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 Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Minutes of the meeting of April 3, 2006 with a change in Item #26 regarding Alderman White voting NAY CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PROCLAMATIONS
Agenda Item #6
SHELBY HARRIS DAY
Mayor Schwiebert read a Proclamation declaring March 31, 2006 as Shelby Harris Day in the City of Rock Island in celebration of his 105th birthday. He presented the Proclamation to Ida Bland, granddaughter of Mr. Harris.
Agenda Item #7
NORTH/SOUTH ALLEY VACATION BETWEEN 38TH AND 39TH
STREETS NORTH OF 18TH AVENUE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance vacating the north/south alley between 38th and 39th Streets north of 18th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Murphy 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 #8
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy 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 Bob Westpfahl in the amount of $3,300.00 for the 2006 annual land set aside.
b. Statement from the City Attorney in the amount of $6,766.00 for legal services during the month of March.
Agenda Item #9
The City Clerk read the claims for the weeks of March 31 through April 6 in the amount of $826,365.72. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell 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.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read a report from the Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an agreement with Schreiber Anderson Associates for an analysis of parking in the downtown. (This item was denied on March 20 – brought back for further reconsideration by a motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White on April 3.) A motion was made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents.
Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to clarification of the time frame in which the study would be completed. Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne advised the agreement provided for 60 days from notice to proceed. Alderman Rockwell inquired about the 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. time period in which the study was going to be conducted and advised there is a different dynamic in the downtown area Wednesday through Saturday after 7:00 p.m. Mr. Champagne advised that to conduct the study until 10:00 p.m. would cost an extra $800.00. Alderman Rockwell advised that the time frame ending 10:00 p.m. might not even paint an accurate picture of the parking situation.
Mayor Schwiebert suggested amending the motion to include extending the hours of the study to 11:00 p.m. and authorize payment of an extra $1,000.00. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Austin to amend the motion CARRIED on a Voice vote. The main motion, as amended, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
REZONING FROM R-3
DISTRICT TO R-4 DISTRICT AT 615 31ST STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding rezoning from R-3 District to R-4 District at 615 31st Street. A motion was made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to approve the rezoning as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance.
Diane Carnithan, 3117 7th Avenue, Rock Island, addressed Council on this issue. Ms. Carnithan gave background and history of living at this address for 35 years and a resident of Rock Island for 58 years. She inquired as to why the R-3 zoning wasn’t changed to an R-4 at the time the five-plex was built at 615 31st Street. Ms. Carnithan advised that this rezoning issue was requested from someone who lives in another part of Rock Island in order to satisfy a bank’s concerns regarding replacement in case
of a loss. She further advised some of her primary concerns regarding this issue are, potential for additional zoning changes in the future and this setting precedence to other landlords. Ms. Carnithan addressed safety issues advising that “near accidents” occur daily. She also had health concerns due to the gravel driveway and the amount of traffic kicking up gravel dust and also the problem of insufficient parking in an already congested area.
Mayor Schwiebert asked Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen as to whether this would be considered spot zoning due to the fact that everything around this address is R-3. Mr. Carmen advised of a couple of multi-unit buildings that predated the current zoning issue. Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to the lack of current parking spaces available and the fact that the property has a non-conforming use and extra parking wouldn’t be required even though it is needed, advising they would get the benefits of being waivered in, as well as the new zoning regulations. Mayor Schwiebert also inquired as to whether they would have to comply if the building was damaged and reconstructed. Mr. Carmen advised if there was damage and reconstruction they would have to be in compliance and provide the additional parking spaces; however, the new use would have to conform to the setbacks and density requirements at the time the new construction were to occur.
Alderman Conroy inquired as to how many of these types of buildings are within the City that this would open up the potential for this same type of issue and what type of undertaking it would have on staff to obtain this information. Mr. Carmen advised this information could be obtained fairly quickly. Mayor Schwiebert reiterated Ms. Carnithan’s concern regarding the future of the residential area and how allowing this could set precedence.
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to DEFER this until May 1, 2006 CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
REZONING FROM R-3 DISTRICT TO U-1 DISTRICT AT 1102 36TH STREET, 3600, 3602 AND 3612 11TH AVENUE, 1111 37TH STREET AND 1100, 1114, 1116, 1118 AND 1120 38TH STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding rezoning from R-3 District to U-1 District at 1102 36th Street, 3600, 3602 and 3612 11th Avenue, 1111 37th Street and 1100, 1114, 1116, 1118 and 1120 38th Street. A motion was made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the rezoning as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance.
Mayor Schwiebert asked Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen to give some background on this item. Mr. Carmen advised there are 10 parcels that Augustana College either owns or has options on and the College has requested these parcels be rezoned from residential to College for additional parking use for the College. He advised that the Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider the request on April 4 and advised the college proposes to remove the residential structures for parking lots, with the exception of 1111 37th Street, which would be used for faculty housing or a theme house. Mr. Carmen informed that details of access points, landscaping and lighting for the site will be submitted to staff at a future date and the college is aware of the Zoning Ordinance’s landscaping and lighting requirements. The College also recently secured a purchase agreement for the parcel at 1110 38th Street, identified as Jamey Barrett property. He advised that due to objections filed regarding
this issue, four of the ten properties would require two-thirds majority (five of seven council members) to approve the rezoning ordinance for these four properties.
Augustana College Representatives, President Steven Bahls, 1100 35th Street, Rock Island, and Vice President of Business and Finance Paul Pearson, 4703 Greenbriar, Davenport, addressed Council regarding this request. Mr. Pearson advised that the College has been working with the City on this project for a year and the College would prefer to have their students parking in controlled, well-lit, policed and maintained College property.
President Bahls advised that with increased enrollment $10 to $15 million will be put into the community annually and also the College Board of Trustees approved a capital plan to allow for $50 million in new construction. He advised that as part of this process an open meeting with neighbors was held approximately 18 months ago which provided a good turnout. He advised that one of the number one concerns brought up at the meeting was parking around Augustana College. He advised that an additional 200 new spaces will be provided to accommodate the growth and they are spending approximately $1.2 million to acquire, landscape and pave these properties.
Tom Maloney, 1120 38th Street, Rock Island, addressed Council in favor of this item indicating he was happy to sell his property to the College and advised that the property at 1116 38th Street has been empty for over five years. He advised the project will be an improvement to 38th Street.
Glenda Nicke, 1103 38th Street, Rock Island, addressed Council in opposition to this item expressing her concerns regarding the busy and dangerous intersection of 38th Street and 11th Avenue, advising of the limited visibility due to parking. She also expressed her concerns regarding receiving more information on this project to allow residents to make informed decisions about their properties.
Susan Warren, 1117 37th Street, Rock Island, addressed Council in opposition to this item expressing her concerns with regard to noise, drainage and property values. She advised that there is already noise and excessive traffic in the alley area and this will add to it, advising there are a lot of children in the neighborhood and is concerned for their safety.
Leslie Carlson, 1106 36th Street (two lots), Rock Island, addressed Council advising they were recently informed of this issue when they received a telephone call from a realtor regarding their property. They advised they never received any information regarding this issue. Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen advised that notice was sent to 815 19th Avenue, Moline. Mr. Carlson advised that they have lived at this Rock Island residence for 1-1/2 years. Mr. Carmen advised addresses are obtained from the Rock Island County Assessor’s Office and the Moline address was what was on file. The Carlsons expressed their concern with regard to the neighbors having some input regarding landscaping, lighting, etc., on this project. Mayor Schwiebert advised the College indicated that neighbors will have input at meetings with the College.
Hope Aldeman, 1120 37th Street, Rock Island, addressed Council in opposition to this item expressing her concern for the young children that play in the neighboring vacant lot with regard to the excessive traffic that will result from this project.
Terry Stimpson, 1121 39th Street, Rock Island, addressed Council advising that the information regarding this request came from the City on March 21. She expressed her concern about traffic safety, on-street parking, litter, noise, and negative visual appearance of parking lots in residential areas. She
also expressed her concern, as well as the concern of elderly residents, regarding decreased property values. She advised she would like to see that neighborhoods be in partnership with future development and expansion projects. Mayor Schwiebert advised that the residents that have sold their property regarding this project voluntarily did so and the City’s goal is to keep these residents in the City and the City can provide alternatives for these residents.
After discussion, Alderman Austin made an amended motion to remove 1111 37th Street from the University District at this time. The motion DIED for lack of a second. The main motion CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding purchase of property at 101 18th Street in the amount of $325,000.00 A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to approve the purchase 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 #14
ENFORCEMENT OF SOLID WASTE REGULATIONS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding enforcement of the solid waste regulations through administrative adjudication. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to authorize the administrative adjudication of solid waste regulations violations as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for Ordinance amendments CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a parking ban on both sides of 7th Avenue between 11th and 17th Streets. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy 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 #16
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding handicapped parking at 1008 14th Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to deny the request as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding handicapped parking at 809 24th Street. A motion made by Alderman Pauley 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 #18
RESIDENTIAL PARKING
(TYPE B)/916 34TH STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding residential parking (Type B) at 916 34th Street. A motion was made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to deny the request as recommended.
A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to DEFER this for one week to allow the Crosses to speak on this item CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
City Manager John Phillips reminded Council of the State of the Community Event held by the Illinois Quad City Chamber of Commerce on May 2 at 7:30 a.m. at The Mark of the Quad Cities.
OTHER BUSINESS
None by Council.
Kathleen Cole, 1208 25th Street, Rock Island, addressed Council regarding her waste pick up. Ms. Cole expressed her concern since the inception of the new waste disposal system advising that due to health reasons she has requested, and was granted, manual pick up. She advised that to date she has had to call every week because her trash has not been picked up. Assistant to the Public Works Director Tim Ridder apologized for the inconvenience and advised Ms. Cole that he was aware of this issue and steps are being addressed to remedy this situation.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to recess to Executive Session on a matter of Personnel CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:30
p.m.
RECESS
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 8:55 p.m. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, April 17 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 8:56 p.m.
____________________________________
Cynthia A. Neiggemann, City Clerk