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 A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne, Chief Building Inspector Tom Ayers, Special Projects Manager Sally Heffernan, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, and Fire Chief Jerry Shirk.
RETAIL REPORT
Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne presented a retail report update. Mr. Champagne advised retail activity is important to the City for several reasons. He advised that from a revenue standpoint, retail generates sales tax revenue, property tax revenue and utility tax revenue and from a non-financial standpoint, retail establishments can provide more varied and convenient shopping opportunities for residents, support other development activity and help foster the perception that the community is growing.
He pointed out the City’s strengths, such as density, community support, receptivity to development, and the fact that the City is currently under retailed which can be an advantage to large retailers. He also advised of the City’s weaknesses, which are lack of large retail sites, median income, lack of population growth, and lack of large retail development. Mr. Champagne informed of the threats of area competition as well as the City’s opportunities such as available space, the impending casino project, and the developments in the Southwest and Blackhawk Road areas.
Mr. Champagne noted the significant amount of time and effort that staff has devoted to retail development and discussed strategies that staff has recommended to increasing retail activity in the City. He advised he would inform Council as updates occur.
SYLVAN SLOUGH NATURAL AREA DESIGN
Chief Building Inspector Tom Ayers and Special Projects Manager Sally Heffernan gave an update on the Sylvan Slough Natural Area designed by Conservation Design Forum (CDF). Ms. Heffernan advised this would be a passive use park area with natural grasses and foliage. Mr. Ayers advised some of the historic effects would be preserved and utilized within the area. This natural area will be a learning center with informational signage throughout and a primary place for eagle viewing.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Executive Session on a matter of Personnel CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was recessed at 6:10 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was adjourned at 6:31 p.m.
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Cynthia A. Neiggemann, 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 A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III.
INTRODUCTORY PROCEEDINGS
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to order and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman Rockwell gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the Minutes of the meeting of April 10, 2006 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PRESENTATION
Agenda Item #6
URBAN INNOVATION AWARD
Sunset Marina Manager Melody Miller presented Mayor Schwiebert with an Urban Innovation Award, which was awarded to the City for citizen involvement, quality of life and fiscal responsibility for the Rain Gardens for Rock Island, Improving the Environment One Garden at a Time.
PROCLAMATION
Agenda Item #7
ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS
WEEK
Mayor Schwiebert presented a Proclamation declaring the week of April 23 through 29, 2006, Administrative Professionals Week.
Agenda Item #8
Mayor Schwiebert presented a Proclamation declaring the week of April 23 through 30, 2006, as Days of Remembrance. He spoke of the Holocaust and how we should remember the victims of thie terrible event and respect all peoples. He advised the International Day of Remembrance, known as Yom Hashoah, is April 25.
Agenda Item #9
Mayor Schwiebert presented a Proclamation declaring the week of April 23 through 29, 2006, as
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. He advised there would be an event at the Courthouse on April 21 where the proclamation will be presented at that time.
Agenda Item #10
Mayor Schwiebert presented a Proclamation declaring the week of April 23 as Arbor Day. Marcus Demarlie, Chief Horticulturist, from the Parks and Recreation Department was present to accept the proclamation.
ORDINANCES
Agenda Item #11
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING
ACQUISITION OF BLASER PROPERTY
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance authorizing acquisition of 39.1 acres of real estate off Ridge Road, also known as the Blaser Trustee Property. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
ORDINANCE REZONING R-3
DISTRICT TO U-1 DISTRICT AT 1102 36th STREET; 3600, 3602 AND 3612 11th
AVENUE; 1111 37th STREET; AND 1100, 1114, 1116, 1118 AND 1120 38th
STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amending zoning R-3 District to U-1 District at 1102 36th Street, 3600, 3602 and 3612 11th Avenue, 1111 37th Street and 1100, 1114, 1116, 1118 and 1120 38th Street. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a no parking zone along both sides of 7th Avenue between 11th Street and 17th Street. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING
HANDICAPPED PARKING/809 – 24TH STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 809 - 24th Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance reducing speed zone to 20 mph on 13th and 15th Avenues between 5th Street and Longview Park (15th Street). A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING PROPERTY ACQUISITION/101 – 18TH
STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance authorizing acquisition of property at 101 - 18th Street. 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: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
ORDINANCES AUTHORIZING CEDING OF PRIVATE ACTIVITY
BONDING AUTHORITY/ QUAD CITIES REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND
ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinances authorizing the ceding of private activity bonding authority to the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority and to the Illinois Housing Development Authority. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinances CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
ORDINANCE/PROPERTY SALE AT
4520 – 5TH AVENUE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance providing for the sale of property at 4520 – 5th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #19
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to accept the following report and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
a. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Centennial Contractor in the amount of $39,512.13 for the 2006 Utility Patching Program.
b. Report from the Information Technology Services Department recommending payment to Hewlett-Packard in the amount of $177,000.00 for annual replacement of computer equipment.
Agenda Item #20
The City Clerk read the claims for the weeks of April 7 through April 13 in the amount of $613,215.58. A motion made by Alderman Murphy seconded by Alderman White to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
MARCH 27 THROUGH APRIL 9
The City Clerk read the Payroll for the weeks of March 27 through April 9 in the amount of $1,069,906.08. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
PURCHASE OF HELPDESK
SOFTWARE/HELP DESK TECHNOLOGY
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding purchase of helpdesk software from Help Desk Technology in the amount of $9,757.79. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the purchase and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
2006 STREET JOINT &
CRACK SEALING PROGRAM BIDS/FREEHILL ASPHALT, INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2006 Street Joint & Crack Sealing Program recommending the bid be awarded to Freehill Asphalt Inc in the amount of $114,670.00. Alderman Rockwell advised this is a joint venture between the City of Rock Island and the City of Moline. The City of Moline will reimburse the City of Rock Island for half of this cost.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy 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, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #24
SCANNER MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT RENEWAL/GRAPHIC ENTERPRISES, INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Department regarding renewal of the scanner maintenance agreement in the amount of $2,544.00 to Graphic Enterprises, Inc. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to renew the maintenance contract, pay the invoice as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #25
SERVICE
AGREEMENT BLACKHAWK MURAL LIGHTING DESIGN/
KJWW
ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a service agreement with KJWW Engineering Consultants to conduct the Blackhawk Mural lighting design in an amount not to exceed $6,500.00 plus reimbursable. Alderman Pauley inquired as to the lighting of the rest of the alley and Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen advised the “North Façade Alley” is not painted as of yet; therefore, that component will not be undertaken at this time.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #26
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a development agreement with Jeff Guthrie for property at 2010 and 2016 3rd Avenue. Alderman White mentioned this was an exciting project for artists in the area providing an affordable live/work environment.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #27
ROOF DEFERRED PAYMENT
LOAN/1536 – 12TH STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for a commitment from the City Council for a Roof Deferred Payment Loan in the amount of $3,543.00 at 1536 - 12th Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to commit $3,543.00 for the Roof Deferred Payment Loan as recommended
CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #28
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for a commitment from City Council for a Rental Property Improvement Program Loan in the amount of $5,032.00 at 1003 – 14-1/2 Street. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to commit $5,032.00 for the Rental Property Improvement Program Loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #29
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation for a loan in the amount of up to $50,000, 15 year, 1% interest, for the cost to install a sewage ejector pump system at the Sala Flats property. Alderman White inquired about the large balloon payment at the end of the 15 years, suggesting that the current rent situation wouldn’t support this large payment. Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne advised a conventional financing wasn’t allowable resulting in GROWTH requesting the loan from the City. Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to whether the City has the mortgage on the property. Mr. Champagne advised that could possibly be an option. Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to whether this new sewage ejector pump system will take care of the problem. Mr. Champagne advised this recommendation was made by a plumber as to solving this problem. Alderman Conroy inquired as to which budget this is being taken out of and Mr. Champagne advised these monies are being taken from a loan fund created for non-CIRLF entities.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
RESIDENTIAL PARKING (TYPE B)/916 34TH STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding residential parking (Type B) at 916 34th Street, recommending denial of the request. (Note: Item was Deferred April 10 - A motion remains on the floor from April 10 – Motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to deny the request as recommended.)
Denise Cross, 916 – 34th Street, addressed Council regarding this request. Mrs. Cross advised her driveway has an easement that is shared with Augustana Black Culture House and advised her driveway is always blocked. She informed when they have gone to the Oden House and asked students to move their vehicles they have been met with problems of the students becoming belligerent and uncooperative. Mrs. Cross advised this is a heavy traffic area with Oden house residents, guests, library students (of which the library has its own lot), and the college baseball players. She advised they also cannot park in front of their house due to the use of the parking spaces by Augustana students and
advised they, as well as their company, have had to park several blocks away from their home at times. Mrs. Cross also advised that due to this parking problem with the students they have had to request special manual pick up of their refuse as the refuse trucks could not pick up their trash. For these reasons the Crosses are requesting two residential Type B parking spaces in front of their home.
After hearing the facts, Alderman Pauley advised he would be in favor of the two residential parking spots in front of 916 – 34th Street; however, inquired as to ordinance guidelines. Public Works Director Bob Hawes advised the request did not meet the criteria; however, Council could waive the ordinance. Alderman Pauley withdrew his motion of April 10 to deny the request and Alderman Conroy withdrew his second to the original motion.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the request for the two residential (Type B) parking spaces in front of 916 – 34th Street, waive the ordinance and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #31
The City Clerk read a report from General Administration regarding a request from Rock Island County to waive the building permit charge for remodeling at 525 18th Street and charge the County the direct cost for inspections. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the fee waiver and charge the County the direct cost for inspections as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #32
The City Clerk read a report from Mayor Schwiebert recommending two new appointments, Finance Director Bill Scott and Mayor Mark Schwiebert, to the Fire Pension Board. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the appointments as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #33
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a Sound Amplification application for a concert on Wednesday, April 26, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 3151 12th Avenue located in the Augustana College Quad. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Sound Amplification application as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Finance Director Bill Scott gave an overview of the March 2006 Management Report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. He advised that both revenue and expenditures were 104% of budget
at March 31 and the amounts included a reclassification of the cost of the refuse carts budgeted in the equipment maintenance fund with gaming revenue as the source of funds for the purchase. He advised replacement tax is up 14% from actual 2005. Mr. Scott went on to give a brief overview of each department with regard to this report.
City Manager John Phillips advised Council of tentative dates for the 2006 Goal Setting Weekend, informing that October 6 & 7 would be the City’s first position dates with second in line for September 22 and 23.
OTHER BUSINESS
Public Works Director Bob Hawes addressed Council regarding the purchase of four additional roll-off boxes for refuse and waste drop off. He advised the need for these additional roll-off boxes is due to the waste drop off center being such a success. He also advised this is not a budgeted item; however, cash funds are available.
Alderman Rockwell asked Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen to update Council on recent discussion at a RiverVision meeting. Mr. Carmen advised of three major items of discussion, the first being the design concepts of the lighting of Dam 15 advising the CORE was very favorable with the design and offered suggestion on maintenance. He also advised there would be an evening mock-up presentation offering several lighting concepts. The second item addressed was the water taxi which is at the subcommittee level with discussion of boats, sizes, docking, and funding. The third item addressed was the Red, White & Boom event scheduled for July 3 which is a joint effort on both sides of the river.
Alderman Brooks inquired as to when the lighting of the Martin Luther King Jr. statue at the King Center would take place. City Manager Phillips advised it has been budgeted for this year; however, did not have a definitive date on completion.
Alderman Austin mentioned the Sunset provision regarding eliminating last monthly Monday’s for Council meetings and scheduling that item on a future agenda for a vote.
Alderman White advised of a meeting on April 18, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. for the Greenbush residents, which was offering a master gardener with advice on planting. She also advised of a the new mulch project scheduled for Saturday, April 29, along 17th Street, advising volunteers are meeting at Longview Park near the 13th Avenue entrance at 8:30 a.m. and all are welcome.
Alderman Murphy advised of a Keystone neighborhood free gardening workshop meeting on Saturday, April 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Mayor Schwiebert mentioned a list of appointments sent to Council and added the following names: Planning Commission – Dave Levin and Berlinda Tyler Jamison, Board of Zoning Appeals – Bob Wild, Dave McAdam and Michael Healea.
Mayor Schwiebert also spoke about the Advanced Technology and Sustainability Consortium, which held it’s initial meeting on March 14. He advised the two primary purposes of the Consortium are to allow businesses to network with each other for their mutual advantage and growth and to solicit
their input in terms of how to make Rock Island a more high tech and sustainability friendly community. He advised that he request Dennis Pauley be the City’s Council representative.
Timothy Dooling, 832 – 14-1/2 Street addressed the Council regarding his discovery of new evidence with respect to the theft of his backpack and other alleged crimes against him. He also advised he has been stalked by subjects and has subpoenaed information and phone records regarding this incident. Mr. Dooling indicated he is going to request this be re-investigated by the State Police.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Monday, May 1, at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:00 p.m.
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Cynthia A. Neiggemann, City Clerk