The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session on Monday, March 28, 2005 for Study Session in the Personnel Conference Room of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Daniel Rockwell and Charles "Chuck" Austin. Alderman Evelyn "Evie" R. White was absent. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Special Projects Coordinator Sally Heffernan. Also present was Renaissance Rock Island Executive Director Dan Carmody.
Public Works Director Bob Hawes gave a Power Point presentation regarding the Sunset Marina Harbor Maintenance Study Report. He presented some background information about the Marina, noting that the US Army Corps of Engineers built it in 1956 for $31,000. He indicated that it has been dredged twelve times between 1966 and 2004. Currently there are 473 slips, along with a fuel dock and winter storage for 250 boats. He reviewed options for the entrance improvements, and shared a letter written by Mayor Schwiebert to United States Congressman Lane Evans pertaining to the plans and a request for government funding for the project.
Mr. Hawes explained that the frequent dredging is a financial drain on the city and creates a problem for boaters. Since the Corps of Engineers can no longer provide its normal share of the cost, the cost to the City has increased. Mr. Hawes stated that the recommendation was for Alternative 5A, which will not require moving docks. He noted that this was the most cost effective of the options. He noted that they are looking at possible legislation this year, but he has no idea how long it will take. He also stated that the Marina couldn’t absorb the costs for the project. Staff will continue to update Council of the progress.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to recess to Executive Session on matters of Property Disposition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was recessed at 5:40 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:25 p.m. Mayor Schwiebert distributed a copy of a memo that is being sent to all bar owners in The District regarding some options for their extended hours liquor license options. He noted that this will be discussed April 11 at Study Session, and he expects several of the bar owners to be present for this discussion. He indicated that the bar owners will also receive notices of the meeting.
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Brooks to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session on Monday, March 28, 2005 for Study Session in the Personnel Conference Room of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Daniel Rockwell and Charles "Chuck" Austin. Alderman Evelyn "Evie" R. White was absent.
INTRODUCTORY PROCEEDINGS
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to order, lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the Minutes of March 21 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PROCLAMATION
Agenda Item #6
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS
MONTH/APRIL
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
PUBLIC
HEARINGS
Agenda Item #7
1123
16 AVENUE, 1548 12 STREET/SPECIAL USE PERMIT
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:50 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Elix Roberts for a Special Use Permit to operate two principle structures at 1123 16th Avenue and 1548 12th Street.
Elix Roberts, 915 14 ˝ Street, explained his plan to Council. He stated that he would like to use the upstairs at 1123 16th Avenue for his construction business office, and use the downstairs for a showcase for his cabinetry and other projects he does. Mayor Schwiebert noted that the recommendation was to deny the request due to lack of adequate parking.
Alderman Brooks stated that he has talked to Mr. Roberts several times, and he has some concerns about the buildings that have been vacant for over twenty years. He stated that Mr. Roberts has already replaced the stairs in the one building, but the structure to the east is in bad condition. Planning Administrator Alan Carmen stated that Council can approve the two uses for the west building, and Mr. Roberts and Staff can work something out for the other building. Mr. Roberts stated that he planned to remodel it, after purchasing it last January.
Mr. Carmen noted that Mr. Roberts filed for a Special Use Permit last year but did not apply for the permit. Mr. Roberts stated that City Staff stopped him when he was working on the house, so he could not continue. Mr. Carmen stated that Code Enforcement tried to work with him at that time. Alderman Conroy stated that he would like to see more information regarding the condition of the house before making a decision. He noted that he has concerns about the little performance on the rehabilitation efforts so far. Mr. Roberts stated that he could have them both finished in six months.
Alderman Conroy asked for a report from the Inspection Division regarding whether the house can be rehabilitated or should be demolished. Following discussion, Mr. Roberts indicated that he would keep the one building for his office and display area, and tear down the house. Council asked staff to prepare a recommendation for the Special Use Permit regarding signage, code compliance and parking on the property where the house will be demolished.
Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld - to approve the Special Use Permit provided that the building on the 12th Street site is demolished, and staff comes back to the Council with a recommendation for parking and other stipulations for 1123 16th Avenue - CARRIED on a Voice vote. Alderman Conroy asked if there was funding available for the demolition, and Mr. Carmen responded that the funding for demolition is used when there is no viable owner.
Agenda Item #8
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 7:02 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on the acquisition by quick take eminent domain certain real property.
Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne reviewed the reason for the quick-take process, stating that there is a resolution to acquire this property located at 4325 3trd Avenue to be used as a public park as part of the Sylvan Slough Waterfront Plan. Alderman Conroy explained to the listening audience that this is something that has been worked on for a number of years, and Council has been diligent in trying to acquire this property in other ways. Mr. Champagne noted that the property is blight on the area and will be for public use as a green space.
There was no one present to speak in favor of or in opposition to the quick-take.
Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:10 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the quick take of property as stated CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #9
RESOLUTION/QUICK TAKE EMINENT DOMAIN
The City Clerk read a Resolution regarding the acquisition by Quick Take of certain real property for the purpose of constructing a public park. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adopt the Resolution CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None.
ORDINANCE
Agenda Item #10
BUDGET ORDINANCE/FY 2005-2006
The City Clerk read the Budget Ordinance for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2005 and ending March 31, 2005. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #11
RAYMOND PROFESSIONAL GROUP/DEMOLITION PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department recommending payment to Raymond Professional Group in the amount of $4,243.50 for services related to the Fiscal year 2003/2004 demolition program. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Brooks to accept the report and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
MARCH 18 THROUGH 24
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of March 18 through 24 in the amount of $245,161.68. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None.
BIDS/PURCHASES
Agenda Item #13
CCS, PUBS/UTILITY BILLING MIGRATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding migrating of the PUBS and the CCS systems for the utility billing by Harris Computer System in the amount of $10,000, and the purchase of a new server needed for this program from Hewlett-Packard in the amount of $19,843.01. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to authorize the upgrade and the purchase and payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None.
CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS
Agenda Item #14
STREET MAINTENANCE MATERIALS/BIDS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bid openings for street maintenance materials, recommending the bids be awarded to Tri-State Asphalt, Phoenix Corporation of QC, and Riverstone Group in the total amount of $91,168.01. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to award the bids as recommended and authorize purchases CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE/BIDS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Landscape Maintenance, recommending the bid of Land Services Inc. in the amount of $29,891.75. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld 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, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
ARTCRAFT/WATER SERVICE REPAIR PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Water Service Repair Program Application and Flyer, recommending the bid of Artcraft in the amount of $3,380.00. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to award the bid and authorize purchase CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
KYMBOL KOMPLETE KARE/2005 WEED SPRAYING CONTRACT
Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2005 Weed Spraying, recommending the bid of Kymbyl Komplete Kare in the amount of $5,394.00. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld 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, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 24th Street Resurfacing from 17th Street to Blackhawk Road, recommending the bid of Brandt Construction in the amount of $861,529.45. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld 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, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2005 Brick Street Repair Program, recommending bid of Walter D. Laud in the amount of $57,010.00. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld 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, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
5 AVENUE 11TO
15 STREET/RESURFACING
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding an agreement and two resolutions for the resurfacing of 5th Avenue from 11th to 15th Street.
a. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None.
b. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adopt the Resolution appropriating $36,915.00 to pay the City’s share of the cost CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None.
c. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Brooks to adopt the Resolution approving the plan and specification as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding an agreement with Califf and Harper for labor counsel services through March 31, 2007. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the Brick Street Plan Amendment for 9th Avenue, recommending that 9th Avenue from 14th to 17th Street be eliminated from the Category 2 brick street and allow it to be resurfaced with concrete or asphalt. Alderman Brooks stated that he spoke to residents living on this street and they just want a smooth street, not necessarily brick. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to amend the Brick Street Plan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None.
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING/PARKING
Agenda Item #23
537 28
STREET/HANDICAPPED PARKING ELIMINATED
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Susan Meyers to remove the Handicapped Parking space in front of 537 28th Street. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #24
1504 41
STREET/HANDICAPPED PARKING
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for a Handicapped Parking Space in front of 1504 41st Street, recommending denial of the request. Alderman Austin noted that he visited with Mr. Pope earlier in the day and stated that Mr. Pope keeps one vehicle in the garage for family members to use when they visit, because he no longer drives a car. He indicated that others pick him up, and it is easier for him to enter these vehicles from the front of his house rather than walking through the garage and outside, sometimes down the block if other cars are parked there. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #25
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to ban parking in front of Maple Ridge Apartments located at 3700 5th Street. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #26
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Rock Island County for an extension of the one-hour parking and the installation of diagonal parking on Third Avenue to extend from 16th Street to 15th Street, to include the area in front of the County Office Building. Alderman Conroy asked what the cost would be, and Mr. Hawes stated that the cost is minimal, and there would be an additional eight parking spaces. Alderman Bauersfeld expressed concern about the vehicles backing out into traffic, stating that this is a high traffic area. He stated that this is the primary directed street to get to the downtown area. He also stated that the cloverleaf should be mentioned in the signs to direct people to use that rather than Third Avenue to get downtown. City Attorney John Konecky and Mr. Hawes agreed that these changes do not require an ordinance. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the request CARRIED on a Voice vote. Alderman Bauersfeld voted against the motion. Alderman Conroy stated that, if this becomes a problem, they can always go back to parallel parking.
Agenda Item #27
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Alderman Conroy for left turn lanes on the Rock Island Parkway turning into the Highland Place Addition streets, Highland Court and Highland Drive, and a request from the Police Department for STOP signs, requiring vehicles on Highland Court and Highland Drive to stop before proceeding on to the Rock Island Parkway. Alderman Conroy explained that there are no left turn lanes for people entering the new additions from the Rock Island Parkway.
a. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the left turn lanes for the CIP for fiscal year 21005/2006 CARRIED on a Voice vote.
b. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the installation of the STOP signs as recommended, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to the information provided by the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the Riverfront Master Plan Preliminary Concept Review Meetings.
He also noted the letter from Roger A. Ruthhart, President of the Rock Island Grand Prix, requesting a waiver of the police costs for the three-day event. Mr. Phillips stated that staff would prepare a report to present to Council later.
Mr. Phillips called attention to the invitation to the Groundbreaking ceremonies for the Rock Island County Animal Care and Control Shelter to be held Tuesday, March 29 at 9:30 a.m. at 4001 78th Avenue, Moline.
Alderman Bauersfeld noted that they received information from the City Attorney that there is state law that does not allow cities to be breed specific in banning animals. He stated that there is a bill in the House that would remove that restriction, and suggested that citizens call their representatives to ask them to pass House Bill #1128.
Alderman Bauersfeld made a motion to adopt a Resolution and have the Mayor send a letter asking for this bill to be passed, which motion was seconded by Alderman Brooks. Alderman Rockwell suggested that more information be requested from the experts and other neutral sources. Alderman Conroy stated that we should have more from the Police Department on determining a breed as well, because the breeds that are noted as dangerous seem to change from one year to the next. He stated that he is in favor of taking another look at this. Alderman Bauersfeld suggested that, if the bill is not passed, we have no options at all.
The motion to adopt a Resolution was defeated on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks and Bauersfeld. NAYS: Aldermen Conroy, Rockwell and Austin.
Amy Vinzant, 9405 13th Street West, discussed the latest efforts of the group to clean up the Lincoln School building and grounds. She stated that Greg Champagne provided additional information and they have a feasibility study in motion. They have had contractors in the building for estimates, and they are working to complete their business plan with the help of S.C.O.R.E. She noted that RICAB is cleaning up the north side of the school building on April 9. Mayor Schwiebert asked Ms. Vinzant if the owner has given them title to the property, and she responded that there is no information on this at this time. She also stated that the owner is not providing any financial assistance for the cleanup projects they are doing, but RICAB is doing the work.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to recess to Monday, April 4 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:45 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk