The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2003, 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, John E. Bauersfeld, Vern L. Winter, Evelyn “Evie” R. White and Beth Y. Mahlo. Alderman Frank J. Forlini, 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 Brooks gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of the meetings of March 15 and 17 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Mahlo. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #6
PROPERTY TAX LEVY/2002-2003
The City Clerk read an Ordinance amending the Property Tax Levy, providing for the levy, assessment and collection of taxes for the City of Rock Island for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2002 and ending March 31, 2003. A motion made by Alderman Mahlo 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, Winter, White and Mahlo. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #7
The City Clerk read an Ordinance adopting the budget for fiscal year 2003/2004. Alderman Bauersfeld stated that Council had reviewed the budget and discussed the reductions presented by the various departments. He indicated that he was opposed to the use of Utility Tax money for some of the Capital projects, and because these uses remain in the budget, along with other issues he was not in agreement with, he would not be voting in support of this budget. A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Winter, White and Mahlo. NAYS: Alderman Bauersfeld.
Agenda Item #8a
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Califf and Harper in the amount of $2,502.25 for legal services.
Agenda Item #8b
BRENT ANDERSON
ASSOCIATES/MUNICIPAL PARKING STRUCTURE
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brent Anderson Associates in the amount of $40,506.71 for the 16th Street and 3rd Avenue Parking Structure renovations.
Agenda Item #8c
GARDNER, CARTON
AND DOUGLAS/
WASTEWATER
TREATMENT PLANT COMPLIANCE PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Gardner, Carton and Douglas in the amount of $19,074.12 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Compliance Program.
Agenda Item #8d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Walker Parking Consultants in the amount of $20,461.61 for the 16th Street and 3rd Avenue Parking Structure renovation.
Agenda Item #8e
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $30,617.21 for the Raw Water Intake Study.
Agenda Item #8f
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $14,540.30 for the Turkey Hollow Road Watermain Extension.
Agenda Item #8g
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
COMPLIANCE PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $7,714.19 for ongoing litigation support in relation to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Compliance Program.
Agenda Item #8h
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to AMEC in the amount of $19,634.59 for services in conjunction with the Phase I Stormwater Utility Project.
A motion made by Alderman Mahlo 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, Winter, White and Mahlo. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of March 14 through 20 in the amount of $341,471.46. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Winter to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Mahlo. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of March 3 through 16 in the amount of $858,438.68.
|
GENERAL FUND |
$582,211.66 |
|
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
394.67 |
|
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CENTER |
2,861.53 |
|
FEDERAL COPS GRANT |
3,750.68 |
|
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT |
20,814.15 |
|
LIBRARY |
38,408.41 |
|
ELDERLY SERVICES CONTRIBUTION |
2,650.49 |
|
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS |
8,245.30 |
|
WATER |
54,066.33 |
|
SEWER |
37,303.96 |
|
BRIDGE |
7,593.41 |
|
SUNSET MARINA |
7,282.05 |
|
PARK AND RECREATION |
54,783.33 |
|
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE |
21,912.84 |
|
SELF INSURANCE |
1,542.40 |
|
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE |
625.26 |
|
CAFETERIA PLAN |
6,166.52 |
|
MLK ACTIVITY FUND |
4,557.08 |
|
DRUG PREVENTION |
3,268.61 |
|
TOTAL |
$858,438.68 |
A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Winter to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Mahlo. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of an Aluminum Panel Shields System with accessories, recommending the bid of Schulte Supply in the amount of $9,811.00. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Winter to award the bid as recommended and authorize purchase CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Mahlo. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a development agreement with the Illinois Casualty Company, recommending that a) Council rescind their action of January 13, 2003, which substituted KM Holdings for Illinois Casualty on the Development agreement of September 25, 2002, approve the amendment to the agreement conveying title both the first and second development parcels, and b) pass the Ordinance approving the conveyance.
a) A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Winter to rescind the action of January 13, 2003, and approve the agreement as recommended, authorizing the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Mahlo. NAYS: None.
b) A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Winter to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Mahlo. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a revised contract with Triad Engineering Incorporated at a cost not to exceed $91,788.00 for the purchase of one additional flow meter and relocation of an existing meter and rain gauge. Council members questioned the cost and the reasons for the revision.
Tim Ridder, Assistant to the Public Works Director, responded to questions. He noted that this project is part of the long-term storm water control program. He stated that the additional cost is from the labor to move one meter and rain gauge to another location and the purchase of the additional flow meter was not foreseen when the contract was signed. Alderman White asked about the cost of the project and where the money is coming from. City Manager John Phillips noted that this is required work, with the money from Utility Funds being used. He stated that the engineers have now determined the need for the additional flow meter. Alderman Bauersfeld asked why this was not determined prior to the contract being signed, and Mr. Ridder stated that Mr. Hawes could probably give a better response. Alderman Bauersfeld requested a report on the reasons the contract did not include these items.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Winter to approve the contract revision and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Mahlo. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
The City Clerk read a report from the Communications Team regarding a two-year contract with AT&T Wireless for Cellular Services. A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Winter to approve the contract and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Mahlo. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a request from members of the Broadway Historic District who are planning to restore a section of brick sidewalk, recommending that Council waive the normal permit fee for sidewalk construction and donate fifteen tons of sand for the project. A motion was made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the requests.
Alderman White then stated that she wanted to amend the request because the group has discovered that the sidewalk area is larger than first estimated, and they will need an additional ton of sand. She added that she has already talked with the City Engineer, who indicated that it might require two truckloads rather than one.
Following discussion, the motion to amend CARRIED on a Voice vote. The original motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the requests as amended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Mahlo. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
1302 2ND
STREET/PURCHASE
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the purchase of property at 1302 2nd Street for the amount of $35,000.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Winter to approve the purchase, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Mahlo. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
2228 9TH
STREET/ROOF STANDARD PAYMENT LOAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the commitment in the amount of $4,158.00 for a Roof Standard Payment Loan at 2228 9th Street. A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman White to commit the $4,158.00 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Mahlo. NAYS: None.
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to the information in the packet regarding the 2002 Solid Waste Report. He asked Mr. Ridder to review this report. Mr. Ridder explained the new Solid Waste system. He stated that the new yard waste collection/drop off program would begin in April. One way to get rid of yard waste is to purchase a subscription for $100.00 per year. This allows you to bag your yard waste and have it picked up on a regular route. He stated that another way is to bag your yard waste and take it to the drop-off center where the charge is $1.00 per bag. However, you can empty your bag and reuse it again. Stickers are $1.00 each and can be purchased at City Hall or at the drop-off center, which will be open Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. April to December. Brush does not have to be tied in bundles to be dropped off at the center. If anyone has old stickers, they can be traded in for new ones. Also, he noted that brush would be picked up during clean-up week the last full week of April.
WALLACE
PROPERTY/WATER PROBLEM
Alderman Winter indicated that last year, Steve Keen spoke to Council regarding a problem with the water run off from the Wallace property. Alan Carmen stated that there is an agreement with Genesis Developer, which has a maximum of $35,000 to assist with the project. The project is included in the CIP. He stated that they are waiting for Genesis to make a final commitment and their investment on the site. He noted that he would follow up on this issue. The issue was tied to the time that the construction occurs in this area. The water run off will be addressed at that time. Alderman Winter asked that staff try to get the project moving along.
Alderman Winter also noted that he left word with Bill Nelson regarding the development of the baseball diamond. He noted that there was a volunteer group that was to develop the baseball diamond, and they are not moving very fast to get this done. Mr. Phillips stated that he would follow up on it with Mr. Nelson.
Alderman Mahlo reminded the audience that next Tuesday, April 7, is Election Day.
Kye Carver, President of the Rock Island Conservation Club, and residing at 1601 113 Avenue, Milan, read a letter to the Mayor and City Council opposing the expansion of the sand and gravel business on Big Island. The letter was from the Rock Island Conservation Club Board members and indicated the reasons for the opposition, including the roads being subject to heavy truck traffic. He stated that the next meeting of the Conservation Club is April 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rock Island Conservation Club.
Phil Hare, 3805 44th Street, District Representative for Representative Lane Evans, read a letter that was sent earlier this week to the Mayor and Council members from Rep. Evans. The letter expressed his opposition to the proposed sand and gravel extension on Big Island by the River Stone Group. He asked Rock Island to join the citizens of Big Island, Representatives Brunsvold and Boland, Senator Jacobs, Black Hawk township officials and him to oppose this proposal.
Mr. Hare stated that they support economic development but not at the expense of residents. He indicated that they are prepared to send a letter to the Governor’s office also, and will work to defeat this project.
Mayor Schwiebert noted that there has not been a specific proposal presented to the City for this project and no approach has been made for a permit. He encouraged the residents to get answers to their questions, and stated that a professional opinion from the Corps of Engineers would be helpful. Mr. Hare stated that there are 180 homes on Big Island, and Representative Evans will weigh in on the side of the residents.
Michael Dilts, New Windsor, spoke to Council as a member of “People For Peace.” He read a quote about human equality, and stated that, in this time of war, people should treat each other as equals and humanely. He spoke about differences and people who are different being treated different and this should not be happening. He encouraged people to take others thoughts and ideas into consideration.
Joey Bryant, 6-year-old resident of Big Island, 1702 Big Island Road, along with his mother Margaret Bryant, her husband Kelly, and their daughter Emily, were in attendance. Joey read a letter to the Mayor and Council that he sent to John Dingeldein, the County Board representative for Big Island. His letter asked that they not allow a sand and gravel pit to be put where the children play.
Ametra Carroll, 1609 6th Street, expressed concern about students who are currently able to drop out of school at the age of 16. She stated that she spoke with several students who are looking forward to turning 16 so they can drop out of school, and then she spoke with parents who indicated that they couldn’t control this. She asked for a proclamation/resolution to be sent to the governor asking to change the age a student can voluntarily leave school to the age of 18 rather than 16. Mayor Schwiebert stated that he appreciates the fact that she is talking to both students and their parents, and stated that the age regulation is a state law. He encouraged Ms. Carroll to contact the state legislators.
Alderman Brooks stated that he supported the request of Ms. Carroll, and made a motion that a resolution be placed on the Agenda for the next meeting April 7 in support of her request. The motion was seconded by Alderman Winter, and CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Mahlo. NAYS: None.
Alderman Brooks then spoke to the audience, stating that the Council will make any decisions regarding Big Island in the best interest of all people. He stated that they don’t want to endanger anyone, and will look at all options available. Alderman Conroy stated that he has made an appointment to go out to Big Island and meet with ChrisTina on Thursday, and he will be walking around that area to get a better idea of what they are referring to. Alderman Brooks stated that he would go with Alderman Conroy.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Winter to recess to Friday, March 28 at 5:00 p.m. at the Quad City Botanical Center CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Mahlo. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:35 p.m.
_________________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk