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 A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Absent was Alderman Terry M. A. Brooks I.
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 Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the Minutes of the meeting of March 4, 2006 and March 6, 2006 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PRESENTATION
Agenda Item #6
PRESERVE AMERICA GRANT AWARD
Mayor Schwiebert advised the reason for Alderman Brooks’ absence is he is at a National League of Cities Conference.
Mayor Schwiebert advised that City Manager John Phillips, Alderman Evie White and he attended meetings in Washington this past week and Mr. Phillips and Alderman White were the City’s representatives to receive a Preserve America Grant Award. Alderman White presented the award to Urban Planner Jill Doak, the application and grant writer. Alderman White advised that this Preserve America Grant is for preserving neighborhoods. She advised this was the first year for this grant and $3.5 million was given out to 45 recipients in 28 states; the funds awarded from this grant are on a matching basis. The City received $43,000.00 from this grant and the money is to be used on the bridge commission building to convert into a visitor center and on Chippiannock Cemetery. Alderman White informed the award was presented to Mr. Phillips and her by the First Lady. She also advised there is another grant to be awarded with a May 15 application deadline.
Agenda Item #7
CITY MANAGER REVIEW AGREEMENT
The City Clerk read a Resolution approving an agreement with the City Manager and authorizing the Mayor to execute the contract documents. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adopt the Resolution as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #8
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to accept the following reports and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
a. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to McGladrey & Pullen LLP in the amount of $3,800.00 for professional services in connection with the American Discovery Trail.
b. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Gardner Carton & Douglas LLP in the amount of $8,123.65 for professional services for the Pretreatment Program.
Agenda Item #9
The City Clerk read the claims for the weeks of March 3 through March 9 in the amount of $497,200.42. A motion made by Alderman Conroy seconded by Alderman Pauley to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
POLICE RADIO DISPATCHING
EQUIPMENT/GEM ELECTRONICS
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding bids for radio dispatching equipment and cabinetry recommending the bid be awarded to GEM Electronics in the amount of $142,715.00. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
JANITORIAL
SERVICES/MIDWEST JANITORIAL SERVICES
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for janitorial services and a request from KIMCO Corporation to withdraw their bid recommending the bid be awarded to Midwest Janitorial Services in the amount of $78,006.00 per year for a three-year contract starting April 1, 2006. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to award the bid as recommended, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents and grant the request for withdrawal from KIMCO Corporation CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
2006 WATER SERVICE
REPAIR PROGRAM/HOMETOWN PLUMBING & HEATING
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2006 Water Service Repair Program recommending the bid be awarded to Hometown Plumbing & Heating in the amount of $200,512.50. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to award the bid as recommended, not to exceed $200,512.50, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding bids for Health Facilitator recommending the bid be awarded to Holmes-Murphy in the amount of $35,000.00 for a two-year contract for the period of April 1, 2006 through March 31, 2008. A motion made by Alderman Conroy seconded by Alderman Murphy to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: Alderman Pauley.
Agenda Item #14
AQUAFINE ULTRAVIOLET
STERILIZER/US FILTER
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of an Aquafine ultraviolet sterilizer from US Filter in the amount of $3,000.00. A motion made by Alderman Austin seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the purchase and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE
AGREEMENT/HARRIS COMPUTER SYSTEMS
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding payment to Harris Computer Systems in the amount of $72,534.00 for the Harris Computer System Software Maintenance agreement. Alderman White inquired as to whether this was a new company. Information Technology Services Director Claire Gordon responded that the system was initially purchased from Creative Computer, which was bought out by Harris Computer Systems.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Pauley seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the maintenance agreement and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT AND
RESOLUTIONS/ BLACKHAWK ROAD WIDENING PROJECT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding an Agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the Blackhawk Road Widening Project and a Resolution appropriating $214,815 from Motor Fuel Tax Funds and a Resolution approving the plans and specifications for the project. Alderman White advised that after looking at the location map she had questions as to where the project begins and if there had been changes. City Manager John Phillips advised there have been no changes in the plans and clarified the project delineations.
Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to whether the City was still on track regarding acquisitions, rights-of-way and target dates. Assistant to the Public Works Director Tim Ridder advised that as far as he knew these items were wrapped up and the City is still on track with this project. City Manager Phillips advised that Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne has been working with IDOT in updating the land portion and appraisals to close the transaction. Mr. Champagne
advised that an IDOT representative did confirm the April 28 letting date and they are expecting to have the land transfer completed May 1. Alderman White inquired as to where the new sidewalk was going to be placed. Mr. Champagne advised he believes it will be on the north side of the street.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the Agreement and adopt the Resolutions as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding Sunset Marina’s apartment lease renewal in the amount of $640.00 per month beginning April 1, 2006 and ending March 31, 2007. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the lease renewal as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding Coast Guard Auxiliary lease renewal in the amount of $1.00 beginning April 1, 2006 and ending March 31, 2007. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the lease renewal as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a development agreement with Steven and Cynthia Pressly for construction of a new funeral home. Mr. Pressly addressed the Council advising that they are scheduled to close on the property May 1, 2006 provided the development agreement is approved by the City. He advised that the building will be approximately 14,000 to 15,000 square feet with ample parking spots. He advised the project is tentatively scheduled to begin sometime in October, which could be pushed up if permits come back sooner. Alderman Pauley inquired as to whether the current facility would be sold. Mr. Pressly advised they were unsure at this point. Alderman Murphy welcomed Mr. Pressly to the Sixth Ward.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the development agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
GENERAL WAGE INCREASE/NON-AFFILIATES
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding a proposal for a 3.00% General Wage Increase for non-affiliated employees. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the wage increase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
VACATION OF NORTH/SOUTH ALLEY BETWEEN 12TH
AND 13TH AVENUE AND
1ST AND 2ND STREETS/NORCROSS/CED
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request by the City to vacate a north/south alley between 12th and 13th Avenues and 1st and 2nd Streets to facilitate expansion of the Norcross Safety Products plant. A motion made by Alderman White 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: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
REZONING I-1 DISTRICT TO B-3 DISTRICT AT 2401 AND 2405
3RD AVENUE/CED
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for Rezoning from I-1 (light industrial) District to B-3 (community business) District at 2401 and 2405 3rd Avenue. Mayor Schwiebert advised of a press conference at the Botanical Center scheduled for Wednesday morning, March 15, regarding the grant awarded for this project with assistance and hard work from Congressman Evans’ office.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
FINAL PLAT OF THE ROWAND ADDITION/CED
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the Final Plat of the Rowand Addition. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the final plat as recommended, subject to submission of signed certificates and the corrected plat CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #24
FINAL PLAT OF HOLLY HILL ESTATES ADDITION/CED
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request to waive City subdivision requirements for Final Plat of Holly Hill Estates Addition located in unincorporated Rock Island County. A motion was made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy that the City not waive its subdivision and storm water requirements and the final plat be approved with only the variance for requiring sidewalks, subject to technical corrections on the plat being completed and approved by the City Engineer.
Developer Kraig Schwigen, 2810 128th Avenue Court W, Milan, IL, one of the co-owners of Rock Island Development Group addressed Council on this request. He expressed his concern advising the City’s suggested roadway system will fail due to it being maintained by Moline Township and their method of snow removal, which uses a fine gravel and sand mixture. He advised the use of this mixture in low areas fills up the storm drains and floods the properties. He advised it would cost the Developer $250,000 to $500,000 to implement the road improvements which, in the end, will fail. He advised he has agreed to the 3-foot expansion, to 27 feet, which has already cost $70,000, completely funded by the Developer. He advised what attracted homeowners was the suburban atmosphere with no streetlights or sidewalks, large lots out in the county but close to town.
Aldermen Conroy and White withdrew their motions.
Alderman Austin asked Community and Economic Development Planning & Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen to comment on staff’s recommendation. Mr. Carmen advised that this subdivision is in the County and at this point probably will not be annexed for quite some time. He advised that in meeting with the developer it was advised that to meet the City’s requirements the width of the streets would have to be expanded. The Developer agreed to this requirement and staff recommended that this then be approved without curb and gutter. It was the Commission’s recommendations that have stated otherwise.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to not waive City of Rock Island subdivision ordinance requirements, to require a 27-foot wide asphalt street and to grant the following variance requested by the Developer (to not require sidewalks, curbs and gutters in the subdivision), subject to technical corrections on the plat being completed and approved by the City Engineer CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #25
GRANT APPLICATION/ROCK ISLAND COUNTY WASTE MANAGEMENT
ASSOCIATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a grant application for the Rock Island County Waste Management Association. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the grant application as recommended and authorize the Mayor to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
City Manager John Phillips touched base on the 2006 Project Status Report being overseen by the Public Works Department and also reminded about the joint School District Board of Education and City Council meeting on March 14, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. at the Rock Island High School Library.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Conroy requested that an item be put on the agenda for March 20 Study Session and Council Meeting regarding Special Assessments and how street assessment is done. He advised that he would like residential street special assessments to be reduced, rebated or eliminated. Alderman White
advised that she would like to have a Study Session on this item first discussing history and background on this before any voting action is taken in a Council meeting. City Manager Phillips advised that Council did approve a Five-Year CIP, which included monies for projects from this assessment source. Research will be done and presented at the March 20 Study Session.
Mayor Schwiebert spoke on the Washington trip of last week. He advised that he, City Manager John Phillips and Alderman Evie White, along with approximately 90 other representatives from the Quad Cities traveled to Washington, D.C. between March 8 and March 10 to discuss issues of City and area-wide concerns with Congressional delegation. He advised a major priority discussed involved seeking federal assistance for the City’s very costly combined sewer overflow remediation project, which was mandated by the USEPA. He informed that other topics discussed for funding were the expansion of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center and its programs and Sunset Marina. RiverVision and the Armory/Armory Park were discussed. Mayor Schwiebert advised that he met with General Benjamin Griffin, a four-star general in command of the Army Material Command based in Washington. He informed they discussed the attraction of future jobs for Rock Island Arsenal and preserving its important role in manufacturing and as a logistics center for the nation’s defense.
Attorney Steve Nelson addressed the Council regarding Western Illinois Univsersity. He advised he was recently appointed to the Western Illinois University Board of Trustees by Governor Blagojevich. He advised of the rising costs of tuition at the school and the need for funding. He advised that the cost for 1200 students is $10 million and looking at enrollment for 3000 students in the future will rise to $15 million. He also advised that for a full-time student, fall room and board will be $13,500 and tuition will be $6,000. He thanked the City for their past, present and hopefully future support of the school.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin to recess to Tuesday, March 14, at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:45 p.m.
____________________________________
Cynthia A. Neiggemann, City Clerk