The Rock Island City Council met for Study Session on Monday, May 3, 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 R. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Dan Rockwell, Evelyn “Evie” R. White and Ann Keefe. (Seventh Ward Alderman Frank J. Forlini, Jr. passed away Friday, April 30.) Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Chief Building Inspection Tom Ayers, Fire Chief Jerry Shirk, Fire Marshall Jeff Hindman, Personnel Director John Thorson and Personnel Assistant Troy Larson.
CODE UPDATES
Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne reviewed the information about the new 2003 Editions of the International Fire Code and the International Building Code. He stated that there have not been a lot of substantive changes made to either code. He then reviewed the International Property Maintenance Code. He noted that this code would give the Inspection Division more control on the exterior of buildings, such as peeling paint, etc. He stated that this would apply to all buildings – commercial as well as residential.
Council discussed the Property Maintenance Code and asked how it would be enforced. Mr. Ayers stated that it would be a new tool for staff to use that would allow them to respond to limitations of the existing ordinance. Alderman Bauersfeld asked specifically if a complaint about exterior peeling paint could initiate an interior inspection. He expressed concern that the Property Maintenance Code would address social problems rather than blight. Mr. Ayers stated that this would be addressed with an appropriate checklist rather than the penalty or remedy being left up to an individual inspector.
Alderman Brooks added that he is concerned about commercial property as well as residential, noting that there are businesses making money but allowing the outside of their building to deteriorate. Alderman Conroy stated that he would like to now the amount of staff time needed to check all minor complaints on peeling paint, adding that staff has done a good job with the ordinances in place now. Alderman White expressed concern about the staff, stating that they don’t have personnel to take care of what is on the books now, and asked if they will have enough personnel to address new codes. Alderman Rockwell noted his concerns about this begin used to address frivolous complaints such as decorative features that do not pose a threat to the safety and welfare of the people.
Mayor Schwiebert stated that this could be an ordinance that becomes a tool to crack down on chronic violators of property maintenance. He requested more information on a range of options, Blight Reduction Ordinances, and a definition of Blight Reduction. Alderman Conroy also asked if it would take more manpower to enforce these ordinances, and asked that the report include Personnel implications.
Chief Shirk stated that there are no significant changes to the 2003 International Fire Code. He noted that other cities are also adopting it. Fire Marshal Jeff Hindman noted that there would be a requirement of a sprinkler system in multi-family buildings such as apartment buildings. This will apply to new construction, or extensive remodeling projects.
Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson and Personnel Assistant Troy Larson gave a brief overview of the previous and current pay-for-performance systems. Mr. Thorson stated that the previous system was in place from January 1989 through March 2000. The current PFP system has been in place since April 2000. He stated that about 95% of the employees receive a merit increase. Mr. Phillips stated that most of the employees were in Steps to obtain their wage increases, and when Steps were eliminated, they went to this system. He stated that the Police and Fire both continue to have Step increases. Council expressed concern that the Merit Increases were being given to everyone. Alderman Rockwell asked about the section that indicated that some supervisors were late in getting their evaluations completed. Mr. Phillips explained that this does happen but not frequently. Aldermen then asked if Supervisors ever lost their increase due to the late evaluations, and Mr. Phillips stated that this has happened in the past also. He noted that the evaluation process is time-consuming, and sometimes other major projects are given priority. Alderman Bauersfeld stated that the Pay for Performance is a good program, and should apply to most employees, but not apply to those who are currently in Steps.
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Keefe to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, 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, May 3, 2004 in the Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall. Present
were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I,
David R. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Dan Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie"
R. White and Ann Keefe. (Seventh
Ward Alderman Frank J. Forlini, Jr.
passed away Friday, April 30.)
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting
to Order, led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of
America and gave the Invocation.
Alderman Keefe made corrections to the Minutes of the meeting of April
26: Page 4 – Agenda Item #8 – (Strike out) “to consider the ordinance as
amended….” “…delete Item C from the amended ordinance …”. and “The
motion to consider the amended ordinance…”, and to Agenda Item #9,
add “The motion as amended CARRIED on a Voice vote.” Following these
corrections, a motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to
approve the Minutes of the meeting of Monday, April 26, with corrections noted,
CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
COLLEEN
WIEMERSLAGE-BROMLEY/EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
Mayor Schwiebert and City Manager John C. Phillips presented the Employee Recognition Award to Colleen Wiemerslage-Bromley of the Information Technology Services Department for customer service to the other employees as well as her technology skills with the Web Page for the City.
Agenda Item #7
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring May 7 as Day of Prayer.
Agenda Item #8
QUAD CITIES
NATIONAL WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK/MAY 9 – 15
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring May 9 through 15 as Quad Cities Women’s Health Week. He presented the framed document to Ida Robinson of the Martin Luther King Center and Gaye Burnett of RICCA. Ms. Burnett outlined the activities scheduled for the week of May 9 through 15.
Agenda Item #9
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring May 2 through 8 as Municipal Clerks Week. He presented the framed document to City Clerk Jeanne Paggen.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read an Ordinance amending Chapter 10, Article I, regarding “Disturbing the Peace.” A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Brooks to pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read an Ordinance amending Chapter 10, article I, regarding “Curfew Hours for Minors.” City Attorney John Konecky commented on the changes that were made to this ordinance at the request of Council. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Brooks to pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read an Ordinance regarding “Public Urination and Defecation.” A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
PENALTY/DISTURBING
THE PEACE, PUBLIC URINATION AND DEFECATION
The City Clerk read an Ordinance amending Chapter 10, Article I, regarding the penalty for “Disturbing the Peace” and “Public Urination and Defecation.” A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
PRIVATE
PARKING/4230 11 STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regulating parking on private property at 4230 11th Street. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
GOVERNMENTAL
ETHICS/AMENDMENT
The City Clerk read an Ordinance amending Section 2-105 through 2-110 of the Code of Ordinances, regarding Governmental Ethics. City Manager John Phillips explained the need for this ordinance, and Mayor Schwiebert noted that he would be appointing a three-member Ethics Commission. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #16a
CITY
ATTORNEY/APRIL STATEMENT
The City Clerk read a statement from the City Attorney in the amount of $5,657.00 for legal services during the month of April.
Agenda Item #16b
ARBITRATOR
NATHAN/FIRE ARBITRATION COSTS
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Arbitrator Nathan in the amount of $3,679.76 for the city’s portion of the arbitration costs.
Agenda Item #16c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Republic Electric Company in the amount of $2,604.77 for the replacement of a light pole on the East Plaza.
Agenda Item #16d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Baecke Appraisers in the amount of $10,725.00 for special assessment appraisals.
Agenda Item #16e
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Abonmarche Consultants in the amount of $2,053.25 for construction management services for the Sunset Marina dredging.
Agenda Item #16f
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Gardner Carton and Douglas in the amount of $7,431.85 for professional services for the Pretreatment Program – NPDES Permit.
Agenda Item #16g
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $914.58 for the Long Term Control Plan for the period of February 28 through April 2.
Agenda Item #16h
TRIAD ENGINEERING/RAW WATER
INTAKE STUDY
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $959.00 for the Raw Water Intake Study.
Agenda Item #16i
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $18,615.50 for the Water & Sewer Extension Turkey Hollow Road and Remote Chlorination System.
Agenda Item #16j
TRIAD ENGINEERING/LONG TERM CONTROL PLAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $158,286.45 for the Long Term Control Plan for the period of February 28 through April 2.
Agenda Item #16k
SHIVE-HATTERY/38 STREET AREA STORM WATER PLAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Shive-Hattery in the amount of $3,699.80 for 38th Street Area Storm Water Plan.
Agenda Item #16l
GENERAL CONSTRUCTORS/
RIDGEWOOD WATER B. S. CHEMICAL FEED MODIFICATIONS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors in the amount of $16,597.81 for the Ridgewood Water B.S. Chemical Feed Modifications.
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
APRIL 23 – 29
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of April 23 through 29 in the amount of $716,838.55. 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 and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
APRIL 12 – 25
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of April 12 through 25 in the amount of $951,889.59. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
JANITORIAL SUPPLIES/GREAT WESTERN SUPPLY
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for Janitorial Supplies, recommending that the purchase order for All American Poly be cancelled, and the bid be awarded to Great Western Supply in the amount of $2,044.04. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to cancel the purchase order for All American Poly, award the bid to Great Western Supply and authorize purchase as recommended, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
RAIL CITY CONSTRUCTION/2004 SIDEWALK AND CURB
REPLACEMENT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2004 Sidewalk and Curb Replacement Program, recommending the bid of Rail City Construction in the amount of $50,335.14. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell 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, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
PEETERS SOD COMPANY/2004 SOD AND TREE PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2004 Sod and Tree Program, recommending the bid of Peeters Sod Company in the amount of $24,155.50.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe 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 and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
KELLY CONSTRUCTION/2004
MUDJACKING PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2004 Mudjacking Program, recommending the bid of Kelly Construction in the amount of $22,900.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe 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 and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
WELLNESS PROGRAM/GENESIS
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding bids for the Police and Fire Wellness Program, recommending that the Council authorize the program to be fully funded in the amount of $20,240.00, and that the wellness screening bid be awarded to Genesis Occupational Health. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to authorize the program to be fully funded in the amount of $20,240.00, the bid be awarded to Genesis Occupational Health and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #24
ORDINANCE/ANIMAL
DEFECATION ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding modification to an ordinance regarding animal defecation, to include private property. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to approve the modifications as recommended, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #25
MAYOR PRO TEM/NOMINATIONS
The City Clerk read a Memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert regarding the selection of Mayor Pro Tem. Alderman Brooks nominated Alderman White, which nomination was seconded by Alderman Conroy. Alderman White was elected as Mayor Pro Tem by Voice vote.
Agenda Item #26
1822 9 ½ STREET/TARGETED
REHABILITATION LOAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment from City Council for a Targeted Rehabilitation Loan in the amount of $2,110.00 for 1822 9 ½ Street. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Brooks to commit $2,110.00 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #27
916 21 STREET/TARGETED
REHABILITATION LOAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment from City Council for a Targeted Rehabilitation Loan in the amount of $1,805.00 for 916 21st Street. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to commit $1,805.00 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #28
YARD SALE/2200, 2200 ½
AVENUE, 27 STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application to close off 27th Street from 2200 to 2200 ½ Avenue on Saturday, May 15 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a neighborhood yard sale. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to approve the street closing CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #29
39 STREET, 22-23
AVENUE/NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application to close off 39th Street from 22nd to 23rd Avenue on Saturday, May 15 from 5:00 p.m. to Midnight for a Neighborhood Block Party. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the street closing CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ITEMS FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
RESCUE MISSION PROPERTY
Community and Economic Development Department Greg Champagne reviewed the information regarding the Old Rescue Mission property. He noted that a local business has expressed interest in acquiring the building along with adjacent buildings to create a redevelopment site. He stated that they plan to undertake a rehab estimated at $200,000 to $300,000 to create office space. He reviewed the advantages for the city, and suggested that staff do a Request for Proposal process. Concern was expressed about the condition of the building and property, and Mr. Champagne noted that a structural engineer would do a survey. Alderman White asked if the backs of the properties that front on 20th Street could be improved with this redevelopment. Mr. Champagne responded that the Façade Program could be used for the back of the buildings as well as the fronts of buildings. Consensus of Council was to go through the RFP process to see what interests are out there.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Phillips also noted that Martin Luther King Center Director Jerry Jones was honored as one of the Quad City Leaders Under 40. He commended the Public Works Department for the work done during Clean Up Week, and also noted the recognition by the Knights of Columbus of one Police Officer and one Firefighter. He noted that this has been done for twenty years. Mayor Schwiebert also commented on the Knights of Columbus being able to recognize these public service employees for the past twenty years.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Keefe stated that she has received calls concerning the poor conduct of students, and wanted to comment on some good work by them. Alan Carmen reviewed the successful Tire Collection, and stated that there were students from Alleman High School as well as Augustana College assisting with this collection. He said the volunteers that made themselves available for this project were excellent, and the number of tires collected was about 3,000.
Alderman White discussed events she attended over the weekend, including the Bike Path opening behind The Mark in Moline. She commented on the number of bike paths which all seem to cross in the Quad Cities. She noted that the Visitors Bureau now has bicycles available to rent at $7.00 per hour on both sides of the River.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Monday, May 10 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at p.m.
_____________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk