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 A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III.
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 Rockwell gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of the meeting of March 20, 2006 with a change in Item #8 regarding the motion being seconded by Alderman Murphy not Pauley CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PROCLAMATIONS
Agenda Item #6
MOON WALK CHALLENGE
Mayor Schwiebert read a Proclamation declaring March 31 through June 30, 2006 as the Moon Walk Challenge in the City of Rock Island. He advised that the communities of Rockford, Peoria and the Quad Cities have challenged each other to see which community can collectively reach the distance to the moon and back first, to improve community health and well being.
Agenda Item #7
Mayor Schwiebert read a Proclamation declaring April 7, 2006 as Senior Day. Jan Stulle was present to accept the Proclamation. Ms. Stulle reminded citizens about the organization’s celebration on Friday, April 7, 2006, and also talked about the “Vile of Life” and the information packets to fill out for safekeeping. Also, at that time, Alderman Brooks spoke about Mr. Harris, a Rock Island citizen who has celebrated his 105 years, asking Mayor Schwiebert to present a proclamation to Mr. Harris.
Agenda Item #8
Mayor Schwiebert read a Proclamation declaring the month of April 2006 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Agenda Item #9
ALLEY VACATION BETWEEN 12TH AND 13TH
AVENUES AND 1ST AND 2ND STREETS
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance vacating the north/south alley between 12th and 13th Avenues and 1st and 2nd Streets. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #10
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Conroy to accept the following reports and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
a. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Rock Island Electric Motor Repair in the amount of $17,088.32 for the rebuild of 1 KSB, 200 hp combination pump and motor (076).
b. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brandt Construction Co. in the amount of $6,271.62 for an emergency water main repair at 29th Ave. and 30 St. and 22-1/2 Ave. and 31 St. (079).
c. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Graybar Electric Co. in the amount of $5,020.53 for repair of the raw water pump VFD (086).
d. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Symbiont (formerly Triad Engineering) in the amount of $1,126.50 for the River Water Quality Monitoring services provided January 28 through February 24, 2006 (090).
e. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Symbiont (formerly Triad Engineering) in the amount of $1,354.50 for professional services for the Ridgewood Pump Station for the period of January 28 through February 24, 2006 (092).
f. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors Inc. in the amount of $57,235.50 for the Phosphoric Acid Feed System for the period of January 23 through March 22, 2006 (089).
g. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley & Associates in the amount of $2,648.00 for the 24th Street Resurfacing: 17th Street to Blackhawk Road project (081).
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read the claims for the weeks of March 17 through March 30 in the amount of $830,286.54. A motion made by Alderman Pauley seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
PAYROLL
Agenda Item #12
MARCH
13 THROUGH MARCH 26
The City Clerk read the Payroll for the weeks of March 13 through March 26, 2006 in the amount of $1,037,542.00. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
PURCHASE MILAN
INTERCONNECT METER ON ANDALUSIA ROAD/BADGER METER
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the emergency purchase of an 8” meter to replace the Milan interconnect meter on Andalusia Road from Badger Meter, Inc. in the amount of $2,525.68. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the purchase and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
NEW ACCESS LADDER IN RAW
WATER WET WELL/GENERAL CONSTRUCTORS, INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a quote from General Constructors, Inc. in the amount of $8,000.00 to fabricate and install a new access ladder in the raw water wet well. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the quote and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
2006 PCC STREET PATCHING PROGRAM/WALTER D. LAUD, INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2006 PCC Street Patching Program (44th St; 14-18 Ave & 31 Ave; 12-17 St.) recommending the bid be awarded to Walter D. Laud, Inc. in the amount of $171,343.00. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White 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, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for 2006 Weed Spraying recommending the bid be awarded to Service Master Lawn Care in the amount of $9,280.91. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy 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, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
STREET MAINTENANCE MATERIALS/TRI-STATE ASPHALT, PHOENIX CORPORATION OF QC AND BUILDERS SAND & CEMENT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for Street Maintenance Materials recommending the bids be awarded to Tri-State Asphalt in the amount of $76,650.00, Phoenix Corporation of QC in the amount of $23,085.00, and Builders Sand & Cement in the amount of $1,478.75. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to award the bids as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding an Adopt-A-Highway contract with Rock Island Clean and Beautiful to adopt 38th Street between 31st Avenue and Blackhawk Road. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding Data Communications Equipment and Antivirus Software Maintenance Renewals from CDW-G in the amount of $8,551.00. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the renewals as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contact documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the Combined Sewer Long Term Control Plan recommending Council authorize staff to submit the Plan to the US Environmental Protection Agency for approval. Alderman Austin mentioned that this Plan was a culmination of the efforts and hard work of staff and the design firm.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin to authorize staff to submit the Plan as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute any documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
AGREEMENT/MILL STREET SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding partnership with the US Geological Survey to install and maintain two state-of-the-art flow meters in the interceptor sewers flowing into the Mill Street Sewage Treatment Plant. Alderman White asked Public Works Director Bob Hawes to clarify the costs regarding this item. Mr. Hawes explained that the costs come from the sewer fund and US Geological Survey is supplying the meters, which is $30,000, and the City will pay the remaining costs. US Geological will monitor and maintain the meters at an annual cost of $18,000.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the partnership as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the Joint Funding Agreement CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an addendum to the Soil Remediation Contract with EnviroNet for an additional amount of $33,880.00. Alderman White inquired as to whether this was the same project that was approved several weeks ago. Chief Building Inspector Tom Ayers advised this is the same project and it became apparent it was more cost effective for EnviroNet to haul away the materials that are being excavated and also advised that clean-up costs are still under estimate.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the addendum as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
FOXWOOD FIRST
SUBDIVISION OUTLOT A DONATION/CED
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the donation of Outlot A located in the Foxwood First Subdivision to the City of Rock Island. Alderman White inquired as to whether this lot is curved or flat to which Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne advised the lot is flat.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to accept the donation as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute any documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #24
NORTH/SOUTH ALLEY RIGHT-OF-WAY
VACATION BETWEEN 38TH AND 29TH STREET, NORTH OF 18TH
AVENUE
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for alley right-of-way vacation for a north/south alley between 38th and 39th Street, north of 18th Avenue. Alderman Pauley inquired as to whether the residents had been contacted regarding this item. Community and Economic Development/Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen advised that notices were sent to residents and there were no issues with this request.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #25
RETAINING WALL/2303 35TH
AVENUE
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a request from Mr. Craig Tigerman to install a landscaping retaining wall within a right-of-way at 2303 35th Avenue with the stipulation that within 30 days upon being granted permission, Mr. Tigerman provide a copy of his insurance policy that lists the City of Rock Island as additional insured to hold the City harmless of any liability due to the presence of this obstruction within the right-of-way. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to allow the installation as recommended with the stated stipulations CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #26
REDUCTION OF SPEED LIMIT/13TH
AND 15 AVENUES BEWTEEN 5TH AND 15TH STREETS
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Alderman Brooks for the reduction of speed limit to 20 MPH on 13th Avenue and 15th Avenue between 5th Street and Longview Park (15th Street). (This item was TABLED from the March 6, 2006 meeting.) A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to remove from the TABLE to seek a vote CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Glen Evans of 1604 12th Street spoke regarding this item informing Council he was at the original meeting regarding this request and assisted in the circulation of the petitions. He advised there are a lot of children that live in this area and the continued speeding makes for an unsafe situation. Alderman Rockwell inquired as to whether a speed study has been scheduled or done yet to which Public Works Director Bob Hawes advised that there have been four or five attempts to do a speed study; however, the equipment keeps getting stolen. Alderman Austin advised there is a significant amount of speeding being done regardless of location.
Mayor Schwiebert advised that if this item is approved it will have to be referred to the City Attorney for an Ordinance. Alderman Conroy suggested a traffic study be done prior to, and after implementation of this to be used as a study for future reference. Alderman Pauley advised he normally would not support this type of request; however, Council asked for petitioned names and it has been provided by Alderman Brooks. Alderman White advised that she has received several phone calls from citizens who had signed the petition advising her that because these are one-way streets it has become a big racetrack to go around and she feels adding something else may just compound the issue. Alderman Murphy advised of other requests being granted such as resident only parking, no parking, boulevard parking, and the like in their neighborhoods to enhance the quality of life and the same consideration should be given in this instance. Alderman Austin inquired as to whether the 30 MPH was a state statute or an ordinance. Public Works Director Bob Hawes informed that 30 MPH is a state statute; however the City can adopt any speed limit but it must be posted.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: White.
Agenda Item #27
MEDIAN REDUCTION/38TH
STREET OFF OF 18TH AVENUE
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to reduce the median on 38th Street off of 18th Avenue by 19-1/2 feet to allow vehicles to access the new development located at 3813 18th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to allow the request as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #28
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application from the Cornbelt Running Club to hold their Quad Cities Distance Classic on Sunday, May 14 beginning at 7:30 a.m. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the application CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #29
ACTIVITY APPLICATION AND
HIGHWAY RESOLUTION/ONE RIVER MISSISSIPPI
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application and Highway Resolution from One River Mississippi for a multi-state project of simultaneous dancing to be held Saturday, June 24 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the application and adopt the Resolution as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #30
HIGHWAY RESOLUTION/QUAD
CITIES CRITERIUM
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a Highway Resolution authorizing the temporary closure of Illinois 92 from 17th to 18th Streets on Monday, May 29 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the Quad Cities Criterium. 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, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
City Manager John Phillips discussed a letter sent to the Director of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency regarding the Rock Island National Guard Armory Property requesting permission to remove the building and also asking that a meeting be scheduled to discuss this matter in person before a decision is made. He also discussed a memorandum regarding a study, reviewing services provided by Fire, Police, Public Works, and Parks to explore opportunities with the City of Moline for cooperation between the cities to enhance services and save money.
Mr. Phillips discussed a memo from Mayor Schwiebert regarding a memo from the Illinois Municipal League Board concerning a study conducted by the IML on the impact of pension funds across the State of Illinois and the huge debt the State faces. He mentioned a document from the Legislative Advocacy Committee regarding the DROP program and noted the Municipal Government 201 Conferences held in Peoria on May 12 & 13 and the topics to be discussed.
OTHER BUSINESS
A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White to reconsider the action taken at the March 20, 2006 meeting regarding the Schreiber Anderson Associates downtown parking analysis and place it on the agenda for April 10, 2006 for action. Alderman Pauley advised that he had an opportunity to gather more information and found that the information he had was incorrect. Alderman Pauley advised he was under the impression this study was requested by a consulting firm and in fact it was requested internally, as staff does not have the time or the manpower to perform this study. The motion CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Alderman Brooks read a statement he had prepared regarding the spree of violence that has been ongoing in the Westside community, making a plea with the citizens of the community to come together in assisting the police department to stop these acts of violence. He urged the community to empower themselves and take control of their community. Mayor Schwiebert concurred with Alderman Brooks in that the residents need to be the eyes and ears of the community.
Alderman Austin received an inquiry as to how trees that drop leaves in the Spring can be disposed of. Public Works Director Bob Hawes advised that public works will expand services to accept leaves at the drop off center along with brush and refuse. Alderman White advised of a citizen who was very pleased with the drop off center services.
Glen Evans took the podium and agreed with what Alderman Brooks spoke of with regard to the incidents of the Westside of Rock Island and also advised that power should be given back to parents with regard to discipline of their children. He also advised parents are working with police to assist with situations. Mayor Schwiebert advised that community policing is proactive and having neighborhood meetings is also a step forward.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Executive Session on a matter of Property Acquisition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:50
p.m.
RECESS
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 8:24 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Murphy to recess to Monday, April 10 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:25 p.m.
____________________________________
Cynthia A. Neiggemann, City Clerk