The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session for Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 7 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, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, and Charles "Chuck" Austin. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne and Planning Administrator Alan Carmen. Also present was Dave Schreiber of Schreiber/Anderson.
QCIC RIVERFRONT/SCHREIBER-ANDERSON
Dave Schreiber, of Schreiber/Anderson, stated that this is a preliminary meeting, and they have already met with some of the stakeholders and will be meeting with others tomorrow. He noted that he will be discussing the various concepts for the riverfront, and they are looking for direction from the Council. He added that they are not looking at cost at this time, but primarily pattern and opportunity.
Mr. Schreiber reviewed the project goals, noting that they want to take advantage of the availability of the river, and the relationship with the downtown area and/or The District. Some of the issues include the connection to downtown, environmental sensitivity, and parking, along with the necessity of flood protection.
Mr. Schreiber discussed each of the concepts. The first one was the Water Access Concept, with a large green space, an interactive fountain and sitting steps facing the river, along with a dock. The second concept was the Natural Amphitheater Concept, which included a raised stage area and an overlook, as well as a proposed parking structure. Mr. Schreiber indicated that they are working with the Corps of Engineers regarding the docks and use of the river areas for the various concepts. Alderman Rockwell suggested that they also work with the Coast Guard.
The third concept presented was the Oval Green Concept. This concept included a gathering space with seating steps, a floating boardwalk and a parking structure. Mr. Schreiber noted that there will also be a seating terrace facing the river from the overlook area. The next concept discussed was the Naturalized Edge Concept, which featured a gathering place, a plaza area, seating space, and a cantilevered promenade, along with underground parking. The Formal Garden Concept was the fifth concept to be discussed. This concept features a bridge, a dock. an entry fountain, an overlook and a gathering space, along with some possible parking solutions to the east of the armory as well as under the armory building. Underground parking could possibly be added to that of Modern Woodman’s current underground parking.
Following the presentation, Council members expressed their thoughts on the various concepts. Alderman Bauersfeld stated that he was looking for something fun, soft and useful for the public. He noted that he favored some parts of the Oval Concept, but also liked the Naturalized Edge Concept for its openness. He stated that he would prefer the docking to be closer rather than further away, and thought that if docking was available in the downtown area, it would bring tourism to the City. Mr. Schreiber responded that, with Jumer’s out, that same area could be used for docking. Alderman Bauersfeld stated that parking is also important. Alderman Bauersfeld continued, stating that he liked the 20th Street entry, the housing concepts and the promenade. He added that parking is important for Modern Woodman as well as for any development in that area.
Alderman Conroy stated that he liked the water access and the formal garden, but expressed concern about the parking. He suggested that they look at the lot across First Avenue from Jumer’s for parking. He indicated that he liked the boat docks and the boardwalk around the riverfront. Alderman Rockwell indicated that he likes the formal garden concept.
Mayor Schwiebert noted that the sight lines to the river is important, an d suggested that this ties in well with Arts Alley. He further suggested having the sight lines from 17th and 18th Street as well as Arts Alley. He expressed concerns about disrupting too much of the sea wall, and expressed concern about the cost. He proposed that an art element is needed, and suggested that it be lighted at night. HE stated that this could attract private investors. He further suggested that some part of this project should be completed within the next two to five years, and suggested looking at the cost for any short-term parts of the project that can be done in that time frame.
Mr. Schreiber stated that the natural edge changes the current floodwall the least, and stated that the docks can be incorporated with any concept. Council asked about the cost of maintenance of the boardwalk, and Mr. Schreiber stated that they are designed for that specific purpose and can be made from cement, treated wood or a type of plastic. Council noted that, whatever they decide, this project would be around for the next hundred years.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Brooks to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
____________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, March 7. 2005, in Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, and Charles "Chuck" Austin.
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 White gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of the meetings of February 25 and 28 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PROCLAMATIONS
Agenda Item #6
NATIONAL LUTHERAN SCHOOLS
WEEK/MARCH 6 THROUGH 12
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring the week of March 6 through 12 as National Lutheran Schools Week. Two students from Immanuel Lutheran School - Lucas Rusk and Jeremy Romero – accepted the framed proclamation to present to their school principal on Tuesday.
Agenda Item #7
AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH/MARCH
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring the month of March as American Red Cross month. Patty Franklin of the Red Cross accepted the framed proclamation. She expressed appreciation on behalf of the many volunteers who work numerous hours providing services for the residents.
ORDINANCES
Agenda Item #8
PROPERTY TAX LEVY/REVISIONS
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance revising the Property Tax levy to $10,180,224. City Manager John C. Phillips noted that the Council passed the original Property Tax Levy Ordinance in December as required by law, but following additional work by staff and the budget reviews with the City Council on the last two Saturdays, the levy is being reduced. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #9a
CITY ATTORNEY/LEGAL SERVICES
FEBRUARY
The City Clerk read a statement from the City Attorney in the amount of $13,209.32 for legal services during the month of February.
Agenda Item #9b
ILLINOIS HISTORIC PRESERVATION
AGENCY/PROPERTY DAMAGE
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency in the amount of $2,281.63 for property damage.
Agenda Item #9c
R I COUNTY METRO LINK/ESO
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TOUR
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department recommending payment to the Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District in the amount of $9,443.00 for the buses for the 2004 ESO Christmas Lights Tour.
Agenda Item #9d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Rock Island Electric Motor Repair in the amount of $19,605.11 for the rebuilding of one submersible pump motor.
Agenda Item #9e
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Gardner, Carton and Douglas in the amount of $1,828.20 for professional legal services.
Agenda Item #9f
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors in the amount of $74,212.29 for the Centennial Bridge Fence Replacement.
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of February 25 through March 3 in the amount of $395,995.46. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
MIDWEST GRAPHICS MANAGEMENT/NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSLETTER
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding bids for the printing of the Neighborhood Newsletter, recommending the bid of Midwest Graphics Management in the amount not to exceed $6,248.00. Alderman White asked if this was being paid through the CDBG funds, and Mr. Carmen responded that it is. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to award the bid and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Agenda Item #12
SITE PLAN, REZONING – 1635 30
STREET, 1700, 1704 31 STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a review of a site plan and rezoning from R-3 to B-3 at 1635 30th Street and 1700 and 1704 31st Street, recommending approval pending stipulations stated. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the site plan and rezoning with the stipulations stated, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding consideration of the Quad City Industrial Center/Columbia Park Development Plan, recommending that the Council adopt the plan as an amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Plan and as a policy document guiding planning and development in the northeast corner of the City, and that Schreiber/Anderson review the impact of eliminating 44th Street access across the railroad tracks on existing and planned development.
Planning Administrator Alan Carmen reviewed the history of the site, stating that it was used for industrial purposes. He stated that the rail yards have seen a significant decline in operations as switching takes place elsewhere. He stated that the owners of the QCIC – the Christiansen’s – have expressed interest in removing sections of the QCIC buildings that are obsolete and cannot be economically renovated. He noted that there is also a long term – ten year – lease between LRC and McLaughlin Body to install a pint line in the west side of the QCIC.
Mr. Carmen stated that the plan document states that the vision for the QCIC sites creates Columbia Park, which is nam4d for the original land plot of the area. Mr. Carmen discussed the various uses and plans for the mixed-use development being planned for this area.
Alderman Bauersfeld discussed the plans for the Botanical Center regarding their North Garden and the other side of the railroad tracks as a natural woodland habitat for woodland trees. He noted that the Botanical Center derives its funding from its visitors. He wanted to make sure that the Botanical Center has protection for the potential use for land since it is being adopted as an amendment to the comprehensive plan.
He suggested adding to the wording of the last bullet point under “The long-term development..…”This will be used in a botanical nature for the betterment of the community with use from Botanical Center and possibly the QCIC property plan in the future so that it is open ended enough to allow both users to use it without cutting out either one.” He added that this would also help develop a recreational or beautification area that is natural for that particular site.
Mayor Schwiebert asked if there would be an issue with the stormwater drainage, and Alderman Bauersfeld stated that tit would be a natural woodland area adjacent to the river that already has trees growing there. He discussed the balance of use between the green space and the development, stating that he did not want to see too much of the land carved up that could be used for development. He stated that they have to maximize the use for good industrial use.
A motion to amend the motion, which amendment was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White, to add to the last bullet under “The long-term development… That the green space on the west edge of the study site be used in some type of botanical nature activity and in conjunction with the Q C Botanical Center.” The motion CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Mayor Schwiebert also expressed concern about the long-range portion of this plan, with the proposed elimination of jobs at the site in exchange for residential and other uses. He stated that he does not want to see industrial areas exchanged for residential areas. Alderman White stated that the Botanical Center is for the purposes of education and Mayor Schwiebert stated that as long as it does not encroach on the development of industrial uses. Alderman White stated that this is an exciting development that came to us by a private developer.
A motion was made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to encourage McLaughlin to grow and maintain its proper site as long as possible and when that can no longer be maintained, it be demolished. Motion CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Alderman Rockwell asked about the remediation and underground tank issues. Mr. Carmen stated that this would be an ongoing issue, and Navistar has already done some of the studies. Mr. Phillips stated that a lot of the remediation work has been completed and clean up is taking place. He noted that this will all have to be considered during the development process.
Following further discussion, the motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to the adopt the plan with the two amendments, and authorize staff to ask Schreiber Anderson to review the elimination of the 44th Street access as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to the 2005 Project Status Report contained in the Manager’s Memorandum Packet.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor Schwiebert commented about the two Saturday Budget Sessions February 26 and March 5. He noted that the challenge in the coming year would be to do more with less.
Alderman Brooks commented on the changes he sees through out the city that have occurred in the past eight years, and suggested that Council and staff need to celebrate their successes.
Alderman White stated that someone called her and asked where they could take sacks of yard waste that they raked up over the weekend. Tim Ridder, Assistant to the Public Works Director, responded that the yard waste drop off center would be open the first weekend in April.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Monday, March 14, 2005, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:30 p.m.
_______________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk