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

 

Agenda Item #5

Minutes of the Meeting of March 10, 2008. 

 

A motion was made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to approve the Minutes of March 10, 2008 as printed. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #6

A Special Ordinance amending a Special Ordinance establishing removal of the residential parking restriction in front of two vacant lots on 23rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. 

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance amending a Special Ordinance establishing removal of the residential parking restriction in front of two vacant lots on 23rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and  Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #7

A Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit for 500 16th Street.

 

Alderman Pauley moved and Alderman Conroy seconded to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit for 500 16th Street. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and  Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #8

An Ordinance adopting the Budget for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2008 and ending March 31, 2009.

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderman Austin to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance adopting the Budget for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2008 and ending March 31, 2009.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and  Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #9

CLAIMS

 

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

 

a.       Report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding payment in the amount of $8,189.36 to DLT Solutions Inc. for AutoDesk annual subscription maintenance. (023)

 

b.      Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $504.69 to Mark Lousberg and payment in the amount of $1,607.17 to Susannah Toe for General Liability Claims.

 

c.       Report from the Public Works Department regarding payments in the combined total amount of $26,895.78 to Valley Construction, Langman Construction Inc. and Kodiak Site Contractors Inc. for downtown snow removal. (075)

 

d.      Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #3 and final in the amount of $21,782.50 to Sterling Commercial Roofing Company for roof replacements and repairs. (085)

 

Agenda Item #10

 
 
Claims for the week of March 7 through March 13 in the amount of $303,236.02.

 

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

 

Agenda Item #11

Payroll for the weeks of February 25 through March 9 in the amount of $1,131,784.30.

 

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

 

Agenda Item #12

Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of one (1) 2008 Dodge Van from Wright Automotive Inc. in the amount of $17,620.00.

 

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderman Pauley seconded to approve the purchase as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance declaring the current Dodge Van as surplus. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, 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 bids for the purchase of sign posts and sign materials, recommending the bids be awarded to Vulcan Signs in the amount of $3,035.44 and Allied Municipal Supply in the amount of $21,406.91.

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Conroy to award the bids as recommended and authorize purchases. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, 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 a three (3) year Uniform Service agreement, recommending the bid be awarded to Aramark Uniform Service Company in the amount of $38,000.00.

 

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

 

Agenda Item #15

Report from the Fire Department regarding ambulance billing rates, recommending a change in the base rate for ambulance transport to BLS Transport in the amount of $500.00, ALS Transport in the amount of $650.00 and ALS2 Transport in the amount of $750.00.

 

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the change in ambulance transport fees 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 Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #16

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Mindy Diaz to apply for a Special Use Permit to operate a custom and fine jewelry store at 1815 24th Street.

 

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderman Pauley seconded to allow for the application of the Special Use Permit as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #17

Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet.

 

Acting City Manager Bob Hawes did not have any items to discuss.

 

Alderman Austin brought to Council’s attention an event that would take place in one week, which is called Earth Hour. Alderman Austin offered that last year in Sydney, Australia, they darkened the town for an hour to make an impact on the environmental footprint. It was noted that the response was greater than had been expected; and the City of Chicago as well as several other cities have bought into it for this year. The Cities will turn off their lights for one hour on Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Alderman Austin stated that the event is sponsored by World Wildlife Fund.

 

Alderman Austin stated that he visited their website www.earthhoursUS; and there are videos regarding this issue, one of which Alderman Austin stated that he would like to show tonight. Alderman Austin also offered that this may be something that Council may wish to consider to endorse.

 

The three minute video that was shown explained that the entire world has felt the effect of climate change, which is having a devastating impact on the planet.  It explained that in 2007, Sydney, Australia turned off their lights for one hour; and this year Earth Hour is going global to encourage communities, states and the nation to join the movement against global warming.

 

Mayor Schwiebert stated that it would be good to take a serious look at this; and if Council gives consideration to it, perhaps it could be put on the next Agenda by way of a Resolution for support. 

 

Alderman Brooks commented that he had the opportunity last week to attend the Congressional Congress National League of Cities conference in Washington, D. C. Alderman Brooks stated that from discussions at the conference, more and more cities across the country are deeply concerned with the economic ills of the country. Alderman Brooks added that discussions also entailed as to what could be done regarding this situation; and offered that there were also discussions regarding social problems and the war. Alderman Brooks stated that some people felt that the country is in a depression; and they were very concerned as to what may happen in the next few years. Alderman Brooks added that it was a worthwhile conference.

 

Mayor Schwiebert stated that it is disturbing to hear that; and at the same time not completely surprising.  The Mayor offered that the nation is faced with some very serious challenges; the war in Iraq has drained a huge amount of revenue out of this country; and investment in the nation’s infrastructure is challenging as well as other issues.

 

Mayor Schwiebert offered that he had the opportunity to attend a session this morning that was convened by Major General Radin and the 5th Army at the Rock Island Arsenal.    The session was in regards to the Department of Defense meeting with the City’s Civil Defense Responders (Police and Firefighters) to try and identify ways to work more strategically together in the event of a catastrophe. Mayor Schwiebert stated that the session discussed not only Homeland Security, but also things that are more prevalent in the community including chemicals being transported through the communities on a regular basis, flooding and other issues.

 

Mayor Schwiebert offered that the program is intense. The course discusses emergencies that may occur and how to respond to them; and identifies what types of resources are needed to prepare for any type of emergency. The Mayor also offered that good communication on both sides of the river and the Arsenal is an important factor in having the ability to work together and give the best possible value to the citizens in time of an emergency.  Mayor Schwiebert noted that the course will be completed on Friday of this week. 

 

Mayor Schwiebert mentioned to Council that he received communication from the Lieutenant Governor’s Office last week, noting that the Lieutenant Governor’s visit will be tentatively scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 21st   instead of the original date of April 22nd.

 

Agenda Item #18

Other Business

 

Mr. Whitey Wistedt of the Kiwanis Club and residing at 5610 34th Avenue, Moline, Illinois stepped forward and stated to Council that Rock Island High School will be hosting the first annual Jazz Festival on April 19th and 20th at the High School. Mr. Wistedt offered that there will be four bands; two bands (Rock Island and Bettendorf) will play on Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00p.m.; and the other two bands (Moline and Pleasant Valley) will play on Sunday afternoon.   Mr. Wistedt commented that admission is $10.00 for seniors, students will pay $5.00 and everyone else will be charged $10.00. Mr. Wistedt noted that there will be a 50/50 raffle; T-shirts will be sold; and proceeds will go to Children’s Therapy.

 

Mr. Wistedt stated that his main goal is to have the ability (from t-shirt sales and the 50/50 raffle) to give $500.00 or $1,000.00 to each of the four school’s music departments.

 

Mr. Wistedt inquired upon the City of Rock Island for support by running a full page newspaper ad for this event.

 

Mayor Schwiebert suggested to Mr. Wistedt that he write a detailed proposal of what the request entails; and submit it to the City Clerk’s Office.

 

Alderwoman Murphy inquired as to whether there were other businesses in the City of Rock Island that would like to be sponsors; and if so, who would be the contact.  Mr. Wistedt responded that various businesses include Whitey’s Ice Cream and Subway; and there would be more businesses coming on board to sponsor the event. Mr. Wistedt offered that the Noon Kiwanis Club meets on Mondays at the Botanical Center and John Califf would be the contact.

 

Agenda Item #19

No Executive Session.

 

An Executive Session was not held.

 

Agenda Item #20

Recess

 

A motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to recess to Monday, March 24, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

 The meeting was recessed at7:20 p.m.

 

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                                                                          Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk