The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2004, in the Personnel Conference Room of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White and Ann L. Keefe. Aldermen David R. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr. and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. were absent. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Public Works Department Director Bob Hawes, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, Chief of Police Terry Dove, Sgt. Michael Sponsler, Assistant to the Public Works Director Tim Ridder, Finance Director Bill Scott, Information Technology Services Department Director Claire Dubuisson, Special Project Manager Sally Heffernan, Urban Planner Jill Doak and Park and Recreation Director Bill Nelson. Also present were Community Marketing Director Jennifer Fowler, District Special Event Coordinator Erica Smith, Grand Excursion Rock Island Task Force Chair Ted Thoms, and Grand Excursion Chair Lynn Hunt.
City Manager John C. Phillips distributed information
concerning a recent court decision in favor of the City regarding the Storm
Water Utility Fees. He noted that there
is a thirty-day appeal period, if the churches choose to appeal the decision.
GRAND EXCURSION UPDATE
Mayor Schwiebert introduced Ted Thoms, Chairperson of the Rock Island Grand Excursion Task Force, Jennifer Fowler and Erica Smith of The District, and Lynn Hunt, Chair of the Grand Excursion. He noted that Aldermen Evie White and John Bauersfeld are also on the Task Force.
Mr. Thoms presented an overview of the Grand Excursion. He discussed the Committee’s recommendations and the activities being planned for Rock Island as well as other areas of the Quad Cities. He noted the maps that were in the packet and indicated that these are not final.
The various events were discussed, and Alderman White talked about the Quad City Botanical Center Garden Walk. Jennifer Fowler, Community Marketing Director, reviewed the plans for the use of the District on Friday, June 25. This will be one event in the District, with food vendors, as well as artists, stationed throughout the downtown area to welcome the visitors. The train will leave the passengers at the Modern Woodmen of America building, where they can walk to the District for the events taking place there.
Mayor Schwiebert asked about the type of vendors, and Ms. Fowler stated that they planned to use the vendors they are familiar with and who can provide a variety of foods. She noted that Huckleberry’s and other downtown businesses would have artists stationed outside their business as well as inside. Mr. Thoms noted the other events scheduled, including “Showboat” at Circa 21 and the “Taste of the Quad Cities” taking place in Moline.
Mr. Thoms also discussed the budget, noting that they have already received about one half of the expected private sponsorship. He indicated that the City is expected to contribute $22,000. City Manager John Phillips stated that staff would determine what funding will be used for this, and will prepare a report for Council approval.
Planning Administrator Alan Carmen reviewed the list of persons who have submitted Statements of Interested Party forms. He noted that three additional forms had been received since the information was printed for distribution, and gave the three names as well. He stated that those meeting on Thursday, February 26, would determine which of these parties would be able to cross-examine, as well as the process for the hearing. The meeting on Thursday will also help to determine the process, if different from that stated on the form, and any revisions to the process will be on the Agenda of March 1 for adoption by the Council prior to the Public Hearing.
Public Works Director Bob Hawes reviewed the Parking Report that was in the City Manager’s Information Packet. He stated that the increased fines and late charges have made an impact on the revenue. He referred to the parking ticket payments received, noting that some of them may have been old tickets that are now being paid. He discussed the late fee charges and added that they are being more aggressive in the ticket collection by sending out reminder letters and using the boot.
Mr. Hawes stated that some of the issues on the horizon include finding adequate parking for businesses, as parking needs increase with more housing being created downtown. He stated that the parking ramp utilization has decreased. The report recommends a change in the permit fees for the ramp, and Mr. Hawes explained the rationale for the changes. A report will be prepared for Council consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
_____________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met for regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2004, 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, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Ann L. Keefe and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. Alderman John E. Bauersfeld, Jr. was absent.
INTRODUCTORY
PROCEEDINGS
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to Order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman White gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the Minutes of the meeting of February 16 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PROCLAMATIONS
Agenda Item #6
NATIONAL
LUTHERAN SCHOOLS WEEK
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring the week of March 7 through 13 as “National Lutheran Schools Week”. Stacy Garard and daughter Bryanna accepted the proclamation.
Agenda Item #7
AMERICAN
RED CROSS MONTH/MARCH
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the month of March as “American Red Cross Month.”
PRESENTATION
Agenda Item #8
BUDGET/FY
2004-2005
City Manager John C. Phillips presented the draft budget document for fiscal year 2004/2005. He stated that it is a balanced budget that started out with a two million dollar shortfall in the General Fund. The shortfall was due to a decrease in taxes and other funding from the government, as well as an increase in Pension costs for Police and Fire. Mr. Phillips stated that the budget process began last fall when staff began to look at options for cuts as well as revenue increases. Following this, Council spent three Study Sessions discussing these recommendations and reviewing each of them. A result of these discussions was a reduction in Seasonal Help, leaving two Firefighter positions vacant, a decrease by 50% in the Pay for Performance and the addition of the 1% Food and Beverage Tax. He stated that there are 5 less Full Time positions, and 11 fewer Full Time Equivalents. He indicated that in 1991, the city’s portion of a citizens property tax bill was 42%, and now the city gets 27% of the total property tax paid by a citizen.
He stated that there are no surprises in the budget, as policy decisions were made by Council, the Capital Improvement Plan and tax levy have been approved by Council, and ordinances have been passed relating to some of the changes in fees and fines. He noted that the Council would be meeting with staff on Saturday mornings, February 28 and March 6, at 8:00 a.m. to review the budget document, and any questions can be responded to at that time.
Mr. Phillips then expressed appreciation to the Finance Department, the Department Managers, all city staff and the City Council for their comments and suggestions. He also commended the residents for their patience and understanding throughout this process.
ORDINANCE
Agenda Item #9
4325
3 AVENUE/EMINENT DOMAIN
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance declaring acquisition of property at 4325 3rd Avenue by Eminent Domain. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Conroy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #10a
LYLE
SUMEK/GOAL SETTING SESSION
The City Clerk read a report from General Administration recommending payment to Lyle Sumek in the amount of $1,522.23 for work done in relation to the Goal Setting Session in September.
Agenda Item #10b
CALIFF
AND HARPER/LEGAL SERVICES
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Califf and Harper in the amount of $9,980.51 for legal services during the months of November and January.
Agenda Item #10c
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Mid American Energy in the amount of $842.15 for a natural gas main damage.
Agenda Item #10d
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to VandeGeest Plumbing in the amount of $505.00 for excavation work.
Agenda Item #10e
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Susan Stevens in the amount of $749.46 for vehicle damage.
Agenda Item #10f
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Serpentix Corporation in the amount of $3,490.90 for ninety replacement belt pans on the conveyor system at the Mill Street Wastewater Plant.
Agenda Item #10g
DAVENPORT ELECTRIC/ELECTRICAL SERVICES
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Davenport Electric Contract Company in the amount of $34,562.00 for additional electrical services provided for the 5th Avenue resurfacing project between 15th Street and 24th Street.
Agenda Item #10h
TRIAD ENGINEERING/TURKEY HOLLOW ROAD – PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $9,791.00 for professional services for the Water and Sewer Extension to Turkey Hollow Road.
Agenda Item #10i
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Johnson Contracting in the amount of $8,104.39 for emergency sewer repair work.
Agenda Item #10j
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Gardner Carton and Douglas in the amount of $10,054.23 for professional legal services for NPDES Permit, Long Term Control Plan.
Alderman White asked for details on the general amount of time it takes to repair a sewer, referring to Item #10i. Public Works Director Bob Hawes explained that each one is different, and he recalled this one being a normal eight-inch depth. He stated that the owner had called in the plumbers, who then noted that the problem was a City sewer main. The city decided to let the plumber go ahead, finish the work, and let the City pay them for the work.
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
FEBRUARY 13 – 19
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of February 13 through 19 in the amount of $390,917.52. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
PAYROLL
Agenda Item #12
FEBRUARY 2 – 15
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of February 2 through 15 in the amount of $918,524.00. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
BIDS/PURCHASES
Agenda Item #13
SANDBAGGER CORPORATION/SANDBAGGING MACHINE
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding quotations for the joint purchase, with the City of Moline, of a sandbagging machine, recommending the bid of Sandbagger Corporation in the amount of $16,500.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to award the bid as recommended, with the City of Moline, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
SCOTT AIR-PAK/SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS
The City Clerk read a report from the Fire Department regarding the use of FEMA Grant for the purchase of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, spare tanks and test/certification equipment, requesting authorization to waive the bid process and authorize purchase from Scott Air-Pak in the amount of $189,878, using $170,891 from the FEMA Grant and the City match of $18,987.00.
Alderman White asked if the waiver of the bid process would affect the FEMA Grant. Assistant Fire Chief Doug Vroman responded that they went through a process in which four different vendors demonstrated their equipment to a committee of firefighters. The reason for the recommendation to purchase Scott Air-Pak was their safety features. He discussed the various safety features.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to waive the bid process and authorize purchase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
PUBLIC WORKS
Agenda Item #15
STORM WATER CREDIT/CAMELOT RECREATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a request for a 100% storm water credit under Chapter 2 of the Storm Water Credit Manual, for Camelot Recreations, Inc., recommending that the Council approve a 50% unique and Special Cases Storm Water Credit to Camelot Recreations.
John Downing, 530 Oakwood Circle, Coal Valley, IL, and President of Camelot Recreations, Inc. spoke to Council regarding his request for the 100% storm water credit. He stated that they hold and discharge storm water from their property at a reduced rate, and also collect and discharge water from adjacent properties at a reduced rate. He quoted a statement from the Storm Water Credit Manual to support his request. He discussed the engineering studies done by Missman Stanley, and asked for consideration of his request.
Public Works Director Bob Hawes explained the reason for the staff recommendation of 50% storm water credit. He noted that the advantages to Camelot are that no additional documentation and associated expenses are required, there is no application fee, and annual inspection reports are not required. Alderman Keefe noted the court decision received by Council earlier in which a judge determined that the Storm Water Credit was a fee and not a tax.
Following discussion, the motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the 50% credit as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Agenda Item #16
1312 12 STREET/ROOF DEFERRED PAYMENT LOAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department requesting a commitment from the City Council for a Roof Deferred Payment Loan at 1312 12th Street in the amount of $5,884.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to commit $5,884.00 for the Roof Deferred Payment Loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY/DONATION OF PROPERTY
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the donation of property at 622 9th Avenue and 922-24 6th Street to Habitat for Humanity. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Forlini to approve the donation of property and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
Agenda Item #18
COMMUNITY MARKETING PLAN TASK FORCE/APPOINTMENTS
The City Clerk read a memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending the appointments of Dan Rockwell, Bill Nelson, Jerry Jones, Jon Loquist, Rick Loy and Doug Tschopp to the Community Marketing Plan Task Force. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Forlini to approve the appointments as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ITEMS FROM THE
CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
INCOME TAX REGULATIONS
City Manager John C. Phillips commented on the information from the Finance Department regarding the Income Tax Regulations that was sent by Lew Greenbaum, bond counsel from Katten Muchin Zavis Rosenman of Chicago. He noted that Mr. Greenbaum used this regulation when he determined that the Jumer’s Special Service Area bonds would be taxable if our development agreement prohibited assessment appeals. Mayor Schwiebert suggested that staff look at using only the TIF funds generated by a specific project to be given to that project.
MANAGEMENT REPORT
Finance Director Bill Scott reviewed the January Management Report, which includes 75% of the entire fiscal year. He noted that the general fund revenue is currently ahead of the expenditures. He stated that they are tracking tax revenues, and there is some gradual improvement. He noted no growth in the Sales Tax revenue, and suggested that Council look at the Budget Digest charts. He indicated that there was an amnesty this year on replacement tax, but stated that it does not look like this will occur within the next fiscal year.
OTHER BUSINESS
RIVER VISION
Alderman Rockwell announced the next meeting for River Vision to be held March 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Four Points. He encouraged the public to attend, stating that the purpose of the meeting is for public input on the preliminary concepts and designs that have been done. He noted that the concepts and designs were gleaned from public input at an earlier meeting where there were a number of good ideas proposed. HE encouraged people to call 788-6311 for reservations. Mr. Phillips noted that the Study Session on March 1 would include more details on this project.
WHITEWATER JUNCTION
Alderman White announced that the Park and Recreation Board is offering family passes for Whitewater Junction at $200.00 per family for the season. She encouraged families to purchase these passes and to use them regularly. Park Director Bill Nelson added that they are also offering a new pass structure for golf – for couples and family members. Alderman Conroy stated that the Park Board is also considering family passes to all of the facilities belonging to the Park and Recreation Department, but this has not been finalized at this time.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Saturday, February 28 at 8:00 a.m. in the Personnel Conference Room for Budget Review CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:45 p.m.
__________________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk