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, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Absent was Alderman Daniel Rockwell. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne, Community Marketing Director Jennifer Fowler, Renaissance Rock Island President Mike Thoms, and Executive Director of Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation Brian Hollenback.
DOWNTOWN PARKING SYSTEM REPORT
City Manager John Phillips advised the parking system is less utilized than 10 years ago with less businesses; therefore, there is a need to look at changes, throw out ideas, talk to downtown businesses, and proceed from there. Alderman Austin inquired as to whether this proposal is in addition to the Schrieber-Anderson Analysis. Mr. Phillips advised the Schrieber-Anderson parking analysis is being done for future uses of the downtown area.
Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Bob Hawes discussed proposed parking changes in the downtown area from 13th Street to 24th Street and from 7th Avenue to the River. He advised of the following proposed changes: 1) retain the “brown zones” (2-hour, free, customer parking) and short-term (30-minute) parking meters; 2) retain the long-term meters (Ramp, Lot C) to provide convenient spaces for occasional visitors who need to park for more than 2 hours; 3) allow unlimited, free parking on a first come-first served basis in all on-street spaces currently used for “green zone” parking (existing “green zone” signs would be removed); 4) provide free evening event parking in all unreserved public parking spaces; and 5) create a “downtown” parking permit ($20.00/month) that authorizes parking in unreserved, unmetered spaces in the Ramp, Lot C, Lot D, and Lot E on a first come-first served basis. He informed that one of the largest change allowances is in #3. He advised the proposed changes are intended to better balance the system and provide a price incentive for greater utilization of off-street parking lots and the city’s parking ramp.
Mr. Phillips advised that this project will move forward and asked Renaissance Rock Island President Mike Thoms and Community Marketing Directing Jennifer Fowler to set up meetings in the business district for input. He advised meeting results would be brought back to Council for refinement of the proposal.
COMMUNITY MARKETING ADVERTISING PLANS 2006
Community Marketing Director Jennifer Fowler gave a brief background to date, and direction for the coming year. She informed that in 2004 a two-year marketing plan was implemented with phase one consisting of a print campaign. She advised that to continue the success of this plan another six-month advertising campaign is essential with continued focus on the eight key messages which are: 1) welcoming environment where people can move in and become a part of the community quickly; 2) supports and celebrates entrepreneurial spirit in business, civic life, and education; 3) celebrates and embraces all people and is “for” people who want to live in a diverse environment; 4) wide variety of residential housing options; 5) public and private schools are innovative and help students to be more
competitive in the real world; 6) most complete set of recreational and leisure activities in the Quad Cities; 7) outstanding city and governmental services that are second to none in the region; and 8) a regional leader in downtown development. Ms. Fowler advised she plans to proceed with a television campaign for phase two. She advised the advertising campaign would start in August 2006 and run through January/February 2007 with ads being placed on a combination of network and cable stations. She advised she has started discussions with television stations and a local film production agency and will search for media partners in this endeavor.
PROPERTY TAX REBATE PROGRAM
Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne advised that the last several years the city has been working with Renaissance Rock Island in an attempt to stimulate in-fill housing with special interest in the downtown and older neighborhoods. He advised there has been some success achieved with an increase in new rental units (particularly in the downtown area); however, there continues to be a need for new, owner occupied homes. Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation Brian Hollenback gave some background on the Clipper Condos and various other projects in the District area.
Mr. Champagne advised that for the past twelve years the city has offered a rebate of city property taxes for new single-family homes built anywhere in the city and to date 185 property owners have taken advantage of the program with rebates up to $1,500 in city taxes each year for a period of three years after the house is built. He advised the existing program is popular; however, staff believes that in order to generate more affordable new housing construction in older neighborhoods a more aggressive approach is needed. An additional, new tax rebate program is being recommended which would be similar to the existing program but with some important changes. One change would be the program would be geographically targeted to the New/Old Chicago Neighborhood and the Downtown Tax Increment Finance District. Another proposed change is the rebate term for the targeted neighborhoods be extended to a 10-year, graduated rebate term.
SEWER LATERAL REPAIR PROGRAM
Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Bob Hawes spoke on the new proposed sewer lateral repair program. He advised the water repair program has gone well and staff is recommending a sewer repair program be added. He advised, like the water repair program, this program would be available on a voluntary basis to residential property customers with sewer laterals that are six (6) inches in diameter or less. He advised the program charge would be $108.00 per year ($9.00 per month) which would be added to the regular water/sewer/stormwater utility bill and the City would repair sewer lateral failures for subscribers up to a cost of $4,000 for the plumbing repairs and an additional $4,000 for surface restoration.
LOCK AND DAM 15 LIGHTING PROJECT
Community and Economic Development Department Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen advised a mock up at the Dam has been set for the evening of Wednesday, May 10, for public viewing. He advised each of the four concepts would be presented on different sections of the dam.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Pauley to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was adjourned at 6:28 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, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Absent was Alderman Daniel Rockwell.
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. Mayor Schwiebert gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Minutes of the meeting of April 17, 2006 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PRESENTATION
Agenda Item #6
CASINO ROCK ISLAND
Casino Rock Island President Ron Wicks gave a presentation on the new casino project. Mr. Wicks advised of a press conference that was held earlier that morning announcing the revised plans to construct the proposed new casino and thanked the City for its support and patience regarding this project. He advised the new proposal would construct the project in one phase instead of two phases and informed Council that the project has gone from a $60 million to a $125 million project.
Mr. Wicks shared some of the details of the new property advising the casino would be all on one level with the property hosting a 300-seat buffet, a 60-75 seat fine dining restaurant, a deli, and a coffee shop with light meals. There will also be a 200-room hotel, a theater, and conference/banquet space. Mr. Wicks advised there would be a 450-space parking structure, 1150 surface parking spaces and an additional 200 employee parking spaces.
Mayor Schwiebert mentioned the prime visible location of this project and inquired as to the tentative date of groundbreaking. Mr. Wicks advised there has been a slight delay due to construction issues; however, groundbreaking is anticipated to begin mid-summer 2006 with a targeted completion date of late 2007, early 2008.
Agenda Item #7
AWARD PRESENTATION BY RIVER
ACTION
Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Bob Hawes and Marina Manager Melody Miller presented Mayor Schwiebert with the City’s second Eddy Award from River Action. This award was presented to the City for Stewardship and the Rain Garden Program.
Agenda Item #8
Mayor Schwiebert presented a Proclamation declaring May 4, 2006, as the Day of Prayer. Pastor Steve Stephens from Word of Life Church was present to accept the Proclamation.
Agenda Item #9
Mayor Schwiebert presented a Proclamation declaring the week of May 1 through 7, 2006, as Public Service Recognition Week. He advised of the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner being held Monday, May 8, to recognize all the volunteers on various City boards and commissions. City Manager Phillips accepted the Proclamation on behalf of all City employees.
Agenda Item #10
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 7:01 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Mary Benhart for a Special Use Permit to amend an existing Special Use Permit to operate a children’s consignment shop at 1821 29-1/2 Street.
Mary Benhart, 3507 14th Avenue, Rock Island, filed an application to amend an existing Special Use Permit and will move, Lauren’s Closet, a children’s clothing, furniture and toy business from Moline. Mayor Schwiebert read the stipulations for approval of the request, which are: primary business - 1) the business be limited to one resident and three non-resident employees; 2) hours of operation shall be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 Noon to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday; 3) a minimum of 11 off street parking spaces be provided; 4) a lighted, attached sign (4’ x 8’) shall be allowed on the north side of the structure; 5) the structure shall meet all applicable code requirements, and for outdoor advertising sign – 1) an unlighted sign (2’ x 5’2”) be allowed at the northeast corner of the Hy-Vee property.
Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to any persons present to speak in favor of, or in opposition to, the Special Use Permit. With none present, Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:04 p.m.
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy, to approve the Special Use Permit and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance, CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ORDINANCES
Agenda Item #11
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING TYPE
B RESIDENTIAL PARKING ONLY/916 – 34TH STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing Type B Residential Parking Only Area at 916-34th Street. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER
10/SOLID WASTE ORDINANCE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance Special Ordinance amending Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances. 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: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance authorizing acquisition certain properties located along 85th Avenue West. 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, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
RESOLUTION/FY 2007 COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a Resolution supporting $4.3 Billion in FY 2007 funding for the Community Development Block Grant Program. Mayor Schwiebert highlighted some of the major points of the Resolution advising that the President’s proposed budget would drastically reduce funding and would have a devastating effect on the City’s CDBG program informing this would be a step in the wrong direction.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Murphy to adopt the Resolution as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Conroy to accept the following report and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
a. Report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Mid American Energy in the amount of $2,328.69 for a general liability claims.
b. Report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Califf and Harper in the amount of $4,348.61 for legal services rendered during the month of March 2006.
c. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brandt Construction in the amount of $26,028.89 for manhole reconstruction under railroad tracks.
d. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to C. H. Langman, Inc. in the amount of $8,062.81 for emergency sewer repair at 42nd Street and 15th Avenue.
Agenda Item #16
The City Clerk read the claims for the weeks of April 14 through April 27 in the amount of $1,023,727.09. A motion made by Alderman Conroy seconded by Alderman Murphy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
APRIL 10 THROUGH APRIL 23
The City Clerk read the Payroll for the weeks of April 10 through April 23 in the amount of $1,075,846.47. 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, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
FIBER OPTICS CABLE PHASE
3B BIDS/DAVENPORT ELECTRIC
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Fiber Optics Cable Phase 3B Project recommending the bid be awarded to Davenport Electric in the amount of $77,784.00. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White 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, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
2006 MUDJACKING PROGRAM
BIDS/KELLY CONSTRUCTION OF DAVENPORT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2006 Mudjacking Program recommending the bid be awarded to Kelly Construction of Davenport, Inc. in the amount of $30,050.00. 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, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
2006 CATCH BASIN REBUILD PROGRAM BIDS/C. H. LANGMAN & SON, INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2006 Catch Basin Rebuild Program recommending the bid be awarded to C. H. Langman & Son, Inc. in the amount of $92,850.00. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy 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, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
WATER
DISTRIBUTION FACILITY RENOVATIONS BIDS/GENERAL CONSTRUCTORS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Water Distribution Facility Renovations recommending the bid be awarded to General Constructors, Inc. in the amount of $456,500.00 with a change order to reduce the contract amount to $381,000.00. A motion made by Alderman Conroy 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, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for cleaning the chlorine scrubber tanks and disposal of all recovered hazardous wastes recommending the bid be awarded to Environmental Management Services, Inc. in the amount of $1,959.00 plus a disposal charge of $0.25 per gallon of waste recovered. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin 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, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
2006 SIDEWALK/CURB REPLACEMENT
PROGRAM BIDS/CENTENNIAL CONTRACTORS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the 2006 Sidewalk/Curb Replacement Program recommending the bid be awarded to Centennial Contractors in the amount of $60,857.00. A motion made by Alderman Pauley 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, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #24
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding storm drainage improvement, east of 38th Street and south of 29th Avenue, recommending the bid be awarded to Andrews Carpentry and Construction, Inc. in the amount of $134,602.89. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White 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, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #25
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a proposal from Baecke Appraisers on the Centennial Bridge Property recommending approval of the proposal and payment in the amount of $3,250.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman
Murphy to approve the proposal and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #26
24TH STREET WATER TOWER LEASE AGREEMENT/ROCK ISLAND SHERIFF DEPT.
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a lease agreement with the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Department for permission to use space at the 24th Street Water Tower. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the lease agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #27
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding the liability insurance program for 2006/2007 recommending approval of Cleaveland Insurance’s self-insurance policy recommendations and payment to Cleaveland Insurance in the amount of $326,923.00 and Crawford & Company in the amount of $17,920.00. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Pauley 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, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #28
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a contract with EnvironNET for environmental cleanup at the Willey and Navistar properties in an amount not to exceed $60,000 for the packaging, transportation, disposal, and documentation of special and hazardous waste. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the contract and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #29
REZONING FROM R3 TO R4
DISTRICT/615 – 31ST STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding rezoning from R3 District to R4 District at 615 31st Street. (Note: Item was Deferred April 10 - A motion remains on the floor – Motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to approve the rezoning as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance.)
(Note: Applicant has requested that the item be deferred until May 15.) A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to DEFER this item to May 15 CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #30
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding land acquisition of three parcels from the State of Illinois, payment to the State in the amount of $111,700.00 and conveyance of a City-owned land parcel to the State. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the acquisition and conveyance and payment as recommended, refer to the City Attorney for preparation of Ordinances and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #31
BOULEVARD PARKING/438 – 4TH STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic and Engineering Committee regarding resubmission of a request from Larry Woodward of the J. L. Watts Company for boulevard parking, recommending that boulevard parking be allowed on the west side of 4th Street and the north side of 5th Avenue adjacent to the Watts property as long as it meets driveway standards and is completed by June 1, 2006. A motion was made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to support the original recommendation of the Traffic and Engineering Committee as recommended.
Larry Woodward, Corporate Counsel for J.L. Watts Company, 525 17th Street, Rock Island, addressed Council regarding this item. He advised the original request was submitted on September 12, 2005 and granted with modifications indicating this would require removal of mature trees, the erection of a retaining wall, and the possible reworking of utilities and the company sign, added to the fact that this boulevard area has been utilized for over thirty years for parking. Alderman White inquired as to whether the company’s employees are currently parking in the gravel area. Mr. Woodward advised they have not used the area in the past month, as they would now begin receiving citations for parking there. Alderman White inquired as to whether the company had a paved lot on their property. Mr. Woodward advised the company does not have the space on their property for employee parking. Alderman White advised that if this request was to be reconsidered the area would need to be paved, cleaned up, dumpster containers properly placed on the company’s property, suggested planting of evergreens and landscaping. Mr. Woodward advised if he was granted a month, he could come in with a proposal for a landscaping plan and the other required elements.
Phil Scot, 8701 51st Street W, addressed Council regarding this item advising four dumpsters from the J.L. Watts Company have been out on the right-of-way instead of on their property properly out of view. Mr. Scott advised of his plans to remove the building on his property and replace it with an upscale building with a high level exterior finish and quality landscaping in a professional business park.
Mayor Schwiebert advised Mr. Woodward that he has one month to come back with a proposal for the Watts property regarding the dumpsters, suitable landscaping and a parking scheme. Alderman White advised the placement of the dumpsters outside of the Watts property should stop immediately.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to DEFER this item for one month CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #32
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee requesting installation of a stop sign at 19th Street and 12th Avenue. A motion was made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Austin to deny the request as recommended. Alderman White requested to defer this item until May 15 in order to allow her to speak with the requestor and have the proper procedure implemented for a request, including a petition.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to DEFER this item to May 15 CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #33
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee requesting installation of stop signs at 9-1/2 Street at 19th and 20th Avenues. Pete Devlin, 1930 10th Street, addressed Council on this item advising there are several handicapped residents, they have a neighborhood watch and this is a dangerous area for speeding and was in favor of this request.
A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #34
The City Clerk read a report from the Mayor’s Office regarding reappointments to various boards and commissions. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the reappointments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #35
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding Rock Island Clean and Beautiful requesting permission to hang a full-size banner to advertise the 2006 Annual Downtown Clean Up. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the request as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #36
STREET CLOSING/SOUND
AMPLIFICATION/8TH STREET BETWEEN 15TH & 16TH
AVE.
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding street closing/sound amplification applications at 8th Street between 15th & 16th Avenues on Saturday, June 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the applications as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #37
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application for the Girl Scouts of the Mississippi Valley Race to be held Saturday, May 20, 2006. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the application as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #38
EVENT APPLICATION AND RESOLUTION/AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION HEART WALK
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application and Resolution for the American Heart Association Heart Walk to be held Saturday, June 3, 2006. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the application and adopt the Resolution as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
City Manager John Phillips gave an updated status report on City Council goals addressing the following issues: 1) Approval of Capital Improvement Plan to begin major upgrades to the City’s water and wastewater systems, and approval of the Long Term Control Plan to be submitted to the USEPA; 2) demolition process at QCIC and plans for the Sylvan Slough Natural Area; 3) construction of the new Casino Rock Island; 4) the balanced budget and tax levy; 5) implementation of the Automated Solid Waste Collection System; 6) completion of a 40,000 square foot expansion of Steel Warehouse; 7) Wheelan Funeral Home’s plans to construct a new $2 million funeral home; 8) the DeMarche live/work project; 9) construction on a 45,000 square foot expansion at Norcross; and 10) the Quad City Botanical Center new Children’s Garden and their $750,000 Scenic Byways Grant.
Community and Economic Development Department Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen spoke about the showing of the Lock and Dam 15 Lighting demonstration taking place May 10. This is for public viewing and will begin after dark, approximately 8:30 p.m. This mock up of the lighting proposal will show off each of the four concepts and can be viewed from either side of the river or on the river.
Mr. Phillips advised the confirmed dates of October 13 and 14, 2006 for the 2006 Goal Setting Weekend.
Mr. Phillips addressed Council regarding the Mayor’s request for volunteers for the Citizen of the Year Committee. Aldermen White and Murphy volunteered to be on the committee.
Mr. Phillips mentioned the Annual Police Bicycle Auction to be held on Saturday, May 6, in the lower level of the parking ramp with the viewing of bicycles between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. and the auction to begin at 9:00 a.m. He also mentioned the Annual Downtown Clean-Up to be held on Saturday, May 6.
Chief John Wright spoke about the recent violent crimes that have been committed in Rock Island noting all the help that has been received from the community and advising of the other agencies that have been enlisted to assist in conducting various aspects of the investigations. He advised that arrests have been made in most of the cases. He advised that in a couple of cases drugs were involved; however, none of these have been gang related, but resulted from differences between several families.
Mayor Schwiebert advised assistance is needed from local churches and civil leaders and the punishment will be tough where guns are involved. Alderman Brooks advised that most of these crimes were committed by adults, not kids and also advised that the citizens are please with the progress that has been made by the police department. He informed that, in spite of the rainy weather on April 29, a 100-Man March was held with 200-250 people being involved, which received a positive outcome and advised the police department was very supportive and helpful.
Alderman Conroy mentioned the remarkable courage of the citizens, leaders and police department and their commitment to work together to fight the fight. Alderman Austin advised that he and Alderman White attended a lunch where Officer Buzz Robinson was the guest speaker and Alderman Austin encouraged any group to invite Officer Robinson to speak at their function. Alderman White added that Officer Robinson is a very giving and dedicated police officer. Mayor Schwiebert commended Chief Wright and the police department in their hard work and diligence in these recent acts of violence.
City Manager Phillips announced there would be no Council meeting on Monday, May 8, due to the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.
Mayor Schwiebert advised Council to begin thinking about a new Mayor Pro Tem to be placed on the May 15 agenda.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Conroy mentioned a gravel corner lot the City has purchased, in the area when coming from Milan to Rock Island, and noted the gravel lot will be changed to a hard surface; however, was concerned with regard to variances being issued on the gravel lots and inquired about a time limit given on variances. Community and Economic Development Department Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen advised the zoning ordinance states there has to be a hard surface and any variance from that has to be made at the zone of appeals and only are done on a short-term request with a couple of exceptions. He advised there are incentive programs available to assist businesses.
Timothy Dooling, 832 – 14-1/2 Street, addressed the Council regarding the theft of his backpack advising he requested the investigation be reopened; however, was denied. He also advised that within an hour of his request his backpack appeared at the Moline Police Department, which was reported to have been found at Green Valley Park. He advised all of his financial instruments were returned except for nineteen dollars and change and a few other items appeared to be missing. He advised he saw a picture of the videotape of the individual who had turned in his backpack and has seen this individual before but could not place him. Mr. Dooling advised he would like the person who took his backpack to come forward and confess.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Austin to recess to Monday, May 15, at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:15 p.m.
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Cynthia A. Neiggemann, City Clerk