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 David Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Stephen L. Tollenaer, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Also present were City Manager John Phillips, Community Marketing Director Jennifer Fowler and Renaissance Rock Island President Mike Thoms. Alderman Terry M.A. Brooks I was absent.

COMMUNITY MARKETING SURVEY

City Manager John Phillips led the discussion by stating that Community Marketing Director Jennifer Fowler would provide Council with highlights from the 2007 Community Marketing resident and non-resident survey.

Ms. Fowler stated that the statistically valid survey was taken from October 20, 2007 to November 24, 2007 in which there were a total of 801 respondents, 400 being Rock Island residents and 401 non-resident respondents.

Ms. Fowler indicated that the three most significant factors that came out of the survey included; that Rock Island residents feel safe where they live and Quad Citians feel safe Downtown; the City and school services are above average; property taxes are appropriate; and Rock Island Rock Solid advertisements were viewed, and people changed their image of Rock Island due to the advertisements.

Ms. Fowler stated that the survey showed that the top three reasons as to why people live in Rock Island were for family reasons, housing reasons and job reasons.

Ms. Fowler offered that one of the new questions contained in the survey was what people thought regarding their perceptions of Rock Island. It was noted that 65% of all respondents had a positive perception of Rock Island. Ms. Fowler indicated that the City of Moline had the most positive perception of Rock Island and Davenport had the least favorable perception. Another new question offered in the survey asked whether or not people felt safe in their neighborhoods. Ms. Fowler pointed out that 80% of Rock Island residents either felt very safe or safe in their neighborhoods.

Respondents (residents and non-residents) were asked if they thought Rock Island City services were better, the same or worse than others in the Quad Cities. Ms. Fowler stated that the survey indicated that overall, 24% of all respondents thought Rock Island services were better; 46% thought they were the same; 13% thought they were worse; and 17% were unsure of how Rock Island City services compared. Ms. Fowler noted that those respondents who were 65 years or older felt that Rock Island services were better than others in the Quad Cities. Ms. Fowler commented that the same question was raised in regards to Rock Island schools. It was noted that overall, 15% of respondents thought they were better with 45% stating they were the same, and 23% thought Rock Island schools were worse.

Ms. Fowler then indicated that the survey offered questions regarding what people thought were the best and worst things about Rock Island. The survey suggested that good City government services were the best thing, and non-residents stated that Downtown or the District was the best thing about Rock Island.

Ms. Fowler stated that another new question that the survey offered was in regards to the best experience a person has had in Rock Island. Residents stated that their best experience was the quality of life (14%), and non-residents stated that it was the Downtown or District (20%).

Ms. Fowler commented that the survey asked respondents if they thought that Rock Island would be a better place to live, a worse place to live or would it stay the same. The survey indicated that 43% of the Quad Cities thought Rock Island would stay the same, with 40% stating Rock Island would be better and 12% thought Rock Island would be worse.

All respondents were asked if they felt that the amount of property taxes that Rock Island residents pay is appropriate for the services they receive from the City. Ms. Fowler noted that 44% of all respondents indicated that the taxes were appropriate with 29% stating they were not appropriate. Also, there were a series of questions regarding Rock Island schools. It was noted that the majority of school services had above average ratings by respondents. Also, 48% of residents supported the closing of more schools in an effort to save taxpayers money and to provide a higher quality of education for students; and 46% of residents were in support and 46% were not in support of raising taxes to maintain the quality of education. However, residents that had children in the public schools supported raising property taxes (58%).

Mr. Fowler stated that respondents were asked which City has the best Downtown. It was noted that 36% of all respondents ranked Rock Island as having the best Downtown with Davenport coming in second among residents with 30% and Moline ranked third with 19%. The survey also asked respondents why they go Downtown. All respondents stated that the main reasons for going Downtown were for dining (25%) and entertainment (20%); the youngest respondents (18-24 year olds) indicated they went downtown for entertainment/bars while respondents older than age 35 go Downtown for dining. Ms. Fowler commented that another new question was posed in the survey regarding how safe people felt Downtown. The majority of respondents (48%) felt very safe or safe Downtown and 41% of respondents felt somewhat safe.

Ms. Fowler stated the survey also included a question regarding riverfront development; 38% of all respondents thought that redeveloping the Downtown and the riverfront was an excellent idea and 40% thought it was a good idea.

Ms. Fowler indicated that respondents were asked if they had seen advertising for the City of Rock Island; 58% indicated they had. Respondents were also asked if they had seen the Rock Solid Rock Island advertisements; 36 % stated that they had seen the advertisements. It was offered that 15% of respondents who had seen the Rock Solid Rock Island ads indicated that their image of Rock Island has changed.

Mayor Schwiebert inquired to Ms. Fowler as to how the data may be utilized in terms of continued marketing efforts for the community.

Ms. Fowler stated that advertising is one measure for strong public relations along with community relations in getting the message out.

Alderman Conroy suggested that new ads should specifically incorporate what the City offers including the City’s parks, the fitness center, Whitewater Junction and Sunset Marina.

Ms. Fowler responded that the visuals were shown in the television ads but they were not mentioned by the featured residents. Ms. Fowler stated that by the end of this year, four new television ads will be produced and air over a six-month period. The ads will focus on business, schools the Downtown and the whole community.

President Mike Thoms of Renaissance Rock Island added that the thought is to update the City website to have the ability to handle these television commercials for people to view as well as watching the ads on television.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

A motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to recess to Executive Session on matters of Litigation and Property Acquisition. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Those voting Aye being, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was recessed at 5:55 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:37 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to adjourn the meeting carried on a roll call vote. Those voting Aye being, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was adjourned at 6:38 p. m.

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Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk

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 David Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Stephen L. Tollenaer, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. City Manager John Phillips was also present. Alderman Terry M.A. Brooks I 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.

Mayor Schwiebert called attention to three Scout troops from Rock Island that attended the meeting for their Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge. Mayor Schwiebert welcomed Troop 243 from the Conservation Club; Troop 258 from St. Pius Catholic Church; and Troop 256 from St. John’s Lutheran Church to the meeting.

Agenda Item #5

Minutes of the Special Meeting of March 1, 2008; and Minutes of the Meeting of March 3, 2008.

A motion was made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to approve the Minutes of the Special Meeting of March 1, 2008; and Minutes of the Meeting of March 3, 2008 as printed. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #6

Public Hearing on the Budget for fiscal year 2008-2009.

Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:47 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on the Budget for fiscal year 2008-2009.

Finance Director Bill Scott addressed the Council and presented an overview of the 2008-2009 Budget. Mr. Scott explained that the City’s top priorities are to support Green Initiatives identified by the Green Team; establish development plans for the area around the new Casino; support retail development along the Blackhawk Road Corridor; begin design and establish a financing plan for Armory Park; and work with the Rock Island Schools to consider actions needed to respond to school restructuring. Mr. Scott noted other high priorities which include; support Columbia Park redevelopment; encourage development of environmentally sustainable businesses; promote 11^th Street retail; enhance retail recruitment in the Downtown and throughout the City; and encourage the development of new housing in the $150,000.00 to $200,000.00 range.

Mr. Scott stated that the proposed 2008/2009 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 $15,206.716 is budgeted for Capital, infrastructure maintenance and operations projects; and a total of $78,696,065 is planned for the next five years.

Mr. Scott offered that the total budget is $81,374,724, which is a 2% increase from the prior year. The greatest increase is in Personnel at 4% and Services at 9%. Mr. Scott commented that the greatest decreases are in Capital and Transfers.

Mr. Scott indicated that there were several adjustments to the budget (after February 18, 2008), one of which was the reduction of Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG). The Community Development Block Grant Fund budget was reduced by $114,078.00; and there was an addition of $415,000.00 for the design of the expansion for the Martin Luther King Jr. Center.

Mr. Scott stated that there was an increase in the Property Tax Levy that was adopted in December of over $500,000.00. However, the Property Tax Levy was reduced by $112,576.00. The revised Levy resulted in no property tax increase for General Fund operations.

Mr. Scott concluded by thanking everyone that was involved in the budget process and it was noted that the adoption of the final budget Ordinance will be on Monday, March 17, 2008.

Mayor Schwiebert advised if anyone from the audience would like to speak in regards to the Public Hearing. With no one coming forward, Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 6:55 p. m.

Agenda Item #7

Public Hearing on a request from Tim Bryan (Hertz Equipment Rental) for a Special Use Permit to operate a heavy equipment rental/sales business with outside storage at 500 16^th Street.

Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:56 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Tim Bryan (Hertz Equipment Rental) for a Special Use Permit to operate a heavy equipment rental/sales business with outside storage at 500 16^th Street.

Mayor Schwiebert swore in Mr. Bryan of 6611 Sheppard Drive, Portage, Indiana (business to be located at 500 16^th Street).

Mr. Bryan stated that Hertz Equipment Company looked into expanding their business, and chose Rock Island, Illinois for its central location. Mr. Bryan commented that Rock Island was a nice fit for the company. Mr. Bryan acknowledged that Hertz is a community friendly company; and he was at the meeting to obtain a Special Use Permit to open the business at 500 16^th Street.

Mayor Schwiebert stated the stipulations to Mr. Bryan that the business be limited to 16 employees; hours of operation be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, along with emergency hours; that a minimum of 11 parking spaces be designated for customers and employees; that an attached sign and freestanding signs be allowed meeting Sign Ordinance requirements for location, height and area; that the six foot tall fence surrounding the storage yard be screened and/or slatted to provide a visual barrier; that the outside fence surrounding the storage area a Type A (eight foot wide landscaped area) bufferyard be planted to provide additional screening of the proposed use from adjacent properties and to enhance this heavily traveled thoroughfare; that the high lifts and boom lifts be lowered to ground level when parked in the storage yard, except for one 30 day time period during the calendar year (in January or February); and the property shall meet all applicable code requirements.

Mayor Schwiebert inquired to Mr. Bryan if he was aware of the restrictions. Mr. Bryan responded yes.

Mayor Schwiebert then inquired to Mr. Bryan if these restrictions were ok. Mr. Bryan responded no.

Mr. Bryan stated that he had investigated the facility; and there were several issues, one of which is the limitation of 16 employees. Mr. Bryan offered that if the business grows, he would possibly employ up to 25 employees.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that it was a possibility that the limitation on employees was due to the availability of parking spaces. Mayor Schwiebert inquired upon Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen to address the question.

Mr. Carmen stated that the application from Hertz Rental Equipment identified the number of employees to be 10 to 16. Mr. Carmen offered that staff rounded the number to 16 employees. Mr. Carmen indicated that the Special Use Permit could be amended at a future date or it could be reflected in action taken tonight.

Mr. Bryan stated that he didn’t feel there would be more than 16 employees at a given time. However, he would like for the language to be reflected in the Special Use Permit. Mr. Bryan stated that the other issue was in regards to the high lifts and boom lifts being lowered to ground level when parked in the storage yard.

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo inquired to Mr. Bryan as to whether a 30 day time period was enough time for the lifts to be parked in an upright position. Mr. Bryan stated that he would like for them to be parked in an upright position year round.

More discussion followed regarding the placement of the high lifts and boom lifts and the quantity of lifts that would be stored.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that a submittal was made as an application for a Special Use Permit and indicated certain things; staff then responded to that with the current recommendation. The Mayor indicated that if the stipulations would change then Mr. Bryan would need to contact staff with the changes; staff would address those issues with a revised recommendation, and would come back to Council. Mayor Schwiebert also offered that it would be made available ahead of time so that the public could be aware of what is being recommended; and if they had any concerns, they could be heard.

Mr. David Levin of 3201 36^th Avenue stepped forward to speak in favor of the Special Use Permit application. Mayor Schwiebert swore in Mr. Levin.

Mr. Levin stated that he was a realtor and was very much involved with this project. Mr. Levin offered that Mr. Bryan looked at a lot of communities and decided on Rock Island to expand the business. Mr. Levin voiced concerns regarding postponing this issue. Mr. Levin stated that the business would bring in tax dollars to the City.

Mr. Ray Lohse of 2127 29^th Street stepped forward to speak in favor of the Special Use Permit application. Mr. Lohse voiced concerns regarding the City needing the revenue; and stated that he owns the majority of property on the south side of where the proposed business will be; and offered that neighbors do not object.

Mayor Schwiebert explained the Special Use Permit process to Mr. Lohse.

After more discussion, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer and Alderwoman Murphy stated that they were not opposed to the lifts being parked in an upright position.

After more discussion, Mayor Schwiebert inquired if there was anyone else who wished to speak in favor of the Special Use Permit application.

With no one stepping forward, Mayor Schwiebert inquired if there was anyone who wished to speak in opposition to the Special Use Permit application. No one stepped forward.

With no other persons wishing to speak in favor or in opposition to the Special Use Permit application, Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:34 p.m.

It was moved by Alderman Tollenaer, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to amend the motion by eliminating the stipulation that the high lifts and boom lifts be lowered to ground level when parked in the storage yard, except for one 30 day time period during the calendar year (in January or February).

The amended motion reads as follows:

It was moved by Alderman Tollenaer, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to approve the Special Use Permit for Tim Bryan (Hertz Equipment Rental) to operate a heavy equipment rental/sales business with outside storage at 500 16^th Street subject to the stipulations stated, and deleting stipulation #7 that the high lifts and boom lifts be lowered to ground level when parked in the storage yard, except for one 30 day time period during the calendar year (in January or February.), and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #8

A Special Ordinance amending a Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit for 3204 27^th Avenue.

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit for 3204 27^th Avenue.

Discussion followed with Alderman Austin commenting that the Fire Department visited and investigated the site at the Aqualetic Swim Club and determined that a Fire Lane/No Parking sign should be posted at the private access lane from 32^nd Street to the structure’s entryway. Alderman Austin inquired as to whether this should be part of the Ordinance.

City Manager John Phillips started that the Fire Department will be following up with the owner; and the Fire Department will be requiring the Fire Lane signs.

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

Agenda Item #9

A Special Ordinance revising the Property Tax Levy to $10,701,964.00.

Alderman Austin moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance revising the Property Tax Levy to $10,701,964.00. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #10

Resolution approving an agreement with the City Manager and authorizing the Mayor to execute the contract documents.

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

Agenda Item #11

CLAIMS

It was moved by Alderman Austin, 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 Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $4,498.00 to DOI-USGS for installation, operation and maintenance of two acoustic flowmeters on north and south side interceptor sewers. (053)

b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #3 in the amount of $17,601.72 to Valley Construction for the Shadybrook Lift Station Replacement. (062)

c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $8,232.00 to the Treasurer of the State of Illinois for the City’s share of the Illinois 92 4^th to 5^th Avenue resurfacing. (065)

d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $7,234.04 to Rock Island Electric Motor Repair for raw water pump #3 motor repairs. (069)

e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,146.60 to Hutcheson Engineering Products Inc. for flow meter replacement. (070)

f. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $12,729.43 to C. H. Langman and Son Inc. for an emergency sanitary manhole and pipe replacement at 12^th Street and 44^th Avenue. (071)

g. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $7,235.46 to C. H. Langman and Son Inc. for an emergency sanitary repair at 2^nd Street and 6^th Avenue. (072)

h. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $5,058.63 to Valley Construction for an emergency sanitary repair at Blackhawk Road Sewer Lift Station. (073)

Agenda Item #12

Claims for the weeks of February 29 through March 6 in the amount of $230,730.29.

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

Agenda Item #13

Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of an Aries Seeker sewer camera from Coe Equipment Inc. in the amount of $9,420.00.

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

Agenda Item #14

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for City Hall Fire Alarm System, recommending the bid be awarded to Getz Fire Equipment Company in the amount of $22,995.00.

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Austin 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 Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #15

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for Downtown Kiosks, recommending the bid be awarded to Lange Sign Group in the amount of $27,440.00.

Alderman Tollenaer moved and Alderman Austin 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 Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, 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 2008 Sanitary Lateral Repair Program, recommending the bid be awarded to C.H. Langman and Son Inc. in the amount of $12,948.00.

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, 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 Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #17

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding bids for the Neighborhood Partners Newsletter, recommending the bid be awarded to Stecker’s Minuteman Press for a one-year contract to print 2,200 copies of four newsletters in an amount not to exceed $5,700.00.

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderman Pauley 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

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

Agenda Item #18

Report from the Public Works Department regarding two proposals with KJWW Engineering Consultants for energy related engineering studies.

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the proposals 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 Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #19

Report from the Personnel Department regarding an agreement with Walgreens Health Initiative (WHI) to provide retiree information to the Medicare Retiree Drug Subsidy (RDS) program.

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderman Tollenaer seconded to approve the agreement 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 Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #20

Report from the Public Works Department regarding an Adopt A Highway agreement with the Luloff Family to adopt 13^th Avenue between 24^th and 30^th Streets.

It was moved by Alderman Tollenaer, seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the agreement 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 Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #21

Report from the Public Works Department regarding an agreement with Missman, Stanley and Associates for phase II of the American Discovery Trail, recommending a design cost not to exceed $7,800.00 and an estimated construction inspection cost of $26,100.00.

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderman Pauley seconded to approve the agreement 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

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

Agenda Item #22

Report from the Public Works Department regarding a Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Rock Island, Rock Island Arsenal and Bi-State Regional Commission for phase II of the American Discovery Trail.

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the Memorandum of Agreement as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract document. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman

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

Agenda Item #23

Report from the Personnel Department regarding a General Wage Increase for non-affiliated employees.

Alderman Austin moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve a 3.25% General Wage Increase to non-affiliated employees effective March 24, 2008 as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman

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

Agenda Item #24

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for removal of the residential parking restriction in front of two vacant lots at 23^rd Street between 5^th and 6^th Avenues.

It was moved by Alderman Tollenaer, 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 Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #25

Report from the Mayor regarding an appointment to the Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District (METROLINK) Board of Trustees.

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

The appointment to the Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District (METROLINK) Board of Trustees includes Berlinda Tyler-Jamison with a term to expire on December 1, 2009.

Agenda Item #26

Report from the Mayor regarding an appointment to the Neighborhood Partners Board.

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

The appointment to the Neighborhood Partners Board includes Anna Casey with a term to expire February, 2011.

Agenda Item # 27

Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet.

City Manager John Phillips brought to Council’s attention a few budget follow up items that were provided in the memo packet regarding questions that were raised at the two Budget Sessions on Saturday, February 23 and Saturday, March 1, 2008.

Mr. Phillips inquired to Council if there were two members who would be interested in serving on the committee for the upcoming annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner to be held in May.

Alderwoman Murphy and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo volunteered to serve on the committee.

City Manager Phillips pointed out that the monthly Green Initiatives Report was also in the memo packet; the report entails the activities of the Green Team.

Alderman Pauley stated that he had the opportunity in the last few days to represent Rock Island in two events. Alderman Pauley commented that the first event he participated in was the dedication ceremony for the fourth habitat home to be built in Habitat Park on 8^th Street and 11^th Avenue. Alderman Pauley offered that the build was funded and manned by St. Pius parishioners in Rock Island. Alderman Pauley noted that this is the first two-story home built in Habitat Park; and the fifth home is under construction.

Alderman Pauley indicated that the second event he participated in was the flag raising ceremony at the National Cemetery on Arsenal Island. The flag being raised was first flown over the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 2007. The flag will be raised in 25 locations in 20 states before being flown over the Nation’s Capital on Memorial Day, which is Monday, May 26, 2008.

Alderman Austin stated that in one of the recent weekly issues of the National League of Cities (National Cities); Peoria was recognized for their Car Owner Responsibility Act. Alderman Austin offered that their act was basically copied from the City of Rock Island; and stated that once again, the City of Rock Island is being imitated by other cities.

Alderwoman Murphy thanked the Boy Scout troops for attending the meeting.

Agenda Item #28

Other Business

Mr. Vince Thomas of 1000 21^st Street stepped forward and shared concerns regarding the mistreatment of the refugee and immigrant situation in Rock Island in regards to discrimination and violence. Mr. Thomas also shared letters from Anne Grove, local Director of World Relief.

Mayor Schwiebert commented that he had spoken to Ms. Grove regarding the situation; and any kind of retaliation against people who come to this country is un-American. Mayor Schwiebert also stated that he made several suggestions to Ms. Grove regarding some measures that could be taken to address this issue.

Mayor Schwiebert suggested to Mr. Thomas that he may contact Alderman Brooks because he has some perspectives on this issue. The Mayor noted that unfortunately Alderman Brooks was not at the meeting due to attending a conference in Washington.

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo commented that one of the City’s responses to this issue has been in the reestablishment of the Human Rights Commission. Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo also offered that if an individual feels they have an appropriate complaint; they should bring the issue to the commission.

Agenda Item #29

Executive Session on Litigation and Property Acquisition.

The Executive Session was held prior to the regular meeting.

Agenda Item #30

Recess

A motion was made by Alderwoman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to recess to Monday, March 17, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

The meeting was recessed at 8:05p.m.

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Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk