The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 25, 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, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Special Project Coordinator Sally Heffernan, and Land and Program Coordinator Mary Chappell. Also present was Dan Carmody of Renaissance Rock Island.
City Manager John C. Phillips distributed memos and items of reference for the City Council.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Austin to recess to Executive Session on matters of Property Acquisition/Disposition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 5:05 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:40 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White 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.
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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 25, 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 White and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the Minutes of the meeting of April 18 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert, along with Fire Chief Jerry Shirk, presented awards to four firefighters and three Police Officers who worked together to help save a family at a large house fire on 28th Street at 8 ˝ Avenue. Chief Shirk spoke about the two departments working together and noted that this fire presented a number of complications, one of which was the location of the house on a hill. The awards were presented to Lt Daniel Morck, Lt. Jeffrey Yerkey, Firefighter Jerry Wiesman, Firefighter Robert Graff, RIPD Sgt. Robert Schroeder, RIPD Officer Benjamin Smith, and RIPD Officer Travis Haun. Chief Shirk and Mayor Schwiebert commended all Fire Fighters and Police Officers for the work that they do on a daily basis.
PROCLAMATION
Agenda Item #7
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation
declaring the week of May 1 as Youth Week.
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance ceding the city’s 2005 Private Activity Volume Bonding Cap to the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority. A motion made by Alderman Austin 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 #9
NO PARKING ZONE/SECOND AVENUE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amendment regarding a No Parking Zone on Second Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: Alderman Conroy.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #10a
WALKER, ATTORNEY LOEVEY-RAYES/SETTLEMENT
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Anthony Walker and Attorney Mark Loevy-Rayes in the amount of $80,000 identified in settlement agreement.
Agenda Item #10b
SHIVE-HATTERY/SAUKIE BASEBALL FIELD
DETENTION POND
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Shive-Hattery in the amount of $2,489.66 for construction consulting services for the Saukie Baseball Field Detention Pond project.
Agenda Item #10c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley and Associates in the amount of $824.00 for the 24th Street Resurfacing from 17th Street to Blackhawk Road.
Agenda Item #10d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley and Associates in the amount of $3,601.30 for the American Discovery Trail project.
Agenda Item #10e
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $3,028.00 for professional services for Water Treatment Evaluation.
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell 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 15 through 21 in the amount of $350,661.57. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
CUMMINS CENTRAL POWER/EMERGENCY INJECTOR PUMP
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of an emergency injector pump, recommending approval of the purchase from Cummins Central Power LLC in the amount of $2,967.15. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the purchase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
FLOW TECHNICS/SLUDGE DISCHARGE PUMP PARTS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of sludge discharge pump parts, recommending the purchase from Flow Technics in the amount of $9,250.00. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the purchase as recommended and authorize payment CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
VALLEY CONSTRUCTION/EMERGENCY STORM SEWER REPAIR
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for an emergency storm sewer repair, recommending the bid of Valley Construction in the amount of $73,705.22. 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, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
McADAM & ASSOCIATES/SPECIAL USE PERMIT
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from McAdam & Associates for permission to apply for a Special Use Permit to operate a horizontal grinder and a tub grinder for processing wood at 320/340 34th Avenue.
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to allow McAdam and Associates to apply for the Special Use Permit CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #16
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a final plan, rezoning from R-3 to Planned Unit Development for seventy four condominium “villa’ units/lots at the College Hill condominium project at 1000 30th Street. Alderman White asked if the Planned Unit Developments have different requirements for setback and sidewalks. Planning Administrator Alan Carmen responded that there are standards, but the specific requirements are generally based on the topography and the location of the storm water drain, etc. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to approve the site plan and rezoning, refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance and refer the on-street parking to Traffic Engineering for review CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #17
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a request from Copia to place an outdoor expansion into Arts Alley right of way, recommending that Copia be allowed to place the fencing, tables, chairs and masonry bar with the Arts Alley Right of Way with stipulations that they provide a certificate of insurance and apply for the Plaza Outdoor Café Permit. Council discussed the proposal, noting that the furniture and fence are portable and not permanent. The only permanent structure on the right of way will be the masonry bar. Following discussion, a motion to allow Copia to expand into Arts Alley right of way as recommended with stipulations stated CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #18
The City Clerk read a memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending one reappointment of Greg Vogele and the new appointments of Dave Morrison and Bob Braun to the Preservation Commission. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the appointments as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #19
The City Clerk read a report from the City Manager regarding the requests for Security for Special Events, recommending rescinding the approval for waiver of the fees for the Girl Scout Run, giving them a contribution in the amount of $1000 for the organization, and denying other requests for waiver of fees. Alderman Austin asked if the money was to be used for a specific purpose or used for the organization in general. City Manager John Phillips noted that there was no distinction made, and Alderman Conroy stated that this is a one-time contribution and they should be able to use the money as needed.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to rescind the approval for the Girl Scouts, approve the contribution of $1000 to them, and deny the other requests for waivers of fees as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
The next item on the Agenda was a discussion regarding the Extended Hours Option Ordinance. Mayor Schwiebert stated that the bar owners have been paying the off-duty officers for the extra security provided for the District, but now some of the bar owners are refusing to participate. He suggested not getting rid of the extended hours, and referred to the draft ordinance prepared by Assistant City Attorney Ted Kutsunis requiring any District bar that wanted extended hours to participate in the program and pay the fees.
Alderman White noted that she and Alderman Bauersfeld had been meeting with some of the bar owners as well as the District Board, and she stated that they also met with the Police Chief and the City Manager. She stated that additional meetings are planned with the bar owners and the District Board, and other issues have been brought up that need to be dealt with in addition to this concern. She stated that these are minor issues that can be addressed later.
Alderman Bauersfeld stated that one of the issues is also the boundary definition. He stated that they are suggesting including all the bars between 1st and 5th Avenues and 15th and 24th Streets. He stated that the bar owners are indicating that all bar owners should pay a fee since those that close at 1 still have patrons who go to the District after the bar closes. He indicated that it has been suggested that the fee be paid as part of the liquor license fees and the District pay the officers who would be scheduled by the Police Department. He also indicated that the officers work fewer hours – midnight to 3 a.m. – so it would not cost as much as it does now. Alderman Conroy ex[pressed his concern about charging the bars that close at 1 a.m., and suggested that they look at the size of the establishment when creating the fees. Alderman Rockwell stated that he had been in the District Saturday night to observe the people, and noted that the crowds gather in the District in one area and not all over the District when the bars close.
Mayor Schwiebert stated that it is important to draw a distinction between the larger and smaller bars, and stated that those who want the extended hours should have the burden of paying for that benefit. He stated that the ordinance would be redrafted, and some clarification is needed regarding who collects the funds, who pays the officers, an clarification of the boundaries. He commended the bar owners for stepping up to discuss this issue. Alderman White stated that she has another meeting planned with the District Board and staff. She stated that another meeting is also planed with the bar owners. Mayor Schwiebert suggested that the 1:00 a.m. liquor license holders also be invited for input, and suggested also that Assistant City Attorney Ted Kutsunis be invited.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to DEFER this item for two weeks for further study and information CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ITEMS FROM THE
CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
DOWNTOWN CLEAN UP
City Manager John Phillips expressed appreciation to the people who helped with the downtown clean up on Saturday.
HY VEE
Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne reviewed the report regarding the status of the Hy-Vee store project. He noted that Hy-Vee has purchased nine of the ten properties initially agreed on, and one property, owned by Embassy, Inc., is holding up the process. He stated that Hy-Vee has done everything they need to do and the city has also done what they can do up to this point.
Alderman White expressed concern that one property owner can hold up a project that would be beneficial to the City as well as to the residents. Mayor Schwiebert stated that Attorney Joel Deutsch is the owner of the property, and encouraged residents to contact him with their concerns. Alderman Murphy also encouraged people to let Hy-Vee know that the city is still supporting them with this project and want them to continue with their plans.
HANDICAPPED PARKING
Mr. Phillips called attention to the information provided by Public Works regarding the Handicapped Parking Space that was approved by the City Council a few weeks ago. He noted that Fred Pope is listed as the owner of the property, is registered to vote at this address, and gets his mail here. He stated that it would be difficult to prove that Mr. Pope does not live there. Alderman Rockwell pointed out that the petition showed different results from the original report, and he felt it should be looked at again. Alderman White stated that there was a lot of parking on the street and she was not sure why a Handicapped Parking Space at this residence would bother the neighbors living several doors down. Following further discussion, Council decided not to change their initial decision.
OTHER BUSINESS
FAMILY DOLLAR
Alderman Brooks expressed concern about the appearance and condition of the Family Dollar Store on 11th Street. He noted that this was discussed a couple years ago and then was patched up some, but they have apparently let it go again. He stated that lights on the sign are out and the parking lot is full of holes. He stated that they don’t have any respect for the community if they leave their store looking the way it is.
Greg Champagne stated that he was there last week and took some pictures that are being e-mailed and will be surface-mailed to the corporate headquarters.
ALDERMAN BAUERSFELD
Alderman Bauersfeld noted that this was his last full meeting, and he expressed his appreciation to the citizens for supporting him over the years and voting for him. He expressed appreciation to the Council members currently serving as well as those he has served with in the past twenty-six years. He also commended the staff and the City Manager, the City Attorney and the City Clerk individually. He noted that the Council members work well together and have respect for each other outside of the meeting. He commented on the teamwork aspect of the Council as well as the staff.
Alderman Bauersfeld then announced that he was officially resigning from the committees and commissions he was currently serving on as a member of the City Council, and stated that he looks forward to another appointment.
MELISSA VOGT
Alderman Austin expressed his appreciation to Rock Island Argus reporter Melissa Vogt who has accepted a position in Washington D. C. and will be leaving Rock Island at the end of the week. He commended her for her accuracy in reporting the news from the City.
SURVEY
Mayor Schwiebert reviewed the results of a survey that his campaign committee did during his campaign. He stated that this is not a scientific survey, and the number of voters in the area dictated the number of people in the area that were surveyed. He stated that there were about two hundred responses, and reviewed the results.
CASINO
Mayor Schwiebert also reviewed the results of a meeting in Chicago earlier Monday with Attorney General Lisa Madigan. He noted that he and Ron Wicks of Casino Rock Island met with Attorney General Madigan as well as other legislators. He stated that she seems unwilling to bridge from the “non-opinion” about the relocation of the riverboat. She indicated that additional legislation is needed and she offered to assist with the draft of the wording for this. Mayor Schwiebert stated that they would continue to work with the legislators and encourage the public to share their concerns with the legislators. Alderman Conroy stated that the Casino has invested millions of dollars in the site development already, and added that East St. Louis also needs this legislation. Mr. Phillips noted that this would help both the city and the state financially.
85TH AVENUE PAVING PROJECT
Phil Scott, 8701 51st Street West, spoke about the proposed 85th Avenue paving project. He stated that the project as proposed is an ill-conceived concept in his opinion. He discussed the fact that he served on the Southwest Rock Island Planning Commission, and the goal was to have a route that would add to the quality of the area. He stated that the project as planned would allow heavy trucks to drive on 85th Avenue.
Mr. Scott stated that he has 45 acres of land there that he has planned to use for a twenty-four-lot development. He stated that if the road goes through permitting the noise of the trucks, he would pass on the subdivision. He suggested that Public Works get together with Community Development and the citizens from this area to discuss this and to review the study that was done a few years ago regarding this area; He stated that this project is not in keeping with the Master Plan. Public Works Director Bob Hawes explained that this has been in the CIP for a number of years, and the street will be twenty-four feet wide, with a shoulder, and bike path on each side of it. He stated that 1.3 million dollars will come from Federal money and will not be available if trucks are not allowed to drive on the street.
Ken Keller, 5008 85th Avenue West, stated that he lives across from Holland Trucking and the road is very intense with truck traffic. He stated that only a few trucks have to use this road because they have access from other roads. He noted that one lady has a house that has cracked walls due to the truck traffic. He stated that the quality of life would not be better with the road going in and asked that Council take a look at this again.
Following discussion, consensus was that this topic be presented for discussion at a Study Session in the near future.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Executive Session on matters of Property Acquisition/Disposition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:15 p.m.
RECESS
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 8:40 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Brooks to recess to Monday, May 2 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Voice vote.
The meeting was recessed at 8:41 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk