The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session for Study Session on Monday, April 4, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, and Charles "Chuck" Austin. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Parks and Recreation Director Bill Nelson, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Public Works Assistant Director Tim Ridder, Police Chief Terry Dove and RIPD Sgt. Mike Sponsler. Also present were Jennifer Fowler, Community Marketing Director, and Pat Frees, District Director.
Park and Recreation Director Bill Nelson reviewed the latest Community Attitude and Interest Citizen Survey that was conducted by the Parks Department from August to October of 2003. The purpose of the survey was to help establish priorities for the future development of parks and recreation facilities, programs and services within the community. He noted that the survey was administered using a combination of phone and mail. Leisure Vision worked with staff to develop the survey questionnaire, which allowed it to be tailored to issues of strategic importance to effectively plan the future system. Three hundred surveys were completed.
The results of the survey showed that 85% of those surveyed have visited any of the parks during the past year, and 38% rated the physical condition of the parks as Excellent with 55% rating the physical condition of the parks as Good. He reviewed the other questions used and the responses to each one. He noted the comparisons to the national averages, and noted that the responses indicated high marks and high participation.
Mayor Schwiebert asked if they targeted voters versus non-voters, and Mr. Nelson stated that they did not. He noted that they selected people east and west of 24th Street, and from Southwest Rock Island. He noted that there was not a lot of difference in the responses based on location. City Manager John Phillips stated that there was a strong support for trails. Alderman Conroy suggested several people are walking along the Rock Island Parkway, and asked if a sign could be placed there to ask the drivers of vehicles to go to the left lane when there are walkers along the side of the road.
Mr. Nelson
and Council discussed the condition of the parks, specifically Dog Park and
Highland Springs Golf Course. They discussed the possibility of putting up a
golf club house at Highland Springs in the future, and Mr. Nelson stated that
he visualized this being used for weddings and other events all year round.
2ND AVENUE PARKING CONTROL CHANGES
Rock Island Police Chief Terry Dove and Sgt. Michael Sponsler reviewed the report on the Second Avenue Parking Changes as recommended by the Public Works Department following direction from Council to look at the issues. Chief Dove stated that they agree with the recommendation from Public Works to go with Option 5 for safety as well as having a lesser impact on those who park their vehicles in the District. He reviewed the other options and gave rationale for not selecting these, such as the cost to install an automatic gate that would allow people to exit after hours but not enter the District area.
Council asked where the vehicles would be towed to, and Mr. Hawes stated that they would be towed to the nearest legal parking space available. He stated that the Police would know where the vehicle would be located and the owner could contact them to get the vehicle. The owner would be issued a ticket, but would not have to pay the towing fees. They discussed increasing the ticket amount to cover part of the tow fees, and Mr. Hawes noted that a new fee would have to be negotiated with the towing company. The color of the sign identifying the time for the vehicles to be removed was discussed, and a suggestion was made to change the color of the sign to one that is more noticeable. Jennifer Fowler, Community Marketing Director, noted that there are large signs on either side of the gate at the entrance as well to notify drivers of the time restraints for parking their vehicles on Second Avenue.
It was noted that the gates are now closed Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights all year long. Council asked if it was possible to only close the gates when there is a District event, and Chief Dove stated that this would create a traffic problem with vehicles stopping in the street in front of the bars, etc. The decision was to have staff find out the cost of towing fees and make a recommendation for the ticket increase. Mr. Phillips noted that the towing contract would be bid in November.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Austin to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session on Monday, April 4, 2005 at 6:45 p.m. in City Council Chambers. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, and Charles "Chuck" Austin.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to order and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman Austin gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the Minutes of March 28 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item # 6
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:50 p .m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from RiverStone Group and LeClaire Investment for a Special Use Permit to operate a ready-mix concrete plant for up to three years at 5000 11th Street. No Statement of Interested Parties had been submitted for this hearing.
Attorney Robert H. Alvine of Moline, representing both RiverStone Group and LeClaire Investment, spoke to Council regarding the Special Use Permit that was being requested. He noted that there was a disagreement on the length of time that the property has been abandoned, and therefore the Special Use Permit is being requested to avoid litigation. He stated that the Special Use Permit is for a period of three years, at which time they may ask for an extension. He noted that there were witnesses present who could speak on the request, or respond to questions from Council if needed. He referred to the information in the packet, and asked if Council had any questions for him or the others.
Alderman Bauersfeld asked if there would be the manufacture and delivery to site-specific sales involved. Attorney Alvine responded that they would not be having private pickups from this site. Alderman Conroy asked about the number of trucks going in and out of the site each day, and Attorney Alvine noted that he was not sure. He added that there would not be a need for Police Traffic control.
Alderman Conroy asked if they were removing the foundations from the area, and Attorney Alvine responded that they would be leaving the foundations in place. Alderman White expressed concern about not knowing who the lessee might be. Attorney Alvine stated that any potential lessee would have to agree to all regulations and conditions of the Special Use Permit, and would have to apply for their own permits. Mr. Carmen stated that the Special Use Permit, as applied for, would be for three years and if they decided to continue to operate there, would have to come back to Council to extend the permit.
Alderman Conroy asked about the traffic on Blackhawk Road, stating that he was concerned about the number of cement trucks going back and forth. Attorney Alvine stated that when IDOT does the pour for the bridge, there will be a constant stream of trucks going in and out from both sides of the bridge and they will be using both sides of the site so only some would be using Blackhawk Road. He noted that there would be few of these days.
Following discussion, Attorney Alvine suggested that stipulation number 2 (“The business be
limited to ten employees on-site actively engaged in concrete work) be amended to included …”final
number to be determined by applicant’s lessee, excluding truck drivers and setup or tear down
employees.”
Mayor Schwiebert closed the public hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:15 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Special Use Permit with the stipulations stated and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #7
This item was removed from the Agenda at the request of the applicant for further information.
Agenda Item #8
SPECIAL USE PERMIT/1800, 1806
1ST STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit at 1800 and 1806 1st Street. 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, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
NO PARKING/3700 5 STREET
(MAPLE RIDGE APARTMENTS)
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a NO PARKING zone at 3700 5th Street in front of Maple Ridge Apartments. A motion made by Alderman Conroy 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, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
STOP INTERSECTION/HIGHLAND
COURT, R I PARKWAY, HIGHLAND DRIVE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a STOP Intersection at Highland Court and Rock Island Parkway, and Highland Drive and Rock Island Parkway. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
537 28 STREET/HANDICAPPED
PARKING ELIMINATED
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance eliminating a Handicapped Parking Space in front of 537 28th Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
1504 41 STREET/HANDICAPPED
PARKING ESTABLISHED
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a Handicapped Parking Space in front of 1504 41st Street. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
The City Clerk read an Ordinance amending Chapter 10 regarding Open Burning. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14a
The City Clerk read a statement from the City Attorney in the amount of $8,363.72 for legal services during the month of March.
Agenda Item #14b
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Peeters Sod Company in the amount of $7,670.00 for the 2004 Sod and Tree Program project
Agenda Item #14c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Frey Restoration Company in the amount of $15,542.00 for the Police Station Tuck Pointing. (114)
Agenda Item #14d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $3,484.96 for the River Water Quality Monitoring.
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of March 25 through 31 in the amount of $400,966.20. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
PAYROLL
Agenda Item #16
MARCH 14 THROUGH 27
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of March 14 through 27 in the amount of $943,150.61. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
BIDS/PURCHASES
Agenda Item #17
ALEXIS FIRE EQUIPMENT COMPANY/FIRE TRUCK
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding quotations for a fire truck, recommending the bid be awarded to Alexis Fire Equipment Company in the amount of $224,418.00. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to award the bid as recommended and authorize purchase CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
AMEC EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL/
SAND CREEK STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding proposals from engineer firms regarding the Sand Creek Storm Water Management Plan, recommending the bid of AMEC Earth and Environmental in the amount of $99,555.00. A motion made by Alderman White 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, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding an agreement with the City of Milan Police Department for the utilization of the Milan Police Department’s firearm range at a cost of $500.00 per year for two years. A motion made by Alderman Conroy 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, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
MILLENNIUM WASTE/CLEAN UP WEEK
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the open top containers and trucks to haul the containers, during clean-up week, recommending the bid of Millennium Waste in the amount of $90.00 per container. Public Works Director Bob Hawes discussed Clean Up Week, which is the last full week of April – 25 through 30. He stated that anything, with the exception of white goods (appliances like stoves, refrigerators, tires, oil and other household hazardous waste materials) could be put out for pick up that week on the resident’s regular garbage day. He encouraged residents to put smaller items in containers like boxes that they do not want saved. This year, computers can be still be put out for Clean Up Week.
A motion made by Alderman Austin 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, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
LICENSES AND
PERMITS
Agenda Item #21
ISRAELI CULTURAL FESTIVAL/AUGUST 7
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application for an Israeli Cultural Festival to be held in the District Sunday, August 7 from 12 Noon to 7:00 p.m. Pat Frees, of the District, spoke briefly about this event, stating that it is a new event for Rock Island and should be exciting. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the application CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #22
DODGE BALL CHARITY EVENT/DAIQUIRI FACTORY
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application for a Dodge Ball Charity Event sponsored by the Daiquiri Factory May 13 and 14 in the District. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the application CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ITEMS FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM PACKET
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to the information from the Public Works Department regarding the 1st Avenue resurfacing from 16th to 24th Street, and also the Sunset Marina Survey Results for 2004.
Public Works Department Director Bob Hawes also discussed the new Water Service Repair Program. He noted that a media release was sent out Monday, and information will also be included in the water bills beginning with the next group sent out. It will take about three months for all residents to receive the information through the water billing cycle. He stated that they talked to Greenbush residents about two weeks ago, and five of the ten people present have already signed up.
Alderman Bauersfeld noted that
this is a voluntary program, and it costs $5.00 per month. Alderman Bauersfeld also noted that, if a
resident has a water leak, they would have to have it repaired at their expense
before they can get signed up for the program.
Mr. Hawes noted that, if a resident has a leak in their water service, the
leak would be discovered sooner or later anyway, so the program is a good one.
OTHER BUSINESS
YARD WASTE
Alderman Rockwell noted that the first Yard Waste Pickup occurred and he discussed the new containers, stating that they were very easy to use and convenient as well. Mr. Hawes stated that he was using one over the weekend and neighbors commented on it and will probably wind up renting one also. The containers eliminate the need to use the bags and stickers, and Alderman Rockwell discussed the subscription program. He stated that the subscription program costs $100.00 per year and the cost can be shared with a group of neighbors. The containers are $50.00 per season and can be wheeled to the curb. The city will deliver the containers also. If interested, residents are asked to call 732-2200.
ELECTION
Alderman Conroy reminded residents that Tuesday is Election Day and stated that the election was for Mayor, Council members, School Board members and Township Officials. He encouraged others to vote.
SCHOOLS
Alderman White suggested that people send letters to the legislators supporting Senate Bill 750, and stated that a group of people will be going to Springfield in May to support this bill. Mayor Schwiebert suggested that the Council get more information on the bill before sending a letter.
VOTING RIGHTS
Alderman Austin stated that he spoke to someone who indicated that he could not vote because he is a convicted felon. Council then stated that a convicted felon could vote after they have served their time in prison.
Alderman Bauersfeld asked the City Clerk how people could find out where they have to vote due to the changes in polling places. City Clerk Jeanne Paggen stated that they could call Rock Island County at 732-4451 and ask for Voter Registration. The residents affected by the Polling Place changes should have received their new Voter Registration Card, and the polling place is listed on there also.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Austin to recess to Monday, April 11 CARRIED on a Voice vote. The meeting was recessed at 7:40 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk