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 David Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. City Manager John Phillips was also present. Alderman Daniel Rockwell 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. Alderman Brooks gave the Invocation.
Agenda Item #5
Minutes of the Meeting of February 19, 2007, and Minutes of the Special Meeting of February 24, 2007.
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the Minutes of the meeting of February 19, 2007, and Minutes of the Special Meeting of February 24, 2007 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
Proclamation declaring the week of March 4th
through March 10th, 2007 as National Lutheran Schools Week.
Mayor Schwiebert had representatives of Immanuel Lutheran School come forward and he read the Proclamation declaring the week of March 4 through March 10, 2007 as National Lutheran Schools Week. Mayor Scwiebert urged all citizens to recognize Lutheran Schools for their commitment to proclaim the Gospel to children, young people, and their parents, and for their commitment to excellence in quality Christian education. Mayor Schwiebert thanked the representatives for attending and asked Deshandra, Destiny, Devan and Torry to take the Proclamation back to school and give the proclamation to their Principal.
Agenda Item #7
Proclamation declaring Saturday, March 10, 2007 as
Key Clubs Of Rock Island Youth Conference Day.
Mayor Schwiebert called the Council’s attention to the
proclamation, and stated that earlier in the afternoon he had the pleasure of
presenting the proclamation at the Noon Kiwanis meeting to the Key Clubs of
Alleman and Rock Island High Schools. Mayor Schwiebert noted that on Saturday,
March 10, the Key Clubs of Alleman and Rock Island High Schools will be jointly
hosting a youth conference to provide high school and junior high school
students with information on some of the most important issues faced by teens
today.
Agenda Item #8
Public
Hearing on a request from Dan and Sue Carothers for a Special Use Permit to construct a single-family residence at 225
34th Avenue.
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:51 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Dan and Sue Carothers for a Special Use Permit to construct a single-family residence at 225 34th Avenue.
The City Clerk Swore in Dan and Sue Carothers.
Dan and Sue Carothers of 839 23rd Street addressed the Council and explained that they have four acres of property located at 225 34th Street and their Construction Company is also located at this address. Mr. Carothers stated that they would like to take advantage of this property. The location is very nice and peaceful, and they are looking at this location for retirement. Mr. Carothers also noted that he had met with Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen and Chief Building Inspector Tom Ayers to discuss the rules and regulations.
Mayor Schwiebert read the stipulations for approval of this request, which include: that a minimum of two off Street parking spaces be provided for the residence, and the property shall meet all applicable code requirements.
With no other persons present to speak in favor of, or in opposition to the Special Use Permit application, Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:07 p.m.
It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Conroy, to approve the request for a Special Use Permit at 225 34th Avenue with the stipulations that a minimum of two off street parking spaces be provided for the residence, and the property shall meet all applicable code requirements, and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance 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 #8b
Public
Hearing on the 2007/2008 Budget
Mayor Scwiebert closed the regular meeting at 7:09 p.m. and opened the Public Hearing on the 2007/2008 Budget.
Finance Director Bill Scott addressed the Council and presented an overview of the 2007/2008 Budget. Mr. Scott explained that the City’s top priorities are to promote and support 11th Street and 18th Avenue retail development, support development of the Columbia Park area, begin implementation of the New/ Old Chicago Plan, and encourage development of agricultural and environmentally sustainable business. Mr. Scott noted other priorities which include: Improving energy efficiency at City Hall, solidify operation support and build partnerships with the Martin Luther King Center, encourage retail development on Blackhawk Road at 30th and 44th Street, and move forward with implementation of the Martin Luther King Center Expansion Plans.
Mr. Scott stated that the proposed 2007/2008 Budget incorporates the Capital Improvement Plan, the Community Development Block Grant Program and other City funds. It also includes resources to make substantial progress on the priorities formally mentioned. Also, this fiscal year over $10,000,000.00 is budgeted for Capital, infrastructure maintenance, and operations projects. And, over $43, 000.00 is
planned for the next five years.
Mr. Scott concluded that the City’s assessed value continues to grow, and the City’s tax rate will decrease from $2.44 to $2.41 per $100.00 assessed value.
Mayor Schwiebert stated that it is gratifying to know that we have such a competent team to continue to reduce our property tax rate. Mayor Scwiebert noted that on Monday, March 12th the Budget will go before Council for adoption.
Mayor Schwiebert advised if anyone from the audience would like to speak in regards to the Public Hearing. With no one coming forward, Mayor Scwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:34 p. m.
Agenda Item #9
Special ordinance amending a zoning district and map from I-1 (light industrial) district to O-1 (office) district at 2601 5th Street and 2604 7th Street.
It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance amending a zoning district and map from I-1 (light industrial) district to O-1 (office) district at 2601 5th Street and 2604 7th Street 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 #10
Resolution approving the full release of the listed 2006 Executive Session Minutes.
It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderman Pauley to adopt the full release of the listed Executive Session Minutes 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 #11
Resolution for Small Rental Properties Program.
It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to adopt the Small Rental Properties Program 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 #12
It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Pauley, to accept the following reports and authorize payments 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 Finance Department regarding payment in the amount of $11,000.00 to Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP for Legal services related to the 2007 Bond issue. (048)
b. Report from the Finance Department regarding payment in the amount of $6,500.00 to Moody’s Investor’s Service for rating agency services related to the 2007 Bond issue. (049)
c. Report from the Finance Department regarding payment in the amount of $4,950.00 to RSM McGladrey for Professional Services related to the IRS audit. (050)
d. Report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding payment in the amount of $5,663.00 to 358 CDW-G for Data Communications Equipment Maintenance and Antivirus Software Maintenance Renewal.
e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #3 in the amount of $40,856.24 to General Constructors Inc. for the Phosphoric Acid Feed System. (060)
f. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #6 in the amount of $174,662.83 to Brandt Construction Co. for 7th Avenue resurfacing of 11th to 21st Streets.
g. Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $2,161.03 to Theresa Carey for General Liability Claim.
h. Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,000.00 to Kenneth Flaxman and Dewey Lamp for General Liability Claim.
i. Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $7,171.73 to Konecky, Koenig, Kutsunis and Weng for legal services rendered for February 2007.
j. Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $4,864.13 to Califf and Harper, P. C. for legal services rendered for the Month of January 2007.
Agenda Item #13
Claims
for the weeks of February 16th through March 1st, 2007 in the amount
of $ 1,052.489.44.
Alderman Pauley moved and Alderwoman Murphy 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 #14
Payroll for the weeks of
February 12 through February 25 in the amount of $1,064,566.71.
It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to allow the payroll. 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 a bid for the 2007
Sanitary Lateral Repair Program from C.H. Langman & Son Inc., in the amount
of $69,772.50.
Alderman Conroy moved and Alderman Pauley seconded to award the bid for the 2007 Sanitary Lateral Repair Program from C.H. Langman & Son Inc., in the amount of $69,772.50 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 # 16
Report from the Public Works Department regarding the
purchase of wood cabinets from Green Valley Cabinet Company in the amount of
$4,615.81.
Alderman Pauley moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve the purchase of wood cabinets from Green Valley Cabinet Company in the amount of $4,615.81 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 #17
Report from the Police Department regarding the purchase of Laser Radar
(Lidar) equipment from Laser Technology Inc., in the amount of $3,430.00.
It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderman Pauley to approve the purchase of Laser Radar (Lidar) equipment from Laser Technology Inc., in the amount of $3,430.00 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 #18
Report from the Public Works Department regarding a Lease Renewal
Agreement for the Coast Guard Auxiliary at Sunset Marina.
It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the Lease Renewal Agreement for the Coast Guard Auxiliary at Sunset Marina, and authorize the City Manager to execute the lease agreement 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 #19
Report from the Public Works Department regarding an Apartment lease
renewal Agreement at Sunset Marina.
Alderman Austin moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded to approve the Apartment Lease Renewal Agreement at Sunset Marina, and authorize the City Manager to execute the lease agreement 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 #20
Report from the Personnel Department regarding a Temporary Service
Contract with Quality Controlled Staffing.
It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the contract with Quality Controlled Staffing for the quoted rates of 27% to 34% (depending upon position) for payrolling and 27% to 34% for full placement from March 12, 2007 through March 31, 2010 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 #21
Report from the Community and Economic Development regarding a
demolition Contract with Lohman Trucking and Excavation.
Agenda
Item # 21 was withdrawn from the Agenda.
Agenda Item #22
Report from the Community and
Economic Development Department regarding a Mural proposal from Quad City Arts.
Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded to accept the proposal to Quad City Arts for the Metro Arts Mural project to include a mural on the Centennial Bridge Office Building and a vinyl banner mural in the amount not to exceed $12,500.00 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 # 23
Report from the Community and
Economic Development Department regarding a Certificate of Appropriateness
Appeal for 1620 21st Street.
It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to overturn the Commission’s denial of the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) that would allow the installation of the asphalt of shingles at 1520 21st Street as requested by the Fiewegors.
Discussion followed with Mr. Steve Fieweger of 1620 21st Street (property located in the Highland Park Historical District) addressing the Council. Mr. Fiieweger stated that the first time he went to the Preservation Commission to install a 30-year shingle he was denied. Mr. Fieweger stated he obtained an original bid for the replacement of the 81-year-old roof on the garage with standard asphalt shingles. The Planning and Redevelopment Department objected to this proposal and recommended that if the roof was not going to be replaced with slates shingles, it would be more appropriate to use GAF Slateline shingles. The bid for the GAF Slateline shingles increased the costs. This second time, the Preservation Commission rejected the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness based on the
premise that slate shingles were not going to be used to replace the 80-year-old roof with slate material. When a bid was obtained for slate shingles, the increased cost to replace the roof was over $18,000.00.
Alderman Brooks stated that he felt that people who own private property should be able to make their own decisions regarding their property.
Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo noted that this is a designated historic home.
Alderman Conroy stated that he did not want to by-pass the Preservation Commission.
After discussion, The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley and Alderwoman Murphy; those voting No, being Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo and Alderman Austin.
Agenda Item #24
Report from the Community and Economic Development
Department regarding the sale of City owned property at 545 22nd
Street.
It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to approve the sale of the City owned property at 545 22nd Street to the adjacent property owner based on the stated terms, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents, and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance 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 Traffic
Engineering Committee regarding a request to ban parking on the south side of 4th
Avenue between 44th and 45th Streets.
It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance. 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 City Clerk
regarding a request from Steve’s Old Time Tap and Hunters for patrons to carry
alcohol outside to the sidewalk to watch the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on
March 17th, 2007 during the hours of 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., and
a tentative request from Steve’s Old Time Tap to place bleachers outside their
establishment for this Event.
Alderman Pauley moved and Alderman Conroy seconded to approve the request of Steve’s Old Time Tap and Hunters for allowing patrons to carry alcohol outside the Liquor licensed establishment during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, provided they meet restrictions as set forth in the attached letter from the Liquor Commissioner as well as any additional restrictions as mandated by the Council, and to approve the request for bleachers by restricting placement to in front of the establishment only 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
Report from the City Clerk regarding an amendment to the activity permit application for the Swing Into Education Unity Fest.
It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to amend the original scheduled date of September 15th, 2007, and approve the newly scheduled dates of September 22nd and September 23, 2007 for the Swing Into Education Unity Fest Event 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 #28
Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet.
City Manager John Phillips brought to the Council’s attention a report from the CAC with the recommendations on the Gaming Funds the Council had set aside for non-profit organizations. Mr. Phillips mentioned that the CAC will provide a report to Council next week for approval.
Mr. Phillips noted the upcoming Public Hearing to be held on March 7th, 2007 concerning the addition of territory to the Rock Island Enterprise Zone.
City Manager Phillips brought attention to the Thank You Letter from the Quad Cities Convention and Visitor’s Bureau for the City’s Contribution of $1,500.00.
Agenda Item #29
Mr. Jim Davies of 2408 45th Avenue who owns property at 310 31st Avenue voiced his concerns regarding Dan and Sue Carothers. Mr. Davees stated that he was in favor of allowing Dan and Sue Carothers to build a single-family house on the property located at 225 24th Avenue.
Agenda Item #30
Executive Session on matters
of Property Acquisition and Personnel
A motion was made by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo at 8:02 p.m. to recess to Executive Session on matters of Property Acquisition and Personnel. 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.
RECESS
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 8:32 p.m. A motion was made by Alderwoman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, March 12th, 2007 at 5:00 pm. 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 8:35 pm.
____________________________________
Aleisha L Patchin, City Clerk