The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, March 22, 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. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Keefe to approve the Minutes of the meeting of March 15 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Agenda Item #8
6301 38 STREET WEST/REZONING
R-1 TO B-4
Agenda Item #9
Agenda Item #10
410-412 19 STREET/PRIVATE
PARKING LOT
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regulating parking on the lot at 410-412 19th Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Forlini to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance removing five of the seven short-term parking meters on 18th Street by the Renaissance Building. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing two-hour parking between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday on the east side of the Renaissance Building on 18th Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Forlini to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
1414 43 STREET/HANDICAPPED
PARKING INSTALLED
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a Handicapped Parking Space in front of 1414 43rd Street. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Keefe to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
1909 9 STREET/HANDICAPPED
PARKING REMOVED
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance eliminating a Handicapped Parking Space in front of 1909 9th Street.
A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
The City Clerk read an Ordinance amending Chapter 9, regarding ramp parking fee changes. Alderman Keefe suggested that dollar signs be added to the ordinance. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Forlini to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
CONNELLY/WORKERS
COMP SETTLEMENT
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Attorney Karin Connelly in the amount of $3,890.00 for workers compensation claim settlement. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Forlini to accept the report and authorize payment CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of March 12 through 18 in the amount of $264,198.78. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Forlini to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
PAYROLL
Agenda Item #18
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of March 1 through 14 in the amount of $900,181.82.
|
GENERAL FUND |
$611,917.29 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #1 DOWNTOWN |
776.07 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #2 SOUTH 11 STREET |
185.54 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #3 NORTH 11 STREET |
185.54 |
|
KING CENTER |
3,677.73 |
|
FEDERAL COPS GRANT |
4,115.52 |
|
COMMUNITY DEV. BLOCK GRANT |
20,825.32 |
|
LIBRARY |
41,170.62 |
|
ELDERLY SERVICES CONTRIBUTION |
226.77 |
|
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS |
3,659.60 |
|
WATER |
56,089.94 |
|
SEWER |
39,803.20 |
|
COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
5,811.56 |
|
BRIDGE |
265.68 |
|
SUNSET MARINA |
9,038.60 |
|
PARK AND RECREATION |
59,124.77 |
|
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE |
23,861.04 |
|
SELF-INSURANCE |
1,442.55 |
|
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE |
814.02 |
|
CAFETERIA PLAN |
9,084.35 |
|
MLK ACTIVITY FUND |
4,586.99 |
|
DRUG PREVENTION |
3,519.12 |
|
TOTAL |
$900,181.82 |
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Keefe to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the purchase of sewer cameras and transporters, recommending approval of the bid for the purchase of the camera, pole extension and spare battery pack from Getum in the amount of $9,192.00, and the purchase of the Pan and tilt camera and controller, large line wheel kit and steerable Titan tractor from Aries Industries in the amount of $36,380.00.
Alderman Rockwell had questions regarding the use of the backup camera, and Randy Tweet, Technical Services Manager, responded. He noted that the backup camera was out of service about five days one time and twice it had to be sent back for service, which took about two weeks each time. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Conroy to award the bids and authorize purchases as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Great River Plaza Canopy Frame Painting, recommending the bid of Johnson Contracting Company in the amount of $2,860.00.
Alderman Forlini asked what this involved, and Public Works Director/Acting City Manager Bob Hawes responded that they would be painting the framework for the canopy on the Plaza in front of RIBCO. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell 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 #21
The City Clerk read a report from General Administration regarding the Casino Development Agreement. Mayor Schwiebert commented on the relationship with Jumer’s people and that this document has been the subject of several long discussions and considerable negotiation. He expressed appreciation to the City Manager, City Attorney, Community Development staff and Public Works for this major undertaking, as well as the Casino personnel. He indicated that the City and the Casino have been through several years together – both good and bad times.
Ron Wicks, Vice President, also noted the lengthy process, and then introduced Bill Renk. He gave a power point presentation of the project and discussed the project itself. He noted that Phase I will be the Casino, with a fourteen story hotel to be built as part of Phase II. There will be a three level parking deck for four hundred fifty vehicles, and also surface parking for another one thousand three hundred fifty vehicles. He indicated that they plan to break ground in September or October of 2004, with a proposed opening date of January 2006. One year after opening they plan to begin Phase II.
Gary Buettner, Vice President and CFO of the Casino, discussed the numbers associated with the project. He indicated that the money received by the City should more than double compared to what they are receiving with the current facility. He stated that they plan to pay the previously abated taxes before they open this facility. Ron Wicks then made an additional statement in regards to some media statements, noting that local media did not make the statements. He stated that Jumer’s is committed to the City of Rock Island, and are moving ahead with this project if Council approves the development agreement tonight. He stated that they will be closing on the property shortly, and are anxious to move ahead. He stated that they are looking forward to a longer term with the City than the current thirteen years.
Alderman Conroy noted that there is a lot happening in Rock Island, and most of it is in his Ward, which is Southwest Rock Island. He noted that the substantial amount of money that would be coming to the City could be used to fix the streets and other projects needed. Mr. Wicks also noted that they would not begin to build immediately upon closing, as they need to reclaim the land from the sand and dredge operation. Alderman Conroy also commended Mayor Schwiebert for his work on the project as well.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the development agreement as printed and authorize the Mayor to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None. ABSTAIN: Alderman Rockwell.
Agenda Item #22
MISSMAN STANLEY UNDERGROUND
TANK REMOVAL
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the Brownfields Special Project Grant, recommending that Council agree to accept the Brownfields Special Project Funds Grant award in the amount of $10,000, authorize the Mayor to execute the grant documents, and authorize the City Manager to execute an amended contract with Missman Stanley and Associates for underground tank removal at 2108 Third Avenue. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to accept the grant award, authorize the Mayor to execute the grant documents, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract document with Missman Stanley and Associates as recommended CARRIED on a Roll call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding an agreement between the City of Rock Island and the Illinois Department of Transportation for the next phase of the American Discovery Trail across Arsenal Island to Davenport. 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 #24
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an application for funding through the Illinois Department of Natural resources in the amount of $150,000 for a portion of the matching funds required on the next phase of the American discovery Trail project. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the grant application and authorize the Mayor to sign the application as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #25
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an agreement between the City of Rock Island and Bi-Sate Regional Commission regarding payment of the local match for the next phase of the American Discovery Trail project. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #26
KING
CENTER/LEASE RATES, ALCOHOL SERVICE
The City Clerk read a report from the Martin Luther King Center regarding liquor service and rate changes a the Center, requesting approval of the rental rate changes and alcohol service. Alderman Conroy asked if this is in the liquor ordinance, and Mayor Schwiebert noted that this situation would be as if someone was holding a party or reception at their home and provided guests with alcohol. He indicated that they would not need a license as long as there is no indication of sales of the alcohol.
Mayor Schwiebert indicated to Martin Luther King Center Director Jerry Jones that the information in the lease agreement regarding the prohibition of any sales of alcohol should be in bold type so the lessee easily sees it. He further suggested that they have adequate security and do carding for those who are drinking, since there will be minors at some of these events. Alderman Conroy asked why this could not be used as a revenue source, and Mr. Jones responded that the Board discussed this at length. The decision is to try this for six months at which time it will be evaluated and a decision made whether or not to continue in this manner. He indicated that there was discussion regarding the King Center being a place for families and not for liquor sales.
Mayor Schwiebert noted that the liquor would be limited to beer and wine. Mr. Jones stated that they always have King Center staff at all events, and the lessee will have to pay for the additional the security for the event. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the rental rate changes and the alcohol services as proposed, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #27
BANNERS/CLEAN
UP WEEK
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a request from Rock Island Clean and Beautiful for banners to be hung by the Public Works Department for the City’s Annual Spring Clean-up Week and the Downtown Clean-up Day. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to authorize staff to hang the banners as requested CARRIED on a Voice vote.
LICENSES/PERMITS
Agenda Item #28
EVENTS/DOWNTOWN
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding applications for events to be held in The District beginning April 2, and a request from The District for fee waivers for five non-admission events. A motion was made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to approve the applications and the fee waivers as recommended. Erica Smith, Event Coordinator for The District, reviewed the schedule of events coming up.
Alderman White, referring to the Summer Fest events on Thursday night, stated that she thought we had a new policy that all outdoor music on weeknights ended at 11:00 p.m. Alderman Keefe noted that she would like to make an amendment to the motion that the Summerfest Music on Thursday night end at 11:00 p.m., which motion was seconded by Alderman Brooks. Aldermen White and Keefe both indicated that they receive calls from residents when the music is later than 11:00 p.m.
Jennifer Fowler, Community Marketing Director and a member of the Summer Fest Committee, responded that the Summer Fest has been occurring for almost twenty five years and they have always had music until 12:30 a.m. as far back as she could remember. She stated this policy was new to her and was something that the Summer Fest Committee was not aware of. Mayor Schwiebert suggested that she check with Terry Tilka, who has been hired by the Summer Fest Committee to contract for the bands, to see if he has already hired a band for that period of time on Thursday.
Following further discussion, the motion to amend CARRIED on a Voice vote, with Aldermen Conroy and Rockwell voting NAY. The main motion, as amended, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
ITEMS FROM
THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
Public Works Department Director/Acting City Manager Bob Hawes indicated there was nothing in the packet to be discussed at this time.
OTHER
BUSINESS
SAFETY
AWARENESS NIGHT
Alderman Keefe announced that there would be a Safety Awareness Informational Meeting held on March 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4501 7th Avenue. She indicated that the Community Caring Conference and the Keystone Neighborhood Organization are sponsoring this and everyone was welcome to attend.
QUESTIONS ON
JUMER’S/TIF
Doug Reil, East Moline asked to speak, though he had not signed in to speak. He asked for clarification on the TIF reimbursement schedule for the Jumer’s project. Alderman Conroy clarified that he was not referring to the TIF schedule when he mentioned an amount of money in his comments, and it was noted that there is no specific amount for the TIF reimbursement at this time.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Monday, April 5, 2004 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None. The meeting was recessed at 8:00 p.m.
__________________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk