CITY OF ROCK ISLAND

The Rock Island City Council met in Study 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 Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Stephen L. Tollenaer, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Also present were City Manager John Phillips, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Administrative Services Director John Thorson, Community Marketing Director Jennifer Fowler, Rock Island County Clerk Dick Leibovitz and Attorney Art Eggers.

ELECTION INFORMATION

City Manager John Phillips inquired upon County Clerk Dick Leibovitz to update Council on information regarding the election process.

Mr. Leibovitz stated that there was a 15 vote difference in the recent municipal election for the office of Mayor. It was noted that the 15 votes is not the final number. Mr. Leibovitz stated that under Illinois law, there is not an automatic recount. The losing candidate, if they were in 5% of the winning candidate, can ask for a Discovery. Mr. Leibovitz offered that when the losing candidate asks for a Discovery, they can look at 25% of the precincts that were involved in the race. Mr. Leibovitz indicated that in this particular case, it would be nine (9) precincts at a cost of $10.00 per precinct.

County Clerk Leibovitz indicated that the election is unofficial; it will not be official until the results are certified. Mr. Leibovitz pointed out that there was a law passed two (2) years ago, which states that any absentee ballot that is postmarked on the Monday or earlier before the day of the election and that is received after the election will be counted. There is a two (2) week waiting period. Mr. Leibovitz stated that as of Friday, April 10, 2009, there were three (3) or four (4) absentee ballots returned. It was noted that Tuesday, April 21, 2009 will be the last day for any absentee ballots to come in. Mr. Leibovitz stated that certification is planned for Thursday, April 23, 2009.

Mr. Leibovitz pointed out that if some discrepancy was identified during the Discovery, it does not change the results of the election. It was noted that whoever the winner is will be certified as the winner and sworn in at the appropriate date in May. Mr. Leibovitz indicated that the Discovery gives the losing candidate the opportunity to view a quarter of the precincts, and if they were to find some discrepancy, they could then go the court and ask for a recount. The court would decide as to what the next step would be. Mr. Leibovitz distributed the Illinois Statute pertaining to the Discovery process.

Discussion followed regarding absentee ballots and spoiled ballots. It was noted that spoiled ballots do not change the election results.

MARKETING PROGRAM PRESENTATION

City Manager John Phillips inquired upon Community Marketing Director Jennifer Fowler to illustrate the billboard and marketing campaign that is currently underway.

Ms. Fowler stated that there are three (3) different billboard designs each month for the months of March, April and May with a total of 14 billboards located throughout the Quad City area.

Alderman Conroy inquired as how the decision is made on where to locate the billboards.

Ms. Fowler responded that the billboards are decided on where to be located a little at random, but it was noted that Ms. Fowler negotiates and decides that the selection of billboards are to be located in the Quad City metropolitan area.

Ms. Fowler showed Council the March, April and May billboards which include Rock Island citizens and businesses at various places in the Quad Cities.

Ms. Fowler then showed the seven (7) television commercials featuring Rock Solid Rock Islanders. Ms. Fowler noted that these commercials are unscripted, edited and locally produced. Ms. Fowler added that the television commercials started running today and will run for another three (3) weeks with a little break in between and then start again and run through May.

SALT PURCHASING OPPORTUNITY

City Manager John Phillips stated that the City has received a salt price proposal from CMS for Council to review. Mr. Phillips inquired upon Public Works Director Bob Hawes to review the offer with Council.

Mr. Hawes explained that the City received an offer from CMS. The deadline was extended from Thursday, April 9, 2009 to Tuesday, April 14, 2009 for the opportunity to discuss this matter with Council.

Mr. Hawes explained that CMS has been approached by the City’s current salt vendor, which is North American Salt. It was noted that CMS will extend the current contract for another year with its current customers. Mr. Hawes offered that the guarantee will be that the price will be at or below $75.00 per ton. Mr. Hawes indicated that it would basically be under the current terms of the contract except for the price. Mr. Hawes added that the City is leaning towards accepting this offer. Mr. Hawes stated that CMS wants to know whether the City wants to continue to participate in the bid or accept the offer from the City’s vendor. It was noted that CMS is not making a recommendation.

Discussion followed regarding the salt options and prices. After discussion, Council agreed to Mr. Hawes’ recommendation of accepting the offer.

HYDROPOWER PLANT/GREEN TAGS UPDATE

Mr. Hawes distributed a document regarding the updated Hydropower Fund projections. Mr. Hawes offered that the document is an updated version of the original estimated long range savings that could be realized through the acquisition and expansion of the Hydropower Plant. Mr. Hawes added that the original projections did not assume any income from the sale of Renewable Energy Certificates.

Mr. Hawes made reference to the graphs in the document and offered that staff had many assumptions regarding the 20 year projections. Based upon those assumptions and using the last five (5) years of production, it will be a little better than previous years. Mr. Hawes offered that the City will have the ability to produce more power out of the plant than the previous owner did due to the Hydropower Plant being more modernized.

Mr. Hawes stated that the MidAmerican Energy Company charges are the most critical variable in the long range projections. Mr. Hawes referred to the document and stated that the updated model assumes that the MidAmerican Energy charges will increase by an average of 2% per year during the next 20 years and operating costs affected by inflation will grow at the rate of 2% per year.

Mr. Hawes discussed the internal billing rate. Mr. Hawes explained that an internal procedure has been implemented so that facilitates receiving electricity from the Hydro power Plant can compensate the Hydropower Fund. The internal billing rate for electricity is intended to be a breakeven charge for the designated facilities. Mr. Hawes referred to the chart in the document and noted that the projections assume that the internal billing rate will not change. But, once the Hydropower Fund has built an adequate cash reserve, the rate can be lowered to provide more financial benefit to the internal customers.

Mr. Hawes referred to the last page of the document. Mr. Hawes explained that the last chart shows the current projection, which is at approximately 4 million dollars for the accumulated utility bill savings and cash retained in the Hydropower Fund, which is for the next 20 years. Mr. Hawes noted that a previous projection showed 1.9 million dollars in the first 20 years of production.

Council discussed the recent and previous projections as it relates to the sale of renewable energy and rate and cost increases.

Mr. Hawes stated that a Resolution is on the Agenda this evening to authorize staff to proceed with more research on selling Renewable Energy Certificates. Mr. Hawes offered that the process regarding Renewable Energy Certificates is a very sensitive process as it relates to confidentiality.

More discussion followed regarding bids and fees as it relates to Renewable Energy Certificates.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

A motion was made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to recess to Executive Session on matters of Personnel. 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. The meeting was recessed at 5:48 p.m.

Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:26 p.m.

A motion was made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderwoman Mejia- Caraballo to recess back to Executive Session on matters of Personnel. 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. The meeting was recessed at 6:27 p.m.

Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to adjourn the meeting 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. The meeting was adjourned at 6:31 p. m.

____________________________

Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk

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 April 6, 2009.

A motion was made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of April 6 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 discussed Rock Island Green Initiatives, specifically the purchasing and operation of the Hydropower Plant. Mayor Schwiebert stated that an evaluation had been completed sometime ago regarding what kinds of savings could be generated over a period of time. It was determined that 1.9 million dollars could be saved if traditional energy was converted to using hydropower, which would provide 55% of the City’s power needs in terms of City facilities. Mayor Schwiebert offered that the figures have been updated by staff. The new updated estimate is approximately 4 million dollars of savings over a 20 year period. The Mayor added that this is relying on conservative rate increase estimates of 2% a year and increased costs of approximately 2% over that same period of time.

Mayor Schwiebert discussed Renewable Energy Certificates. Mayor Schwiebert stated that Commonwealth Edison is required to purchase Renewable Energy Certificates to reduce their carbon footprint. The City will be submitting a response for a request for proposal for the Renewable Energy Certificates. Mayor Schwiebert stated that it is hopeful that this will generate a significant amount of money to the City as the certificates are sold to Commonwealth Edison. The Mayor indicated that instead of the City buying power from the power company, the City will be selling power to the power company and realizing a savings for the rate payers within the City of Rock Island. It was noted that this will make Rock Island the first city in the United States in regards to the amount of power being generated from green sources.

Mayor Schwiebert noted that various bridge crossings will be worked on this summer including the I-74 Bridge and the Rock Island Arsenal viaduct. Mayor Schwiebert added that for more information regarding bridge work, Bi-State Regional Commission may be contacted.

Mayor Schwiebert indicated that one of the items on the Agenda this evening will be to look at positioning some additional sculpture works of art Downtown. The Mayor added that this is part of the ongoing efforts to amplify the arts in the Downtown and in the community.

Mayor Schwiebert offered that the Rock Island Public Library will be joining with the public libraries of Bettendorf, Moline and Davenport in observing Money Smart Week from April 18 to April 25, 2009. It was noted that there will be a series of events including money management, financial planning, budgeting and savings and using credit wisely. The Mayor offered that if anyone was interested in attending, they may contact the Rock Island Public Library or visit www.moneysmartweek.org/quadcities.

Mayor Schwiebert noted that there will be an Earth Work Fair on April 17^th and 18^th at the Quad City Conservation Alliance Expo Center. Mayor Schwiebert stated that the City’s Green Team and the Neighborhood Partner’s Green Education Task Force will be present at the fair.

Agenda Item #7

Proclamation declaring the week of Sunday, April 19 through Sunday, April 26, 2009 as Days of Remembrance.

Mayor Schwiebert made reference to the Proclamation declaring the week of Sunday, April 19 through Sunday, April 26, 2009 as Days of Remembrance.

Agenda Item #8

Proclamation declaring April 24, 2009 as Arbor Day.

Mayor Schwiebert read the Proclamation declaring April 24, 2009 as Arbor Day. Public Works Street Maintenance Supervisor Fred Bain accepted the Proclamation.

Mr. Bain stated that this year, the City will plant two (2) trees at Denkmann Elementary School on Friday, April 24, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

Agenda Item #9

A Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 2530 5½ Avenue.

Alderman Austin moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 2530 5½ 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 #10

A Special Ordinance amending a Special Ordinance establishing removal of the residential parking restriction at 547 23^rd Street.

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance amending a Special Ordinance establishing removal of the residential parking restriction at 547 23^rd Street. 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

A Resolution regarding Renewable Energy Credits.

Alderman Austin moved and Alderman Tollenaer seconded to adopt the Resolution. 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

CLAIMS

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Tollenaer, to accept the following report 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 Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $26,832.27 to USALCO for Liquid Aluminum Sulfate. (108)

Agenda Item #13

Claims for the week of April 3 through April 9 in the amount of $727,241.56.

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 #14

Payroll for the weeks of March 23 through April 5 in the amount of $1,216,675.00.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy seconded by Alderman Tollenaer 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 #15

Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of a remanufactured transmission from Sexton Ford in the amount of $2,601.63.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the purchase 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 #16

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the rental of barricades for traffic control and protection, recommending the bid be awarded to Selco, Inc in the amount of $.54 per barricade per day for on-site barricades and $.69 per barricade per day for special event barricades.

Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents.

Discussion followed with Alderman Austin inquiring as to whether this was more cost effective for the City rather than to own the supply of barricades.

City Manager John Phillips stated yes.

Public Works Director Bob Hawes stated that it has been done both ways and this is more cost effective.

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 #17

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2009 Mudjacking Program, recommending the bid be awarded to Uretek USA in the amount of $15,242.00.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, 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 #18

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2009 PCC Street Patching Program, recommending the bid be awarded to Walter D. Laud, Inc in the amount of $168,925.00.

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded 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 #19

Report from the Public Works Department regarding a proposal for engineering services with Missman, Stanley and Associates for the 2009 Parking Ramp Renovations.

It was moved by Alderman Tollenaer, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to approve the proposal 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 #20

Report from the Public Works Department regarding a Memorandum of Agreement with John and Marie Vize.

Alderman Austin moved and Alderman Pauley seconded to approve the memorandum of agreement as recommended, approve payment in the amount of $1,000.00 to John and Marie Vize 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 #21

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a proposal from Quad City Arts for participation in the 2009 Sculpture in the District program.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the proposal as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents.

Discussion followed. Mr. Brett Hitchcock, Chair of the Arts Advisory Committee stepped forward along with Community Marketing Director Jennifer Fowler.

Mr. Hitchcock stated that the Arts Commission received approximately 50 sculpture selections and narrowed it down to three (3) pieces. Mr. Hitchcock noted that the three (3) selections that were chosen included; Celebrate Green, O Positive and Mohawk. Mr. Hitchcock indicated that there are three (3) proposed locations for displaying the sculptures.

Ms. Fowler offered that the proposed location for the sculpture Celebrate Green is at 18^th Street and 1^st Avenue near the Blue Cat restaurant. The sculpture O Positive is planned to be placed on the Great River Plaza and the sculpture Mohawk is planned to be displayed in Arts Alley.

Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to what the status is on the Lloyd Shonaman piece.

Ms. Fowler stated that City staff is working with Quad City Arts on that matter and negotiations need to continue regarding engineering.

Community Economic Develpoment Director Greg Champagne stated that Quad City Arts is in the process of obtaining prices on some engineering work. Mr. Champagne added that the placement of the sculpture will be in the front of Thirsty Beaver. It was noted that Missman Stanley and Associates was hired to do some drawings involving pavement cutting and foundation placement. Mr. Champagne offered that the plan is to have the piece installed sometime this summer.

Agenda Item #22

Report from the Public Works Department regarding an extension of the 2008/2009 Tree Removal Contract with Turkle’s Tree Service in the amount of $29,200.00.

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve the extension 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 #23

Report from the Mayor regarding appointments and reappointments to the Neighborhood Partners Committee.

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to approve the appointments and reappointments 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.

Appointments to the Neighborhood Partners Committee are as follows:

Ethel Bassett, Linda Milton, Janet Moline, Rev. Drew Nagle, Charlene Vogele, Italo “Lo” Milani and Chuck Wilt. These appointments are for three (3) year terms expiring in February 2012.

Reappointments include; Nancy Hanna and Joy Murphy. These reappointments are for three (3) year terms expiring in February 2012.

Agenda Item #24

Report from the Mayor regarding reappointments to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center Board, Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation, Fire Pension Board, Fire and Police Commissioners Board, Building Code of Appeals, Board of Zoning Appeals, Library Board and Park Board and an appointment to the Park Board.

Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded to approve the reappointments and appointment 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.

Reappointments to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center Board include; Terry Brooks, Bill Scott, Clara Anne Jenkins, Dennis Pauley and Edward Yancy. These reappointments are for three (3) year terms expiring on January 31, 2012.

Reappointments to the Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation include; Darwin (Buzz) Robinson, Evie White and Monta Ponsetto. These reappointments are for three (3) year terms expiring on March 31, 2012.

Reappointment to the Fire Pension Board includes Bill Scott with a three (3) year term expiring in April 2012.

Reappointments to the Fire and Police Commissioners Board include John Hildreth with a three (3) year term expiring on April 30, 2012.

Reappointments to the Building Code Board of Appeals include; Jeff Dismer and Frank Edwards. These reappointments are for three (3) year terms expiring on April 30, 2012.

Reappointments to the Board of Zoning Appeals include Gary Snyder with a five (5) year term expiring on April 30, 2014.

Reappointments to the Library Board include; Kay Coin, Ruth Evelyn Katz, Nancy Hass and Eudell Watts. These reappointments are for three (3) year terms expiring on April 30 2012.

Reappointments to the Park Board include David Conroy with a three (3) year term expiring on April 30, 2012.

Appointments to the Park Board include David J. Knuckey with a three (3) year term expiring on April 30, 2012.

Agenda Item #25

Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Dennis Hitchcock for a street closing at the south side of 3^rd Avenue between 18^th and 19^th Streets and the north side of 3^rd Avenue from 19^th Street to the alley on Saturday, May 9, 2009 for an area church bake sale.

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the request as recommended.

Discussion followed.

Mr. Dennis Hitchcock of Circa 21 stepped forward. Mr. Hitchcock stated that they were trying to think of some way to give back to the Churches without the costs big too high. It was noted that they came up with the idea of having the Quad Cities Largest Bake Sale. Mr. Hitchcock indicated that 15 or 18 churches will be participating so far. Mr. Hitchcock added that by blocking off the street, it is believed that enough traffic can be generated that the churches will be able to generate some income as well as to have a positive social time in Downtown Rock Island. Mr. Hitchcock offered that the bake sale will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2009. It was noted that for more information, please contact Sue at Circa 21 at 786-2667 ext. 312.

Agenda Item #26

Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Keep Rock Island Beautiful for permission to hang a banner for their 2009 annual Downtown Cleanup.

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve the request as recommended and authorize staff to hang and remove the banner. 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 #27

Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet.

City Manager Phillips brought to Council’s attention the list of funding requests submitted by Congressman Hare. Mr. Phillips offered that four (4) of the City’s priority projects were included in the list. Mr. Phillips noted that the four (4) projects included equipment for the Police Department, the Marina entrance, Mill Creek and the IL-92 center segment.

City Manager Phillips stated that included in the memo packet was information regarding the appointment of John Thorson to Administrative Services Director. It was noted that the City combined the departments of Personnel and Information Technology Services into one (1) department during the budget process due to the City’s need to reduce costs.

Mr. Phillips reminded Council of the Downtown parking meeting, which will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at the Holiday Inn in Downtown Rock Island. Mr. Phillips stated that there will be two (2) meetings; the first meeting will be held at 8:00 a.m. and the second meeting will be held at 5:00 p.m.

City Manager John Phillips stated to Council that included in the memo packet was preliminary information regarding the Neighborhood Stabilization Program Grant application. Mr. Phillips offered that a special proposal will be on the Agenda for Monday, April 20, 2009 and this matter will also be discussed at next week’s Study Session.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that included in the memo packet was a request for Council volunteers for the Citizen of the Year Committee. Mayor Schwiebert inquired upon Council for volunteers. Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Tollenaer volunteered.

Alderman Austin stated that annually, the City recognizes and thanks the volunteers who serve as members on various boards and commissions throughout the City. Alderman Austin indicated that this year is a very special year, not only will the volunteers of various boards, commissions, committees and task forces be recognized for their dedicated service with a dinner, but the City will also recognize the 28 years of dedicated service by Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert. Alderman Austin stated that the City has the opportunity to allow people that are not on a board or commission to make reservations to attend and join in this event. Alderman Austin offered that the dinner will be held at Jumer’s Casino and Hotel on Monday, April 27, 2009. It was noted that there will be a social hour from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by a dinner from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. followed by a program beginning at 8:00 p.m. Alderman Austin stated that if anyone would like to attend, the cost will be $30.00 per person and reservations may be made through the office of the Mayor and City Manager. Alderman Austin added that people may call Executive Secretary Linda Rutten at 732-2012. It was noted that reservations must be in by April 20, 2009.

Alderwoman Murphy stated that the Citizen of the Year Committee and nominations will be underway soon. There are seven different categories for which to nominate an individual. Alderwoman Murphy offered that there are a lot of people in the community that have given back to the community in various ways. Alderwoman Murphy urged everyone to nominate someone for Citizen of the Year if they felt that particular person has made an impact in the community. It was noted that nominations will be available soon on the website, the cable access channel and in the Rock Island Argus.

Agenda Item #28

Other Business

Mr. Joseph Pieta of 2116 24^th Street stepped forward and inquired as to how long it would be before the construction on 24^th Street would be completed.

Public Works Director Bob Hawes stated that the project this year starts on 18^th Avenue and goes to approximately 25^th Avenue where the last project stopped. Mr. Hawes offered that construction will continue until this fall. Mr. Hawes stated that he would give Mr. Pieta a contact number for the Engineering Department. It was noted that there would be access at all times for the residents affected by this construction.

Timothy Dooling of 832 14½ Street voiced concerns regarding civil matters and Police issues.

Agenda Item #29

Executive Session on Personnel.

The Executive Session was held prior to the regular meeting.

Agenda Item #30

Recess

A motion was made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to recess to Monday, April 20, 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 7:22 p.m.

___________________________________

Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk