Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M.A. Brooks I, David Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Stephen L. Tollenaer, 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 Austin gave the Invocation. 

 

Agenda Item #5

Minutes of the Meeting of March 23, 2009. 

 

A motion was made by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of March 23, 2009 as written. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #6

Update Rock Island By Mayor Schwiebert.

 

Mayor Schwiebert recognized the Speech Team at Rock Island High School for winning the 2009 state championship for drama. This follows nine (9) consecutive sectional championships. Mayor Schwiebert offered that this is the first time in 53 years that a school outside of the Chicago area has won.

 

Mayor Schwiebert offered that the golf courses are now open for the season. It was noted that Highland Springs opened on Friday, March 27, 2009 and Saukie opened on Wednesday, April 1, 2009.

 

The Mayor discussed the Federal Stimulus update that was included in the memo packet. Mayor Schwiebert stated that the City will receive approximately 20% more in Community Development Block Grant funds this year. The City will also receive $168,600.00 for energy saving efforts in the community.

 

Mayor Schwiebert stated that the Rock Island Armory Demolition Ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2009. Mayor Schwiebert added that the public is invited. Mayor Schwiebert offered that this is another important step in the development of the Downtown’s new riverfront park.

 

Mayor Schwiebert indicated there has been a significant energy and money savings due to the switch from incandescent to LED bulbs regarding the traffic signal lights.  The Mayor stated that traffic signal light energy costs have fallen from approximately $56,000.00 per year in 2003 and 2004 to $20,000.00 in 2007 and 2008.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that Tuesday, April 7, 2009 is the municipal elections and encouraged everyone to go and vote. It was noted that polling places will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

Agenda Item #7

Presentation by Bi-State Regional Commission

 

Chairman Don Welvaert (also the Mayor of Moline) of the Bi-State Regional Commission and Bi-State Regional Commission Executive Director Denise Bulat stepped forward and addressed Council.  

 

Chairman Welvaert stated that he was honored to honor Mayor Schwiebert who has given a lot of time to this community through his efforts at Bi-State. Chairman Welvaert presented Mayor Mark Schwiebert with a plaque in appreciation for 20 years of service as Commission Chair and as a member of the Finance and Personnel, the Executive and Transportation Policy committees.

 

Mayor Schwiebert thanked Chairman Welvaert and stated that one of the things that he will miss most by stepping down as Mayor is working with folks like Bi-State and Council.

 

Ms. Bulat stated that Mayor Schwiebert’s leadership in the community and support for regionalism has been very important.

 

Agenda Item #8

CLAIMS

 

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to accept the following reports and authorize payment as recommended.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and  Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

a.       Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $11,999.31 to Konecky, Koenig, Kutsunis and Weng for legal services rendered for March 2009.

 

b.      Report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding payment in the amount of $107,832.31 to Harris Computer Systems for the annual software maintenance contracts. (001)

 

c.       Report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding payment in the amount of $5,850.00 to NeoGov for the annual license agreements for Applicant Tracking Software. (002)

 

d.      Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $57,590.84 to Valley Construction Company for an emergency storm sewer repair at 85th Avenue West. (088)

 

e.       Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,000.00 to Curt Danner for reimbursement through the Rock Island Drainage Assistance Program for the project of repairing a private storm sewer connection to the City storm sewer with a concrete collar.  (090)

 

f.       Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #2 and final in the amount of $6,542.50 to Centennial Contractors of the Quad Cities for the Armory Park temporary flood protection barrier project. (094)

 

g.      Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #3 and final in the amount of $5,032.22 to E & H Restoration for the Hydro Electric Power Plant renovation and expansion project. (095)

 

h.      Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $5,689.91 to Langman Construction for services provided at 2010 34th Street and 4021 25th Avenue for the 2008 Sewer Lateral Repair Program. (096)

 

i.        Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $15,957.70 to Valley Construction Company for an emergency main break repair at 14th Street and 23rd Avenue. (101)

 

j.        Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 and final in the amount of $31,020.96 to McCarthy Improvement for the 85th Avenue West reconstruction project. (102)

 

k.      Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 and final in the amount of $10,692.00 to Tri-City Electric for services provided for the security cameras for the Centennial Bridge project. (103)

 

l.        Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $12,500.00 to Valley Construction for an emergency street repair at 4141 45th Avenue. (105)

 

m.    Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,716.00 to Kelley Construction, Inc. for emergency mudjacking at 44th Street and 37th Avenue Court. (106)

 

n.      Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of

$3,300.00 to Bob Westpfahl for the 2009 annual land set aside. (109)

 

Agenda Item #9

Claims for the week of March 20 through April 2 in the amount of $888,169.98.

 

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderman Tollenaer seconded to allow the claims. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #10

Payroll for the weeks of March 9 through March 22 in the amount of $1,156,059.52.

 

Alderman Pauley moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded 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 Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #11

Report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding the purchase of   annual computer replacement equipment from the Hewlett-Packard Company in the amount of $100,000.00 and from CDW-G in the amount of $50,000.00.

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to approve the purchases as recommended.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #12

Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of janitorial supplies from Great Western Supply Company in the amount of $7,855.24 and AMSAN Peoria in the amount of $4,104.35.

 

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve the purchases as recommended.

 

Alderman Austin stated that this is a cooperative purchase through Bi-State where the entire Quad Cities goes together and obtains the best price for everyone.

 

After discussion, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

 

Agenda Item #13

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the purchase of sign posts and materials, recommending the bids be awarded to TAPCO and Allied Municipal Supply in the combined total amount of $19,909.31.

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to award the bids as recommended and authorize purchases.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #14

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the purchase of electrical maintenance parts, recommending the bids be awarded to Springfield Electric Company in the amount of $11,523.98 for items 1, 2, 3, and 4 as stated in the report and Crescent Electric Supply Company in the amount of $1,635.52 for item 5 as stated in the report. 

 

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to award the bids as recommended and authorize purchases.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #15

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2009 Asphalt Street Milling and Patching Program, recommending the bid be awarded to General Asphalt in the amount of $101,168.64.

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #16

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for repair and replacement parts for two (2) turbines at the Hydro Electric Plant, recommending the bids with the exception of bid items #8 and #10 be awarded to Gray Machine & Welding, Inc., Gett Industries Ltd. and Roemer Machine & Welding Company in the combined total amount of $20,163.68.

 

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

 

Agenda Item #17

Report from the Public Works Department regarding the Coast Guard Auxiliary lease renewal agreement at Sunset Marina.  

 

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

 

Agenda Item #18

Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget, recommending an adjustment to the Water Fund in the amount of $31,055.00. 

 

Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded to approve the budget adjustment as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #19

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Special Ordinance providing for the sale of property at 1029 3rd Avenue.

 

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Conroy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance providing for the sale of property at 1029 3rd Avenue. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.  Alderwoman Murphy abstained.

 

Agenda Item #20

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Special Ordinance ceding the City’s 2009 private activity volume bonding cap to the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority.

 

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance ceding the City’s 2009 private activity volume bonding cap to the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority.

 

Discussion followed with City Manager Phillips stating that this ceding is done annually. Mr. Phillips offered that the City is allocated a certain amount of tax exempt bonding authority for certain types of industrial projects. If the authority is not used, the City may cede it to the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority. Mr. Phillips added that in this respect, it can be used longer. And, if the City has that need later in the year, it is available for use.  Mr. Phillips indicated that if the City does not take this action and the City does not use it then it would go to the Governor’s office. Mr. Phillips stated that this is a good option.

 

After more discussion, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #21

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Special Ordinance authorizing the acquisition of property at 705 9th Avenue.

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderman Conroy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance authorizing the acquisition of property at 705 9th Avenue. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #22

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an Ordinance establishing the Columbia Park Special Service Area and setting a Public Hearing on the establishment of the Columbia Park Special Service Area for Monday, May 4, 2009.

 

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance establishing the Columbia Park Special Service Area and setting a Public Hearing on the establishment of the Columbia Park Special Service Area for Monday, May 4, 2009.

 

Discussion followed with Mayor Schwiebert stating that this is a financing device that the City is utilizing in connection with the development of Columbia Park as a backup for TIF financing. The Mayor offered that it was part of the agreement with Columbia Park LLC that they would go along with this in order to allow the City to make sure that whatever the City has invested in the project can be paid back.

 

After discussion, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

 

Agenda Item #23

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for the installation of a handicapped parking space at 2530 5½ Avenue.

 

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #24

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for the removal of   residential parking at 547 23rd Street.

 

Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderman Austin 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 Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #25

Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet.

 

City Manager John Phillips stated that information was included in the memo packet regarding the Federal Stimulus update.  Mr. Phillips stated that as the funds are tallied up for what the City has already received, discounting half of the two million dollar grant that was received in conjunction with Moline, the City is at 2.5 million dollars between the programs the City is receiving for the Energy Assistance Block Grant, Community Development Block Grant and funding for the Lead Based Paint Abatement. Mr. Phillips added that the City is optimistic and encouraged with respect to the ILEPA for some funding for Brownfields projects. It was noted that applications have been submitted for the water and sewer projects. Mr. Phillips discussed competitive grants. Mr. Phillips stated that staff is working on the Neighborhood Stabilization Grant in conjunction with Rock Island Renaissance in which the application will be made to the State. Also, there is a Diesel Emissions Grant application that is being put together. Mr. Phillips added that Council will be kept informed on the progress in obtaining stimulus funding for the City.

 

Mr. Phillips pointed out information in the memo packet regarding flood reimbursement. Mr. Phillips stated that the City is receiving $275,940.00 for reimbursement from FEMA for flood related damages from last year. The total cost of the flood was $434,000.00.

 

Mr. Phillips made reference to information included in the memo packet regarding the Capital Improvement Plan status report.

 

Alderman Brooks inquired as to what the status is regarding the research on the King Avenue designation.

City Manager Phillips stated that it is being researched and it is not completed yet. Mr. Phillips offered that a question has been raised regarding as to what the impact would be on people’s addresses. Mr. Phillips indicated that the City will be working with the Post Office to find the answer to that question.

 

Alderman Brooks stated that tomorrow is the local election and it is probably the most important local election in the past 20 years. Alderman Brooks encouraged everyone to vote on Tuesday, April 7, 2009.

 

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo stated that the Greenbush Neighborhood Association will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 11, 2009 beginning 9:00 a.m. at the Township Hall. 

 

Agenda Item #26

Other Business

 

Dennis DeMaught of 1349 36th Avenue stepped forward and voiced concerns regarding the recent leaf burning ban that was implemented by the City.  Mr. DeMaught stated that he had missed all discussions and news regarding the burn ban and the passage of the ban. Mr. DeMaught thought that the system the City had prior to the passage of the burn ban, which designated certain burn days seemed to work well.  Mr. DeMaught indicated that he has many oak trees as well as other types of trees on his property, and it is physically impossible for him or Mrs. DeMaught to bag the leaves and he cannot afford to hire someone to bag the leaves. Mr. DeMaught discussed several options including mulching the leaves. Mr. DeMaught stated that if the leaves are mulched, it would still leave a carpet of leaves on the grass, which could kill the grass.

 

Mayor Schwiebert stated that he understood Mr. DeMaught’s concerns. The Mayor added that it was a hard decision for Council to make to ban the burning of leaves. It was noted  that the banning of leaf burning was forced by the issues of  the increasing  number of health concerns and  the information received from the EPA regarding that the whole area could be at risk of being in non-attainment regarding PM 2.5 particulate matter. The Mayor added that it had been realized that because of the health and economic concerns that could occur if the community was declared in non-attainment; it would put a lid on any kind of economic growth in the area.

 

Alderman Brooks stated that it was not an easy decision for Council to ban leaf burning, but a solution had to be found and banning leaf burning was the best solution.

 

Alderman Pauley stated to Mr. DeMaught that the City Manager was compiling a report on the expense options for the leaf issue and it would be ready next week.

 

More discussion followed regarding this issue.

 

Timothy Dooling of 832 14 ½ Street stepped forward and proposed that Council consider adopting a vehicle road use fee. Mr. Dooling sated that this is a fee posed on an organization based on the amount of traffic that it attracts to a particular area of town. Mr. Dooling discussed this issue in detail.

 

Mayor Schwiebert thanked Mr. Dooling for the idea.

 

Agenda Item #27

Executive Session on Personnel and Litigation.

 

A motion was made by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy at 7:45 p.m. to recess to Executive Session on matters of Personnel and Litigation. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. 

 

Agenda Item #28

Recess

 

Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 8:15 p.m. A motion was made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to recess to Monday, April 13, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

The meeting was recessed at 8:16 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

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                                                                                   Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk