The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session on Monday, March 14, 2005, in the Personnel Conference Room of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen David A. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, and Charles "Chuck" Austin. Alderman Terry M. A. Brooks I was absent. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, RIPD Chief of Police Terry Dove, RIPD Captain Donald Reichert, RIPD Lt. Wayne Sharer, Fire Chief Jerry Shirk, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Personnel Director John Thorson and Risk Manager Troy Larson.
RIPD Chief Terry Dove introduced Lt. Wayne Sharer. He stated that there has been a lot of discussion about communication interoperability, and Lt. Sharer has implemented it. Rock Island is the first agency in the Quad Cities to have this. With this system, they can connect other units and talk with them or allow other units to talk with each other. He stated that the funding was from the Illinois Law Enforcement System grant in the amount of $101,400. Council asked if other cities can be charged to use this system, and Lt. Sharer responded that they are not charged, because the grant allowed the connectivity. He demonstrated how the system operates, and discussed how it can be used in various situations. He noted that they can reach Henry and Mercer Counties, and if Muscatine gets a system like this, they will have a triangle effect for communications. Fire Chief Jerry Shirk commented that this is a major improvement and one that works well for them.
Chief Dove and Lt. Sharer discussed the future use of this and other systems. Lt. Sharer noted that this can last about thirty to forty years with great flexibility. They talked briefly about the StarCom 21 system, which is a communication system that costs $50.00 per radio per month. They also indicated that the next step is the in-car computers.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Executive Session on matters of Personnel, Litigation and Property Acquisition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 5:30 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:40 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
_________________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session on Monday, March 14, 2005 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, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, and Charles "Chuck" Austin.
Agenda Item #6
Linda Wilson, of the Beautification Commission, along with Mayor Schwiebert, presented the 2004 Commercial Beautification Awards to the following businesses:
1st Place – T Steele Construction (Rotary Trophy)
2nd Place – Midwest Graphics Mgt. – Third and Twenty-Two (Mayor’s Award)
3rd Place – Dan Lorentzen Building (Beautification Commission Award)
4th Place – District Drugs (City Council Award)
They also presented certificates to twenty-two Honorable Mentions, many of who were present to receive the awards.
Agenda Item #7
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring March 13 through 19 as Daffodil Days.
Agenda Item #8
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:55 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on the Budget for the fiscal year 2005/2006.
Finance Director Bill Scott reviewed the budget. He discussed the process, which begins in September with the Council Goal Setting Sessions.
Mr. Scott reviewed the priorities for the year and noted that the staff uses these when preparing their budget. He indicated that the budget contains a significant number of capital and maintenance projects. He stated that the greatest increase has been in Personnel costs, with 38% increase in Full-time salaries, and 52% increase in employee benefits including health insurance. He stated that there are three new positions associated with the Rental Inspection Program.
Mr. Scott then reviewed the changes that have been made as a result of the two meetings on Saturday mornings with the City Council. These included a rate decrease in employee health insurance costs from 28% to 24%; an increase in the City Clerk budget by $10,450, representing three months at the current salary to allow for training of a new Clerk prior to retirement of the current Clerk; an increase of $10,000 to purchase trees for noise screening near Highland Springs; increase in the cost of the Council Goal Setting to $13,435; an increase of $10,800 for modifications for various information technology budgeted purchases to reflect tasks added since the budget was prepared; and a reduction in sales tax revenue of $17,749 to balance general fund revenue and expenditures.
Bruce Rannow, 1010 13th Avenue, Orion, stated that he represents AFSCME Local #988, and wanted to speak about the budget. He indicated that AFSCME had been asked to take no more than a 2% pay raise for each of the next three years, but now the City Manager is getting a 2.3% increase. He stated that management people are getting two pensions, and he expressed his opposition to this. He stated that management should lead by example. He added that, when the City was in financial crisis, the Unions stepped up to the plate, but now there seems to be money for management to get increases.
Mayor Schwiebert responded, stating that the Council does lead by example, noting that their last pay increase was in 1993. He stated that the increase for the City Manager in comparison to the union increases and other city managers in the area is at the low end. He noted that the City Manager is not eligible for step increases and pay for performance increases. Mr. Rannow repeated that they were told that they could not get higher increases than 2% when they were discussing the contract. He stated that they brought up the 457 and wanted a match on the dollar, but that never made it to the table.
Alderman Brooks related that he just returned from Washington, and learned that many other cities are cutting jobs, while Rock Island is attempting to keep people employed. Mr. Rannow stated that he was disappointed that they are at the bottom of the barrel, and were asked to give up their merit increases and COLA, as well as the Safety Program. City Manager John Phillips stated that the non-affiliated employees have been getting the lowest increases of any group over the past several years.
Dino Leone, 91115 Taylor Ridge, AFSCME Staff Representative, stated that he arrived late for the meeting, and stated that management is getting higher increases than other employees. He stated that no other city treats the employees like Rock Island – other cities and schools give the same increase for all staff members regardless of their position. He also commented about the two pensions.
Mayor Schwiebert responded that there is no second pension, but rather money is put into deferred compensation, and the union had that option as well. Mr. Leone stated that the City is using taxpayers to pay the management retirement. He added that management has not allowed unions to defer compensation. Mayor Schwiebert noted that the different unions have different rules and different bargaining issues.
Following discussion, Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:45 p.m.
Agenda Item #9
1635 30 STREET, 1700, 1704 31
STREET/REZONING FROM R-3 TO B-3
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amending a zoning district, changing the zoning at 1635 30th Street, and 1700 and 1704 31st Street from R-3 to B-3 zoning. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White 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.
Agenda Item #10
CITY MANAGER/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 Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adopt the Resolution
CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES:
Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11a
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to James Wheeler in the amount of $9,244.59 for property damage.
Agenda Item #11b
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Inspector Tools in the amount of $3,803.97 for a compact video camera system for the Water Treatment Plant.
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White 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 #12
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of March 4 through 10 in the amount of $264,316.32. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
FEBRUARY 14 THROUGH 27
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of February 14 through 27 in the amount of $936,708.02.
|
GENERAL FUND |
$616,847.96 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #1 DOWNTOWN |
485.74 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #2 SOUTH 11 STREET |
196.36 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #3 NORTH 11 STREET |
196.35 |
|
KING CENTER |
3,177.12 |
|
FEDERAL COPS GRANT |
1,334.55 |
|
COMMUNITY DEV. BLOCK GRANT |
22,777.18 |
|
LIBRARY |
42,816.76 |
|
WATER |
61,333.35 |
|
SEWER |
31,622.70 |
|
COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC DEV. |
14,584.68 |
|
SUNSET MARINA |
7,237.51 |
|
PARK AND RECREATION |
70,658.22 |
|
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE |
21,984.79 |
|
ENGINEERING |
29,401.23 |
|
SELF INSURANCE |
1,810.46 |
|
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE |
1,035.72 |
|
MLK ACTIVITY FUND |
4,952.93 |
|
DRUG PREVENTION |
4,254.41 |
|
TOTAL |
$936,708.02 |
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
SCREENING SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL/TRAVELING SCREEN PARTS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the emergency purchase of traveling screen parts from Screening Systems International in the amount of $19,000.00. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the purchase and authorize payment CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
CISCO SMARTNET/DATA
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding renewal of the data communications equipment maintenance contract with CISCO Smartnet in the amount of $3,687.00. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the renewal of the contract and authorize payment CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2005 Water Service Repair Program, recommending the bid of Hometown Plumbing and Heating in the amount of $211,882.50. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract document CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU/LEASE
RENEWAL
The City Clerk read a report from the Martin Luther King Community Center regarding a lease renewal for Youth Service Bureau, for fiscal year 2005/2006. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the lease renewal 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.
Agenda Item #18
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a grant application to cover $2,250.00 of the cost for reprinting 2,500 copies of the “Downtown Rock Island: History and Architecture” brochure, with the remaining amount of $1,500 from the Community Marketing budget.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the grant application in the total project amount of $3,750.00 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Robert Alvine, attorney representing RiverStone Group, for permission to apply for a Special Use Permit to operate a portable ready-mixed concrete plant at 5000 11th Street. Alderman Conroy asked if there would be a Public Hearing, and Greg Champagne stated that it would be in about three weeks. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to allow RiverStone Group to apply for the Special Use Permit CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #20
2.25% GENERAL WAGE
INCREASE/NON-AFFILIATED EMPLOYEES
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding a proposal for a 2.25% General Wage Increase for non-affiliated employees. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the wage increase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION/INCREASE IN FEES
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding a proposed change in the Freedom of Information ordinance, recommending that a $5.00 charge be added for Traffic Accident reports as authorized by State Statute, and that the word “will” be changed to “may” in reference to a 50% deposit being required when records copying exceeds $20.00. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the changes and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ITEMS FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM PACKET
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to the budget follow-up information from the Finance Department.
Mr. Phillips also discussed the correspondence sent by him to the Senator Michael Jacobs regarding the widening of Blackhawk.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Brooks stated that he just returned from a trip to Washington D. C. and noted that there were many people in attendance wearing buttons in support of CDBG funding. He stated that he and others talked to national leaders about this and other issues.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Executive Session on matters of Personnel, Litigation and Property Acquisition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:00 p.m.
RECESS
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 8:55 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Monday, March 21 at 6:45 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk