The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session at 5:00 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of Rock Island City Hall. 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 Austin III. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips and Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Chief of Police Terry Dove and Sgt. Mike Sponsler. Also present were City Attorney Ted Kutsunis, Dan Carmody from Renaissance Rock Island, Mike Slavish of Hendricks Development Group, Joe Stadelman of Angus-Young and Brad Austin of Corporate Contractors, Inc.
City Manager John C. Phillips noted that there were two items for discussion at this session – the first was an Executive Session on Property Disposition, to be followed at 6:00 p.m. with a discussion on District Security.
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Executive Session on matters of Property Disposition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 5:10 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular session at 6:10 p.m.
At this time, several owners of Liquor establishments entered the meeting, along with Chief Terry Dove and Sgt. Mike Sponsler. City Manager John Phillips indicated that the Police believe that it is important to provide security for Friday and Saturday nights, and there is a question regarding how this is paid and who collects the money. Mayor Schwiebert noted the issues of disorderly conduct arise late at night. He noted that the bar owners in the District do not want to close early, so off duty officers are hired to provide the security needed.
Mayor Schwiebert indicated some options – 1) close at 1 a.m. or 2 a.m., or 2) keep the 3 a.m. closing hours and any bar owners staying open until 3 a.m. have to pay for the officers. He stated that there has to be a definition of The District, noting that the ordinance for the Great River Plaza has a definition of the Plaza Area. Alderman Rockwell asked who does the billing and who does the scheduling. Sgt. Mike Sponsler responded that he does the scheduling, and there is no billing. The officers go the bars after they are done working for their money, with a bar being assigned to pay each night. He stated that the bar responsible for paying is identified on the schedule for that night. Alderman Bauersfeld asked about other duties done by the officers like towing and ticketing. Chief Dove indicated that the officer assigned to the beat would be assigned to do the ticketing and towing of vehicles, and not the officers being hired by the bars.
Alderman White noted that she met earlier in the day with some of the bar owners, and some of their concerns included that an agreement be made with the next couple of weeks, the reputation of the District as well as the safety of customers. She stated that they are also concerned about the way the money is paid. She indicated that she will be meeting with them again Monday, April 18 0a0t000000000000000000000000000000000000 11:00 a.m. in the District Office, and invited other Council members to attend as well as other bar owners who were not present for the earlier meeting.
Mayor Schwiebert stated that he sent out a memo in January concerning these issues and had not heard anything back from the bar owners. He stated that the City Attorney would be asked to draft an ordinance that requires as a condition to have the extended hours; the bar must participate in a Police Department Certification Program. He also discussed the issue of who pays the dues when a bar owner sells the business, and it was determined that the new owner pays the dues owed by the past owner. Mayor Schwiebert suggested that the fee be pro-rated according to the size of the bar, and a formula will be drawn up for this. Alderman White noted that miscommunication was one problem noted by the owners, and several of the new bar owners were not aware of the hiring of the officers and paying them.
Chief Dove indicated that they do need the security on the Plaza to prevent problems from occurring. Mayor Schwiebert stated that the money could be paid through the District or another agency, and a payment plan could be worked out with a cash flow arrangement. He suggested the cash flow arrangement since the bars do not take in as much money in the winter months, their cash flow is less at that time. He noted that the officers paid by the bars would be used for security only. Alderman Bauersfeld asked about the impact on liability, and Chief Dove responded that when a Police Officer is in uniform, the primary responsibility falls on the City. Sgt. Sponsler stated that uniformed officers do not work inside the bars. Sgt. Sponsler indicated that off-duty officers work a minimum of three hours. A suggestion was made to have the security on the Plaza from Midnight to 3:30 a.m. rather than from 10:00 p.m. to 3:30 a.m., which would save the bar owners some money.
Attorney Ted Kutsunis was asked to draft an ordinance to include a definition for the District, for Council to discuss at a later date. Alderman Bauersfeld stated that he will join Alderman White on Monday when she meets with the bar owners.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell 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.
_________________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session on Monday, April 11, 2005 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, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, and Charles Austin III.
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 White to approve the Minutes of the meeting of April 4 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
The City Clerk read a report recommending the appointment of Joy Viren Murphy as Sixth Ward Alderman. Mayor Schwiebert presented some background regarding Ms. Murphy, including her involvement with the Keystone Neighborhood. He noted that two Council members – Aldermen Rockwell and White – assisted with the interviews of eight Rock Island residents who indicated their interest in the position. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the appointment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office for Joy
Viren Murphy. Alderman Murphy was then
seated for the remainder of the meeting.
Agenda Item #8
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring the week of April 18 through 24 as National Library Week, and presented the framed document to Library Director Ava Ketter. Ms. Ketter discussed the various events being held at the libraries to celebrate the birthday of Shakespeare.
Agenda Item #9
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance declaring the 1982 Mack Pumper as surplus property. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
5000 11 STREET/SPECIAL USE
PERMIT
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to operate a ready-mix concrete plant located at 5000 11th Street. 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, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
1123 16 AVENUE, 1548 12
STREET/SPECIAL USE PERMIT
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to operate a construction business located at 1123 16th Avenue and 1548 12th Street. Alderman Austin asked if the construction of cabinets would be taking place on the first floor, but Mr. Carmen responded that it would only be used for display of the cabinets made in another location. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld 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, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regarding a Special Assessment for the 13th Avenue Reconstruction from 45th to 46th Streets. A motion made by Alderman Conroy 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, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regarding a Special Assessment for the 13th Avenue Reconstruction from 20th to 22nd Streets. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14a
BI-STATE REGIONAL COMMISSION/Q
C GANG TASK FORCE SECRETARY
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department recommending payment to the Bi-State Regional Commission in the amount of $7,262.68 for the city’s share of the salary for the Quad Cities Gang Task Force secretary.
Agenda Item #14b
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to the First Insurance Funding Corporation in the amount of $13,804.21 for the property insurance on the Centennial Bridge.
Agenda Item #14c
MIDWEST UTILITIES TRENCHING
SERVICES/FIBER OPTIC CABLE PHASE IA
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Midwest Utilities Trenching Services in the amount of $45,324.50 for the Fiber Optic Cable Phase IA project.
Agenda Item #14d
PEETERS SOD COMPANY/2004 SOD
AND TREE PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Peeters Sod Company it he amount of $5,015.00 for the 2004 Sod and Tree Program.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of April 1 through 7 in the amount of $246,804.66. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY STUDY/CITY SHARE
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department requesting a commitment from the City Council in the amount of $18,595 from the General Fund for the City’s share of the Communication Technology Study. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to commit $18,595.00 for the study as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
OLSTEN STAFFING SERVICES/TEMP SERVICE CONTRACT
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding a joint bid with the City of Moline for a Temporary Services Contract, recommending the bid of Olsten Staffing Services through December 31, 2007.
A motion made by Alderman Murphy 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, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding consideration of a Riverfront Corridor Overlay District Site Plan Review Amendment and Preliminary Plat Review for Prairie View Development Addition in a B-4 district at approximately 4500 Blackhawk Road. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the site plan and plat subject to stipulations as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
METROLINK/BUS STOP SHELTER, NO PARKING ZONE
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Metrolink for permission to install a bus stop shelter and NO PARKING ZONE on 9th Street south of 4th Avenue. A motion was made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld not to approve the request. Alderman Brooks stated that the residents there are concerned about the parking if the bus shelter is to be installed at this location. He suggested that it be moved further north. James Lowery, of 401 9th Street, C J Plumbing, spoke against the location as recommended. He stated that neighbors would be deprived of their parking spaces. Following discussion, Alderman Brooks withdrew his motion and Alderman Bauersfeld withdrew his second. A motion was then made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to defer this and ask staff to bring this back to Council with a revised recommendation after staff talks with Metrolink representatives. The motion to defer CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #20
BUS STOP/17 STREET, 25 AVENUE
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from neighbors and Alderman Bauersfeld for the installation of a bus stop on 17th Street south of 25th Avenue without the turnout lane at this time. Alderman Bauersfeld explained the reason for this request, noting that when some work was done on the streets in that area, the bus stop was relocated. He indicated that the students are now cutting across neighbors’ yards to reach the bus stop, and returning the bus stop to the original location will alleviate this problem. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the request as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application from Family Resources for “Take Back The Night” to be held in the District Friday, May 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the application CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #22
The City Clerk read a Highway Resolution authorizing the temporary closure of Illinois 92 from 17th to 18th Streets on Monday, May 30 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the Quad Cities Criterium. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to adopt the Resolution CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
City Manager John C. Phillips reviewed the memo regarding
the Senate Bill 750 regarding the school funding. He also pointed out the brochure concerning the Fire School, and
noted that Fire Chief Jerry Shirk and his staff worked with other departments
in the area to develop this training program.
Alderman Brooks expressed his appreciation to the voters for re-electing him to Council. Alderman White welcomed Alderman Murphy to the Council, and Alderman Murphy expressed appreciation to the Mayor and Council for approving her appointment.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Executive Session on matters of Litigation CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was recessed at 7:17 p.m.
RECESS
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at
7:41 p.m. A motion made by Alderman
Austin and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Monday, April 18 at 5:00
p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.
AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and
Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was recessed at 7:45 p.m.
_________________________________ Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk