The Rock Island City Council met on Saturday, February 28, 2004, for Budget Review for fiscal year 2004/2005. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen David R. Conroy, Dan Rockwell, Evelyn (Evie) R. White, and Ann L. Keefe. Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, John E. Bauersfeld Jr. and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. were absent. (Alderman Brooks arrived at 8:45 a.m. and left the meeting at approximately 10:45 a.m.) Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Finance Director Bill Scott, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, Budget Supervisor Jacqueline VanderMeersch, Finance Secretary Niki Fallon and Accountant Tim Banks. Other staff members arrived throughout the morning to present their portion of the budget.
Finance Director Bill Scott presented an overview of the Budget Document. He indicated that there should be no surprises in the budget, since the staff and City Council have been working together for the last months to balance this budget. He stated that the Public Hearing on the budget is scheduled for March 15, and the adoption of the budget is scheduled for March 22.
Mr. Scott reviewed the Manager’s Brief, which give an outline of the budget document. H e noted that “Capital” is less because the Bridge project is nearing completion. Mr. Scott then looked at the various tables and graphs in the document, indicating that this would give the Council a good idea of where the City of Rock Island is in comparison to other cities of the area and/or similar in size to the City. Alderman Conroy asked for a report on the property tax difference in cost compared to those in Moline. He then asked if the 1% Sales Tax would be tracked, and Mr. Scott responded that it would be tracked. He indicated that the businesses had been notified shortly after the Council passed the ordinance.
Alderman Keefe noted that there was
an error in stating that the Health Care Plan was through John Deere. Personnel Director/Assistant to the City
Manager John Thorson indicated that it is now through HCH. Mr. Scott stated that this correction would
be made for the final document.
(Alderman Brooks arrived at 8:45 a.m.)
Mr. Scott stated that the budget reflects the goals of the City Council. He noted that it is a very lean budget. He stated that the City has maintained the services and also its bond rating with this budget.
Gerald Jones, Director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, arrived to discuss his budget. He noted that the King Center is grant-funded. He stated that the budget showed a decrease in expenses, and the Workforce Training project is being cut due to the elimination of that grant. He stated that there are some grants that are stable, and noted that United Way has locked them in for three years. He indicated that this means that they do not have to reapply to receive funding.
In response to questions from Council regarding the plans for expansion, Mr. Jones indicated that the plans have been slowed down due to the budget crisis. He stated that they are planning a meeting April 1 with potential fund leaders to assess the interest in proceeding with the project.
Mr. Jones indicated that they are seeing a more diverse clientele for the various programs being offered at the Center. He stated that they have increased the number of youth attending the after school program, and stated that they are utilizing volunteers through the Minority Teachers Student group at the High School.
Mr. Jones and Alderman Brooks discussed a plan that they have been discussing with various groups and agencies. They indicated that they are looking at a Recovery Home for recovering addicts and their families. Alderman Brooks talked about the women with children in particular who would benefit from this type of facility, and they are working with the Robert Young Center and others. Mr. Jones and Alderman Brooks stated that they do not see the City as running this facility, but rather the Robert Young Center running it with the King Center as a provider of some of the services.
Centennial Bridge Director Sue Nelson reviewed her budget, noting that this is the last time the budget for this entity will be presented, since the States of Illinois and Iowa are scheduled to take it over the summer of 2004. She noted that the staffing is down to herself and a part-time maintenance person who she calls when needed, adding that they did the snow removal, etc. themselves. She noted that the budget is a six-month budget, stating that though the work is scheduled for completion in June, she expects it to take another month of two for the states to assume responsibility.
Ms. Nelson discussed the work that has been committed to be done, noting that there may be money left. The Bridge Commission has been planning to use that money for more beautification on First Avenue as well as to have extra matching fencing available in case of damage to the fencing that is put up. She stated that Rock Island and Davenport would be responsible for the maintenance of the entrance/exit to the bridge on their respective sides. She noted that there is a f und set aside to continue to fund the lighting on the bridge. Ms. Nelson noted briefly that the Centennial Bridge would play a role in the Grand Excursion events being held in June.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Police Chief Terry Dove, and Captains Donald Reichert, John Wright and Scott Harris arrived to review their portion of the Budget document. Chief Dove discussed the expiration of the CAPE funding at Century Woods at the end of March. Century Woods Manager Trish Larson will be meeting with Chief Dove later to discuss how the program can be maintained.
Chief Dove noted that they have a plan to institute a Community Policing Team, with Buzz Robinson as the team leader. This team will be available throughout the community to work with areas and neighborhoods where problems are occurring. Officer Robinson will be working with one officer at a time, and the team will continue to utilize an office at Century Woods to maintain some presence there. They will be working with the Block Clubs and Neighborhood Organizations also. Chief Dove noted that Captain Harris receives information on the Block Club Meetings from the Director, Bob Schroeder, and a Police Officer is always in attendance at these meetings to help provide information for the residents
In response to a question about the Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Chief Dove stated that he believes that the City is getting their money’s worth from the investment. He added that we have two persons working there - an officer who is assigned there as well as Tim Steines, who had previously been assigned to MED and is now there as a supervisor. Council noted that Davenport is cutting their MED contribution from their budget and asked what impact this will have on the program. Chief Dove noted that this will mean that the MEG presence in Davenport will be less than in other cities. He added that MEG will continue to work with Davenport, but the emphasis will be on the cities that are working directly with them.
Chief Dove noted that the President is talking about dropping the COPS grant, and proposes that it be replaced with the new Justice Assistance Grant. He noted that with this new grant, the City may not be able to fund one officer that is currently funded by the COPS grant.
Chief Dove then discussed the unfounded mandates for Homeland Security issues. He stated that Rock Island could be a target, and all of the area law enforcement personnel need to be aware of what to do if a tragedy occurs in Rock Island or any other neighboring city. Mayor Schwiebert asked if the unfounded mandates for Homeland Security is one of the issues papers that will be accompanying the group going to Washington, and Chief Dove indicated that he would give Mayor Schwiebert the information he has on the subject. Chief Dove commended General McManus of the Rock Island Arsenal for being pro-active in working with the area Police Chiefs. He stated that they network with all agencies and are working on a combined bi-state plan.
Chief Dove indicated that there is a good possibility that they will be receiving the ILEAS grant for communications, and Alderman Conroy asked what the money that is in the budget for this project would be used for. City Manger John Phillips indicated that, once we are sure the grant money will be available, staff will look at the options for the use of this money, adding that it will probably be used for Economic Development.
Chief Dove discussed the abandoned vehicles as well as the agreement with the Park Board that they will fund one half of an officer salary to work at Douglas Park and Whitewater Junction. He noted that this will be an on-duty officer, which will cut back on the overtime.
Community and Economic Development
Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Special Project
Coordinator Sally Heffernan and Inspection Division Manager Tom Ayers reviewed
the budget for this department at this time.
Mr. Carmen noted that he had the Agenda for the Public Hearings almost
finalized, but wanted to allow Mayor Schwiebert to review it prior to
distributing it. Council members requested
to have it prior to Monday, and a break was taken at this time so Mr. Carmen
and Mayor Schwiebert could hold their discussion. (Alderman Brooks left during the break, at approximately
100:45 a.m.)
Following the break, Mayor Schwiebert reviewed the Agenda for the Public Hearing. Mr. Carmen and Mayor Schwiebert responded to questions, and the agendas were distributed to Council members for their review prior to Monday evening.
Council discussed the length of the Hearings, and Mayor Schwiebert noted that the group that met last Thursday agreed to combine the three separate hearings into one Public Hearing, to save time and repetition, since they are related issues. He indicated that, if each of the scheduled speakers uses their allotted time, the hearings could take up to eleven hours. He stated that some of them probably will not use the allotted time, but they need to be allowed to do so if they wish. He stated that there may be a need for a third meeting, and Council discussed when this could occur. Consensus was to see if some plans could be changed to hold the additional meeting on Thursday, if needed. Mayor Schwiebert noted that, as long as the meeting was recessed to that date and time for continuation, a special notice was not needed.
After the discussion regarding the Public Hearings, Mr. Champagne and staff reviewed their budget for 2004/2005. Mr. Champagne stated that they are looking at options to expand or attract retail operations to Rock Island. He noted that they are using the Upper Floor TIF, with a ribbon cutting last week for the apartment units located about the Shields Sewing Center. He noted that the apartments above LaFigaro, which were recently approved by Council, are being started. He stated that sixteen of the seventeen units for Highland Place have been sold, and stated that housing continues to be coming to downtown Rock Island. Mayor Schwiebert commented that there are other housing developments being worked on, including one by a group of churches.
Addressing the question of Rental Inspection, Mr. Champagne stated that a report will becoming to Council at a later date. He noted that he and Inspections Personnel are looking at what other cities are doing and how they are providing this service, fees being charged if any, and other areas of this issue.
Mayor Schwiebert asked how Economic Development was involved in the arts community. Mr. Champagne stated that $30,000 has been allocated to Quad City Arts. He indicated that he is involved in the group looking for a new District Director, and an interest in the Arts is one of the qualities they are looking at. Alderman White asked if Quad City Ballet had found a new building or if the owner of the current building was going to fix the roof. Mr. Champagne stated that he had looked at a different building with the Director of Quad City Ballet, but the building was too large for one component. He indicated the possibility of a couple of other components who may be interested in use of the building along with Quad City Ballet.
. Library Director Ava Ketter and Assistant Director Amy Penry reviewed the Library Budget. Ms. Ketter noted that 2004 is the 100th birthday of the Rock Island Public Library and they are celebrating throughout the year. She spoke of the cuts made at the Library, including the elimination of Sunday hours as of April 2, and not filling one professional position. She stated that they have also reduced the supply costs. She stated that the circulation is up, and they continue to receive a large number of reference questions each year.
Ms. Ketter stated that the revenues remain constant, and they are letting bids for a consultant to review the three library facilities. She noted that this study would identify a time line for replacement of major items, as well as provide information that can help with obtaining outside funding for some of the major projects that will need to be done.
Ms. Ketter noted that the Library Foundation gives them approximately $20,000 to $25,000 each year. She stated that some of the money is in restricted memorials, where the donor has identified the use of the money for books or another specific item. She stated that there is one less restrictive memorial, and that money is used for technology purchases as well as books and other items.
Ms. Ketter and Ms. Penry then discussed the new computer system that is being implemented as of March 9 through QuadLinc (Quad City Libraries in Cooperation). With this system, patrons of the Library will be able to access the library on the internet to see if it is available, and if not available from their local library, they can order it from another library. Ms. Ketter noted that the cost of mailing will be paid by the library, unless the cost is over $10.00, in which case they will call the patron and ask them to pay some of the shipping costs.
Finance Director Bill Scott, Budget Supervisor Jacqueline VanderMeersch, Secretary Niki Fallon and Accountant Tim Banks took their places at the table at this time to discuss the Finance Department Budget. Mr. Scott noted that Jackie will be retiring in October of this year, and they have decided to take a look at all of the positions in Finance and review them carefully to determine what they need. The plan is to leave this position open for six months while they do this review. He noted that each of the employees has been given the opportunity to evaluate their job – including the “dumbest thing” they have to do. He stated that they plan to look at the various jobs being done in the department and see where some changes can be made. He stated that, through this process, they want to be able to better define the jobs, adding that one thing they feel is needed is a person who is bi-lingual.
Claire Dubuisson, Information Technology Systems Supervisor and Tim Bain, Assistant, reviewed the budget for this department. Ms. Dubuisson noted that all the telephone charges are paid through this department, and she referred to the decrease in cost since the long distance company was changed. She stated that the Capital Funding is down, and the debt will be paid off next year.
Ms. Dubuisson also discussed the new wireless system and some of the challenges that they face to install this in all of the outlying areas. Mr. Bain discussed the benefits of a wireless system and the security issues involved.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Monday, March 1 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 12:20 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk