The Rock Island City Council met for Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 19, 2004 in the Personnel Conference Room of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White and Ann L. Keefe. Aldermen David R. Conroy and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. were absent. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, City Attorney John P. Konecky, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Fire Chief Jerry Shirk, Information Technology Services Department Director Claire Dubuisson, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Park and Recreation Director Bill Nelson, and Public Works Assistant to the Director Tim Ridder.
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Keefe to recess to Executive Session on Personnel CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None. The meeting was recessed at 5:25 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular session at 5:45 p.m.
City Attorney John P. Konecky reviewed the draft Rock Island Ethics Ordinance along with the current Ethical Standards Policy. He discussed the difference between Employees and Officers, noting that the same prohibitions apply to all. He noted that he put himself in as the Ethics Advisor, suggesting that Council may want to change this. No final decision was made on this as this time.
The Police and Fire Commission is designated as the current Ethics Commission, but they have not had occasion to convene for this purpose. They were appointed as part of the Gift Ban Act. Council discussed this, and general consensus was that a separate commission should be appointed. Alderman Keefe suggested that a judge, an ethics teacher and prominent citizen – people who would be sensitive to ethical issues - serve on this commission. City Attorney Konecky indicated that the duties of the Police and Fire Commission are to review and consider promotions, and hold hearings occasionally on disciplinary matters. The duties of the Ethics Commission would differ from this in that they would not be required to meet on a regular basis, but rather in response to a complaint received by them. Mayor Schwiebert noted that the draft ordinance does not designate who the complaint should be filed/received by, and he suggested that they be filed with the City Clerk.
Alderman Bauersfeld asked who would pay legal fees if an employee or official were accused of a violation of the Ethics Act. He suggested that the City should pay the legal fees if the case was dismissed. City Attorney Konecky stated that the employee/official would need to hire their legal representation. Alderman Bauersfeld stated that he thought the City should pay the legal fees of the employee/official if the charges were dismissed. Council discussed a resolution that was adopted several years ago covering officials and employees, and the City Attorney will review that. An ordinance will be prepared for Council review and final approval.
A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None. The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 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 19, 2004 in the Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Ann L. Keefe and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. Alderman David R. Conroy 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 Forlini gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Forlini to approve the Minutes of April 12 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the week of April 18 through 26 as “National Volunteer Week.”
Agenda Item #7
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring the week of April 18 through 24 as “National Library Week” and presented the framed document to Library Director Ava Ketter.
Agenda Item #8
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the week of April 18 through 24 as “Rock Island Crime Victims Week.”
Agenda Item #9
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring April 18 through 25 as “Days of Remembrance.”
Agenda Item #10
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring April 20 as “Longfellow Elementary School Day” and invited residents to attend a ceremony Tuesday morning at the school for a special presentation of the National Reading Award.
Agenda Item #11
628
18 STREET/HANDICAPPED PARKING
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance removing a Handicapped Parking Space in front of 628 18th Street. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance ceding the City’s 2004 Private Activity Volume Bonding Cap to the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #13
MODERN
WOODMAN, PLAZA OFFICE BUILDING/PARKING FEES
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Modern Woodman of America in the amount of $20,977.07 and to Plaza Office Building Association in the amount of $4,956.97 for their portion of the parking revenue as required by the Parking Lot B Lease Agreement. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to accept the report and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
APRIL
9 THROUGH 15
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of April 9 through 15 in the amount of $796,959.60. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
PAYROLL
Agenda Item #15
MARCH
29 – APRIL 11
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of March 29 through April 11 in the amount of $922,413.34.
|
GENERAL FUND |
$623,128.18 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #1 DOWNTOWN |
591.72 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #2 SOUTH 11 STREET |
190.14 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #3 NORTH 11 STREET |
190.18 |
|
KING CENTER |
3,865.57 |
|
FEDERAL COPS GRANT |
2,414.25 |
|
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT |
23,618.03 |
|
LIBRARY |
41,361.90 |
|
ELDERLY SERVICES CONTRIBUTION |
652.35 |
|
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS |
6,393.66 |
|
WATER |
59,302.83 |
|
SEWER |
35,055.85 |
|
COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
10,025.42 |
|
BRIDGE |
491.91 |
|
SUNSET MARINA |
9,203.66 |
|
PARK AND RECREATION |
67,354.54 |
|
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE |
23,968.37 |
|
ENGINEERING |
395.29 |
|
SELF-INSURANCE |
1,731.56 |
|
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE |
2,753.30 |
|
MLK ACTIVITY FUND |
5,173.54 |
|
DRUG PREVENTION |
4,060.55 |
|
|
490.54 |
|
TOTAL |
$922,413.34 |
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding the support agreement with Symantec Norton Antivirus in the amount of $10,767.91, and the purchase of associated software from Hewlett Packard in the amount of $1,131.00. Alderman White asked if this would help in preventing a lot of unwanted e-mails from getting to her computer through the City e-mail system. Claire Dubuisson, Information Technology Services Department Director, responded that it would help, but not prevent all of them from getting in. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the renewal contract and software contract, and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding equipment replacement, recommending the purchases of equipment as listed from the WSCA State Contract in the amounts listed, not to exceed $117,600.00.
Alderman Bauersfeld asked if this purchase was from the General Fund, and City Manager John C. Phillips responded that it was. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to approve the purchases as recommended and authorize payments CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: Alderman Bauersfeld.
Agenda Item #18
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding the purchase of a Time-Keeping System for the Park and Recreation Department, recommending the purchase of the Infotronics Attendance Enterprise SBE 100 from Midwest Automated Time Systems in the amount of $6,698.00. Alderman Bauersfeld asked Park and Recreation Director Bill Nelson about this, and related his past experience with the system. He indicated that the system can save time, but it can also generate time. Mr. Nelson noted that currently the supervisors come in on Sunday to review all the time sheets, and payroll is not submitted to City Hall until sometime Monday. He noted that Whitewater Junction and RIFAC employees would initially use this system, with about fifty to eighty employees. Once everyone became more familiar with the system, other areas of the department would begin to use it also. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the purchase as recommended and authorize payment CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
The City Clerk read a report from General Administration regarding the Right of Way Lease to the American Bank and Trust Company, recommending approval of the lease agreement. Mike Bell, of the American Bank, reviewed the document and explained the reason the four or five parking spaces in their lot would not be available for public use, as he had stated when the lease was originally discussed in 2003. He noted that the Community Room in the lower level of the bank building is currently being converted to the Technology Hub for the American Bank. He stated that the investment in this change is about $200,000. He noted that this would add six to eight employees to those already in the building downtown. He stated that they are looking at creating a third service lane where the ATM machine is now, but this will not be done immediately. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the lease agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding the Fire Union Arbitration, recommending that Council accept the arbitrator’s award and adopt the Resolution adopting the decision of the arbitrator. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adopt the Resolution CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the Prairie View Development Group agreement, recommending that Council approve the agreement. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
1214
24 ½ STREET/STREET LIGHT REQUEST
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an appeal of a Street Light request, recommending that Council authorize the placement of a streetlight on the utility pole located near 1214 24 ½ Street. Mike Ford, 1100 24 ½ Street, stated his reasons for requesting this street light, and showed pictures taken at night when there was no light visible. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Forlini to authorize the placement of the street light as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding changes to the Facade Improvement Program, recommending approval of the increase in the facade rebate for parking lot improvements made by retail business owners, and to place a monetary cap and three-year time restriction on program participation for all business and commercial property owners. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the changes to the Facade Program as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #24
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for rezoning from C-2 to I-1 at 102 31st Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the rezoning as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #25
611
41 STREET/TARGETED REHABILITATION LOAN
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 Targeted Rehabilitation Loan at 611 41st Street in the amount of $2,775.00.
A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to commit $2,775.00 for the Targeted Rehabilitation Loan at 611 41st Street as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #26
4124
29 AVENUE/LANDSCAPING IN RIGHT OF WAY
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding landscaping within right of way at 4124 29th Avenue, recommending that the landscaping be allowed to remain with the stipulation that the owners provide the City with a copy of their homeowners insurance policy listing the City of Rock Island as additional insured due to the landscaping in the public right of way.
Rhonda Lange, 4114 29th Avenue noted that the landscaping was beautiful, but spoke against the landscaping, stating that she has six children and is concerned for their safety. She indicated that it obstructs the view of oncoming traffic. She shared pictures with Council showing a vehicle parked next to the landscaping. Keri Wright, 4124 29th Avenue, owner of the property, spoke in favor of it, noting that the vehicle (in the photo) belongs to the neighbor (Lange) and is parked next to the landscaping. She stated that the vehicle itself blocks more of the oncoming traffic than the landscaping.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to allow the landscaping to remain in public right of way, with the stipulation that they provide the insurance to the City as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #27
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding the cancellation of the City Council Meeting on May 24 to allow the City Council members to host the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to cancel the meeting of May 24 CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #28
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding the ending time for amplified music in The District, recommending that the Ordinance be amended to prohibit amplified music after 11:00 p.m in the Great River Plaza any night except Friday and Saturday nights, unless Council grants a waiver when the event is approved. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the ending time of 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday nights as recommended, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #29
EDGEWOOD
BAPTIST CHURCH/SOUND AMPLIFICATION
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application for a Sound Amplification Permit for a family event at Edgewood Baptist Church on Saturday, May 15 from 12 Noon to 6:00 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Keefe to approve the application CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #30
SOUND
AMPLIFICATION/MAY 1
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application for a Sound Amplification Permit for a wedding reception at 2323 12th Street on Saturday, May 1 from 5:00 p.m. to Midnight. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to approve the application CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Public Works Department Director Bob Hawes reviewed the IDOT Projects on IL Route 92. He noted that this would be a fast track project with a short-term design. He stated that the project would be simply maintenance. He stated that the city would get several years of use out of this resurfacing project.
Mr. Hawes reviewed the downtown parking leases and indicated that Modern Woodmen of America will no longer lease the Bank Lot as of April 30. Because of that notification, staff will provide the Plaza Office building with a similar termination notice; discontinue maintenance and operation of the Bank Lot on April 30th; and provide MWA and the Plaza Office Building with a final accounting of lot revenues and expenditures. Another payment request for both businesses will appear on an agenda in May, following the final accounting process. He noted that a different department of Modern Woodmen handles the lease agreements for Lot D and the Levee Lot. He stated that draft agreements would be developed for these lots and submitted to Council for approval in the near future.
SPRING
CLEANUP
Mr. Hawes and RICAB Executive Director Franklin Bell discussed the upcoming Spring Cleanup. Mr. Hawes noted that the pickup will be done on the residents regular collection day during the week of April 26 through 30. He noted that the purpose of this special pick up is to take bulky items such as furniture, etc. that are not normally handled by the refuse trucks.
Mr. Bell presented a t-shirt to the Mayor and gloves to the Council members. He reviewed the clean-up regulations and encouraged people with “white goods” (stoves, refrigerators, etc.) to call 1-800-917-1969 to arrange the pickup. It was noted that there would be a tire collection at two locations on May 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 6th Avenue and Second Street, and at 6th Avenue and 45th Street.
OTHER
BUSINESS
SUNSET
MARINA
Alderman Bauersfeld asked about the Sunset Marina Waiting List and the Inventory List, noting that there are a lot of names on the waiting list for the same open slips on the Inventory List. Mr. Hawes stated that the people do not want the open slips. He explained that they used to call everyone on the waiting list, but this is no longer done because it is very time-consuming for staff. He stated that the available slips are on the website, and anyone can access this at any time. He talked about the available slips, and noted that staff is working on a Marketing Plan for these. He stated that the Council would be receiving the Marketing Plan in a few weeks.
KEYSTONE
Alderman Keefe noted that the Keystone Neighborhood has their new banners up, and commended the Public Works crew for hanging them. She stated that there will be a “Banner Party/Porch Party” May 11.
WARD
MEETING
Alderman Rockwell commended Mr. Hawes and others for attending his Ward Meeting on Tuesday evening and responding to concerns and questions from the audience.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Monday, April 26 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:45 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk