The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:00 p.m. 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 A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, Police Chief John Wright, School Resource Officer Jim Pauley, Juvenile Sergeant Bud Gillman, and Rock Island/Milan School District Assistant Superintendent/Pupil Personnel Services Kay Ingham.
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
UPDATE/REPORT
Chief Wright gave some background on the DARE Program with its joint initiative in 1992 between the City of Rock Island and School District #41. He informed that during 2003 the DARE Program was scaled back due to budgetary issues and when many police departments opted to drop their DARE programs Rock Island actually expanded on the positive aspects associated with the DARE Program and started a new initiative involving a School Resource Officer, a cost-sharing plan with District #41.
School Resource Officer Jim Pauley presented an overview of his position. He reported that this position began in August 2005 and his office is located at Thurgood Marshall School. Typically, he starts out each day at his office, gathers his needed teaching supplies and then travels to his assigned school for the day. His day consists of teaching 4 to 5 hours, conducting interventions and interacting with students during lunch. Officer Pauley is currently assigned to 14 schools in the Rock Island/Milan District #41. He conducts interventions when requested and meets with staff and parents. He advised that the school schedules these interventions, allowing Officer Pauley to remain at his location to continue teaching instead of traveling from school to school.
Officer Pauley touched base on all the classes he teaches and what grade levels for each class. He advised that in January 2006 training was given using the DARE workbook to grades K-6. He also advised that a total of 5,975 students have been taught since the inception of the program in August 2005 with 3,259 students being taught in January and February of 2006. Officer Pauley showed statistics of how events have dropped off at the Police Department due to handling the incident himself at the school. He advised that he attended DARE training in December 2005, is a Certified DARE Officer teaching the DARE program, which allows the use of DARE funds.
Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to the funding of the program and the contributions from the community. Chief Wright advised that the School Resource Officer and the DARE Program are separate accounts and that the School Resource Officer Program is continuing to grow. Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to the methods of attracting private dollars for the program in lieu of using tax dollars. Officer Pauley advised that more fundraising efforts will be underway during the summer months so as not to take away from his primary duties at the schools.
Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to the type of relationship being built with the young people in our community and schools. Chief Wright advised that it is an ongoing process with positive results as the students see Officer Pauley from year to year during their progression through school; building a lasting, trusting, secure rapport. Officer Pauley stated that because of his position at the school and the rapport he has built with the students, students have been more inclined to offer information regarding incidents more readily than they normally would if questioned by other police officers. He also advised that
he is currently recruiting other officers to come to the schools as guest speakers to talk with students on various topics.
Mayor Schwiebert commended Officer Pauley on his efforts and stated he believes Officer Pauley is the right person for the job. Ms. Ingham thanked the City and Council in supporting Officer Pauley and this program.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Executive Session on a matter of Personnel Issues and Property Acquisition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was recessed at 5:53 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:25 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Brooks to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was adjourned at 6:26 p.m.
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Cynthia A. Neiggemann, City Clerk
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 Terry M. A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III.
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 Pauley gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of the meeting of February 20, 2006 and February 25, 2006 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PROCLAMATION
Agenda Item #6
NATIONAL LUTHERAN SCHOOLS
WEEK
Mayor Schwiebert presented a Proclamation declaring the week of March 5 through 11, 2006, National Lutheran Schools Week.
PUBLIC HEARING
Agenda Item #7
BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR
2006/2007
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:50 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Finance Director Bill Scott regarding the Budget for Fiscal Year 2006/2007.
Finance Director Bill Scott gave an overview of the proposed budget outlining the top priorities of infrastructure upgrade plan and long-term funding, Columbia Park redevelopment, Rock Island casino relocation, River Vision plan, the Armory plan, and the development of retail on Black Hawk corridor. Other high priorities are the long-term control plan for the wastewater system, property tax relief, operating funding and partnerships with the Martin Luther King Center, Southwest Andalusia Road retail development, and the rental housing inspection program.
Mr. Scott advised that the budget includes the first year funding of the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan that was previously approved by Council. He informed that $8,302,126 is budgeted for capital projects with the major fiscal 2007 capital projects including the paving of 85th Avenue West from Rock Island Parkway to Turkey Hollow Road, local streets, the water main replacement program, sewer system improvements, Park and Recreation improvements, and Fleet replacements. He advised the budget also includes various economic development projects.
Mr. Scott advised the total budget includes the general, special revenue, enterprise, and internal service funds. He informed the FY 2007 budget is $88,370,224 with a net of $67,501,516 after internal charges and transfers between funds are eliminated. Mr. Scott informed this is a three percent decrease from the FY 2006 budget with the greatest increase in personnel costs. He advised that after recent Saturday budget review meetings a list of follow-up questions will be addressed, some of which have
direct budget implications and will be incorporated into the final budget ordinance scheduled for adoption March 20, 2006.
With no other persons present to speak in favor of, or in opposition to, the Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Budget, Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 6:58 p.m.
ORDINANCES
Agenda Item #8
ORDINANCE GRANTING SPECIAL
USE PERMIT/1612 31ST STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to operate a small engine repair business at 1612 31st Street. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
CHIPPANNOCK TRAIL AND 17TH
STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a stop intersection at Chippiannock Trail and 17th Street. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing water rate increases in the City of Rock Island. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
REGARDING SEWER RATE INCREASES
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amending Chapter 16 of the Code of Ordinance regarding City of Rock Island sewer rates. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Pauley to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance revising the Property Tax Levy Ordinance, reducing the levy that Council approved in December 2005. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
RESOLUTION REVISING ESTIMATED AGREEMENT WITH ILLINOIS
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR IMPROVEMENT BY MUNICIPALITY
The City Clerk read a Resolution revising the estimated agreement amount with the Illinois Department of Transportation for Improvement by Municipality for the 5th Avenue Resurfacing 11th to 15th Street Project for an additional $42,000.00 and pay the State of Illinois Treasurer in the amount of $65,157.70. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White to adopt the Resolution and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #14
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to accept the following report and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
a. Report from the City Attorney in the amount of $5,009.05 for legal services rendered during the month of February 2006.
b. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Martin Equipment Company in the amount of $201,470.00 for two (2) Backhoes with hydraulic hammers (050).
c. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to DECCO in the amount of $3,399.20 for trash compactor 480VAC repairs (054).
d. Report from the Personnel Department recommending payments in the amounts of $3,172.25 to Terry Engel, $1,440.00 to Heinz Veigel, $920.71 to Tim Chrzan, and $1,386.26 to Scott Edmondson for general liability claims.
e. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to C.H. Langman Son, Inc. in the amount of $18,065.41 for an emergency sewer repair (051).
f. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Valley Construction in the amount of $4,553.92 for an emergency watermain repair at 17th Street & 24th Avenue (048).
g. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to C.H. Langman Son, Inc. in the amount of $3,134.10 for an emergency storm sewer repair at Rock River & 34th Avenue (029).
h. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brandt Construction in the amount of $39,993.15 for the 24th Street Resurfacing Project (762503) from 31st Avenue to 17th Street (059).
i. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley & Associates in the amount of $1,428.00 for the American Discovery Trail project (762351) (057).
j. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering Inc. in the amount of $1,605.12 for consulting services provided December 31, 2005 through January 27, 2006 for the Rock Island-Moline Water Interconnection Project (762546) (058).
k. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley & Associates in the amount of $2,526.00 for 24th Street Resurfacing Project (762495) 17th Street to Blackhawk Road (056).
l. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Baecke Appraisers in the amount of $4,275.00 for the Spring Hills Estates Special Assessment Appraisals Project (762523) (055).
m. Report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Califf and Harper in the amount of $5,650.85 for legal services rendered for the month of January 2006.
n. Report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Tim Sharpe in the amount of $3,000.00 for actuarial services rendered during the month of December 2005 through February 2006.
Agenda Item #15
The City Clerk read the claims for the weeks of February 17 through March 2 in the amount of $805,272.03. A motion made by Alderman Conroy seconded by Alderman Murphy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
FEBRUARY 13 THROUGH FEBRUARY
26
The City Clerk read the Payroll for the weeks of February 13 through February 26 in the amount of $1,005,088.12. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
PURCHASE OF BEARING
CARTRIDGES/FRANKLIN MILLER, INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the emergency purchase of two (2) bearing cartridges for the sludge shredder at the Mill Street Wastewater Plant in the amount of $4,400.00. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the purchase and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
GREAT
RIVER PLAZA SECURITY CAMERA INSTALLATION AGREEMENT/
KJWW
ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding an agreement between the City of Rock Island and KJWW Engineering Consultants at a cost not to exceed $17,000.00 for engineering services related to the installation of security cameras on the Great River Plaza. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the contract and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
DEMOLITION BIDS QCIC
& SYLVAN SLOUGH NATURAL AREA/
C.H. LANGMAN & SON,
INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding bids for the demolition and site clearance of Building 45 in the city-owned portion of the QCIC and the deconstruction of the properties that are in the Sylvan Slough Natural Area recommending the bids be awarded to C.H. Langman & Son, Inc. in the total amount of $374,200.00. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Clem Cunningham and Art and Linda Milton to vacate a segment of an unimproved segment of 30th Avenue east of 27th Street (from the 27th Street cul-de-sac to the 30th Avenue cul-de-sac). A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
CHANGE IN NEIGHBORHOOD
PARTNERS BY-LAWS
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for changes to the Neighborhood Partners By-Laws. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the changes as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #22
NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERS
MEMBERSHIP APPOINTMENT/
THE ROCK ISLAND ARTS &
ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an organizational appointment of full membership of The Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District to the Neighborhood Partners. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the membership as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #23
13TH AVENUE AND 15TH AVENUE BETWEEN
5TH STREET AND 15TH STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Alderman Brooks for the reduction of speed limit to 20 MPH on 13th Avenue and 15th Avenue between 5th Street and Longview Park (15th Street).
Alderman Brooks expressed his reasons and concerns for initiating this request. He advised that on numerous occasions he has witnessed excessive speeding in this area. He stated that there is a high volume of children residing in this area and believes that residents would have a safer sense of security with the reduced speed limit. Alderman Rockwell inquired as to whether a radar trailer has ever been placed in the area to make drivers aware of the speed they are traveling. Alderman Brooks advised that the area in question has narrow streets for accommodation of a radar trailer and too high a visibility for police to sit with radar.
Alderman Rockwell informed that a speed study has not been able to be conducted due to the winter weather and suggested that be done before voting either way on this issue. Alderman Brooks advised that with good weather approaching the speeding will soon begin once again. Alderman Conroy inquired as to whether there were other areas with a 20 MPH posted. Public Works Director Bob Hawes advised that approximately 10 years ago a similar request went before Council which was denied as well. Alderman White suggested Alderman Brooks obtain a petition from the residents in this area regarding this issue before taking action on this item. Alderman Brooks said that would not be a problem.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to TABLE this issue until a later date CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #24
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request for Plaza Activity Fee Waivers from The Daiquiri Factory for the 2nd Annual Dodge Ball Tournament/Concert (proceeds to go to an undetermined local charity) and the 2nd Annual Poker Run (proceeds to go to the American Cancer Society – Rock Island Chapter). (Note: Item was DEFERRED February 20 – A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to defer the fee waiver request pending report from staff on past practices and history.) A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to deny the fee waiver requests as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
City Manager John Phillips asked Planning & Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen to enlighten Council on a notification from HUD concerning the timeliness of draws for the CDBG grant. Mr. Carmen advised that sixty days prior to the end of a grantee’s program year HUD conducts a “timeliness test” in which the grantee passes if they have no more than 1.5 times their annual grant amount remaining in the line-of-credit. When the test was completed the City had 1.62 available due to a lump sum deposit. He advised that upon further investigation HUD determined this was in error and sent a notice regarding it and apologized for any inconvenience.
City Manager Phillips touched base on information received regarding water shut-off boxes in sidewalks, noting that curb boxes are not to be installed in a sidewalk without approval from the Public Works Department, which will prevent new boxes from being installed in sidewalks.
He also made note to the article in the “Pedalwheeling”, the monthly newsletter of the Quad Cities Bicycle Club for March 2006 entitled “Rock Island: On the Path to Lanes, Livability, and Leadership in Bicycling” which depicts Rock Island as setting the mainstream in the Quad City area with their leadership in bicycling paths and standards.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor Schwiebert informed that the River Action Board of Directors convened to select six Eddy Award honorees that exemplify excellence on the riverfront. The City of Rock Island is receiving an award in “Stewardship” for the stormwater management program. He commended the Public Works Department for their continued hard work.
Alderman White mentioned a new auto repair business at 5th Avenue and 20th Avenue and how the City had spent time and money to clean up the property and now, after several weeks, it is starting to look like a auto junkyard. She inquired as to whether anything can be done or if there are any zoning ordinances or rules. Planning & Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen advised that this is a minor auto repair business and typically vehicles sitting after repairs are finished are awaiting payment. He advised that he will speak with the business owner and asked the City Attorney to check to see whether any ordinances or rules are already in place or if one can be established regarding number of vehicles that can be kept on a property.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Monday, March 13, at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:30 p.m.
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Cynthia A. Neiggemann, City Clerk