The Rock Island City Council met for Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 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, Beth Y. Mahlo and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. Evelyn “Evie” R. White arrived at 5:40 p.m. Alderman John E. Bauersfeld was absent. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Finance Director Bill Scott, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Fire Chief Al Sinksen, City Engineer Jim Johnson, Municipal Services Superintendent George Seiz, Public Works Administrative Assistant Tim Ridder, IS Manager Claire Dubuisson, and Park Director Bill Nelson.
City Manager John C. Phillips noted that the Capital Improvement Plan was later this year than other years due to the changes that needed to be made with the decrease in revenue. Public Works Director Bob Hawes stated that this year, for the first time, there is no Municipal Utility Tax revenue in the CIP, years two through five have Gaming Revenue included, and the Local Street Improvement Plan has been enhanced. He noted that the Centennial Bridge is not included, since that has already been budgeted, and the Parks Chapter is waiting for the Master Plan to be completed. He noted that the Fleet expenditures are in the budget but are not included in the CIP.
Mr. Hawes discussed the Comprehensive Street Survey, which has been included for FY 2004, and includes software and the survey. He explained that a special van would travel down the streets. This van would be equipped with sensors to detect problems in the street. He also discussed a new asset management system that he is looking at. Alderman Winter called attention to a map that Council was given noting problem areas in the streets. Mr. Hawes stated that the map was done by a college intern and was a “windshield” survey.
Mayor Schwiebert noted that less than half of the total CIP budget was being sued for Economic Development, and stated that the local street program should be cut back and more should go toward Economic Development. City Manager John Phillips noted that one million dollars from the Water and Sewer fund has been set aside for residential development. Alderman Winter stated that the staff followed the directive from Council’s Goal Setting, and any changes should be made during Goal Setting by the Council but not at this time. He noted that this is a plan and not a budget, and changes for years two through five can be changed according to the goals set by the Council for the next year.
Mayor
Schwiebert stated that the five-year plan is repairing local streets at the
expense of economic development.
Alderman Winter stated that at some point the Council has to face the
commitment of fixing the local streets.
He stated that the longer this is delayed, the worse conditions will
be. He added that there is no reduction
in Economic Development and that the general public would be glad to see that
money is being used for street improvements.
Mayor Schwiebert stated that the 18th Avenue widening was included as one of the street projects, and was included for 2007. Mr. Phillips stated that the directive was to include it in the next years CIP, and to seek ICTEA money. Alderman Forlini noted that there are two elections coming up, and the people serving on the Council in five years may be different and they may not want to widen 18th Avenue.
Alderman White noted that it was agreed that if the state would not provide the money to assist with the project, it would not be done. Mr. Hawes stated that the requested project needs to be included in the CIP five-year plan, and they will seek the ICTEA money when the time comes, adding that it is two years away. He stated that the project has to remain in the plan in order to qualify for the funds.
Alderman Winter asked about the 50/50 Sidewalk Programs and the 50/50 Tree and Curb programs. Mr. Hawes responded that there is usually some money available from this program, and the money from the Sidewalk Program is shifted to the Tree Program or the Curb Program if it is needed – the money is there for the three programs and can be shifted to the one that is most in demand.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Mahlo to recess to Executive Session on matters of Personnel, Property Acquisition and Litigation CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 6:20 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:35 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman White to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
____________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 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 Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Forlini to approve the Minutes of the meeting of February 17, 2003, as printed, CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring the week of March 2 through 8 as Lutheran Schools Week. Representatives from Immanuel Lutheran School accepted the framed document.
Agenda Item #7
The City Clerk read a Resolution authorizing the refund of property taxes for properties commonly known as Suburban Heights. Alderman Forlini asked for an explanation of this. City Manager stated that the resolution authorizes the City to rebate property taxes to the residents of Suburban Heights for three years or if a development goes in, whichever occurs first. Alderman Forlini clarified that was a promise made to them last week, and it was fulfilled at this time. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Forlini to adopt the Resolution CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
NON-CORPORATE/TRANSFER
CERTIFICATES, ETC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Finance Department regarding a Non-Corporate Resolution authorizing the Finance Director to sell, assign and endorse for transfer, certificates representing stocks, bonds and other securities. A motion made by Alderman White 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 #9
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding Rental Rehab V Grant Certificates and Resolution. A motion made by Alderman White 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 report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Valley Construction in the amount of $37, 595.77 for an emergency sewer and manhole repair at 9th Street and 21st Avenue.
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Mahlo to accept the report and authorize payment 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 14 through 20 in the amount of $245,053.66. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White 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 the payroll for the weeks of February 3 through 16 in the amount of $869,283.65.
|
GENERAL FUND |
$586,532.72 |
|
COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC DEVELOP. |
20.44 |
|
KING CENTER |
2,861.53 |
|
FEDERAL COPS GRANT |
3,707.38 |
|
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT |
20,024.29 |
|
LIBRARY |
37,126.13 |
|
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS |
8,949.04 |
|
WATER |
56,563.99 |
|
SEWER |
38,721.06 |
|
BRIDGE |
7,653.42 |
|
SUNSET MARINA |
7,724.40 |
|
PARK AND RECREATION |
55,672.58 |
|
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE |
22,980.61 |
|
SELF INSURANCE |
1,539.16 |
|
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE |
655.76 |
|
CAFETERIA PLAN |
10,725.45 |
|
MLK ACTIVITY FUND |
4,557.08 |
|
DRUG PREVENTION |
3,268.61 |
|
TOTAL |
$869,283.65 |
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Forlini to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
The City Clerk read a report from the Finance Department regarding bids for Collection Services, recommending the bid of Quad Corporation/Discount Collection Services. A motion made by Alderman White 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 #14
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Armory Electric Service Repair, recommending the bid of Midwest Technologies in the amount of $8,530.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Winter 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 #15
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a proposal from Triad Engineering, Incorporated regarding a storm water removal project and the purchase of six flow monitoring meters. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Mahlo 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 #16
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Development Agreement with Christian Family Care Center. Alderman White asked about the landscaping plans and architectural plans for the building, noting that she wanted setbacks for the building and not like the Illinois Casualty building that is set close to the sidewalk. Alderman Forlini stated that there are no setbacks in that area. Alderman Mahlo stated that the Council approved it when they saw the site plan. Greg Champagne stated that the building for the Christian Family Care Center would also be built close to the sidewalk to maintain the block base. He stated that the area east of 20th Street has some landscaping areas in the plans, but most of the other buildings are set to match the block base. Alderman Winter stated that the rest of the buildings along that block are at the sidewalk. Alderman Winter asked who is to do the demolition on the two sites, and Mr. Champagne responded that the City would tear down the existing CFC building at the same time that the taxi barn is torn down. The cost would be about $25,000. Alderman Forlini stated that during his chairmanship, the plans were first drawn up, and the cost of demolition was estimated at $8,000. He also commented that the City is handling the CFC differently than it handled other projects along Third Avenue. He stated that the Christian Family Care Center would be paying the City $68,000 to make up the difference. He indicated the agreement made with the Robert Young Center and the Illinois Casualty building.
Alderman Forlini made a motion to amend the main motion as follows: First Paragraph - strike the word “…sell…” and replace it with “..trade..” , and strike the last sentence; Second Paragraph – strike the word “…sell…” and replace it with “..trade..”, and strike the last sentence; Third Paragraph – strike entire paragraph. Alderman Brooks seconded the motion. Alderman Forlini went on to explain the purpose of the Christian Family Care Center and the good that is done through this organization. Alderman Winter noted that the Board of the Christian Family Care Center has already approved this agreement, and Alderman Mahlo stated that the Illinois Casualty Company would be paying property taxes. Alderman Conroy stated that the Board of the Christian Family Care Center apparently had the money in their budget to make the payment or they would not have approved the agreement, and the money we would be receiving from them is already in our budget.
Following discussion, the amendment failed on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks and Forlini. NAYS: Aldermen Conroy, Winter, White and Mahlo. The motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman White to approve the agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White and Mahlo. NAYS: Alderman Forlini.
COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Agenda Item #17
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Ray Yeargle to apply for a Special Use Permit to operate a mobile food cart on his property at 310 14th Street. A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Mahlo to allow Mr. Yeargle to apply for the Special Use Permit CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
4321 7
AVENUE/PROJECT FACELIFT
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment from the City Council fro Project Facelift at 4321 7th Avenue in the amount of $9,521.25. A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman White to commit $9,521.25 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from the Johannes Bus Company for the elimination of parking on the south side of 9th Avenue between 45th and 46th Streets, recommending approval of the request for Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., and 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Alderman Conroy asked if our fire trucks could get around in the streets if the buses could not. Ann Balderson, 4510 9th Avenue, stated that this is a more acceptable option than not allowing parking at all. She indicated that the rental property on the north side is empty now, so the problem does not exist, but new renters could move in there and create the same problem. She stated that they use a large bus for only the two children, and Alderman White stated that it is unknown if this is the beginning of the route. Fire Chief Al Sinksen stated that he did not know if the fire trucks had problems on that street. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Winter 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.
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
Agenda Item #20
RICAB/NEIGHBORHOOD
PARTNERS
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a new organizational appointment of RICAB to Neighborhood Partners. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Winter to approve the appointment as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
BOARD
OF ZONING, PLANNING COMMISSION
The City Clerk read a memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert regarding the appointments as follows:
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS:
Dave McAdam – new appointment
PLANNING COMMISSION:
Mike Creger - reappointment
Norm Moline – reappointment
Berlinda Tyler-Jamison - reappointment
David
Levin – new appointment
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to approve the appointments as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
LICENSES/PERMITS
Agenda Item #22
ST.
PATRICK’S SOCIETY/PARADE
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding the application for the St. Patrick’s Society Parade to be held Saturday, March 15 beginning at 11:30 a.m. A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Forlini to approve the application CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
PLAZA
USES/SEASONAL
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding the applications for the Plaza Uses for the coming event season, and requesting waivers of the $25.00 fee for the Quad City Arts Metro Arts Program and the District Galley Hops. Jennifer Fowler, Executive Director of the District, introduced Erica Smith who is the Special Events Coordinator. They distributed a brief outline of the various District Special Events that will be presented this summer. Ms. Fowler stated that the Rock Island Grand Prix will be an International Sanctioned Race this year, noting that several representatives from the committee went to Italy last year to discuss talk about the race here. She stated that the District will work closely with Public Works and the construction efforts. Mr. Hawes stated that they plan to have the work done on the Plaza area by the Rock Island Summer Fest. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Winter to approve the applications CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None.
ITEMS
FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
City Manager John Phillips called attention to the January 2003 Management Report and the Sunset Marina Master Plan Phase I Slip Pre-leasing. Mr. Hawes commented on the Master Plan, noting that the design of the slips will depend on the results of the pre-leasing. He noted that there have been a lot of inquiries, but only two people have paid the fee to date.
OTHER
BUSINESS
ELECTION
Alderman Winter reminded residents that Tuesday is the Primary Election for the Fourth Ward, and encouraged the residents of the Fourth Ward to vote.
CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Ann Keefe, 1203 45th Street, spoke to Council as a representative of the Keystone Neighborhood and the Corridor Task Force. She stated that the Capital Improvement Plan did not contain anything about the narrowing of Seventh Avenue, and she talked about the deteriorating housing, the criminal activities and other things that are occurring. She asked that they consider postponing the widening of 18th Avenue and concentrate on narrowing Seventh Avenue. Mr. Hawes stated that the plan is to do the narrowing of Seventh Avenue when it comes up with the State again which will be in about ten years. He noted that it was done five years ago.
BIG
ISLAND
ChrisTina Kost, 2104 Big Island Road, who stated that she was representing 169 families on Big Island, spoke to Council in opposition to the upcoming proposal from RiverStone to excavate eighty acres on Big Island’s residential side. She presented information that supported her opposition, along with some photos of the site and the current sand and gravel pit. She asked Council to support the opposition or any proposal by RiverStone Group Inc. to operate a sand and gravel pit in that area. She noted that the proposed pit would be adjacent to several residences and would endanger the health and safety of the people living there.
Ms. Kost discussed the levee that is there now, stating that the pit would be inside the levee next to the residential area, without a levee to separate them. She noted the amount of water that would leak from the pit into the residential area, and the flooding that would occur. She presented the following reasons for opposing the project:
a. The operation would be within a Restricted Federal Levee System;
b. The current levee system was not designed to withstand an 80 acre by 20 to 50 foot hole placed inside it;
c. Therefore, increased risks of flooding;
d. Increased risks of seepage;
e. Risks losing FEMA benefits when needed;
f. Impedes normal and orderly growth/development of the surrounding residential clusters;
g. Impairs property values;
h. Endangers the public health, safety and comfort; and
i. Increases the costs for residents, Rock Island County, the City of Rock Island, the District, the Village of Milan and Blackhawk Township.
Ms. Kost responded to questions and comments from the Council. City Manager John Phillips indicated that there is currently no proposal in the works. Ms. Kost asked to be notified when this proposal comes before Council so she can speak to it again. Mayor Schwiebert stated that they had raised legitimate concerns, and the City would be talking to the Corps of Engineers about whether or not the proposal would undermine the levee system currently in place.
Doug House, 1724 85 Avenue West, Rock Island, stated that he is a Blackhawk Township Road Commissioner, and indicated that there are several other reports that were not presented to Council tonight. He stated that Big Island is a sand bar and the proposed pit is of genuine concern. He noted that the township opposed a similar plan in 1991 and would take the same stance if the company seeks permission again.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Winter and
seconded by Alderman Mahlo to recess to Executive Session on matters of
Property Acquisition, Personnel and Litigation CARRIED on a Roll Call
vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy,
Winter, White, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS:
None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:05 p.m.
RECESS
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the
regular meeting at 9:15 p.m. A motion
made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Brooks to recess to Monday,
March 3, 2003, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.
AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, Mahlo and Forlini. NAYS: None. (Alderman White left the
meeting at 8:55 p.m.)
The meeting was recessed at 9:16 p.m.
____________________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk