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, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Also present were City Manager John Phillips, Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne, Lori Roderick, Vice Director of Programs for the Quad City Arts, Chief of Police John Wright, Captain Donald Reichert, Sergeant Jason Foy Technical Commander and Information Technology Services Director Claire Gordon. Alderman Daniel Rockwell was absent.

SCULPTURE IN THE DISTRICT

City Manager John Phillips opened the discussion by stating that he has been recruiting for an Executive Secretary and has offered the job to Linda Rutten who is currently working in the Personnel Department as an Office Assistant III. Mrs. Rutten will begin the new job on April 30, 2007.

City Manager John Phillips inquired upon Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne and Lori Roderick Vice Director of programs for Quad City Arts to update the Council on the Sculpture in the District.

Mr. Champagne stated that last fall, the City agreed to partner with the Quad City Arts on a sculpture program in the District. Mr. Champagne commented that the City was very close in choosing the sculptures that would be placed at various locations in the District. Mr. Champagne then inquired upon Ms. Roderick to explain the program.

Ms. Roderick stated that five years ago this rotating program started in Davenport.

Since then, Quad City Arts invited the Cities of Moline and Rock Island to join the program. Ms. Roderick explained that this year they called Artists within a 300-mile radius and asked them to submit pieces of public art. Ms. Roderick stated that they sent the word out to approximately 258 Artists and to 160 organizations. After the call was placed, Ms Roderick stated that there were approximately 56 submissions. Ms. Roderick noted that representatives of all three cities and representatives of the Quad City Arts looked over the submissions to choose the proper placement of each sculpture. In the process, three sculptures will go to Rock Island, five to Davenport and five to Moline. Also, Ms. Roderick noted that when the pieces are selected, the artists are paid a fee of $800.00 to exhibit their work in the different locations of the three cities for one year.

Ms. Roderick indicated that all the artwork is for sale. If a piece does sell, 55% goes to the Artist and 35% goes back to the particular city, which goes back into the program.

Ms. Roderick distributed handouts to show the Council the criteria for choosing a sculpture. The first round of criteria included putting all submissions in ranking order from highest to lowest. Mrs. Roderick explained that at the second meeting, the panel of representative looked at the site where the sculpture would be placed to make sure that particular piece would be appropriate for the site. Ms. Roderick then distributed handouts showing the site locations in Rock Island and the sculptures that were chosen for the particular sites as well as the other city’s sites and sculptures. Ms. Roderick also noted that if a piece doesn’t sale, the cities have the option of rotating the sculpture from city to city. In effect, the artist does not have to resubmit the sculpture. Ms. Roderick also stated that Rock Island is approved for two years, and will have three sculptures a year. And, the City sets aside money to purchase one sculpture of those six if it is desired for the City to have a permanent sculpture.

Alderman Conroy and Alderman Austin inquired if there would be any literature or a specific guide for these sculptures. Ms. Roderick responded that a study guide will be created and sent to all schools in the six county areas. The study guide will include information about the artist, the piece, an interactive question and answer piece for parents and children to do while they are studying the sculpture, and there also will be an informational card that will be distributed throughout the downtown area.

Mayor Schwiebert thanked Ms. Roderick and stated that the underlying beauty of these sculptures provokes a response, and it starts increasing public awareness and a greater sensitivity of what people like and don’t like. In effect, this will hopefully bolster our Art and Entertainment District.

TOUR OF RECORDS, RICOMM AND IT

Chief John Wright inquired upon Captain Donald Reichert and Sergeant Jason Foy to give an overview of the remodeling during the Tour of the Records Department and RICOMM.

Captain Reichert explained that originally the records room was a large open space that housed four personnel and contained many filing cabinets to give a sense of separation. Captain Reichert noted that the remodeling process was planned in 2002. It was facilitated by going to digital records in 2005. Prior to going digital, the records were stored on micro film in large rolodex’s that took up most of the space in the center of the room, which left little space for personnel. Now, there is an additional office space.

Captain Reichert noted that Public Works constructed six-foot walls, put in counter tops, and reconstructed the area to give a clean and appealing appearance to the work area. Captain Reichert indicated that the overall project costs were approximately $17,000.00.

Sergeant Jason Foy elaborated on the RICOMM remodeling. Sergeant Foy noted that the remodeling costs for RICOMM amounted to $142,000.00, which included new radios and consoles. Also, with this remodel, the Court Officer was taken out of his room and a server room was constructed, and the room is also air-conditioned. The old tile on the floor was removed as well as the old carpet on the walls replacing this with drywall for a clean and a little more spacious appearance. Sergeant Foy noted that Public Works also helped tremendously with this project.

Information Technology Services Director Clair Gordon stated that originally, the IT Department (located on the third floor of City Hall) only had partitions dividing personnel. The server room was not enclosed. Now, the IT Department has walls and doors, and a server room. Also, each employee has his or her own spacious office. Ms. Gordon indicated that the project cost a little under $15,000.00, and Public Works put an exceptional amount of effort into this project. Ms. Gordon commented that now, the area is less noisy and more comfortable. Ms. Gordon also indicated that the temperature has improved.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Conroy to adjourn the meeting carried on a roll call vote. Those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p. m.

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Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk

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 Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, 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 Conroy gave the Invocation.

Agenda Item #5

Minutes of the Meeting of April 9, 2007.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of April 9, 2007 as written. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #6

Proclamation declaring April 21, 2007 as National and Global Youth Service Day.

Mayor Schwiebert inquired upon Joel Newman from Big Brothers to step forward, and the Mayor read the Proclamation declaring April 21, 2007 as National Global Youth Service Day. Mr. Newman then spoke and thanked everyone and stated that Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Quad Cities through a grant with Americore entered into a city service project with the Martin Luther King Center. Mr. Newman stated this will occur on Saturday, April 21, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p. m. The project is to replenish and landscape the area. And, this project will be comprised of volunteers. Mr. Newman then thanked everyone. Mayor Schwiebert thanked Mr. Newman, and stated that this is very encouraging to see everyone getting involved.

Agenda Item #7

Proclamation declaring the week of April 22 through April 28, 2007 as Administrative Professionals Week and April 25, 2007 as Administrative Professionals Day.

Mayor Schwiebert read the Proclamation declaring the week of April 22 through April 28, 2007 as Administrative Professionals Week and April 25, 2007 as Administrative Professionals Day.

Agenda Item #8

A Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space in front of the residence located at 1523 25^th Street.

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space in front of the residence located at 1523 25^th Street. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item # 9

A Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to Lorenzo Martinez to operate a vehicle minor repair business at 1000/1006 8^th Avenue.

It was moved by Alderman Brooks, seconded by Alderman Conroy, to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to Lorenzo Martinez to operate a vehicle minor repair business at 1000/1006 8^th Avenue. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #10

CLAIMS

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

a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #3 in the amount of $15,773.13 to Andrews Carpentry and Construction for Storm Water Improvements at East of 38^th Street and South of 29^th Avenue. (101)

b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,011.17 to Godwin Pumps of America Inc., for parts to repair a Godwin Pump. (099)

c. Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $5,000.00 to Holmes-Murphy for contracted consultant services.

d. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding payment in the amount of $20,121.77 to Valley Construction for the Emergency Demolition of 512 23^rd Street.

Agenda Item #11

Claims for the week of April 6 through April 12 in the amount of $320,990.74.

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

Agenda Item #12

Payroll for the weeks of March 26 through April 8 in the amount of $1,044,242.92.

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy 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 Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #13

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for 25^th Avenue Reconstruction from 5th to 7^th Street, recommending the bid be awarded to Walter D. Laud Inc. in the amount of $573,371.50. (100)

A motion was made by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderman Austin 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 Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #14

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the ADA Architect Selection, and conversion of the Centennial Bridge Visitor Center, recommending the proposal be awarded to SGGM Architects and Interior Designers, P. C. with a fee not to exceed $4,840.00 for architectural services.

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Rockwell 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 Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #15

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the design consultant selection for the Centennial Bridge Visitor Center, recommending the proposal be awarded to Midwest Graphics Management with a fee not to exceed $25,300.00 for design, exhibits, display and casework.

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Mejia-Caraballo 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 Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Discussion followed with Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne inquiring upon Mr. Jeff Guthrie from Midwest Graphics Management to explain the model of the design for the Centennial Bridge Visitor Center that was presented to Council. Mr. Guthrie stated that as a person enters the Visitor Center, the design will depict architectural details of the outside. It will be a faux entryway. Mr. Guthrie noted that the room closest to the river will be a history type museum area depicting the history of Rock Island. The room adjacent to the museum room will be used for office space for the Visitor’s Bureau. Also, vibrant colors will be used for the museum area, and subtle colors for the rest of the areas.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that this will be a great reuse of a building that has been just sitting there for a period of time. And, this will be a nice gateway to the City.

Agenda Item #16

Report from the Police Department regarding an agreement between the City of Rock Island and the Village of Milan to utilize the Milan Police Department’s training facility and shooting range at a cost of $500.00 per year for a period of two years, with the agreement expiring July 31, 2009.

A motion was made by Alderman Rockwell, seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the request, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the agreement between the City of Rock Island and the Village of Milan as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #17

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Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the New Home Property Tax Rebate Renewal Program.

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the renewal of the New Construction Property Tax Rebate Program for three (3) years beginning July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2010 as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #18

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding Ceding of the Private Activity Bonding Cap, recommending to pass the attached Ordinances ceding one-half of the City’s 2007 private activity volume bonding cap to the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority and one-half to the Illinois Housing Development Authority.

A motion was made by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to

consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinances as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, 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 request for Annexation for the property located at 8527 35^th Street West.

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the request for Annexation for the property located at 8527 35^th Street West 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 Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #20

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to install four parking meters in Parking Lot F.

A motion was made by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Pauley to direct the Public Works Department to install four, 10-hour parking meters in Parking Lot F, program the new meters for $.50 per thirty minutes, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance that creates a Daily Lot F Parking Permit allowing all-day customer parking at meters for a cost of $2.00 per permit as recommended.

Discussion followed with Alderman Pauley stating that there needs to be clarification. Employees should not be able to Park in Parking Lot F.

Public Works Director Bob Hawes stated that was the intent.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that would be a motion to amend that would exclude employee parking.

The amended motion reads as follows:

A motion was made by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Conroy to direct the Public Works Department to install four, 10-hour parking meters in Parking Lot F, program the new meters for $.50 per thirty minutes, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance that creates a Daily Lot F Parking Permit allowing all-day customer parking only at meters for a cost of $2.00 per permit excluding employee parking as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #21

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for the installation of stop signs at 6^th Street and 6^th Avenue.

It was Moved By Alderman Brooks, seconded by Alderman Conroy to Defer Agenda Item #21 until the second meeting in May. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #22

Report from the Mayor regarding Appointments to the Rock Island County Task Force on Poverty.

A motion was made by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve Alderman Terry M.A. Brooks I and Alderman David Conroy to the Rock Island County Task Force on Poverty as recommended

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

Agenda Item #23

Report from the City Clerk’s Office regarding a request from the Hilltop Tavern to hold a Parent-Daughter Barbecue Deck Party outside on April 21, 2007 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

It was Moved By Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the event for Hilltop Tavern as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #24

Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet.

City Manager John Phillips made reference to information that was included in the packet regarding the Financial Software Planning process, and the staff selection process. Mr. Phillips commented that the City staff had updated the Council on this item several weeks ago. However, Mr. Phillips noted that this is a more detailed schedule of the process that will be followed to try to select new financial software.

Mr. Phillips brought to the Council’s attention that an American Planning Association Spring Conference will be held in Rock Island at the Holiday Inn on April 26, and April 27, 2007.

Mr. Phillips also brought to the Council’s attention the Boater’s Survey at Sunset Park.

Mr. Phillips indicated that this is an annual survey that is distributed to Boaters who rent at Sunset.

Alderman Austin reminded everyone that there is an Election on April 17^th for Second, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Ward Aldermen, and School Board elections will be held in all wards.

Alderman Conroy expressed his condolences to the Family of Duane Van Landegen.

Agenda Item #25

Other Business

Mr. Mike Krebs of 3124 Oak Street Davenport, Iowa stepped forward and addressed the Council regarding the Bi-State Motorcycle Awareness Ride to be held on Sunday, May 5, 2007. Mr. Krebs, President of the Bi-State Motorcycle Awareness Council stated that they do not have a problem paying the fees for Police protection for this event. Mr. Krebs noted that the problem is that Moline has decided to double their fees for Police protection from $700.00 last year to $1,400.00 this year. Mr. Krebs stated he was worried that there would not be enough money to pay all the Police Departments involved.

Mr. Krebs explained that Moline had decided not to offer their support this year. However, they are evaluating this matter.

Mr. Mike Johns, Public Relations Coordinator with the Bi-State Council explained that the Moline Mayor assured him that everything would run smooth and that there should a 6 to 2 vote at tomorrow night’s Council meeting for support and police protection.

Mr. Krebs indicated that he hoped Rock Island would continue to support this event as in years past, and noted that this is the only Bi-State Motorcycle Awareness Ride in the United States.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that Rock Island will support this event as in years past.

Mr. Krebs also expressed concerns about a planned fee of $913.00 that the Rock Island Police Department will charge for off duty Police Officer protection. Mr. Krebs noted that last year the fee was $260.47. Chief John Wright indicated that he was not aware of what the costs were last year.

Mayor Schwiebert suggested that Chief Wright research this matter and come back to Council next week with the figures from last year, and this year’s Police costs will be reviewed.

Mayor Schwiebert stated that this event is a good public safety awareness thing to let people be aware that cycling season is beginning again.

Mr. Bob Griggs of Atkinson, Illinois addressed the Council and stated that he approved of the Bi-State Motorcycle Awareness Ride and was interested in the safety of the ride, and of the people who stand on the sidewalks to watch the ride. Mr. Griggs also noted that he hoped everyone would work together for the ride.

Mr. Mike Collier of 1316 10^th Street Rock Island, Illinois addressed the Council and stated that there is a lot of violence in the West end of Rock Island. Mr. Collier noted that his organization, Positive Brothers United will be holding a Community and Unity March and Rally on April 29, 2007 in regards to stopping the violence.

Alderman Brooks inquired upon Mr. Collier as to whether he had filled out the proper paper work. Mr. Collier responded yes. However, the paper work was given to the School District because everyone was meeting at Franklin Field. Alderman Brooks stated that Mr. Collier would need to submit the paperwork to the City Clerk as soon as possible so that it could go to Council for approval.

Mr. Collier also noted that everyone in the March would be using the sidewalks and stopping at intersections. Also, Mr. Collier indicated that everyone would be wearing t-shirts with the names of individuals who had passed away due to violence.

Mr. Brent Hurlburt of 2703 Dunn Road, a member of the Victory Riders and Christian Motorcycle Association from Comanche, Iowa stated that the Quad Cities would reap economic benefits from the Bi-State Motorcycle Awareness Ride. Mr. Hurlburt noted that many bikers will be coming to this location that are from out of town, and possibly from across the nation to participate in this ride.

Agenda Item #26

No Executive Session

Agenda Item #27

Recess

A motion was made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, April 23rd, 2007 at 5:00 pm. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

The meeting was recessed at 7:35 pm.

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Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk