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, , Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. City Manager John Phillips was also present. Alderman Stephen L. Tollenaer was absent.

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. Alderwoman Murphy gave the Invocation.

Agenda Item #5

Minutes of the Meeting of February 16, 2009.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of February 16, 2009 as written. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #6

Update Rock Island By Mayor Schwiebert.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that this past Saturday, the first of two Budget sessions took place. The Mayor indicated that at the first Budget session, the Martin Luther King Center, Library, Police, Community Economic Development, Information Technology and Finance Department budgets were reviewed with Council. It was noted that an $88,000,000.00 total budget for the City is being reviewed. The Mayor offered that this year, the City is faced with particular challenges as a result of the recession in the national economy and this is making a lot of the revenue resources unpredictable. The Mayor indicated that at the present time, it appears that the revenues are not as adversely impacted in Illinois as they have been in other states.

Mayor Schwiebert commended the City staff for being innovative and creative in coming up with ways to hold costs down. Mayor Schwiebert offered that a new technological innovation that the Library is offering is through their website and consists of a wealth of information that may be accessed on-line from home, the library or any other access point. The Mayor offered that the information includes everything from how to manuals to employment opportunities. Mayor Schwiebert stated that anyone that would like to access this information needs to have or obtain a Rock Island Library Card. Mayor Schwiebert stated that the Finance Department introduced a new program, which is on-line billing (e-Rock). This new system allows a person to pay utility bills on-line, receive information regarding bills and provides an on-line history regarding the bills. Mayor Schwiebert pointed out that the Police Department is using a number of computer generated systems including a CAD system to improve communication between the departments to allow for back-up. It was noted that at the budget session on Saturday, there was discussion regarding how technology could be used to share information regarding crime detection.

Mayor Schwiebert discussed the Economic Stimulus Plan. Mayor Schwiebert indicated that the City should be receiving approximately $300,000.00 of additional funds from the Federal Government for the Community Development Block Grant program. The Mayor added that this will represent a 20% increase from last year’s revenues and will assist with housing, economic development and programs involving social service agencies. The Mayor stated that at the local level, funds will be coming in regarding the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, but the amount is currently not known. Mayor Schwiebert indicated that there will also be some highway infrastructure funds distributed in which most of the money will be spent through the State. However, some funds will be distributed locally. The Mayor stated that the City will be reviewing programs in the neighborhood housing stabilization and housing assistance area. It was noted that in the area of criminal justice, the Burn Grant has been re-funded. The Mayor offered that there will be a wide range of new programs available and the City will be aggressively pursuing those programs.

Mayor Schwiebert indicated that Council will be acting on a proposal from Symbiont for engineering services during the construction of the 1^st Avenue Sewer project. It was noted that this is a major sewer installation and infrastructure project.

Mayor Schwiebert commended the Rock Island Noon Kiwanis for agreeing to donate an old fashioned style solar clock that will be positioned on 18^th Avenue at the intersection of 17^th and 20^th Streets. It was noted that the clock was constructed in Rock Island by the Fancy Clock Company. The Mayor offered that the clock will be donated with a specific commemoration of Kermit Schroeder, who was a longtime outstanding member of the Noon Kiwanis.

The Mayor offered that Council will be acting on an On-Site Nursing Contract for the City. It was noted that the On-Site Nursing provider is an agency that will provide a nurse to come in and monitor health care issues as well as other health related matters.

Mayor Schwiebert concluded by stating that the second Budget session will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Noon).

Agenda Item #7

Proclamation declaring the week of March 1 through March 7, 2009 as National Lutheran Schools Week.

Mayor Schwiebert read the Proclamation declaring the week of March 1 through March 7, 2009 as National Lutheran Schools Week.

Andrew and Dallas Foss and Syndy Biscontine of Immanuel Lutheran School accepted the Proclamation. After the students accepted the Proclamation, pictures were taken with Mayor Schwiebert.

Agenda Item #8

Public Hearing regarding the acquisition of private property by eminent domain quick-take proceedings within an Enterprise Zone.

Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:58 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing regarding the acquisition of private property by eminent domain quick-take proceedings within an Enterprise Zone.

The Mayor inquired upon Public Works Director Bob Hawes to comment on this matter.

Mr. Hawes stated that approximately eight (8) months ago, Council passed a Condemnation Ordinance for a piece of property owned by the Watt’s Company. Mr. Hawes pointed to the area on the aerial photograph. Mr. Hawes commented that the City is in the process of undertaking a $66,000,000.00 enhancement to the combined sewer system. It was noted that the single largest component of that is a massive expansion of the Mill Street Sewage Treatment Plant. The new structures will be built and 13^th Avenue will be closed and become part of the internal complex. Mr. Hawes explained that the City has to acquire additional property for the expansion. The two (2) major pieces of property include a piece of property on the other side of Mill Street in which the City is currently in negotiation for, and a piece of property owned by Watts in which the City has attempted to negotiate for.

Mr. Hawes stated that staff is inquiring upon Council to pass a Resolution to allow the City to go though Quick-Take proceedings for the Watt’s property. Mr. Hawes added that it is important that the City obtains this property due to this being the first part of the construction.

Mayor Schwiebert inquired upon City Attorney Ted Kutsunis to explain the purpose of Quick-Take proceedings.

Mr. Kutsunis stated that Quick-Take is a provision in the law that allows the City to obtain title to the property by the way of condemnation, and the court then reserves until a later date, the issue to the valuation as to what the City will have to pay for.

Mayor Schwiebert then inquired if there was anyone who wished to be heard on this matter of the acquisition of private property by eminent domain quick-take proceedings within an Enterprise Zone. No one stepped forward.

With no other persons present to speak on this matter of the acquisition of private property by eminent domain quick-take proceedings within an Enterprise Zone, Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:03 p.m.

Agenda Item #9

A Resolution regarding the acquisition by Quick-Take of property for the purpose of constructing an expansion of a Wastewater Treatment Plant.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to adopt the Resolution. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #10

CLAIMS

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, to accept the following reports and authorize payment as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

a. Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $2,505.75 to Califf and Harper, P.C. for legal services rendered for the month of January 2009.

b. Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $8,031.96 to Konecky, Koenig, Kutsunis and Weng for legal services rendered for February 2009.

c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $31,635.92 to Pro-dive, Inc. for the repair of the west raw water intake line in the Sylvan Slough channel. (050)

d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 in the amount of $183,482.10 to Williams/Valley Construction Management for the Armory Park Bid Release I project. (055)

e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $2,671.65 to Mitch M. White, P.E. for reimbursement of the payment to Midwest Engineering Consultants, Ltd for services for the Hydro Electric Power Plant Renovation and Expansion project. (060)

f. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $15,889.20 to Mitch M. White, P.E. for consulting services for the Hydro Electric Power Plant Renovation and Expansion project. (061)

g. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $51,950.00 to Mitch M. White, P.E. for reimbursement for the purchase of two (2) General Electric Limit Amp Starters from Midwest Engineering Consultants, Ltd. for the Hydro Electric Power Plant Renovation and Expansion project. (062)

h. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $17,389.00 to Siemens Water Technologies for the emergency purchase of one (1) H26 replacement gearbox for the number one (1) final Clarifier at the Mill Street Wastewater Plant. (296)

Agenda Item #11

Claims for the weeks of February 13 through February 26 in the amount of $1,043,323.97.

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo 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, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #12

Payroll for the weeks of February 9 through February 22 in the amount of $1,170,462.28.

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the payroll as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #13

Report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding the purchase of the Antivirus Software Security maintenance renewal from CDW-G in the amount of $5,035.00.

Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded to approve the purchase as recommended and authorize payment. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #14

Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of five (5) service bodies with equipment from Tri-State Truck Equipment Company in the amount of $109,562.62.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to wave the bidding process as recommended, authorize purchase and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance declaring the current 1994 Ford F350 service body vehicles as surplus. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #15

Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of one (1) single axle 2007 Ford F650 dump truck from Truck Centers, Inc. in the amount of $42,875.00.

Alderman Pauley moved and Alderman Conroy seconded to wave the bidding process as recommended, authorize purchase and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance declaring the current 1985 GMC 7000 dump truck as surplus. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #16

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the purchase of one (1) 10,000 pound capacity Cronkhite equipment trailer, recommending the bid be awarded to Logan Contractors Supply Inc. in the amount of $4,200.00.

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Conroy to award the bid as recommended and authorize purchase. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #17

Report from the Police Department regarding bids for the lease of undercover vehicles, recommending the bid be awarded to Wags Auto Center in the amount of $1,500.00 per month and recommending that the additional fees be drawn from the drug fund account.

Alderman Pauley moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to award the bid as recommended, authorize the additional fees to be drawn from the drug fund account and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #18

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for generator support frames for the Hydro Plant, recommending the bid be awarded to Western Structural Company in the amount of $6,330.00.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #19

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding bids for the Neighborhood Partners Newsletter, recommending the bid be awarded to The Brandt Company for a one-year contract to print 2,150 copies of four (4) newsletters in an amount not to exceed $6,532.00.

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #20

Report from the Personnel Department regarding a one (1) year contract with Concentra for the On-Site Nursing program, beginning April 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010 in the amount of $57,516.00.

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents.

Discussion followed with Alderwoman Murphy inquiring as to whether the On-Site Nursing program was new program.

City Manager John Phillips stated that the City has not had an On-Site Nurse and this is a new program.

Alderwoman Murphy inquired upon Personnel Director John Thorson as to whether the City is paying for some of the medical services that are being provided.

Mr. Thorson stated that one of the things that the City does not have is a nursing program for a lot of group health related matters. It was noted that if it is a worker’s compensation related injury issue, then the City does provide for those services. Mr. Thorson offered that the on-site clinic would be a combination of providing occupational health as well as non-occupational health services. Mr. Thorson stated that this program will be split 60/40 between the group health plan and the worker’s compensation plan. It was noted that worker compensation related injuries will be treated at the clinic. In addition, the City will be looking towards expanding the use of the nurse to reduce costs associated with wellness. Mr. Thorson indicated that the proposal for the On-Site-Nursing program is based on 20 hours per week.

Alderman Austin inquired as to what the eligibility requirements would be.

Mr. Thorson indicated that this would apply to people that are on the City’s health plan or individuals that are injured in worker’s compensation related injuries that are on the City payroll.

Council discussed this item further as it related to insurance plans, wellness matters and cost savings.

After discussion, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #21

Report from the Public Works Department regarding a proposal amendment to the project design contract from Symbiont for engineering services during construction of the 1^st Avenue sewer in an amount not to exceed $31,700.00.

Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderman Austin seconded to approve the proposal amendment with Symbiont as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #22

Report from the Community Economic Development Department regarding a Representation Agreement as amicus curiae for the Chicago Landmarks Ordinance case entitled Albert C. Hanna and Carol C. Mrowka versus City of Chicago.

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded by Alderman Pauley to approve the agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents and forward the agreement to Landmarks Illinois.

Discussion followed with Alderman Conroy inquiring as to whether there is a cost involved.

City Attorney Ted Kutsunis stated that the City is joining as friends of the court. There will not be a cost associated for the City.

After discussion, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #23

Report from the Finance Department regarding adjustments to the Fiscal Year 2009 budget, recommending increasing the Martin Luther King Center’s budgeted expenses by $9,100.00.

Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderman Austin seconded to approve the budget adjustments as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #24

Report from the Finance Department regarding adjustments to the Fiscal Year 2009 budget, recommending adjustments to the Water Fund, Wastewater Fund and Fleet Services Fund in the amount of $177,865.71.

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to approve the budget adjustments as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #25

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Special Ordinance vacating a 10 foot wide east/west alley extending 70 feet east of the east right-of-way line of a north/south alley between 9^th and 10^th Streets and 5^th and 6^th Avenues.

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderman Brooks seconded to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Special Ordinance vacating a 10 foot wide east/west alley extending 70 feet east of the east right-of-way line of a north/south alley between 9^th and 10^th Streets and 5^th and 6^th Avenues.

Discussion followed with Alderman Austin complimenting all of the parties involved in the civil way they treated each other in reaching this agreement.

After discussion, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #26

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the installation of a solar powered clock at 18^th Avenue and 17^th Street by the Kiwanis Club.

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the Kiwanis Club’s clock contribution and authorize staff to coordinate the installation and operation details as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #27

Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet.

City Manager John Phillips brought to Council’s attention a report included in the memo packet regarding the stimulus package concerning a summary of programs that the City feels would be the best opportunity to access. Mr. Phillips offered that there are basically two (2) different components of the stimulus package; a series of spending increases for various programs and tax credits. Mr. Phillips stated that focusing on the spending side, there are three (3) basic kinds of grants that the City should be able to obtain. The first one is direct entitlements, which include Community Block Grant funding and Energy Efficiency Block Grants. The second category is funds that come through the states in which an example includes money going to the Department of Transportations around the country. The Illinois Department of Transportation will receive those funds, but some of the funds will be allocated to local areas. Another example includes the Illinois EPA and funding for water and sewer projects.

Mr. Phillips offered that the third category is competitive grants in which the City could apply directly to the federal agencies for a variety of different grants. Mr. Phillips stated that the programs have been reviewed and the City is trying to focus on what programs are out there, how much funding could be available and what the application process would be for the programs.

Mr. Phillips indicated that the information received through the Department of Transportation indicates that Rock Island County should receive 3.1 million dollars of funding and based on population, the City should receive in excess of one million dollars. Mr. Phillips offered that with this funding, the 30^th Street Resurfacing project could move forward, but noted that it is not known as of yet if the whole project could be completed. Mr. Phillips stated that the City should also receive a Lead Based Paint Grant, which is a competitive grant.

Mr. Phillips pointed out that the City is submitting information to the Illinois EPA through the revolving loan fund for water and sewer projects. It was noted that the City has a $400,000.00 project that is under design for the sewer and a $2,000,000.00 project for a raw water line, which is under design and will be submitted. Mr. Phillips added that if there are other projects that the City feels are eligible then they will also be submitted. Mr. Phillips offered that the Community and Economic Development Department is working with the Illinois EPA on Brownfield funding. It was noted that there is additional funding that state EPA’s are receiving. It was noted that schools may receive some additional funding and summer youth employment programs will receive some funding. Mr. Phillips stated that Council will be informed of any information that is received regarding projects and funding.

City Manager Phillips stated that also included in the memo packet is a copy of projects that the City may want to submit to the State of Illinois if they consider a Capital bill.

Alderwoman Murphy stated that the Community Caring Conference will be hosting a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, March 7, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Church of Peace in Rock Island. Alderwoman Murphy offered that the parents of the Blackhawk College Baseball Team will also be sponsoring a fundraiser on Saturday, March 7, 2009 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Quarter-Til Saloon on 14^th Avenue and 41^st Street. It was noted that there will be a lot of sports memorabilia and live music.

Agenda Item #28

Other Business

None

Agenda Item #29

Executive Session on Litigation.

A motion was made by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy at 7:30 p.m. to recess to Executive Session on matters of Litigation. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #30

Recess

Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 7:40 p.m. A motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to recess to Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

The meeting was recessed at 7:41 p.m.

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Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk