The Rock Island City Council met on Saturday, March 6, 2004, at 8:00 a.m. in the Personnel Conference Room for Budget Review for fiscal year 2004/2005. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen David R. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Dan Rockwell, Evelyn (Evie) R. White, and Ann L. Keefe. Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. were absent. 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, Information Technical Services Manager Claire Dubuisson, Finance Secretary Niki Fallon and Accountant Tim Banks. Other staff members arrived throughout the morning to present their portion of the budget.
City Manager John C. Phillips reviewed the status of the Jumer’s Agreement. He indicated that it was not on the Agenda for Monday, March 8, as there were some issues that were still being discussed. He indicated that topics that are still being discussed are the assessment issue and the relocation language. He suggested that Mayor Schwiebert meet with Jumer officials next week, and consensus of Council was that these two issues are very important. Mayor Schwiebert asked that a meeting be arranged for Monday afternoon, adding that his schedule would not allow him to meet later in the week.
Finance Director Bill Scott reviewed the follow-up issues from the first budget session of February 28. He reviewed the memo regarding the Police Grant, indicating that the major savings would not occur this fiscal year, but rather in 2005/2006 fiscal year. He distributed information regarding legal services, which had been requested by Council members. Also distributed was information with revised cash flow projections and net income projections. He called attention to a memo prepared by Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson regarding the status of the Franchise Agreements.
At this time, Park and Recreation Department Director Bill Nelson, along with Park and Recreation Board Members Ann Austin, Pete Nyman and Fred Dasso, and staff members Bill Fetty and Tom Hergert entered the meeting area. Mr. Nelson reviewed the budget for the department, indicating that the increases were due to a minimum wage increase that means an increase for many of the seasonal employees. He indicated that they are replacing some of the tractors and mowers used in park maintenance.
Mr. Nelson then reviewed the key staff positions and their responsibilities. He stated that there have been maintenance improvements made, and this will be the second year of Whitewater Junction. He stated that they had an excellent showing at Whitewater for the first year, and are adding a spray feature this year to add interest. He discussed the transfer of some funds to the Police Department to allow the Police Department to maintain one officer position that was going to be eliminated by the loss of a grant. At the same time, this funding will allow an officer to be present at Whitewater Junction and park programs during regular on-duty time, which will be a savings as well.
Mr. Nelson then discussed some of the accomplishments of the past year, and noted that they are still looking at purchasing property in Southwest Rock Island for a soccer field. He discussed the proposed changes for the Children’s Garden at the Botanical Center, and the projections for Whitewater Junction. He noted that he felt his projections were realistic, stating that no other water park has the setting of this one. Mr. Nelson stated that they made some changes in the passes for Golf last year, and this year are bring the Senior Pass back, and are adding a new Couple Pass.
Council members suggested some possible changes to make at Whitewater Junction regarding the price of concessions and passes. Mr. Nelson stated that it is time to do some customer surveys at the Golf Courses and RIFAC.
Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Public Works Administrative Assistant Tim Ridd4r, Utilities Superintendent Dale Howard, Street Maintenance Superintendent George Seiz, Executive Secretary Michelle Martin. Fleet Services Supervisor Bill Woeckener, and City Engineer Jim Johnson arrived to review the Public Works portion of the meeting.
Mr. Hawes discussed the staffing levels, indicating that there has been no change in the number of employees. He indicated that there are some differences in the budget document, which reflect the reorganization that occurred a few months ago. He noted that he total hours of seasonal work will decrease, due to the need to reduce expenses. He stated that there will be about nineteen seasonal workers during some time during the year, with a variation in service length of twelve to twenty eight weeks.
Mr. Hawes discussed the reduction of the concrete patching program and a 33% expansion of the micro-sealing program. He discussed the free leaf collection program, which will begin soon. This will consist of the city furnishing the free paper bags. He stated that they would soon be releasing public information on this program. He stated that the downtown landscape maintenance would be provided through a maintenance contract funded by the downtown TIF. Council expressed concern that TIF funds were being used for this, making TIF funds less available for economic development projects. Council discussed setting limitations on the TIF funds being used for other related items. Following discussion, Council requested a report concerning what generates the use of TIF funds, a three year history on TIF, eligible use of TIF funds and any restrictions imposed by the government.
Alderman Bauersfeld asked about the Spring Pick-Up. Mr. Hawes indicated that there will be one this year. He noted that it is expensive to do, adding that Davenport and Moline use a Special Pick-up on request from the citizens, and Bettendorf and Rock Island do the Spring Clean-up. He stated that this is a high level of service, and staff is looking at possible changes in this program. He noted that there are details to be worked through before it is ready for review by Council.
Mr. Phillips then announced to the City Council that George Seiz would be leaving the City of Rock Island to become Public Works Director in Carboro, North Carolina. Council wished him well in his new position, and he indicated that he would be starting his new job the first part of April.
Fire Chief Jerry Shirk then arrived to review the Fire Department Budget. He noted that one of the firefighters is currently serving in Iraq, and is expected to return this spring. He stated that three firefighters are going to the Academy, and three will be going next year. He noted that there will be one retirement coming within the next Fiscal Year, and reviewed the numbers regarding fires. He indicated that there have been no major fires this past year, which created a decrease in the amount for Fire Loss. He discussed the various training programs attended by the Firefighters, stating that they attend those sponsored by the Personnel Department. He added that some have chosen to take classes at Blackhawk College, adding that this is a promotion year. He discussed the Haz-Mat training, and stated that this past week, the training proved to be worthwhile when the team was called to Arsenal Island for an incident. He stated that the team worked well and everyone knew their responsibilities and they worked together very well. He added that they have been working with the Arsenal on Mutual Aid, which is beneficial to both Rock Island as well as the Arsenal.
Chief Shirk discussed some grants, noting that they plan to apply for a grant for turnout gear. He stated that he believes they have the right formula for the grant applications now, and will use their experience in applying for further grants. He noted that the Leaf Burning would be an issue again this year. Council suggested simplifying the Burn Message. They requested that the message for the Non-Burn day not include hours allowed to burn, stating that this is confusing. Chief Shirk also responded to other questions from Council, and stated that the Code Updates would be presented to the City Council at a later date. He indicated that the Sprinkler Requirement is part of the new code, noting that this will be discussed at that time.
CITY CLERK
City Clerk Jeanne Paggen discussed the budget of the City Clerk. She indicated that there was a minor decrease in Personnel Costs due to the decision to use Compensatory time in lieu of paid overtime for regular City Council meetings. Another change resulted from shifting the cost of the Code Book publications from “Services” to the “Other” Line Item.
PERSONNEL
Personnel Director John Thorson and Assistant Director Troy Larson reviewed the Personnel Budget at this time. Mr. Thorson discussed the changes in Personnel, noting that money was saved due to the retirement of Sandy Ohlwheiler, which moved Jackie Hendershot to that position and hiring an employee, Karen Wilfong, from the Public Works Department. He discussed the increases in self-insurance and in Health Insurance, noting that Health Insurance is going to be a big issue. Mr. Thorson discussed some of the changes made that resulted in some decreases in the budget, such as switching the prescription provider to the HHC (Heartland Health Coalition) earlier this year. He discussed some of the goals of the next fiscal year, which include expansion of the Public Access Channel, use of the Internet, the Retiree Health Savings Plan, Joint Purchasing Program expansion, and a Police and Fire Fitness Program.
Mr. Thorson noted that the Health Committee has ruled out having a Health Care Nurse on site. Alderman Bauersfeld suggested that they look at using one of the EMT’s from Fire for this service. Mr. Phillips agreed that this was a good idea, adding that they would need to look at the contract to see if this would create a problem. Mr. Larson added that he would have some concerns of confidentiality and liability issues, but agreed that it is an area that they could review. Mr. Thorson discussed the Insurance Program for Retirees. Alderman Conroy requested information comparing the insurance benefits offered by the City with those offered by industry and business as well as other cities. Mr. Thorson noted that they saved $10,000 by eliminating Jerry Butts services, and they have settled two major lawsuits. He noted that one of these settlements would be prepared for Council approval of the payment. He noted that there would be more information coming to Council regarding the Health Care issue.
Carol Gentry, Executive Secretary, reviewed the budget for Mayor/Council. She noted the decrease that was due to the elimination of the Employee Breakfast and the Volunteer Dinner. Council discussed the Volunteer Dinner, with the consensus being that they wanted to continue the Volunteer Dinner rather than an afternoon open house event similar to that held last year at Hauberg Civic Center. Several options were discussed, and Aldermen White and Rockwell offered to serve on the committee with Ms. Gentry and the City Clerk.
Ms. Gentry then reviewed the budget for the Administrative offices. She noted the decrease of $8000 in revenue due to the elimination of the extended hours option for Convenience Stores. She pointed out the decrease in Personnel due to the elimination of the contract with Randy Tweet She indicated that these were the only major changes in the budget.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Keefe to recess to Monday, March 8 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 12:00 Noon.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk