CLAIMS
It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, to accept the following reports and authorize payments as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, 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 $4,320.00 to Met Pro Corporation for PHI-23845 coagulant. (039)
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $6,347.40 to USALCO for AS-1410 polymer. (040)
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $6,187.65 to DrinkerBiddleGardnerCarton for Professional Services for the Pretreatment Program NPDES Permit. (044)
d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #4 in the amount of $6,554.45 to Centennial Contractors of the Quad Cities Inc. for the 2006 50/50 Sidewalk and Curb Program. (045)
e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #6 in the amount of $17,006.00 to IDOT for the Blackhawk Road Widening project from 24th Street to 38th Street. (046)
f. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #2 in the amount of $3,128.02 to Visu-Sewer Clean & Seal Inc. for 28th Street Court Trenchless Sanitary Sewer Repair. (050)
Agenda Item #9
Claims for the week of
February 9, through February 15th, 2007 in the amount of $453,099.74
Alderman Pauley moved and
Alderman Conroy 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 Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo,
Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #10
Payroll
for the weeks of January 29 through February 11 in the amount of $1,049,075.34.
It was moved Alderman Rockwell seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, to allow the payroll. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #11
Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of Janitorial Supplies from Great Western Supply company in the amount of $3,370.75, Greenwood Cleaning Systems in the amount of $2,636.40, BL Murray Co. in the amount $92.75, Central Poly in the amount of $142.90 and CJ Duffey Paper Co. in the amount of $176.80.
A motion was made by
Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the
purchase as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote;
those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley,
Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman
Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #12
Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of one (1) John Deere 325 Skid Steer Loader and 2007 B&B Tilt Trailer from Martin Equipment Company in the amount of $ 39,885.00.
It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the purchase as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda
Item #13
Report from the
Police Department regarding the purchase of a Speed Sentry speed display sign
with data logging capabilities from International Road Dynamics in the amount
of $3,840.00.
A motion was made by
Alderwoman Murphy seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, to approve the
purchase as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote;
those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley,
Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman
Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda
Item #14
Report from the Personnel
Department regarding a three (3) year membership Agreement with Business
Training Library.
It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract for a three year membership agreement with Business Training Library for $6,072.00 with annual membership payments in the amount of $2,024.00 as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #15
Report from the Public Works Department regarding the
Citywide In-House Recycling Program.
A motion was made by Alderwoman Murphy seconded by Alderman Pauley to Authorize the City Manager to instruct the Public Works Department to begin implementation of the Citywide In-House recycling Program, authorize the City Manager to spend $5,280.00 for Recycling Bins from Resourceful Bag and Tag, and instruct Public Works to bid the purchase of transfer carts as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #16
Report from the Community and Economic Development
Department regarding the Bike Path Grant Program.
It was moved by Alderman Austin seconded by Alderman Conroy to
authorize staff to submit a grant application for funding through the Illinois
Bike Path Grant Program as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye
and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman
Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and
Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #17
Report form the Mayor regarding Appointments to Neighborhood Partners, Water Pollution Control Board and Sustainable Design Assessment Team.
A motion was made by Alderman Pauley seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the appointments as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #18
Report from the City Clerk
regarding the Plaza Events to be scheduled for the coming season. Requesting a
waiver of the event fees for the 3rd Annual Poker Run (proceeds to go to the American Cancer
Society – Rock Island Chapter) sponsored by The Daiquiri Factory, and for the
Swing Into Education Unity Fest to be held on September 15th only.
A motion was made by Alderman Rockwell seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to approve the events, approve the waiver of the fees for the Third (3) Annual Poker Run, and for the Swing Into Unity Education fest to be held on September 15th only as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #19
Report from the City Clerk
regarding an activity permit application and Resolution for the Quad City
Criterium to be held May 25 through May 28, 2007.
It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the application and adopt the Resolution as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #20
Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet.
City Manager John Phillips stated that there have been some modifications to the TIF Housing Program Guidelines.
Mr. Phillips also mentioned the information given to Council regarding the Nuisance Abatement Program. Mr. Philips stated that problem properties needed to be followed through on a regular basis.
Agenda Item #21
Ms. Leigh Timbrook, owner of the Karaoke Kitchen at 1806 2nd Avenue voiced her concerns regarding the the City Ordinance that states the Plaza must be vacated for cleaning purposes between the hours of 3:15 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.
Agenda Item #22
The Executive Session was
held prior to the Regular Meeting.
Agenda Item #23
Recess
A motion was made by
Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Pauley to recess to Saturday, February
24th, 2007 at 800 a.m. The
motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being
Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell,
Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those
voting No, none. The meeting recessed at 7:26 p. m.
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Aleisha L. Patchin City Clerk