The Rock Island City
Council met for regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, March 15, 2004, in the
Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall.
Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M.
A. Brooks I, David R. Conroy, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R.
White, Ann L. Keefe and Frank J. Forlini, Jr.
Alderman John E. Bauersfeld, Jr. was absent.
Mayor Schwiebert
called the meeting to Order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of
the United States of America. Alderman
Keefe gave the Invocation. Alderman
Keefe made a correction to the Minutes of March 4, on page 3, paragraph 6, the
Minutes need to include a statement noting that the main motion, as amended,
passed on a Voice vote. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by
Alderman Conroy to approve the Minutes of the meetings of March 3, 4, 6 and 8,
with correction noted for March 4, CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
PUBLIC HEARING/FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005
Mayor
Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:50 p.m., and opened a public hearing
on the budget for fiscal year 2004-2005.
Finance Director Bill Scott reviewed the budget process, and noted the
Council Goals as determined in September of 2003. He stated that this goal setting session begins the budget
process by giving staff direction for the coming year. He stated that the total budget is over
sixty three million dollars, and the city is currently receiving over one million
dollars less in tax revenue than four years ago.
Mr. Scott discussed the various cuts made and
the increase in employee pension benefits, adding that all the departments’
budgets are very lean.
He noted that this budget was a real challenge
for staff as well as for Council, and the process will continue to be
challenging unless the economy improves.
There
were no persons present to speak at this time regarding the budget.
Mayor
Schwiebert closed the public hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at
7:05 p.m., noting that the Budget
Ordinance will be on the Agenda March 22 for approval.
RESOLUTION
Agenda Item #7
CITY MANAGER/SALARY INCREASE
The
City Clerk read a Resolution granting the City Manager a 1.9 percent base
salary increase to become effective on the Manager’s Anniversary Date, and
authorizing the Mayor to execute the contract documents. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded
by Alderman White to adopt the Resolution CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell,
White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS:
None.
Alderman Keefe and Alderman White noted that
Mr. Phillips requested the 1.9% even though Council members wanted to give him
a larger increase because they felt he deserves more. They commended him on the good job that he does.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #8a
CITY ATTORNEY/LEGAL SERVICES
The
City Clerk read a statement from the City Attorney in the amount of $5,846.40
for legal services during the month of February.
Agenda Item #8b
ITRON/WATER SERVICES HANDHELD COMPUTERS
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment
to Itron in the amount of $3,339.05 for Water Services handheld computers.
Agenda Item #8c
R I ELECTRIC MOTOR/REBUILD OF ONE PUMP MOTOR
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment
to Rock Island Electric Motor in the amount of $10,542.27 for the rebuild of
one pump motor.
Agenda Item #8d
SHIVE-HATTERY/PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
The City Clerk read a report from the Public
Works Department recommending payment to Shive-Hattery in the amount of
$9,308.70 for professional services regarding the 38th Street Area
Storm Water Plan.
Agenda Item #8e
GENERAL CONSTRUCTORS/
RIDGEWOOD WATER B.S. CHEMICAL FEED
MODIFICATIONS
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment
to Phoenix Corporation in the amount of $30,132.96 for the 4th
Avenue Storm Sewer Improvements.
Agenda Item #8f
PHOENIX CORPORATION/4 AVENUE STORM SEWER
IMPROVEMENTS
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment
to
Phoenix Corporation in the amount of $30,132.96
for the 4th Avenue Storm Sewer Improvements.
Agenda Item #8g
SHIVE-HATTERY/THIRD AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION
PROJECT
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment
to Shive-Hattery in the amount of $2,555.42 for the Third Avenue Reconstruction
Project.
Agenda Item #8h
HUFF AND HUFF/CONSULTING SERVICES
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment
to Huff and Huff in the amount of $1,487.50 for consulting services for the
Excess Flow Basin Project.
Agenda Item #8i
BRANDT CONSTRUCTION/
THIRD AVENUE REHABILITATION RESURFACING PROJECT
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment
to Brandt Construction in the amount of $356,516.26 for the Third Avenue
Rehabilitation Resurfacing Project.
Agenda Item #8j
BLACKHAWK COLLEGE/FIRE OFFICER I AND II
CERTIFICATION CLASSES
The
City Clerk read a report from the Fire Department recommending payment to
Blackhawk College in the amount of $3,012.00 for classes for Fire Officer I and
II certification.
Agenda Item #8k
ATTORNEY KENNETH FLAXMAN/CLAIM SETTLEMENT
The
City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to
Attorney Kenneth Flaxman in the amount of $30,000 for claim settlement.
A
motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to accept the
reports and authorize payments as recommended carried on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell,
White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
MARCH 5 THROUGH 11
The
City Clerk read the claims for the week of March 5 through 11 in the amount of
$264,188.78. A motion made by Alderman
Forlini and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll
Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks,
Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini.
NAYS: None.
CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS
Agenda Item #10
PHOENIX CORPORATION/SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENTS
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for
the 14 ˝ Street Sanitary Sewer Improvements from 9th to 12th
Avenue, recommending the bid of Phoenix Corporation in the amount of
$312,868.00. A motion made by Alderman
White and seconded by Alderman Forlini to award the bid as recommended and
authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll
Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks,
Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini.
NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
J. F. BRENNAN CO., INC./SUNSET MARINA
IMPROVEMENTS PHASE IA
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for
the Sunset Marina Improvements Phase IA, recommending the bid of J. F. Brennan
Co., Inc. in the amount of $124,920.00.
A motion made by Alderman Keefe 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: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
DEMOLITION AND SITE CLEARANCE/LOW BIDDERS
The
City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding bids for the Demolition and Site Clearance Projects, recommending the
low bidders in each of the four groups of properties. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman
Forlini to award the bids as recommended and authorize the City Manager to
execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell,
White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
2004 LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT/HERITAGE
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for
the 2004 Landscape Maintenance Contract, recommending the bid of Heritage
Landscape Design in the amount of $18,514.00. A motion made by Alderman Forlini
and seconded by Alderman Conroy to award the bid as recommended and authorize
the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call
vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy,
Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini.
NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
TRIAD ENGINEERING/ANALYSIS FOR REPLACEMENT OF
COMMINUTORS
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding an agreement
with Triad Engineering in the amount of $8,725.00 for an analysis of the
options for replacing the Mill Street Wastewater Plant comminutors.
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded
by Alderman Forlini to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to
execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell,
White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
SUNSET MARINA/RENEWAL OF APARTMENT LEASE
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a renewal
of a lease for the apartment at Sunset Marina.
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White 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
Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
SUNSET MARINA/RENEWAL OF REPAIR SHOP
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a renewal
of a lease for the repair shop at Sunset Marina. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White
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
Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Agenda Item #17
CAPRI THEATRE PROPERTY/DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
The City Clerk read a report from the Community
and Economic Development Department regarding a proposal from the Development
Association of Rock Island regarding the Capri Theatre Property at 220 19th
Street, recommending approval of a development agreement in support of the
project. (A revised proposal had been
distributed to Council members at the Council Table.)
Dan
Carmody, Executive Director of DARI, stated that they have been working with
the Genesius Guild, and they are requesting part of the holding costs for three
years. He explained that the three
years allows them two years to market the building and one year to dispose of
the building if the project does not become a reality. Mayor Schwiebert asked what type of theatre
productions it would be used for, and Mr. Carmody responded that the stage is
too small for ballet, but it could be adapted for live theatre such as the
Genesius Guild and other similar groups.
Mr. Carmody then responded to other questions from Council. Alderman Forlini suggested that Mr. Carmody
apply to the County for a tax exemption since the building is not producing
income at this time. Mr. Carmody stated
that he would look into this.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman
Keefe and seconded by Alderman Brooks
to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the
contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy,
Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini.
NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
PRAIRIE VIEW BUSINESS PARK ADDITION/PLAT
The
City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding a preliminary plat of Prairie View Business Park Addition,
recommending approval of the preliminary plat subject to some minor technical
corrections and additions. Joseph Gusse
of Joseph Architectural Group, reviewed the plan that was displayed in Council
Chambers and also distributed to Council members in a smaller format. He indicated that they plan to build a
four-structure office park with an on-site storm water detention pond. He responded to questions from Council
regarding which building would be completed first, and stated that they planned
to build Lot 1 and 4 about the same time.
He noted that Building 2 would be a high-rise building with a parking
area beneath it.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman
White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the plat as recommended
CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES:
Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
4500 BLACKHAWK ROAD/SITE PLAN REVIEW
The
City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding a Site Plan Review for a B-4 Highway District zoned property at
approximately 4500 Blackhawk Road. A
motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to approve the
site plan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and
Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
8310 RIDGEWOOD ROAD/REZONING
The
City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding a rezoning from R-1 to R-2 District at approximately 8310 Ridgewood
Road. A motion made by Alderman Conroy
and seconded by Alderman White to approve the rezoning and refer to the City
Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #21
FOX TRAIL ADDITION/PRELIMINARY PLAT
The
City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding a review of a preliminary plat of Fox Trail Addition, recommending
approval of the preliminary plat subject to some minor technical corrections
and additions. A motion made by
Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the plat as
recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy,
Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS:
None.
Agenda Item #22
FOX TRAIL L.L.C./DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
The
City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding a development agreement with Fox Trail L.L.C. in support of a new
residential subdivision in southwest Rock Island. Greg Champagne, Community and Economic Development Department
Director, reviewed this project. He
noted that it is north of Foxwood Subdivision, and at one time, there was a
plan to develop this property as an addition to the Subdivision, but that did
not occur. He stated that the Dial
Companies expressed an interest in this property, and staff has been working
with them on the project. Alderman Conroy
added that Gaming Revenue allowed Rock Island to make a substantial investment
in Southwest Rock Island, and this will be a nice subdivision. Following discussion, a motion made by
Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the agreement and
authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll
Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks,
Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini.
NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
NEW NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN/ALLOCATION
The
City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding a New Neighborhood Plan, recommending that the Council approve a
total allocation not to exceed $50,000 in FY 03 / 04 and FY 04 / 05 North 11th
Street Tax Increment Finance funds to support planning of new neighborhood
northwest of 7th Avenue and 11th Street. Alderman Brooks noted that this area has a
lot of vacant properties as a result of demolition of some abandoned houses. He
expressed his hope that this program will create a new neighborhood. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and
seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the allocation of TIF funds as
recommended for the project CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell,
White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #24
NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERS/FOUR ORGANIZATIONS
The
City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding the appointments of four organizations – 11th Street/31st
Avenue Business Association, Greenbush Neighbors, Longview Neighborhood
Coalition and Rock Island Housing Authority – to Neighborhood Partners. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded
by Alderman Keefe to approve the appointments as recommended CARRIED on a Voice
vote.
Agenda Item #25
ROCK ISLAND GRAND EXCURSION/ALLOCATION
The
City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding the activities and budget for the Rock Island Grand Excursion
celebration scheduled for June 25, 2004, recommending an allocation of $22,000
of marketing carryover to fund the City’s Grand Excursion celebration and agree
to cover revenue shortfalls due to inclement weather or other unforeseen
circumstances. Alderman Conroy asked
what the anticipated shortfall would be, and Alderman White suggested a cap on
the revenue shortfalls that would be covered by the City.
Ted Thoms, Chair of the Rock Island Grand
Excursion Committee, and Jennifer Fowler, Community Marketing Director, along
with Alderman White who is also on the committee, reviewed the plans for the
event. It was noted that the
anticipated shortfalls would be about $6,100.00. Mr. Thoms stated that there will be a number of events going on
the evening of June 25, and the focus of the Rock Island event would be the
District area. He spoke of the various
events that would be held there, and encouraged people to attend.
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded
by Alderman White to allocate the funding as recommended, and agree to cover
revenue shortfalls as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White,
Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #26
Q C UNIFIED STORMWATER ORDINANCE/DRAFT
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the Quad
Cities Unified Stormwater Ordinance.
Alderman Keefe stated that the public probably is not familiar with this
ordinance, and Public Works Director Bob Hawes reviewed it for the benefit of
the public. He noted that the purpose
of this is to reduce the amount of pollution being carried to the river by
stormwater. He discussed some of the
main points in the ordinance, and stated that within five years, this will
probably need to be made stronger.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by
Alderman Brooks to approve the report and refer to the City Attorney for an
Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #27
NON-AFFILIATED EMPLOYEES/GENERAL WAGE INCREASE
The
City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending a 2.00%
general wage increase for all non-affiliated employees of the City of Rock
Island, effective March 29, 2004. A
motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the
wage increase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen
Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING
Agenda Item #28
1909 9th STREET/HANDICAPPED PARKING
ELIMINATED
The
City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a
request to eliminate the Handicapped Parking Space at 1909 9th
Street. A motion made by Alderman White
and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the request and refer to the City
Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #29
410-412 19th STREET/PRIVATE PARKING
LOT
The
City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a
request from Jacki Tuttle, Office Manager for DARI, requesting that the parking
lot at 410-412 19th Street be placed under City Ordinance
control. A motion made by Alderman
White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the request and refer to the
City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #30
RENAISSANCE ROCK ISLAND/EAST SIDE PARKING
METERS ELIMINATED
The
City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a
request from Dan Carmody for the elimination of short-term parking meters
located the east side of Renaissance Rock Island, recommending that five of the
seven meters be eliminated and replace that area with a two-hour parking zone. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded
by Alderman Rockwell to approve the
request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED
on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #31
1414 43rd STREET/HANDICAPPED PARKING
INSTALLED
The
City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a
request from Brandon Jones to have a Handicapped Parking Space installed in
front of 1414 43rd Street. A
motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to approve the
request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice
vote.
ITEMS FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention
to the information regarding the City Council Subcommittee on School Funding
and Sales tax Distribution. He noted
that they have contacted two School Superintendents, and are waiting for their
responses. He indicated that they will
be back to Council with further information as it becomes available.
OTHER BUSINESS
TREES
Alderman
Conroy asked about the replacement of trees, noting that there are some trees
being cut down and neighbors are asking if they will be replaced with
additional trees to cut back on noise.
Staff will look into this.
STREET CLOSING/SEWER COLLAPSE
Bob
Hawes stated that 9th Avenue from 24th to 25th
Street is closed temporarily due to the collapse of an old brick sewer. He stated that it would be closed until the
sewer is replaced.
ELECTION
Alderman
Brooks reminded everyone to vote on Tuesday, March 16.
WASHINGTON TRIP
Mayor
Schwiebert reviewed his recent trip to Washington to visit with area
legislators. He stated that there were
about sixty-one persons on this trip, and they visited with both Senators and
Congressional Representatives. He
stated that the three issues presented were the Rock Island Arsenal, the I-74
Bridge Crossing, and the Riverfront Development. He noted that they were told that there will be some base
closings, but the group asked that they make sure that the Rock Island Arsenal
is not one of them. He stated that they
relayed information to them about the important services that the Arsenal
provided during this conflict in Iraq.
He indicated that he felt that the trip was worthwhile and beneficial to
the area the group represented.
STREET RESURFACING
Jerry
Miller, 1516 41st Street, Rock Island, noted that 39th,
40th and 41st Street are scheduled to be resurfaced. He asked if they would all be done at the
same time, which would limit his access to his house. He also asked if there was some assurance that, when the city
contracts the work, the project will not be started and then left in the middle
while the company works on other projects.
Public Works Director Bob Hawes responded that the streets will be
resurfaced, and that will not close off the streets for more than a few hours
during the daytime. He stated that they
will be holding public hearings for the special assessments, and these
ordinances will come to the City Council following the public hearings. He stated that the residents living along
these streets should be receiving notices of the public hearing. He also noted that they are looking at a
different form of contract – one that gives them a long window of time to
perform the work, but a short time to complete the project once they have started. He added that there is a penalty for
non-compliance also.
RECESS
A
motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to
Monday, March 22 at 6:45 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen
Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The
meeting was recessed at 8:10 p.m.
_____________________________________
Jeanne
F. Paggen, City Clerk