CITY OF ROCK ISLAND

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 16, 2009.

A motion was made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of March 16, 2009 as written. 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

Update Rock Island By Mayor Schwiebert.

Mayor Schwiebert commented on his recent trip to Washington D.C. The Mayor stated that the trip provided an opportunity to visit with Congressmen, Senators and their staff. Mayor Schwiebert stated that there were four (4) major focus areas of discussion for the region, which included passenger rail service, sewer infrastructure, the I74 Bridge and the River Vision project. It was noted that there is a good likelihood that the region will receive funding for passenger rail service between Chicago and the Quad Cities. The Mayor offered that there were several central concerns that were gathered from discussions in Washington, which included how to stimulate the economy, the need to loosen up credit and that there is a multifaceted approach to the recovery plan. The Mayor offered that the attitude in Washington is one of optimism and hopefulness. Mayor Schwiebert added that the trips to Washington provide the opportunity to promote issues of concern for the region, build relations with the congressional staff and strengthen regional relationships.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that the City was pleased to hear that the Army Corps of Engineers in the Vicksburg office have signed off on the demolition of the Rock Island Armory. Mayor Schwiebert stated that this is important due to Armory Park being part of Downtown redevelopment and part of the River Vision project.

Mayor Schwiebert took the opportunity to acknowledge Major General Robert Radin and his wife Sara. Mayor Schwiebert stated that later in the meeting, there would be a Proclamation in their honor. The Mayor commented that Major General Radin is the current commander at the Rock Island Arsenal. Mayor Schwiebert stated that Major General Radin and his wife have worked hard to promote stronger relations between the Rock Island Arsenal and the community.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that Neighborhood Partners will be sponsoring the annual Neighborhood Rendezvous on Monday, March 30, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Hauberg Civic Center. It was noted that the public is invited to this event.

Agenda Item #7

Presentation on Way Finding

Joe Taylor, President and CEO of the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau and Gary Moore of the Riverboat Development Authority stepped forward.

Mr. Taylor stated that the City of Rock Island has been a partner with the Bureau and the Riverboat Development Authority for several years in regards to the installation of the way finding system. Mr. Taylor commented that through the efforts of Community Development and Public Works, the system was installed last fall. Mr. Taylor offered that one of the community leaders that helped move this project forward was the Riverboat Development Authority. The Cities were told that if they come together and partner and install this system as a unit, the cities would be reimbursed for 20% of the installation costs. Mr. Taylor then referred to Gary Moore to present the reimbursement check to the City of Rock Island.

Mr. Moore presented the check to Mayor Schwiebert. Mr. Moore stated that the check is the 20% reimbursement for the way finding project. Mr. Moore encouraged the City to continue with this project.

Agenda Item #8

Proclamation declaring Sunday, March 22, 2009 as Alleman Key Club Technology Symposium Day.

Mayor Schwiebert made reference to the Proclamation declaring Sunday, March 22, 2009 as Alleman Key Club Technology Symposium Day.

Agenda Item #9

Proclamation declaring March 26, 2009 as Braille Readers Are Leaders Day.

Mayor Schwiebert read the Proclamation declaring March 26, 2009 as Braille Readers Are Leaders Day. Mr. Alfonso Ayew-ew and Ms. Jana Hergert accepted the Proclamation.

Ms. Hergert thanked the Mayor for the Proclamation and presented the Mayor with tokens of appreciation for what the City has done for the blind community. Ms. Hergert stated that only 30% of the blind community is employed and 85% of the 30% employed is Braille literate.

Mr. Ayew-ew thanked the Mayor and Council for the Proclamation and stated that this Proclamation will give the incentive to advance the agenda of doubling the amount of people who otherwise would not be able to read and write in Braille.

Agenda Item #10

Proclamation declaring Thursday, March 26, 2009 as Major General Robert and Sara Radin Day.

Mayor Schwiebert made reference to the Proclamation declaring Thursday, March 26, 2009 as Major General Robert and Sara Radin Day.

Agenda Item #11

Proclamation declaring March 28 and March 29, 2009 as The Weekend Of Awareness.

Mayor Schwiebert read the Proclamation declaring March 28 and March 29, 2009 as The Weekend Of Awareness. Ms. Jessica Terry-Mayes and Ms. Shelly Moore-Guy from Healing Waters Empowerment Project accepted the Proclamation.

Ms. Moore-Guy thanked the Mayor and Council for the Proclamation and stated that Healing Waters has partnered with Churches United and various churches throughout the Quad Cities to make sure that people understand that domestic violence is a community issue. Ms. Moore-Guy invited the Mayor and Council to the informational breakfast on Saturday March 28, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Broadway Presbyterian Church. Ms. Moore-Guy stated that after the breakfast, there will be a 30 minute Presentation on Domestic Violence and at 6:00 p.m., a benefit will be held for three (3) families affected by domestic violence. Ms. Moore-Guy added that on Sunday, March 29, 2009, all area churches and families will be asked to observe that day as a day of prayer and conversation.

Agenda Item #12

Proclamation declaring April 3 to June 12, 2009 as the Moon Walk Challenge.

Mayor Schwiebert read the Proclamation declaring April 3 to June 12, 2009 as the Moon Walk Challenge.

City of Rock Island Moon Walk Challenge Team Captain Jackie Hendershot accepted the Proclamation. Ms. Hendershot stated that approximately 108 people have signed up for the Moon Walk Challenge and more are welcome. Ms. Hendershot added that there is a department challenge that will take place to spur competition. Ms. Hendershot added that whichever department has the most miles on average per week wins the traveling trophy for that week. Ms. Hendershot encouraged everyone to sign up.

Agenda Item #13

Public Hearing on a request from Duane M. Green, owner of DOM Green Enterprises, Inc., doing business as “MD Greens” for a waiver of the signature requirement to secure a Liquor License for at 1808 2^nd Avenue.

Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 7:13 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Duane M. Green, owner of DOM Green Enterprises, Inc., doing business as “MD Greens” for a waiver of the signature requirement to secure a Liquor License at 1808 2^nd Avenue.

Mayor Schwiebert first explained the Public Hearing process for the waiver of the signature requirement to secure a liquor license. Mayor Schwiebert then inquired upon Mr. Green to address the Council.

Mr. Duane Green of 100 South 2^nd Street, Cambridge, Illinois stepped forward and Mr. Jason Green of Renaissance Loft Apartments located at 136 18^th Street stepped forward.

It was noted that Mr. Green applied for a Class B liquor license with extended hours and limited live entertainment.

Alderwoman Murphy inquired upon Mr. Duane Green as to whether he had any experience with this type of a business.

Mr. Green stated that he has never owned a bar and does not have any experience. Mr. Green stated that his son Jason will manage the bar. Mr. Green offered that he has worked in Rock Island for a trucking company on Mill Street for 17 years. Mr. Green added that by being close to the District, he found an available building, which is small and felt it would be the right place to start a business.

Alderwoman Murphy inquired as to what type of entertainment Mr. Green was planning to have at the establishment.

Mr. Green stated that he wasn’t sure if he could have any entertainment. Mr. Green noted that the bar is small and it is not set up to have a big band. Mr. Green added that there is a possibility that he would have a DJ once in a great while. Mr. Green stated that his hours of operation would be from 4:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday with the possibility of some Sundays. Mr. Green stated that he would like to cater to the older crowd and that is why he would like to open up earlier at 4:00 p.m.

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo welcomed Mr. Green to the District.

Mayor Schwiebert inquired if there was anyone who wished to speak in favor of the waiver of signature requirement for a Liquor License at 1808 2^nd Avenue. No one stepped forward.

Mayor Schwiebert inquired if there was anyone that wished to speak in opposition to the waiver of signature requirement for a Liquor License at 1808 2^nd Avenue. No one stepped forward.

With no other persons present to speak in favor of, or in opposition to the waiver of signature requirement for a liquor license at 1808 2^nd Avenue, Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:18 p.m.

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to recommend to the Mayor/Liquor Commissioner to waive the signature requirement and approve the liquor license for MD Greens at 1808 2^nd Avenue. 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

An Ordinance authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2009A to finance the Armory Park Redevelopment Project in the amount of $5,440,000.00 and the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2009B to finance the Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center project, the Local Street Improvement Project and the Land Purchase Redevelopment Project in the amount of $3,380,000.00.

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Brooks to pass the Ordinance authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2009A to finance the Armory Park Redevelopment Project in the amount of $5,440,000.00 and the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2009B to finance the Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center project, the Local Street Improvement Project and the Land Purchase Redevelopment Project in the amount of $3,380,000.00.

Discussion followed with Mayor Schwiebert inquiring upon Ms. Barbara Chevalier of Speer Financial to comment on today’s bond sale.

Ms. Chevalier stated that the bond sale was held this morning for Series 2009A and Series 2009B bonds. The sale was conducted on the internet. Ms. Chevalier offered that to prepare for the sale, materials were submitted to Moody’s Investor Service and a conference call was placed with the analyst and staff. Ms. Chevalier added that Moody’s affirmed the City’s A1 rating for these bonds as well as the other outstanding City bonds.

Ms. Chevalier noted that there were three (3) bond sales today. The first two (2) were Series A, which was for the Armory Park Project and seven (7) bids were received. Ms. Chevalier indicated that the lowest bid was from Morgan Keegan and Company of Memphis, Tennessee. The interest rate was 3.5480%. Ms. Chevalier offered that the second bond issue, which was the 2009B Series, had five (5) bids that were presented. The lowest bid was from BMO Capital Markets of Chicago, Illinois. The interest rate was 3.7483%.

Ms. Chevalier distributed a packet of information regarding the bond sale. It was noted that the packet contained the summary of the sale, the details of all the bids that were presented, the debt service schedule and the report from Moody’s Investor Service.

Alderman Conroy stated that because of the strong financial situation the City of Rock Island is sitting in, a 3.5480% rate seems fantastic. Alderman Conroy complemented the staff and accounting department for all of their hard work.

Mayor Schwiebert thanked the Council for their action in affirming cautious and deliberate financial policy as it relates to keeping a reserve, living within the City’s means, and how the City uses the Gaming revenues. Mayor Schwiebert stated that all of these things factor into this continued A1 rating.

Alderman Austin inquired as to why Series A across the board has a lower interest rate than the B Series across the board.

Ms. Chevalier stated that it is due to it being shorter.

After discussion, 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

An Ordinance authorizing the issuance of Taxable General Obligation Bonds, Series 2009C to finance Redevelopment Project Costs included in the Columbia Park Redevelopment Plan in the amount of $1,440,000.00.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to pass the Ordinance authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2009C to finance Redevelopment Project Costs included in the Columbia Park Redevelopment Plan in the amount of $1,440,000.00.

Discussion followed with Ms. Chevalier stating that the Series C taxable bonds were sold to the City’s Police Pension Fund and the Firefighter’s Pension Fund.

Agenda Item #16

A Special Ordinance annexing certain territory located at 2631 47^th Avenue.

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderman Austin to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance annexing certain territory located at 2631 47^th Avenue. 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

A Special Ordinance amending a zoning district and zoning map at 2631 47^th Avenue.

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance amending a zoning district and zoning map at 2631 47^th Avenue. 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 #18

CLAIMS

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Tollenaer 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 Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,236.64 to Attorney John Mitchell (Crawford & Company) for Worker’s Compensation settlement for Jonathon Cary.

b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,428.36 to Valley Construction Company for an emergency main break repair at 3526 26^th Avenue. (081)

c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $13,068.00 to Davenport Electric Contract Company for street light repairs. (082)

Agenda Item #19

Claims for the week of March 13 through March 19 in the amount of $1,525,581.05.

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderwoman Murphy 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 #20

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the purchase of a 2009 International 66,000 GVW Roll-off Truck with a hoist body, recommending the bid be awarded to Hawkeye International Trucks Inc. in the amount of $126,881.08.

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to award the bid as recommended and authorize purchase. 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 #21

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2009 Brick Street Repair Program, recommending the bid be awarded to Walter D. Laud Inc. in the amount of $53,425.00.

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderwoman Murphy 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 #22

Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget, recommending an adjustment to the Wastewater Fund in the amount of $5,615.91.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the budget adjustment 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 #23

Report from the Fire Department regarding a Resolution for incorporating the Quad City Metro Area Outdoor Warning Sirens-Guidance for Testing and Activation guidelines into the Emergency Operations Plan for the City.

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderman Tollenaer seconded to adopt the Resolution as recommended.

Discussion followed with Alderman Austin inquiring upon Fire Chief Doug Vroman as to whether a siren could be sounded locally for something on the north side of Scott County that may not impact the lower end of Rock Island County.

Chief Vroman stated that there is the capability for local activation of the sirens.

Alderman Austin inquired as to who’s call it would be on whether things go or don’t go.

Chief Vroman indicated that it would be through RICOMM; they will activate the alarms and monitor the computer system. Chief Vroman offered that this is part of an overall warning system.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that this system is a good idea.

Agenda Item #24

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to ban parking on the north side of 40^th Avenue between 28^th and 29^th Streets.

It was moved by Alderman Tollenaer, seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the request.

Note: The Traffic Engineering Committee’s recommendation was to deny the request.

Discussion followed;

Alderman Austin stated that it was recommended for denial.

Alderman Tollenaer stated that he knows the gentleman that requested the ban and he is a lifelong Rock Island resident. Alderman Tollenaer offered that when two (2) cars are parked on each side of the street, garbage trucks cannot get through; it is a narrow and congested street.

Alderman Pauley stated that when the initial survey was taken, there were eight (8) people that said yes and eight (8) people that said no. Alderman Pauley offered that he was sure that they based the denial on the fact that it was evenly split.

Acting City Manager Bob Hawes stated that it was not a clear call; it was noticed that the parking would be banned on the north side of the street and of the people that responded, five (5) of the seven (7) people that would lose their parking were opposed to it. Mr. Hawes stated that the street width is narrow; the width is the same as every residential street in the City.

Alderman Conroy stated that he had hoped that someone from the neighborhood would be here to address Council.

After further discussion regarding this issue, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy and Alderman Tollenaer; those voting No, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin.

The Motion was defeated.

Agenda Item #25

Report from the Mayor regarding appointments to the Preservation Commission.

Alderman Austin moved and Alderman Conroy seconded to approve the appointments 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.

The three new appointments to the Preservation Commission include; Lendol Calder, Kent Cornish and Jane Koski. Their terms expire in 2012.

Agenda Item #26

Report from the Mayor regarding reappointments to the Labor Day Parade Advisory Board, Electrical Code Board of Appeals, Health Code Board of Appeals, Planning Commission and the Arts Advisory Committee.

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the reappointments 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.

Reappointments to the Labor Day Parade Advisory Board include; Mary Chappell; Art Milton and Grace Shirk. Their terms expire on January 23, 2012.

Reappointments to the Electrical Code Board of Appeals include; Randy Tacey and Fire Marshal Jeff Hindman. Their terms expire on April 30, 2012.

Reappointments to the Health Code Board of Appeals include; Brenda Carmen, William “Bill” Healy, Jon Keim and Sally O’Donnell. Their terms expire on February 14, 2012.

Reappointments to the Planning Commission include; Mike Cregar, Norm Moline and Berlinda Tyler-Jamison. Their terms expire on April 30, 2012.

Reappointments to the Arts Advisory Committee include; Dean Schroeder, Brett Hitchcock and Carolyn Krueger. Their terms expire on March 20, 2012

Agenda Item #27

Report from the City Clerk regarding an application and Highway Resolution for the Cornbelt Running Club to hold their Quad Cities Distance Classic Half Marathon and 5K Road Races on Sunday, May 10, 2009.

Alderman Austin moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve the application as recommended and adopt the Resolution. 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 #28

Report from the City Clerk regarding an application and Resolution for the Bi-State Motorcycle Awareness Ride to be held on Saturday, May 2, 2009.

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the application as recommended and adopt the Resolution. 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 #29

Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet.

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

Alderman Pauley stated that he had received a call on Sunday morning regarding the lines of people in vehicles waiting to drop off leaves this past Saturday at the drop-off center. Alderman Pauley offered that the person that called him stated that people were dropping off leaves and spring cleanup items. Alderman Pauley inquired upon Mr. Hawes to comment on this issue.

Acting City Manager Hawes stated that for the people that are dropping off leaves, that issue will resolve itself as soon as curbside collection begins, which is in two (2) weeks. Mr. Hawes offered that there were 444 customers at the drop-off center on Saturday. The average of last spring was 524 people a day. Mr. Hawes noted that of all the customers that came to the drop-off center on Saturday, 194 people dropped off leaves; two (2) people dropped off yardwaste and the rest of the people were refuse customers. Mr. Hawes indicated that what people saw last Saturday is fairly normal for spring.

Alderman Conroy inquired as to whether the drop-off center is open on Sundays.

Mr. Hawes stated that the drop-off center is not open on Sundays, but it is open on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

More discussion followed regarding this issue.

Alderman Conroy inquired upon Mr. Hawes for a report on the costs of opening up the drop-off center a little earlier in the year and possibly for a month of Sundays. Alderman Conroy stated that he would like to know how the cost would affect the budget. It was noted that once Council has the report, they could make a judgment and determine how the City could better serve the customers.

Alderman Brooks commented on his trip to Washington regarding the National League of Cities Conference. Alderman Brooks stated that he attended several seminars regarding juvenile crime and funding for programs regarding violence. Alderman Brooks offered that he attended these seminars in hopes to gather information on programs regarding violence and to use that information as a tool to help solve problems of violence in this area.

Alderman Austin mentioned that included in the memo packet was information regarding summer employment opportunities available to youth through Job Partners in Job Training. Alderman Austin hoped that this information has been shared through the schools and through any agency that wants it.

Agenda Item #30

Other Business

Mr. Phil Scott of 8701 51^st Street West in Milan, Illinois stepped forward.

Mr. Scott stated that there is $20,000.00 of overdue water and stormwater bills that are incorrectly billed to Rock Island Industrial Partners. Mr. Scott offered that the City has stated to him that he has not provided the City with directions on the remaining accounts. Mr. Scott pointed out that he has had seven (7) meetings on this issue with six (6) different people in three (3) different departments. Mr. Scott added that he has furnished two (2) full sets of the correct addresses, which is part of the problem. It was noted that of the 16 accounts, eight (8) addresses are incorrect.

Mr. Scott discussed in detail, the problems regarding the water and stormwater utility bills as it relates to the wrong billing addresses, and the tenants unwillingness to pay the bills due to the incorrect addresses. Mr. Scott indicated that he has inquired upon the City many times to change the billing addresses into the tenant’s names. Mr. Scott stated that he ultimately is responsible for the bills.

Mayor Schwiebert inquired upon Mr. Scott as to whether he has been receiving the bills. Mr. Scott stated that he has been receiving the bills. The Mayor clarified Mr. Scott’s complaint that the bills should be going to the tenants instead of the property owner (Mr. Scott). It was noted that the leases that Mr. Scott has with his tenants stated that the tenant is responsible for paying the water and sewer bills.

Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to why Mr. Scott was not passing the bills on to the tenants.

Mr. Scott stated that the tenants will not pay the bills if they have the wrong address on them.

Mayor Schwiebert inquired upon Acting City Manager Hawes to comment on this issue.

Mr. Hawes stated that five (5) accounts came due to be paid or be shut off. Mr. Hawes added that notices were sent out and door hangers were placed on the doors of the five (5) accounts. Mr. Hawes indicated that the information that Council received regarding this issue shows approximately 17 accounts; the issue this evening is the five (5) overdue accounts with the shut-off notices.

Mr. Hawes stated that he personally went out on Friday and checked the addresses. Mr. Hawes added that of those five (5) addresses, four (4) of the accounts have the same address; One of the accounts states 522 2^nd Street; the address on the door of the business is 524. Mr. Hawes noted that there are only two (2) businesses there. In effect, the account is that business.

Mr. Hawes indicated that he had a discussion with Mr. Scott and the City agreed to delay shutting the water off until Mr. Scott discussed this matter with Council. Mr. Scott was also told that he could make arrangements to set up a payment plan.

Mr. Hawes offered that these five (5) accounts are still being sent to Mr. Scott. The other accounts have been changed to the tenant’s names. It was noted that the Finance Department has no record of these five (5) particular accounts being changed. Mr. Hawes pointed out that in a short time, the changing of utility bills into a tenants name will be prohibited due to new federal regulations. It was noted that at that time, all of the accounts will be converted back to Mr. Scott’s name.

Much discussion followed regarding the overdue bills as it relates to the water, sewer and stormwater billing; the issue of wrong addresses; the issue of changing the billing names of the tenants back to Mr. Scott; and the issue of it being the responsibility of Mr. Scott as a landlord, to provide the tenants with the utility bills for payment.

After more discussion, Mayor Schwiebert stated that if the 522 address is incorrect, it can be corrected. The Mayor added that all of the unpaid water, sewer and stormwater bills must be paid. Mayor Schwiebert pointed out to Mr. Scott that a payment plan could be set up with the Finance Department. It was noted that if the bills were not paid for the five (5) accounts in question, the water would be shut off.

Mr. Scott stated that he would be meeting with the Finance Director tomorrow to make arrangements to set up a payment plan.

Alderwoman Murphy inquired upon the Finance Department to provide a report regarding the incorrect addresses in question and to update Council regarding the payment plan that will be set up with Mr. Scott.

Timothy Dooling of 832 14 ½ Street stepped forward and voiced concerns regarding civil matters and Police issues.

Mr. Michael John of 1005 11^th Street, Silvis, Illinois stepped forward. Mr. John stated that he is the current President of the Bi-State Motorcycle Awareness Council. Mr. John thanked the Mayor and Council for approving the motorcycle parade to be held on May 2, 2009. Mr. John indicated that the State of Illinois is the leader in taking down the numbers of motorcycle fatalities.

Agenda Item #31

Executive Session on Property Acquisition.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy at 8:25 p.m. to recess to Executive Session on matters of Property Acquisition. The motion carried on a roll call 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 #32

Recess

Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 8:30 p.m. A motion was made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, April 6, 2009 at 5:00 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 at 8:31 p.m.

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Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk