The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 18, 2005 in the Personnel Conference Room of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy and Charles Austin III. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Public Works Department Director Bob Hawes, Police Chief Terry Dove, Sgt. Michael Sponsler, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne and Planning Administrator Alan Carmen. Also present was Dan Carmody of Renaissance Rock Island.
City Manager John C. Phillips distributed copies of a letter received earlier with an opinion from the Attorney General’s Office regarding the moving of casino gaming operations. He stated that it did not appear to be the official opinion of the Attorney General, adding that the Gaming Board earlier approved the purchase of property by the Casino in preparation for their move. He indicated that the letter appears to suggest that the Gaming Board does not have that authority. Further information will be shared with the Council as it becomes available.
SECURITY FOR SPECIAL EVENTS
Mr. Phillips reviewed the report regarding the security issues for special events. He noted that in February, the City Council received a request from the Girl Scouts to waive the fees for police services, and they approved the request. Since that time, several other organizations have requested their fees to be waived or, in the case of one event that has already occurred, a reimbursement of the fees they paid earlier this year. Mr. Phillips stated that there is a policy that was reviewed by the Council on February 26, 1996, and has been maintained since that time. He reviewed the reasons to maintain the policy, stating that the officers would be paid time and a half by the city and that has not been included in the budget. He stated that the total of requests for waivers received to date is $11,000, with more expected with the number of events being scheduled each year.
Mr. Phillips further stated that the city provides in-kind services such as the use of barricades, squad cars, and other services. He recommended that the action to waive the fees for the police security for the Girl Scouts be rescinded, and a $1,000 donation be made to the organization. He also recommended that any other requests for waivers of fees for police security for events be denied.
Following discussion, Alderman Bauersfeld stated that he agreed with Mr. Phillips. He noted that the number of events has increased since the 80’s. Chief Dove noted that they provide the least amount of officers needed for safety and security purposes, and each event differs in the number of officers required. Alderman White stated that the cost of security for events cannot be turned around and placed on the taxpayers. Council consensus was to place this on the agenda for next week.
A motion
made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Executive
Session on matters of Property Acquisition/Disposition CARRIED on a Voice
vote. The meeting was recessed at 5:30
p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular session at 6:40 p.m. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
___________________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session on Monday, April 18, 2005 in the Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy and Charles Austin III.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to order and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman Austin gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman and seconded by Alderman to approve the Minutes of the meeting of April 11 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PROCLAMATIONS
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring April 29 as Arbor Day. He noted that Rock Island is a Tree City because of all the trees throughout the city.
Agenda Item #7
14 ½ STREET, 7 – 9
AVENUES/SPECIAL ASSESSMENT
The City Clerk read an Ordinance for Special Assessment Project Resurfacing 14 ½ Street from 7th to 9th Avenues. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Brooks to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
The City Clerk read an Ordinance for Special Assessment Project Resurfacing 15th Street from 7th to 15th Avenues. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Brooks to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
9 AVENUE, 14 – 17
STREET/SPECIAL ASSESSMENT
The City Clerk read an Ordinance for Special Assessment Project Resurfacing 9th Avenue from 14th to 17th Streets. 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, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10a
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Califf and Harper in the amount of $2,926.00 for legal services.
Agenda Item #10b
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Ancel, Glink, Diamond, Bush, Dicianni and Rolek in the amount of $20,334.91 for legal services for the months of October and December 2004.
Agenda Item #10c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to the Illinois Department of Transportation in the amount of $73,596.87 for reimbursement of construction costs for the American Discovery Trail.
Agenda Item #10d
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department recommending partial payment to Lester Construction in the amount of $26,412.02 for demolition and site cleanup at four sites.
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of April 8 through 14 in the amount of $675,638.11. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
PAYROLL
Agenda Item #12
MARCH 28 THROUGH APRIL 10
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of March 28 through April 10 in the amount of $991,165.70.
|
GENERAL FUND |
$650,518.51 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #1 DOWNTOWN |
1,080.02 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #2 SOUTH 11 STREET |
200.19 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #3 NORTH 11 STREET |
200.16 |
|
KING CENTER |
4,494.62 |
|
FEDERAL COPS GRANT |
1,048.33 |
|
COMMUNITY DEV. BLOCK GRANT |
25,082.45 |
|
LIBRARY |
45,651.16 |
|
ELDERLY SERVICES CONTRIBUTION |
1,293.59 |
|
WATER |
65,640.85 |
|
SEWER |
35,218.71 |
|
COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT |
13,038.06 |
|
SUNSET MARINA |
7,279.22 |
|
PARK AND RECREATION |
72,544.52 |
|
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE |
22,237.98 |
|
ENGINEERING |
30,472.64 |
|
SELF INSURANCE |
1,729.87 |
|
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE |
1,883.78 |
|
MLK ACTIVITY FUND |
7,145.42 |
|
DRUG PREVENTION |
4,405.62 |
|
TOTAL |
$991,165.70 |
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
KELLY CONSTRUCTION/2005 MUDJACKING PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2005 Mudjacking Program, recommending the bid of Kelly Construction in the amount of $28,150.00. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to award the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding annual equipment replacement, recommending the purchase from Hewlett-Packard from the WSCA State Contract for replacement of equipment as listed, in an amount not to exceed $187,000. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to authorize purchase and payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
HARRIS COMPUTER SYSTEM/SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding the software maintenance from Harris Computer System in the amount of $68,905.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the maintenance and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
TIME SYSTEM/PHASE II AND III
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding the Time System – Phase II and III, recommending that Council authorize purchase of equipment and payment in the amount of $20,338.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve purchase and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
CHURCHES UNITED/LEASE RENEWAL
The City Clerk read a report from the Martin Luther King Community Center regarding the lease renewal for Churches United. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to approve the lease and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENTS/INFILL HOUSING
4005 24 STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an agreement with Advanced Construction and Improvements for an infill housing project at 4005 24th Street. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld 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, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
VOSS BROTHERS LOFTS, LLC/AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an amendment to an agreement with Voss Brothers Lofts, LLC. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the amendment as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
SECOND AVENUE PARKING/ENFORCEMENT OPTIONS
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding Second Avenue Parking Enforcement Option, recommending that Council authorize the ticketing and relocation of any vehicle parked on Second Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets after the designated times established for parking, to the City Lot at 20th Street and 2nd Avenue, a fine of $40.00 for violation and direct the City Attorney to draft the necessary ordinance. Alderman Conroy stated that the towing should be removed because people are oblivious to signs. He stated that when people get their vehicles towed, it presents a bad image of downtown Rock Island. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to remove towing on Second Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets FAILED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Bauersfeld and Rockwell. NAYS: Aldermen Brooks, White, Murphy and Austin.
Alderman Bauersfeld made a motion to close one end of the plaza, and allow people to drive their vehicles out of that side without towing. He suggested that the Police Officer could open the gate once each hour to let the cars out. Alderman White stated that the signs are big and easy to read, and adults must take responsibility for parking. Alderman Conroy stated that it is an inconvenience to customers to have to leave their dinner and go out to move their cars. Alderman Bauersfeld suggested closing the gates at 5:00 p.m. City Manager John Phillips stated that the restaurant owners want the early evening parking for their customers.
Chief Terry Dove, RIPD, responded to the suggestions. He stated that the recommendation was a response to the earlier meeting regarding this issue. He stated that they are concerned about safety in the District for the pedestrians and customers. He noted that keeping one side of the plaza open would allow customers to drive out, but would also others to drive in, even if the street was one-way. Mayor Schwiebert clarified that the reason for closing the gates at a pre-determined time was because of the number of vehicles that cruise through and or block traffic, are not customers in the District. He stated that the recommendation was for the vehicles to be towed to a public lot close by – on 20th Street – and the customer would pay a $40.00 ticket that would cover the cost of the towing fee. Currently, they pay a $25.00 ticket, $40.00 towing fee, plus storage fees.
Alderman Conroy stated that there would not be problems if the cameras and extra police officers were used. Alderman Rockwell stated that when people have a good experience in the District, they tell a few people, but when they have a bad experience, they tell more people. He stated that there are other bars that have parking and vehicular traffic such as those on 14th Avenue. Alderman Bauersfeld discussed a visit some of the Council members made to Beale Street with Dan Carmody and Jennifer Fowler a couple years ago. He stated that they closed the street at 5:00 p.m. and used wooden gates, with people stationed there to allow traffic to exit the area. Ms. Fowler stated that they have a longer street area, and fewer parking potential because the businesses on Beale Street are different than those in the District.
Alderman Conroy stated that there are three bars on 18th Street that have pedestrians and parking without closing the street. Alderman Rockwell stated that towing the vehicles of the customers ruins the experience of the people coming to the District. Mayor Schwiebert expressed concern that keeping the street open would get rid of the gathering place for the arts and entertainment area. He indicated that he would like to see the fine at $50.00 rather than $40.00 as proposed, but did agree that the vehicles could be moved to one location within walking distance.
Chief Dove noted that the number of vehicles towed declines as the weather gets better, and Alderman Rockwell stated that the number of vehicles towed is highest when the foot traffic is less. He suggested closing the street on a seasonal basis. Ms. Fowler stated that it was the businesses that asked for the parking limitation all year round, and indicated that when she was following this more closely, the majority of vehicles towed were customers of Bennigan’s and/or the hotel. Alderman Murphy asked Chief Dove where the vehicles are being towed now, and he responded that they are towed to Rick’s Towing near Sunset Park, where the customer pays $42.00 plus storage fees, in addition to the $25.00 ticket. Public Works Director Bob Hawes stated that in order to be revenue neutral, the ticket would have to be increased to $80.00 or $85.00 with a 70% collection rate.
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy, to remove the towing and leave the East gate open so cars can get out, FAILED on a Voice vote.
Following further discussion, a motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the recommendation as stated on the Agenda (that Council authorize the ticketing and relocation of any vehicle parked on Second Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets after the designated times established for parking, to the City lot at 29th Street and 2nd Avenue, a fine of $40.00 for violation, and direct the City Attorney to draft the necessary ordinance.) CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: Alderman Conroy.
Alderman Brooks suggested that this be studied further, and Alderman White suggested more communication with Bennigan’s and the Sheraton Four Points asking that they remind guests where they can park.
Agenda Item #21
BROADWAY TOUR OF HOMES/CITY PROPERTY USE
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Broadway Tour of Homes Chairperson to use the property at the corner of 20th Street and 8th Avenue on Sunday, May 16 for their event from 11:a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the use of city property for the event CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #22
CORNBELT RUNNING CLUB/MAY 8
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application from the Cornbelt Running Club to hold their Quad Cities Distance Classic on Sunday, May 8 beginning at 7:30 a.m. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the application CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #23
BI-STATE MOTORCYCLE CLUB/AWARENESS RIDE
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application and Highway Resolution from the Bi-State Motorcycle Club for their annual Motorcycle Awareness Ride to be held Saturday, May 7 from approximately 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the application and adopt the Resolution as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #24
QUAD CITY ARTS/CITY LOT C
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Quad City Arts for use of City Lot C at no charge for their Annual Metro Arts Program participants. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the use of Lot C as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ITEMS FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM PACKET
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to information provided by the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a zoning violation at 1120 and 1124 7th Avenue.
Mr. Phillips called attention to the 2005 Project Status Report contained in the Memorandum Packet.
Finance Director Bill Scott reviewed the March 2005 Management Report. He noted that this was preliminary information only, and reviewed some of the highlights of the report. He indicated that the General Fund looks good at 106% of the budget. He stated that the tax revenue exceeded the budgeted amount. The ambulance revenue has changed accountability so what cannot be collected is being shown in the report. He expressed a concern with the Health Fund, and a loss at Sunset Marina as well as the revenue from the Centennial Bridge. He stated that the report is preliminary, but is useful for showing trends.
Planning Administrator Alan Carmen gave a review of the annual update on the Housing Rehabilitation Programs. He stated that the money for the programs is spread around the community and is demand driven. He noted that they are getting ready to kick off the new Old Chicago, and the Steering Committee will be meeting next Thursday evening. They will be selecting their consultant and their recommendation will be brought to Council for approval. He discussed presentations by staff and Renaissance Rock Island last week at the Sheraton Four Points, and noted that the group was impressed with the upper story living programs. Alderman Brooks stated that the people in the Douglas Park area want to do something similar to that of Old Chicago, and Mr. Carmen stated that they will be working with both neighborhoods in the New Old Chicago group.
OTHER BUSINESS
Public Works Director Bob Hawes discussed Clean Up Week, which is the last full week of April. He stated that items are picked up on the regular collection day, and residents can put items out with the exception of refrigerators/appliances, tires and household hazardous waste. He toed that d-waste is still being accepted at the landfill. Tires will be collected April 30 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at two locations – St. John’s Lutheran Church lot at 6th Avenue, and also at the lot at Second Avenue and 7th Street. He asked that residents wait until that day to unload their tires at these locations.
City Manager John Phillips added that the Downtown Cleanup is Saturday beginning at 8:00 a.m. Alderman Rockwell asked if there are still Yardwaste containers available, and Mr. Hawes stated that they have some and can order more.
Alderman White announced that people are always asked for locations to eat breakfast in Rock Island, and there are two locations. One is the Requette’s at 30th Street and 14th Avenue, where they offer a buffet and menu items for breakfast, and the other is at Bennigan’s. She noted that if other businesses in Rock Island are serving breakfast, they should call her and she will announce them as well.
Alderman Austin noted the fire in Rock Island the past week, and commended the area fire departments for working together. He read a section of an editorial in the Quad City Times that noted the cooperation between the various departments through Mutual Aid Agreements.
Bill Byers, 1512 41st Street West, spoke to Council regarding a Handicapped Parking Space that was recently approved by Council. He indicated that the neighbors were opposed to it and the Traffic Engineering Committee recommended that it be denied. He indicated that Fred Pope, who requested the space, lives in Moline and nobody is living in the house. He stated that Mr. Pope uses the house to get his mail and leave a car parked in the garage for his family to use when they visit. Alderman Austin stated that he did visit with Mr. Pope at this residence, and Mr. Pope indicated that people pick him up at this residence to go to church and to other functions. Mayor Schwiebert suggested that staff find out if Mr. Pope lives there or not
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin to recess to Executive Session on matters of Litigation and Property Acquisition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:25 p.m.
RECESS
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 8:55 p.m. City Clerk Jeanne Paggen updated the Council on the progress of Jon Gentry, husband of Carol Gentry, former Executive Secretary, following surgery.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to recess to Monday, April 25 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Voice vote.
The meeting was recessed at 9:03 p.m.
_____________________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk