The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:00 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Alderman Terry M.A. Brooks I, David Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Also present were City Manager John Phillips, Personnel Director John Thorson and Joe Taylor, Director of the Quad City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
BILL GEIST
DESTINATION REPORT
City Manager John Phillips opened the discussion by introducing Joe Taylor, Director of the Quad City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau indicating that Mr. Taylor would be presenting an update on the Bill Geist Report and the Way Finding Study, which was prepared by the Corbin Group.
Mr. Taylor addressed the Council and stated that the Bill Geist Destination Audit was finished in January of this year. Mr. Taylor stated that Mr. Geist participated as a tourist in the Quad Cities for a few days. Mr. Geist found that for the size of the Quad City communities, the Cities are unsurpassed in terms of the amenities and kinds of attractions offered and/or available. However, Mr. Taylor noted that Mr. Geist found that because the Quad Cities is such a broad area, this would be a challenge in pulling everything together to make it connected into a destination for the visitor. Mr. Taylor also stated that Mr. Geist recommended continuing with the Way Finding Signage Study.
WAY FINDING
SIGNAGE STUDY
Mr. Taylor continued his presentation with an update on the Way Finding Signage Study.
Taylor explained that the Bureau as a well as members of the Corbin Design Group of Travers City, Michigan developed a Way Finding System for the Quad Cities. Taylor stated that last August Corbin had identified 217 sign locations for a total of 85 destinations throughout the Quad Cities. Now, the Iowa Department of Transportation with the Cities of Davenport and Bettendorf are looking into how they may put this program together. Mr. Taylor noted that he plans to have a similar meeting with the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Mr. Taylor addressed the handout that he distributed stating that 80% of the signs in the Quad Cities would fall on State owned rights-of-ways if the Departments of Transportation were to partner with the Quad Cities and fabricate and install signs on their rights of way. This would be a 0% for Rock Island. If the Departments of Transportation were not to participate and we were to take the percentage of signs by municipality then Rock Island would have 18% of the signs.
Mr. Taylor concluded that the Community is working with the Departments of Transportation to determine what role and commitment they can make to this program to move it forward. Mr. Taylor welcomed questions from the Council on the update as well as from the handout.
Mayor Schwiebert inquired if there would be a map that explains to tourists what the code system would be for the signs. Mr. Taylor acknowledged that the signs are only part of the comprehensive system. Ultimately there would be a website, brochures, maps at the car rental counters at the airport and the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau would have brochures and maps. Mayor Schwiebert also commented that this program is a great idea to give people where they are at a glance. This is good for outsiders coming into the City. However, we also need to let people know what is going on in our downtown area.
Mayor Schwiebert stated that he would like a follow up report from Mr. Taylor in June or July to determine what the Visitor’s and Tourism Bureau is doing for marketing which could possibly assist the City in planning its own strategy for marketing destination in Rock Island.
CABLE
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
Personnel Director John Thorson addressed the Council and stated that in February, the City was informed by MediaCom to start the informal bargaining process for the Cable Franchise Agreement. There is a realization that there are a lot of political and legal issues surrounding the topic of cable franchising. Mr. Thorson stated that in March of this year the FCC issued an Order. Various reasons for the Order include local governments are acting unreasonably in the franchise process, greater competition in the market for delivery of multi-channel video programming, and expanding the Broadband Network. Mr. Thorson also noted that as telephone companies are trying to enter the monopolized video markets, Local franchise authorities were making the process of obtaining franchises difficult by requiring unreasonable requests.
Mr. Thorson stated that House Bill 1500, the Cable and Competition Law of 2007 seeks to move franchising authority from LFA to the Illinois Commerce Commission. Mr. Thorson noted that this is still going through the process and being negotiated. Mr. Thorson stated that he does not know what the final outcome will be. But, the City has to be well aware of it.
Mr. Thorson acknowledged that with the informal process, cable operators must be in compliance with the franchise agreement, the service to communities and subscribers must be satisfactory, and the cable operator has to have the legal, technical and financial qualifications. Mr. Thorson indicated that this is the reason for looking to Baller-Herbst Law Group for outside assistance.
Mr. Thorson concluded that the City has a great interest in cable franchising because this would entail right-of-way control and protection, maintain franchising fees, public programming, and broadband deployment and protect consumer welfare.
City Manager John Phillips noted that the changes in technology are occurring more rapidly than the regulatory, taxing and governmental levels can keep up with. Mr. Phillips’s major concern is that the City could lose out to this process, He stated that this is a good time with the changes in technology, pending changes in Springfield, and the FCC’s recent ruling to seek outside expertise.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Executive Session on matters of Personnel. The motion carried on a roll call vote.
Those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was recessed at 6:10 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:39 p.m. A motion made by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to adjourn the meeting carried on a roll call vote. Those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p. m.
__________________________________
Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk
The 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, Daniel Rockwell, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. City Manager John Phillips was also present.
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. Alderman Conroy gave the Invocation.
Agenda Item #5
Minutes of the Meeting of March 19, 2007.
A motion was made by Alderwoman Murphy and seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of March 19, 2007 as written. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #6
Public
Hearing on a request from Lorenzo Martinez for a Special Use Permit to operate
a vehicle repair business at 1000/1006 8th Avenue.
Mayor
Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:49 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing
on a request from Lorenzo Martinez for a Special Use Permit to operate a
vehicle repair business at 1000/1006 8th Avenue.
The City Clerk
Swore in Mr. Martinez’s Attorney, Mike Galvin of 1800 3rd Avenue.
Mr.
Galvin speaking on behalf of his client, Lorenzo Martinez addressed the Council
and
explained
that his client, Mr. Martinez wishes to obtain a Special Use Permit to operate
a small vehicle repair shop at 1000/1006 8th Avenue. His client anticipates
employing two individuals and assessing and/or repairing approximately up to
five vehicles. Mr. Galvin noted that currently the address is zoned residential.
There will be very little impact on traffic patterns, and not any impact on
neighbors. Mr. Galvin stated that he and his client were under the impression
that in past decades, the building was commercial and used as a repair
shop.
Mr.
Galvin then stated that the building was not suited very well for low-density
residential land-use the way it is currently zoned. Galvin noted that it is
almost impossible to take that particular building and make it into a
residential type of building. In the last six months, Mr. Martinez and his
family have done extensive remodeling, and it would be a waste of money, space,
and assets of Rock Island not to allow Mr. Martinez to run his business.
Alderman
Austin stated that the inside and outside is a critical issue. He then inquired
upon Mr. Galvin about the parking situation.
Mr.
Galvin responded that there will only be employee parking outside, and all
vehicle repairs will be done inside.
Alderman
Brooks stated that a repair business is needed in that area, but he was
concerned with the up-keep of the building.
Alderman
Pauley inquired about the vacant lot next to the building and the parking
situation.
Mr.
Galvin responded that there were plans to blacktop or concrete the area, and
there is an area near the front of the building that may be used for parking
approximately six vehicles.
Alderman
Pauley stated that the area needs to be blacktopped now, and there is not
enough parking.
Alderman
Conroy stated that the parking that is already available is illegal because you
are not allowed to park on the City Boulevard.
With no other persons present to speak in
favor of, or in opposition to the Special Use Permit application, Mayor
Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:06
p.m.
A
motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to allow for
the Special Use Permit application at 1000/1006 8th Avenue with
unspecified restrictions.
Mayor
Schwiebert restated the motion as follows:
A motion was made by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderman Brooks to allow for the Special Use Permit at 1000/1006 8th Avenue subject to such restrictions concerning parking, accessibility, and other matters as staff may recommend, 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 Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #7
Resolution regarding The Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency delegation of permit authority for sewer and water main
extensions.
It was moved by Alderman Pauley seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adopt the Resolution regarding the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency delegation of permit authority for sewer and water main extensions as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #8
CLAIMS
It was moved by Alderman Austin seconded by Alderman Conroy, to accept the following reports and authorize payments as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
a. Report from the Finance Department regarding payment in the amount of $18,625.20 to Crowe Chizek and Company LLC for professional services rendered regarding the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2007. (054)
b. Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $6,561.36 to Califf and Harper, P.C. for Legal Services rendered for the month of February 2007.
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $5,183.53 to Valley Construction Co. for an emergency water main repair at John Deere Road and Velie Drive. (058)
d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,780.24 to C.H Langman Son, Inc. for an emergency washout repair at 4468 8th Street. (076)
e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $49,083.36 to C.H. Langman Son, Inc. for an emergency water main repair on 24th Street and 5th Avenue. (077)
f. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $15,062.43 to Brandt Construction Co., Inc. for an emergency sewer repair at 20th Avenue from 9 ½ Street to 10th Street. (078)
g. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $26,234.27 to Valley Construction Co., Inc. for an emergency sewer repair at 23rd Avenue and 10th Street. (079)
h. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #7 in the amount of $17,006.00 to the Treasurer of the State of Illinois for the Blackhawk Road Widening project. (087)
Agenda Item #9
Claims for the week of March 16 through March 29 in the amount
of $ 948,074.75.
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Alderman Austin 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 Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #10
Payroll for the weeks of March 12 through March 25 in the
amount of $1,057,994.75.
It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to allow the payroll. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #11
Report from the Public
Works Department regarding bids for the 2007 PCC Street Patching Program. (086)
Alderman Rockwell moved and Alderman Austin seconded to award the bid for the 2007 PCC Street Patching Program to Centennial Contractors of Quad Cities Inc., in the amount of $165,525.00 as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #12
Report from the Public
Works Department regarding bids for the 2007 Weed Control Spraying,
recommending the bid be awarded to Kymbyl Komplete Kare Inc. in the amount of
$9,254.88. (090)
Alderman Conroy moved and Alderman Austin seconded to award the bid for the 2007 Weed control Spraying to Kymbyl Komplete Kare Inc., in the amount of $9,254.88 as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #13
Report from the
Personnel Department regarding the Cable Franchise Consulting Agreement.
A motion was made by
Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo
to approve phase 1 of the
Cable Franchise Consulting Agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute
a contract document with Baller-Herbst Law Group in the amount of $11,500.00 as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting
Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo,
Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Alderman Pauley
abstained.
Agenda Item #14
Report from the Community
and Economic Development Department regarding an Agreement with Kyle Peters
(Owner and Manager) of the Daiquiri Factory to construct a deck at 1809 2nd
Avenue.
It was moved by Alderwoman
Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Rockwell to authorize the City Manager to
execute an agreement with Kyle Peters of the Daiquiri Factory for use of public
property as recommended.
Discussion followed with Mayor
Schwiebert stating he had received a letter from Kyle Peters as promised from
March 19th’s Council meeting, and there would need to be clarification
on this Item. Mayor Schwiebert read the Liquor Ordinance. He then stated that
in order to comply with the Liquor Ordinance, he would allow the public
property Utilization, but on the condition that the time frame would be from
April 1st through October 31st. Mayor Schwiebert also
commented about the live music option and stated that he suggested not to allow
any outdoor entertainment as well as no type of sound amplification on the
deck.
Alderman Conroy inquired as to
what would happen if the City needed the space back from Mr. Peters. Community
and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne stated that this is a two-year
agreement, and it would be the responsibility of Mr. Peters to restore the
parking lot if the City needs the space back.
Mayor Schwiebert then suggested
an amendment to the motion, which states that Council authorizes the City
Manager to execute an agreement with Kyle Peters of the Daiquiri Factory for
use of Public Property subject to limitations of dates from April 1st
to October 31st of 2007, and subject to conditions that there will
be no outdoor musical entertainment, and Mr. Peters will be responsible for
pursuant to Liquor Commission regulations that no minors are allowed in the
area, and no alcohol will be served to minors, and the Daiquiri Factory could
be closed if there are any disruptions.
Alderman Conroy moved and Alderman Rockwell seconded.
Mr. Peters then addressed the
Council with concerns about the café permit, and concerns with live
entertainment. After Mr. Peters was heard, Mayor Schwiebert suggested that if
Mr. Peters would like to have live music then he could obtain a Plaza Activity
Permit. However, it would be wise to keep musical entertainment off the deck.
The amended motion reads as
follows:
It was moved
by Alderman Conroy seconded by Alderman Rockwell to authorize the City Manager
to execute an agreement with Kyle Peters of the Daiquiri Factory for use of
Public Property subject to limitations of dates from April 1st to
October 31st of 2007, and subject to conditions that there will be
no outdoor musical entertainment, and Mr. Peters will be responsible for
pursuant to Liquor Commission regulations that no minors are allowed in the
area, and no alcohol will be served to minors, and the Daiquiri Factory could
be closed if there are any disruptions
as recommended. The motion carried by
the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman
Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy,
and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item
#15
Report from the Community
and Economic Development Department regarding a contract for the evaluation of
the Rocket Theatre Building at 220 19th Street.
A motion was
made by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to authorize the City
Manager to execute a contract with KJWW Engineering Consultants for an
evaluation of the Rocket Theatre building at 220 19th Street as
recommended. The motion carried by the
following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman
Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy,
and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #16
Report from the Public Works
Department regarding a hook-up fee for water service at 730 13th
Street West. (089)
A motion was made by
Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve reducing a hook-up fee
to $550.00 for water service at 730 13th Street West as recommended.
The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being
Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell,
Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those
voting No, none.
Agenda Item #17
Report from the Public
Works Department regarding a revision in the Capital Improvement Plan from
Gaming Funds to resurface 9th Avenue between 44 ½ Street to 46th
Street, 8th Avenue between 42nd Street to 46th
Street, 6th Avenue between 24th Street to 26th
Street and 25th Street between 4th Avenue to 7th
Avenue. (088)
Alderman Austin moved and
Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded to approve a revision to the Capital
Improvement Plan as recommended in the Public Works report. The motion carried
by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks,
Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman
Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #18
Report from the
Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Martin
“Hank” StClair to apply for a Special Use Permit to continue to operate a
lawnmower/snow-blower engine repair business at 420 18th Avenue.
It was moved by Alderman
Pauley, seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow for the application of the Special
Use Permit as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote;
those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley,
Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman
Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #19
Report from the
Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment in the
amount of $5,500.00 for a Rental Property Improvement Program loan at 929 14 ½
Street.
Alderman Austin moved and
Alderwoman Murphy seconded to commit $5,500.00 for a Rental Property
Improvement Program loan at 929 14 ½ Street as recommended. The motion
carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman
Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman
Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #20
Report from the Traffic
Engineering Committee regarding a request that all individuals in the City’s
parks or playgrounds must obey all posted parking requirements unless otherwise
authorized by the Parks and Recreation Director or the Parks and Recreation
Board.
It was moved by Alderman
Pauley, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy 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 Rockwell,
Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those
voting No, none.
Agenda Item #21
Report from the Traffic
Engineering Committee regarding a request to restrict parking on the east side
of 39th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues in
accordance with section 9-27 through 9-100 of the Municipal Code (Type B).
Mrs. Martin Cerda of 607
39th Street came forward and spoke in regards to Item #21. Mayor Schwiebert inquired upon Mrs. Cerda as
to whether she was in favor or opposed to this item. Mrs. Cerda stated that she had never been to a Council meeting
before and was in favor of this item.
Alderman Austin moved and
Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded 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 Rockwell, Alderwoman
Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #22
Report from the Traffic
Engineering Committee regarding a request for the installation of stop signs at
6th Street and 6th Avenue.
It was moved by Alderwoman
Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the request as
recommended.
Discussion followed with
Alderman Pauley inquiring as to whether this will be a four-way stop or in one
direction.
Mayor Schwiebert commented that
clarification is needed as to whether this is a four-way intersection or if
there is a restriction on one to the East-West or North-South. Mayor
Schwiebert also stated that TEC
is moving to deny the request. The motion is to allow the request, and would
the allowance of the request be to put a four-way stop for both 6th
Street and 6th Avenue or for 6th Street or for 6th
Avenue. Mayor Schwiebert also noted that since this item does not contain
specific information, it may come back as an amendment.
Alderman Brooks inquired that
he would like to defer this item for two weeks until he is able to speak with
someone regarding this matter.
It was moved by Alderman
Brooks, seconded by Alderman Conroy to defer Agenda Item #22 for two-weeks
(April 16th, 2007) as recommended. The motion carried by the
following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman
Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo,
Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #23
RC
Report from the City Clerk
regarding an activity permit application from the District, requesting a waiver
of the application and permit fees for their Gallery Hop to be held on Friday,
May 4th, 2007, and a revised activity permit application from the
District for the Rock Island Grand Prix to begin on August 31st,
2007.
It was moved by Alderman
Rockwell, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the event application and the waiver of fees for the
Gallery Hop, and approve the additional revised date of August 31st,
2007 for the Rock Island Grand Prix as recommended.
The motion carried by the
following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman
Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo,
Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #24
Items from the City Manager’s
Memorandum Packet.
City Manager John Phillips brought to the Council’s attention the status of the Rowand Development Agreement for 8th Avenue and 20th Street. Mr. Phillips stated that this agreement was discussed late last year and the house is under construction. There is also another property expected that Rowand will follow through with and build a second house there. However, the staff has suggested at this time that Mr. Rowand will market the property.
Alderman Dan Rockwell commented on a memo from the Mayor stating that the City is one of the 15 finalists for the U.S. Conference of Mayor’s City Livability Award regarding the initiative in the River Vision Area. Alderman Rockwell commended Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen and Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne for their outstanding work they have been doing on River Vision.
Alderman Terry Brook commented on his recent trip to Washington D.C., stating that he attended various meetings and seminars, and talked to a Councilman from Savanna, Georgia about our City Pilot Program for Police and Fire. He stated that the gentleman was very interested in our City’s program.
Mayor Schwiebert commented on his recent trip to Springfield, Illinois, stating that he brought back with him two things from the meeting being that there are a lot of ways to spend the money, and a lack of apparent substantial resources to pay for them.
Mayor Schwiebert also stated that there is a major looming crisis in the funding of the pension plan in the State of Illinois. The Legislature has adopted a number of measures to liberalize the pension plan, and now the State of Illinois has the second largest deficit in the Nation after California. Mayor Schwiebert noted; that is not a distinction we want to be proud of.
Agenda Item #25
Other Business
None
Agenda Item #26
Executive Session on matters
of Personnel
The Executive Session was held
prior to the meeting.
Agenda Item #27
Recess
A motion was made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, April 9th, 2007 at 5:00 pm. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
The meeting was recessed at 8:02 pm.
____________________________________
Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk
