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, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. City Manager John Phillips was also present. Alderwoman Margie Mejia-Caraballo 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 17, 2008.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the Minutes of March 17, 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 Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #6

Presentation by the Quad Cities Transportation Advocacy Group.

Mr. Chuck Oestreich of 816 22^nd Street stepped forward and stated that he was at the Council meeting for urban transportation and all of its phases. Mr. Oestreich offered that the Quad Cities Transportation Advocacy Group (QC TAG) wants to help the Quad City communities be more viable, healthy and livable. Mr. Oestreich congratulated Rock Island for taking the lead in many aspects of alternative transportation in the Quad Cities.

Mr. Oestreich introduced Jeff Cornelius who is a Planner with River Action and a resident of Davenport, Iowa. Mr. Cornelius addressed Council and stated that the motto of QC TAG is to “Think Outside The Car.” Mr. Cornelius offered that members of QC TAG like to live a car-light lifestyle, which entails choosing to bike, walk and use public transit for a wide variety of reasons, which include; saving money, saving the environment and living a healthier lifestyle. Mr. Cornelius offered that Complete Streets is in regards to being able to take into consideration different modes of transportation other than cars.

Mr. Cornelius introduced Mr. Dan McNeal of Moline, Illinois. Mr. McNeal stepped forward and stated that QC TAG assembled Bike to Work Week in May of 2007. It was noted that the motivation for this came from the metro map that identifies the most bikeable routes in the Quad Cities; and the progressive approach of planning and implementing bike lanes in the Quad Cities. Mr. McNeal commented that the plan is to work with municipalities and partner organizations to plan more bikeable and walkable communities. Mr. McNeal concluded that the bicycle is a great mode of transportation.

Mr. McNeal then introduced Becky Passman of Carbon Cliff, Illinois. Ms. Passman stepped forward and stated that she works through Bi-State Regional Commission and represents transit. Ms. Passman offered that what public transit can do in connection with biking is Bike’ n Bus. Ms. Passman noted that all three bus systems in the Quad City area are equipped with bicycle racks and it is free of charge. Ms. Passman commented that the Bike n’ Bus is a mode of transportation to consider because it is healthy for the individual and the environment.

Mr. Oestreich stepped forward and introduced the rest of the QC TAG members that accompanied him to the meeting. The members include; Donnie Miller; Chairman of the Criterium, Dean Mathias of Milan, and President Dean Mayne of the Quad City Bicycle Club.

Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to whether the QC TAG organization had given any thought to working with other organizations like the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau in regards to possible bicycle rental locations that would provide a mechanism to increase the availability and use of alternate means of transportation.

Mr. Cornelius stated that QC TAG has looked at a scaled down version of bike rentals that would be available in connection with the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Mayor Schwiebert thanked the QC TAG Group for providing useful suggestions for alternative modes of transportation.

Agenda Item #7

A Special Ordinance declaring the current City-owned 1990 Ford F250 Pick-up as surplus and allowing for disposal.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance declaring the current City-owned 1990 Ford F250 Pick-up as surplus and allowing for disposal.

City Manager John Phillips pointed out that previously Council approved a Dodge Van for surplus, since then, an Ordinance was prepared and the Parks Department wanted to have the 1990 Ford F250 Pick-up substituted for the Dodge Van. Mr. Phillips noted it was a different Ordinance item than what was approved on March 17, 2008. However, the final Ordinance governs.

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 Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #8

An Ordinance amending Article IV of Chapter six (6) of the Code of Ordinances regarding ambulance transport fees.

Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderman Austin seconded to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance amending Article IV of Chapter six (6) of the Code of Ordinances regarding ambulance transport fees. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #9

Resolution recognizing Earth Hour on Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to adopt the Resolution as recommended.

Alderman Austin stated that the Resolution was in regards to a grassroots movement from Sydney, Australia. It was noted that last year they asked one household at a time to dim their lights. Alderman Austin offered that participation was greater than expected. In addition, Alderman Austin commented that the energy saved in those homes in that one hour was equivalent to taking 46,000 vehicles off the road for one hour.

Alderman Austin stated that the website, which is www.earthhour.org, offers a lot of common sense things that can be done to reduce the individual’s carbon footprint. And, there are more cities around the world including Chicago that have embraced this concept this year. Alderman Austin concluded that it is a conscious effort to consume less energy for one hour on Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Agenda Item #10

CLAIMS

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Conroy, to accept the following report 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 Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

a. Report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding payment in the amount of $5,200.00 to CDW-G for antivirus software maintenance renewal. (026)

Agenda Item #11

Claims for the week of March 14 through March 20 in the amount of $420,074.67.

Alderman Pauley moved and Alderman Conroy 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 Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #12

Report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding the purchase of 13 receipt printers, 12 cash drawers and one (1) POS keyboard from CDW-G in the amount of $6,091.93.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the purchase 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 Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #13

Report from the Public Works Department regarding an agreement with General Constructors Inc. for construction management services for the Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements.

Alderman Pauley moved and Alderman Austin seconded to approve the agreement as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contact documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #14

Report from the Public Works Department regarding the 2006-2007 Joint and Crack Sealing Program contract with Freehill Asphalt, Inc., recommending an extension of the contract until December 31, 2008 in the amount of $70,000.00.

It was moved by Alderman Tollenaer, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the contract extension 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 Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #15

Report from the Public Works Department regarding three Resolutions appropriating Motor Fuel Tax funds (MFT) for 24^th Street resurfacing of 18^th Avenue to 25^th Avenue in the amount of $565,400.00; 24^th Street resurfacing of 25^th Avenue to 31^st Avenue in the amount of $434,600.00 and 18^th Avenue resurfacing of Mill Street to 12^th Street in the amount of $700,000.00.

Alderman Murphy moved and Alderman Austin seconded to adopt the Resolutions 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 Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #16

Report from the Mayor regarding an appointment to the Neighborhood Partners Board.

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderman Pauley to approve the appointment 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 Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Appointment to the Neighborhood Partners Board includes Ms. Joi Pheifer.

Agenda Item #17

Report from the Mayor regarding appointments to the Preservation Commission.

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderwoman Murphy 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 Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Re-appointments to the Preservation Commission include Mr. Robert Braun with a term to expire February, 2011.

Appointments to the Preservation Commission include; Mr. Steve Andich and Mr. Mark McVey.

Agenda Item #18

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for installation of a handicapped parking space at 715 4^th Street.

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Pauley to approve the request 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 Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #19

Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet.

City Manager John Phillips brought to the Council’s attention an item in the memo packet regarding information concerning changes in the Roof Loan Programs.

Alderman Tollenaer inquired as to when the street construction along Blackhawk Road and 24^th and 38^th Street would be completed.

City Manager John Phillips stated that it is a State project. It was also offered that staff would try to find out when the construction would be completed.

Alderman Pauley stated that he would like a report regarding the cost of laptop computers for Council members.

City Manager John Phillips stated that there would be a follow-up report regarding this issue.

Agenda Item #20

Other Business

Mr. Timothy Dooling of 832 14 ½ Street stepped forward and voiced concerns regarding harmful materials that minors may be subjected to via the internet.

Agenda Item #21

No Executive Session.

An Executive Session was not held.

Agenda Item #22

Recess

A motion was made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to recess to Monday, April 7, 2008 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 Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

The meeting was recessed at 7:24 p.m.

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Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk