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, and Charles O. Austin III. Absent was Alderman Joy Murphy. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, and Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne.
City Manager John Phillips informed all present that discussion topics would be the Armory and boulevard sign enforcement. He advised that the City Clerk had passed out two documents for Council to review, the first being the budget schedule and the second was a supplement to the agenda regarding Plaza Events that was turned in late Friday afternoon. Mr. Phillips then introduced Tim Weeden from the Hendricks Development Group (HDG) and Dave Schreiber from Schreiber/Anderson Associates, Inc., both of which were at the meeting to discuss the future of the Armory and riverfront projects.
THE ARMORY
Mr. Weeden of HDG gave brief background from the last Armory meeting discussion in December 2005 advising at that time there seemed to be no economic, adaptive reuse for the Armory and recommended that the Armory be removed. He advised that the most economically viable reuse for the Armory would be private development housing; however, it would cost the City $1.2 million to upgrade the property exterior and other variables.
Mr. Weeden passed around drawings of a potential Armory vision with parking, condos and a common area with restaurant and retail. The development costs alone for this project would be approximately $6 million which would leave a shortage for this project of approximately $2.5 to $3 million. He advised that all this is contingent on what the IHPA will allow the City to do with the Armory.
Mr. Weeden stated that a two-phase development project would cost approximately $15 million; however, this may be a way to save the Armory. Mayor Schwiebert stated that a new building to the east may generate enough revenue to save the existing Armory building for future use.
Mr. Schreiber of Schreiber/Anderson offered several options for the Armory and land. He stated that he views the downtown area and projects on a holistic basis for the long-term value. He offered several options for review: 1) keep the Armory with condo use with park space; 2) open space development, with a public use of the Armory and condos; 3) remove the Armory with complete open space; and 4) remove Armory with up river condo and green space.
Mayor Schwiebert suggested that the City contact the other firms who previously submitted ideas for development of this area to review all of the City’s options, and also concurrently contact the IHPA to determine what exactly the City is allowed to do with the Armory and property.
SIGNS IN PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
Mr. Dave Levin, President of the Quad City Area Realtor Association and Mr. Gene Holst, CEO of the Quad City Area Realtor Association were present to discuss the City’s boulevard sign policy. Director of Public Works Bob Hawes clarified the enforcement of the current policy advising that temporary signs may be on City boulevards from noon, Thursday to 8:00 a.m. the following Monday if compliance is met on the following: 1) No part of the sign may be closer than five (5) feet from the curb or edge of roadway; 2) the sign dose not impede use of a sidewalk; and 3) the sign does not create a safety hazard. He advised that all other stipulations of the policy apply.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Executive Session on a matter of Property Acquisition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was recessed at 6:30 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:37 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
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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, and Charles O. Austin III. Absent was Alderman Joy Murphy.
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 Pauley and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the Minutes of the meeting of February 13, 2006 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PUBLIC HEARING
Agenda Item #6
SPECIAL USE PERMIT/1612 31st
STREET
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 7:50 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Larry Pierce for a Special Use Permit at 1612 31st Street to operate a small engine repair business.
Mr. Pierce, 1612 31st Street, reviewed his request for the Special Use Permit. He noted that the garage in the back of this property would be used to operate a small engine repair business.
Mayor Schwiebert read the stipulations for approval of this request, which are: 1) The business be limited to one resident employee; 2) Hours of operation be limited to 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon, Monday through Saturday; 3) That a minimum of three off street parking spaces be provided within three months of Council approval; 4) That one unlighted attached sign on the garage (up to six square feet in area) be allowed; and 5) The property shall meet all applicable code requirements. Mr. Pierce advised said stipulations were reasonable and acceptable. Alderman White inquired as to whether Mr. Pierce would be repairing motorcycle engines and wondered if he would be running the motorcycles up and down the alley or street for testing purposes. Mr. Pierce advised that his insurance contract would only allow motorcycle engine repair out of their chassis. He also advised that his long-term goal is to finish school and move his business to a commercial location.
Alderman Conroy suggested adding a stipulation stating no testing of any engines outside of the garage to which Mr. Pierce stated would not be possible due to the carbon monoxide of the engines. Alderman Conroy inquired as to the benefit of installation of exhaust fans to which Mr. Pierce advised would still pose a health risk. Mayor Schwiebert suggested a stipulation stating testing of engines only on applicant’s property to which Mr. Pierce advised would be acceptable.
With no other persons present to speak in favor of, or in opposition to, the Special Use Permit Amendment, Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:50 p.m.
A motion to amend the main motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White, to add a stipulation of “Testing of engines only on applicant’s property.” The motion CARRIED on a Voice vote.
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Rockwell, to approve the Special Use Permit with the stipulations referred to above, as well as the added stipulation, also listed above, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance, CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ORDINANCES
Agenda Item #7
ORDINANCE AMENDING SPECIAL
USE PERMIT/1902 17TH STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amending a Special Use Permit at 1902 17th Street. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, and Austin. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #8
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to accept the following report and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, and Austin. NAYS: None.
a. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Peeters Sod Company in the amount of $1,180.00 for the 2005 Sod and Tree Program.
Agenda Item #9
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of February 10 through February 16 in the amount of $297,893.92. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell seconded by Alderman White to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
JANUARY 30 THROUGH FEBRUARY 12
The City Clerk read the Payroll for the weeks of January 30 through February 12 in the amount of $1,029,639.74. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
JANITORIAL SUPPLY
PURCHASES/GREAT WESTERN SUPPLY COMPANY, WHITE DISTRIBUTION & SUPPLY, INC.
AND CENTRAL POLY
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for janitorial supplies recommending the bids be awarded to Great Western Supply Company in the amount of $8,951.55, White Distribution & Supply, Inc. in the amount of $1,345.40, and Central Poly in the amount of $84.50. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Brooks to award the bids 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, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
PLUMBING UPGRADES CITY
HALL/POLICE DEPARTMENT/
ALWAYS THE BEST CHOICE
PLUMBING, INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for plumbing upgrades in City Hall/Police Building, recommending that the bid be awarded to Always the Best Choice Plumbing, Inc. in the amount of $2,800.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Pauley 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, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
NEWSLETTER
PRINTING/MINUTEMAN PRESS
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding bids for printing recommending that the bid be awarded to Minuteman Press in an amount not to exceed $4,756.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin 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, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding purchase of audiovisual equipment from ECS, Inc. in the amount of $12,921.00 and computer equipment from Hewlett Packard, Inc. in the amount of $1,644.00. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve purchases and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
CITY’S SELF-INSURANCE
PROGRAM/CLEAVELAND INSURANCE
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding the City’s Self-Insurance Program recommending that Council approve a three-year brokerage contract, subject to annual review, with Cleaveland Insurance with the contract beginning May 1, 2006. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White to approve the contract 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, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP/ENVIRONET
INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding bid for environmental cleanup of soils recommending the bid be awarded to EnviroNet Inc. in the amount of $162,000. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to award the bid to EnviroNet Inc. 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, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for easement recommending Council grant an easement to the Quad City Botanical Center for a temporary service road. Mayor Schwiebert asked Cheryl Carney, Executive Director of the Quad City Botanical Center to give some background for this request.
Ms. Carney stated that the Quad City Botanical Center (“QCBC”) is constructing a Children’s Garden, which will take approximately two years for completion. She advised that the QCBC recently constructed an entryway plaza tent for the future Children’s Garden to be used for facility rental. She informed that this plaza is designed with entry from the South Gardens and the current road cuts right in front of the plaza tent, which may pose a hazard for both groups and vehicles. She stated that the service drive needs to be moved behind the tent. Mayor Schwiebert asked Ms. Carney if the QCBC plans to do this project all at once or in several phases. Ms. Carney advised that the QCBC is still looking into their options.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to grant the easement as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding water and sewer rate increases recommending Council approve water rate increases of 14% effective April 1, 2006 and 10% effective January 1, 2007 and sewer rate increases of 10% effective April 1, 2006 and 15% effective January 1, 2007. Alderman Pauley advised that Council is being forced by the Federal government to implement this project. He advised that this project to split the water/sewer systems out to insure all residents have equal and adequate services needs to be done; however, the City and Council did not want to have to raise water and sewer rates in order to accomplish this task, but rather are being forced to do so.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White to approve the water and sewer rate increases as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
STOP SIGN INSTALLATION/CHIPPIANNOCK TRAIL – 17TH STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee recommending installation of a stop sign located at Chippiannock Trail so that vehicles must stop before proceeding onto 17th Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve installation of a stop sign and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #20
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding the Plaza Events to be scheduled for the coming season, and requests for a waiver of the event fees for the four Gallery Hops including Blue Christmas sponsored by The District, and waiver of event fees for the 2nd Annual Dodge Ball Tournament/Concert (proceeds to go to an undetermined local charity) and the 2nd Annual Poker Run (proceeds to go to the American Cancer Society – Rock Island Chapter) both sponsored by The Daiquiri Factory.
Alderman Conroy brought up discussion regarding waiver of event fees and a late application for Plaza use. He stated RIBCO had originally requested September 9 for Plaza use and the late application submitted The Rock Island Elks Lodge (Esquire Lodge 1648 & Elite Temple 1265) for September 9 and 10 posed a conflict. He also inquired as to whether it was customary to waive Plaza event fees. City Manager John Phillips advised that event fees have been waived in the past for The District’s Gallery Hops; however, it is not customary, in general, to waive event fees.
Terry Tilka from RIBCO was present and advised that he would relinquish the September 9 date in order to allow The Rock Island Elks Lodge to have that date for their event. Mayor Schwiebert suggested that staff obtain history regarding past practices of fee waiver for Plaza events and report back to Council.
After discussion, a motion to amend the main motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the events, allow The Rock Island Elks Lodge Plaza use for September 9 and 10 CARRIED on a Voice vote.
A motion to amend the previous motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the events, allow The Rock Island Elks Lodge Plaza use for September 9 and 10, and waive the event fees for The District’s four Gallery Hops including Blue Christmas CARRIED on a Voice vote.
A motion was also made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to DEFER the fee waiver for the 2nd Annual Dodge Ball Tournament/Concert (proceeds to go to an undetermined local charity) and the 2nd Annual Poker Run (proceeds to go to the American Cancer Society – Rock Island Chapter), both sponsored by The Daiquiri Factory, pending a report from staff on past practices and history of Plaza fee waivers, to be presented at the March 6, 2006 meeting CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #21
SOUND AMPLIFICATION APPLICATION/GAMMA ALPHA BETA FRATERNITY OF AUGUSTANA COLLEGE – HILLTOP TAVERN
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a Sound Amplification application for an event scheduled by the Gamma Alpha Beta Fraternity of Augustana College to be held at the Hilltop Tavern on Saturday, March 11, from Noon to 7:00 p.m. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the Sound Amplification application as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
City Manager John Phillips spoke about the 2006-2007 annual surcharge for the downtown security area and inquired of Council as to how to handle this issue. Mayor Schwiebert encouraged against another increase. Aldermen Conroy and Brooks were in support of a reduction. Mayor Schwiebert stated that after camera installation, more aggressive policing of premises would occur; however, the present level of security should be maintained.
Alderman White suggested reviewing the reduction of surcharge issue after the security cameras have been installed and monitor how the summer activities fare. Mr. Phillips advised that the complete installation goal date is June 1 for the Plaza area (2nd Avenue) with interest in moving beyond that area in the future. Alderman White stated that the area of 18th Street and 3rd Avenue desperately needs to be looked at regarding camera installation as well due to complaints received from businesses regarding broken windows, damaged plants and the like. Mr. Phillips advised that timing and money may be an issue for an expansion of this nature to which Alderman White inquired as to the use of TIF money being used. Mr. Phillips advised that this is just the first phase of the downtown security project and additional locations will be addressed in the future.
Mayor Schwiebert addressed the question by Alderman White as to use of TIF money and requested that Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne or Special Projects Manager Sally Heffernan get information to Council on what TIF money can be used for.
Mr. Phillips reminded everyone about the Budget Sessions for Saturday, February 25, and Saturday, March 4, at City Hall Personnel Conference Room beginning at 8:00 a.m.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Austin reiterated the reasons why the City has to raise the water and sewer rates and advised that presentations will continue to be made regarding these rate increases to anyone who wants additional information.
Alderman Brooks advised that this month is Black History month and encouraged citizens to read a book regarding the history and a large part of the nation’s growth.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Executive Session on a matter of Property Acquisition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:28
p.m.
RECESS
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 8:02 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Saturday, February 25, at 8:00 a.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:03 p.m.
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Cynthia A. Neiggemann, City Clerk