The Rock Island City Council met for Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2003, 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 R. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Vern L. Winter, Evelyn “Evie” R. White and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. Alderman Beth Y. Mahlo was absent. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips and Administrative Secretary Carol Gentry. Attending only for the Executive Session on Litigation were City Attorney John P. Konecky, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, and Chief of Police Terry Dove.
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Brooks to recess to Executive Session on matters of Personnel and Litigation CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 5:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:40 p.m.
Alderman Bauersfeld noted that there would be a farewell for Alderman Winter and Mahlo at Hunter’s Club on April 28 following the regular Council meeting. There will be hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. He also indicated that Alderman Winter has requested that, in lieu of the traditional clock presentation for years of service as a Council member, a tree be planted in his name at Sunset Park. Alderman Winter also requested that a brass plate be placed on/by the tree to indicate the occasion.
A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman White to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. 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 at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2003, in the Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David R. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Vern L. Winter, Evelyn “Evie” R. White and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. Alderman Beth Y. Mahlo was absent.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to Order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman Conroy gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of the meeting of April 7, 2003, as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert read a resolution regarding transportation funding. Mayor Schwiebert explained the reason for the resolution, indicating that it will be sent to the legislators to request increased funding for public transportation systems. A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman White to adopt the Resolution CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #7
DUE
PROCESS/FINE INCREASES
The City Clerk read an Ordinance codifying due process procedure for parking and other code violation fine increases. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Winter to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
TOLLS/CENTENNIAL
BRIDGE
The City Clerk read an Ordinance amending Section 13-116 through 13-118, Article V, Chapter 13, eliminating the tolls from the Centennial Bridge. Mayor Schwiebert noted that May 2 would be the last day tolls would have to be paid on the Centennial Bridge, and added that a celebration is being planned for May 3, with details to be announced. He noted that this is the result of years of effort on the part of the City Council, the Bridge Commission and the Public Works Department. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Winter to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
PRIVATE PARKING
LOT/17 STREET, 18 AVENUE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regulating parking on property at Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard at 17th Street and 18th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Forlini to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
PARKING
LIMITATIONS/17 STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance limiting parking to one hour in front of and directly south of 513 and 515 17th Street. A motion made by Alderman White 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, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
GREATER ANTIOCH
CHURCH/PARKING
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing Handicapped Parking and banning parking in the area of Greater Antioch Baptist Church. 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, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
JORDAN SCHOOLS/PRIVATE
PARKING LOT, PARKING ON STREETS
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regulating parking on property at Jordan Schools in Rock Island and streets adjacent to the school at the 24th Street location. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Winter to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
PROPERTY
ACQUISITION/PARCELS ON 11 STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance authorizing acquisition of property parcels numbered 2318, 2319 and 2320 on 11th Street. A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Forlini to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
STORM WATER
ORDINANCE/AMENDMENT
The City Clerk read an Ordinance amending the Storm Water Ordinance – Chapter 16 – regarding service charges and exemptions. A motion made by Alderman White 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, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #15a
CITY
ATTORNEY/LEGAL SERVICES
The City Clerk read a report from the City Attorney in the amount of $5,335.00 for legal services during the month of March.
Agenda Item #15b
GARDNER, CARTON
AND DOUGLAS/WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Gardner, Carton and Douglas in the amount of $40,551.52 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Compliance Program.
Agenda Item #15c
TRACKMASTERS/2002
RAILROAD MAINTENANCE PROJECT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Trackmasters in the amount of $10,076.00 for the 2002 Railroad Maintenance Project.
Agenda Item #15d
MOBILE TEAM
TRAINING UNIT IV/R I POLICE DEPARTMENT MEMBERSHIP
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department recommending payment to the Mobile Team Training Unit IV in the amount of $6,630.00 for Rock Island Police Department membership.
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Winter to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
APRIL 4 THROUGH
10
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of April 4 through 10 in the amount of $346,446.37. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS
Agenda Item #17
KELLY
CONSTRUCTION/2003 SIDEWALK AND CURB REPLACEMENT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2003 Sidewalk and Curb Replacement Program, recommending the bid of Kelly Construction in the amount of $49,944.50.
Alderman Bauersfeld asked about the cost being higher than the estimate, and Public Works Director Bob Hawes responded that the cost of cement is higher since the Redi-Mix plants closed in Illinois, making the delivery of cement costlier. He indicated that they have not heard from those who did not submit bids. Alderman Forlini spoke of an asphalt plant that was started locally because there had been a monopoly and this person saw the need for competition and started his own company. Mr. Hawes noted that staff would make some inquiries to see if the cement can be purchased cheaper.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Winter 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, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
TRI-STATE,
BRECKENRIDGE, RIVERSTONE/STREET MAINTENANCE MATERIALS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding quotations on materials used for street maintenance activities, recommending the bids of Tri-State Asphalt, Breckenridge Trucking and Moline Consumers. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Winter to award the bids as recommended and authorize purchases CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
MILLENNIUM
WASTE/OPEN TOP HAULING
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Open Top Hauling for Clean-Up Week, recommending the bid of Millennium Waste in the amount of $110.00 per container. Franklin Bell, Executive Director of RICAB, spoke to Council regarding the Clean Up Week in Rock Island, which will be April 21 through 25. He noted that April 19 is Clean Up Day for the downtown area, and encouraged Council members and Mayor Schwiebert to join with others to clean up downtown Rock Island on that day. He also showed a tool that was being donated by the District and Modern Woodman that can be used to pick up items from the ground without bending over, and he presented one to Mayor Schwiebert.
Mr. Bell noted that, during clean up week, any items that are set out will be picked up, with the exceptions of white goods, tires and yard waste, on the normal garbage collection day of that week. He noted that items to be picked up should be in containers that can be picked up as well. He stated that there would be a tire round up on the 26 and 27 of April at Destiny Baptist Church parking lot.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the contract and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
TRIAD
ENGINEERING/BLACKHAWK LIFT STATION, MILL STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a proposal from Triad Engineering for a continuation of work at the Blackhawk Lift Station and at the Mill Street Wastewater Treatment Plant in the amount not to exceed $15,000.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Forlini to approve the contract and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
SCOVIL/LAWSUIT
ATTORNEY
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding an agreement with Attorney Douglas Scovil for outside legal counsel for a lawsuit filed in Federal Court. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Forlini 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, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
PROCEDURES/POLICIES
Agenda Item #22
STORM WATER
CREDIT MANUAL/APPROVAL
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the Storm Water Credit Manual. Public Works Director Bob Hawes explained the purpose of the credit manual. He noted that the first storm water utility bills would be going out shortly, the bills would have a brochure that will explain how to file for a credit as well as how to file an appeal. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Winter to approve the manual as presented CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
Agenda Item #23
SPECIAL USE
PERMIT REQUEST/APPLICATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Nancy Short to apply for a Special Use Permit to continue to operate a vehicle repair, window art and audio business along with a new gravel parking lot at 1416 6th Avenue.
Mayor Schwiebert noted that the motion tonight was whether or not to allow them to apply for the Special Use Permit, and a Public Hearing would be held after they have applied. Alderman Bauersfeld noted that there were people in the audience who have concerns about this business in the neighborhood, and he encouraged them to monitor the situation and to bring pictures, if possible, to the public hearing. Alderman Winter noted that he had calls from two property owners in opposition, and Council had just received a letter from Ms. Short with ten signatures in favor of it. He suggested that the best way to make a decision on this is to listen to both sides, which will be done with a Public Hearing.
Alderman White noted that she had received calls from six persons, along with other neighbors over the years. She stated that she would be voting against allowing them to have a public hearing in this instance and there was no reason to waste staff time on this issue. Alderman Forlini stated that he is in favor of holding the public hearing, and Alderman Conroy stated that he drove by there today and did not see an eyesore. He stated that he wants to hear both sides, and a public hearing would offer this opportunity. Alderman Brooks stated that he supports giving them the opportunity to speak to Council. He noted that he had already talked with Mr. Short regarding the concerns he has heard.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Brooks to allow the request to apply for the Special Use Permit CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter and Forlini. NAYS: Alderman White.
Agenda Item #24
815 20
STREET/PRIVATE PARKING LOT
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Dawn Williams to place the parking lot at 815 20th Street under City Ordinance control. Alderman White asked if this was the correct address, noting that she did not see a parking lot there. Public Works Director Bob Hawes stated that it is behind the address. A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #25
THIRD AVENUE,
15 – 16 STREET/BROWN TO GREEN PARKING ZONE
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Debra Zemo to change the brown parking zone on the north side of Third Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets to a green parking zone. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Winter to deny the request as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #26
PRESERVATION
COMMISSION
The City Clerk read a memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending the following appointments to the Preservation Commission:
Bill Rowand – Reappointment
Rick Baker – New Appointment
Donna Rogers – New Appointment
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Winter to approve the appointments as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
LICENSES/PERMITS
Agenda Item #27
EDGEWOOD
BAPTIST CHURCH/SOUND AMPLIFICATION
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a Sound Amplification application for an event at Edgewood Baptist Church on Sunday, May 17 and September 20, from Noon to 6:00 p.m. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the Sound Amplification Permit CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
ITEMS
FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
MORRIS PROPERTY
IMPROVEMENTS
Greg Champagne, Community and Economic Development Department Director, reviewed the information regarding the Morris property. He noted that the City purchased these buildings with the idea of demolishing and holding for future redevelopment. Since that time, three parties have expressed an interest in reusing the former synagogue building on the site. Mr. Champagne suggested, that in order to allow for a consistent process and to determine whether or not there are other persons interested in the property, a Request for Proposals approach be used. He stated that they would solicit the proposals, review them and recommend to the City Council a development agreement with specific party for redevelopment of the party.
Alderman Winter expressed apprehension that they become involved in renovation of the building and then come to the city for funds. Mr. Champagne stated that the RFP suggests that they be allowed to tap into the existing economic development programs only, and that a timeline be included in the plans. He also suggested that they submit plans and these would also be shown to the Council. Alderman Winter stated that the there is a theme in appearance of the buildings in that area, and there would be a need to conform to that same theme.
Alderman White asked to have the words “if available” removed from Item No. 6 in the RFP. Alderman Forlini stated that some time ago, he approached the community about the synagogue and learned that the Jewish community uses a building as their synagogue, and when they move on to another building the old building has no meaning to them.
Council commended staff for considering these inquiries for the property and for the recommendations being made.
BOATERS SURVEY
Mr. Phillips called attention to the Boaters Survey, stating that the results were very positive.
SPRINGFIELD
Alderman Bauersfeld stated that some of the Council members along with Mayor Schwiebert and others made a trip to Springfield last week, and asked Alderman Winter to review some of what they did. Alderman Winter stated that the State Legislators did not agree to give them any more money, and they were apprehensive about asking for more money for transportation. He indicated that the projects that are already approved would be done, but new projects are not being approved now. He noted that the budget issues that are affecting the municipalities are also affecting the state revenues.
Alderman Bauersfeld noted that the schedule from City Engineer Jim Johnson shows that the widening of Blackhawk Road will be done in 2006-2007, which is two years after the Rock River Bridge is scheduled for completion. He suggested that staff attempt to have it done when the bridge is completed to enhance the appearance as well as the traffic flow.
COUNCIL WELCOME
Alderman Bauersfeld discussed the dinner to welcome the new Council members and their spouses. Mayor Schwiebert indicated that, because of the budget shortfall, this was a luxury that could be dispensed with this year. He further suggested that the Volunteer dinner has been eliminated and a coffee has been planned for them that will not be as costly, adding that he would rather have that dinner if one is to be held. Other Council members expressed their opinions on the subject, with several of them being in favor of some type of social event. Alderman Bauersfeld suggested going to the Veranda, pre-order dinner, cash bar, no hors d’oeuvres, and each person pays for their spouses. The item was not an Agenda Item, and no formal vote was taken.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Forlini to recess to Monday, April 21 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:50 p.m.
___________________________________
Jeanne
F. Paggen, City Clerk