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 Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. City Manager John Phillips was also present.

 

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.  Alderman Pauley gave the Invocation. 

 

Agenda Item #5

Minutes of the Meeting of April 23, 2007. 

 

A motion was made by Alderwoman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of April 23, 2007 as written. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #6

Proclamation declaring May 12 to May 18, 2007 as Bicycle To Work Week.

 

Mayor Schwiebert inquired upon Chuck Oestreich from the Quad City Bicycle Club to step forward, and the Mayor read the Proclamation declaring May12 to May 18, 2007 as Bicycle To Work Week. After the Proclamation was read, Mr. Oestreich made reference to the bicycle map that was distributed to Council stating that it was a metro citizen generated map. Mr. Oestreich also noted that the map references safe ways to bike through the community. Mr. Oestreich thanked the City for the improvements that have been made for bicycling in Rock Island.

 

Agenda Item #7

Proclamation declaring May 13 through May 19, 2007 as National Women’s Health Week.

 

Mayor Schwiebert inquired upon Ida Robinson of the Martin Luther King Center to step forward as he read the Proclamation declaring May 13 to May 19, 2007 as National Women’s Health Week. Ms. Robinson thanked the City and Mayor, and noted that the Proclamation would be placed at the kick-off on May 19, 2007.

 

Agenda Item #8

Special Ordinance declaring the current City-owned Public Works/Fleet Services Division and Parks Departments 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier as surplus and allowing for disposal.

 

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance declaring the current City-owned Public Works/Fleet Services Division and Parks Departments 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier as surplus and allowing for disposal. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #9

CLAIMS:

 

a.       Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,411.75 to Califf and Harper, P. C. for legal services rendered for the Month of March 2007.  

 

b.      Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $7,936.20 to Konecky, Koenig, Kutsunis and Weng for legal services rendered for April 2007.

 

c.       Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,141.00 to Missman Stanley & Associates, P. C. for an emergency lift well inspection. (109)

 

d.      Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,300.00 to Bob Westpfahl for the 2007 Annual Land Set Aside. (110)

 

e.       Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,680.00 to Davenport Electric Contracting Company for Traffic Signal Repairs at 17th Street and 4th Avenue. (111)

 

f.        Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $2,854.87 to Cummins Central Power, LLC for a remanufactured injector pump. (1112)

 

g.       Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #8 in the amount of $17,006.00 to the State of Illinois for Blackhawk Road Widening from 24th Street to 38th Street. (119)

 

It was moved by Alderman Pauley seconded by Alderman Conroy, to accept the following reports and authorize payments as recommended.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #10

Claims for the week of April 20 through May 3 in the amount of $1,493,320.64.

Alderman Austin moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded to allow the claims.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #11

Payroll for the weeks of April 9 through April 22 in the amount of $1,058,473.72.

 

It was moved by Alderman Rockwell, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to allow the payroll. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #12

Motion to adjourn the meeting Sine Die.

 

A motion was made by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adjourn the meeting sine die. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

The meeting was adjourned sine die at 7:01 p.m.

 

 

City Clerk Aleisha L. Patchin administered the Oath of Office to the following: Alderman David Conroy, Alderman Stephen L. Tollenaer, Alderwoman Margie Mejia-Caraballo and Alderwoman Joy Viren Murphy.

 

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Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to Order at 7:10 p.m. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M.A. Brooks I, David Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Stephen L. Tollenaer, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. City Manager John Phillips was also present.

 

Agenda Item #3

Presentation by the Rock Island Striders Track Club.

 

Mayor Schwiebert inquired if anyone was at the Council meeting to speak on behalf of the Rock Island Striders Track Club. With no one coming forward to speak, it was proceeded to the next Agenda item.

 

 

 

Agenda Item #4

Public Hearing on a request from Martin “Hank” StClair for a Special Use Permit to maintain a lawnmower/snow-blower engine repair business at 420 18th Avenue. 

 

Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 7:12 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Martin “Hank” StClair for a Special Use Permit to maintain a lawnmower/snow-blower engine repair business at 420 18th Avenue.  

 

The Mayor swore in Mr. Martin “Hank’ StClair.

 

Mr. Martin “Hank’ StClair of 420 18th Avenue addressed the Council and stated that he wanted to obtain a Special Use Permit to maintain a lawnmower/snow-blower engine repair shop. Mr. StClair also noted that this is what he likes to do, and he loves people.

 

Mayor Schwiebert read the stipulations for approval of this request, which include: that the business be limited to one full time resident employee, and one part-time resident employee. The hours of operation would be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. There would be a minimum of three off Street parking spaces provided. There would be up to four freestanding or attached signs two feet by two feet allowed in either the north front yard or the north facade of the residence, and the property shall meet all applicable code requirements.

 

Mayor Schwiebert inquired to Mr. StClair if he understood the restrictions. Mr. StClair responded that he understood.

 

With no other persons present to speak in favor of, or in opposition to the Special Use Permit application, Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:17 p.m.

 

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Conroy, to approve the request for a Special Use Permit at 420 18th Avenue subject to the stipulations as recommended, and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #5

A Special Ordinance regarding a special assessment for the reconstruction of 32nd Avenue: 12th to 14th Streets.

 

Alderman Pauley moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance for a special assessment for the reconstruction of 32nd Avenue: 12th to 14th Streets. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #6

A Special Ordinance regarding a special assessment for the resurfacing of 25th

Street: 5th to 7th Avenues and 6th Avenue: 24th to 26th Streets.

 

 It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Pauley Conroy suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance for a special assessment for the resurfacing of 25th Street: 5th to 7th Avenues and 6th Avenue: 24th to 26th Streets.

 

Discussion followed with Karen Calvillo of 2501 5½ Avenue stepping forward and addressing the Council. Ms. Calvillo was at the meeting on behalf of herself and the neighbors whose property is on the special assessment. Ms. Calvillo stated that she would like the supervisor of the special assessments and the Rock Island City Council to recognize that this is an impoverished area of the City. Ms. Calvillo also noted that it is wrong to impose any additional taxes on residents who have financial difficulty. Ms. Calvillo also stated that she would like the Council to reconsider the Resolution that was passed by the Board of Local Improvements on April 22nd, 2007.

 

Public Works Director Bob Hawes stepped forward and explained the assessment process. Mr. Hawes stated that there are two programs for improving local streets. The first program includes reconstructing completely worn out streets. This is done exclusively by petition or by City Council request.  The other program is where the City portion is funded by gaming funds. Mr. Hawes noted that $500,000.00 in gaming funds is set aside for streets. The intent is to resurface or rehabilitate these streets before they get to the point of having to be reconstructed.

 

Ms. Christine Criddle of 5 ½ Avenue addressed the Council and stated that she is not on the list for assessment, but she wanted to show her support for Karen Calvillo. Ms. Criddle noted that nothing is wrong with the street up for assessment. It is a good street.

 

Mayor Schwiebert stated that the taxpayer’s cost for these special assessments in general is 95%. The residents that live along the street pay 5%. The people that live along the street are assessed because it is a secondary street and not a primary street. The Mayor also noted that it has a unique benefit to the neighborhood rather than the public at large.

 

After discussion, The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #7

Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of four (4) Hach 1720E Turbidimeters from Hach Company in the amount of $9,704.00.

 

 

Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderman Austin seconded to approve the purchase as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #8

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the purchase of 11th Street Properties.

 

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the purchase of 518/520 11th Street and 1025 6th Avenue for $25,000.00, and 501 to 531 11th Street for $44,250.00 as recommended, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #9

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 7th Avenue resurfacing of Mill Street to 11th Street, recommending the bid be awarded to C.H. Langman & Son, Inc. in the amount of $1,883,840.60.

 

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to award the bid as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #10

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2007 Catch Basin and Manhole Program, recommending the bid be awarded to C.H. Langman and Son in the amount of $124,772.00.

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to award the bid as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #11

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2007 Sidewalk/Curb Replacement Program and the 2007 Tree Program, recommending the bid be awarded to Centennial Contractors of the Quad Cities in the amount of $72,965.00.

 

Alderman Pauley moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to award the bid as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #12

Report from the Finance Department regarding a Contract with RSM McGladrey, Inc. in the estimated amount of $18,000.00 to $21,000.00 for assistance in the selection of a financial institution for banking services.

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the contract as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #13

Report from the Public Works Department regarding an Agreement between the City of Rock Island and the Illinois Department of Transportation for resurfacing of IL. 92 between 24th Street and 38th Street.

 

Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded to approve the Agreement, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents, and adopt the Resolutions as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #14

Report from the Public Works Department regarding a Service Agreement with PDC Laboratories for water quality testing services.

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderman Conroy to retain PDC Laboratories for water quality testing services at a cost not to exceed $10,000.00 as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #15

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for the Riverfront Corridor Overlay District Site Plan Review for a Roof Sign at 1705 2nd Avenue.

 

Agenda Item #15 was withdrawn.

 

 

Agenda Item #16

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment in the amount of $5,500.00 for a Roof Standard Payment Loan at 520 18th Avenue.

 

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to commit $5,500.00 for a Roof Standard Payment Loan at 520 18th Avenue as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #17

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Habitat for Humanity for the build project for Travis Hearn, scheduled for Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 915 8th Street.

 

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderman Brooks seconded to approve the requests stated in the report from Habitat for Humanity for the build project for Travis Hearn, scheduled for Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 915 8th Street as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #18

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to ban parking on the East side of 44th Street between 7th and 12th Avenues, recommending to ban parking on the east side of 44th Street between a point 65 feet north of the centerline of 10th Avenue to a point 45 feet south of the centerline of 10th Avenue.

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the ban on parking on the East side of 44th Street between 7th and 12th Avenues, ban parking on the east side of 44th Street between a point 65 feet north of the centerline of 10th Avenue to a point 45 feet south of the centerline of 10th Avenue as recommended, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #19

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to install a handicapped parking space at 712 14½ Street.

 

A motion was made by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance.

 

 

 

 
   The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #20

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to install a handicapped parking space at 1827 34th Street.

 

A motion was made by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance.

 

 

 

 
   The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #21

Report from the City Clerk’s Office regarding Rock Island Clean and Beautiful requesting permission to hang a full-size banner to advertise the 2007 Annual Downtown Clean Up.

 

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderman Pauley to approve the request for Rock Island Clean and Beautiful to hang a full-size banner to advertise the 2007 Annual Downtown Clean Up as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #22

Report from the City Clerk’s Office regarding a Sound Amplification Permit for Broadway Presbyterian Church to hold a concert on Sunday, June 3, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Sunday, July 15, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 710 23rd Street.

 

A motion was made by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the Sound Amplification Permit as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #23

 

 

 

 

 

 
Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet.

 

City Manager John Phillips brought to the Council’s attention the annual strategic Goal Setting Session that will be held on Friday, September 21, and Saturday, September 22, 2007.

 

Mr. Philips discussed the goals that have been achieved from last year’s Goal Setting Session. Various accomplishments included the development agreement with Hy-Vee, the 2007-2008 budget was adopted (which allowed the property tax rate to decrease 8 cents to $2.36 per one hundred dollars of assessed value), the CAC recommendation of social service funding for $50,000.00 of gaming revenues, and the “Lights and Sirens” class was started at Rock Island high School by the Police and Fire Departments.

 

City Manager John Phillips inquired upon Community and Economic Development Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen to provide an update on the Lead Hazard Control Grant Program.

 

Mr. Carmen stated that 33 assessments were completed between January 1st and March 31st  of this year, which increased the total number completed to 49 units. Mr. Carmen explained that 10 cases cleared during the first quarter of the year, which brought the total to 18 completed during the course of the grant.

 

Mr. Carmen mentioned that 60 assessments have been completed as of May 7, 2007, and 25 are currently in the pipeline that will be completed by the end of June. Mr. Carmen noted that the City will be at the benchmark in the application that was submitted to HUD three years ago. In addition, Mr. Carmen commented that 29 units had received clearance, and the dust and wipe test was completed successfully. Moreover, six units are up for bid: three from Moline and three from Rock Island.

 

Mr. Carmen concluded that a total of 79 applications are in hand and the staff will continue to work through these to meet the benchmark. Mr. Carmen stated to the Council that if any changes occur, they would be notified.

 

Alderwoman Murphy noted that May is National Stroke Awareness Month.

 

Agenda Item #24

Other Business

 

 Mr. Keith Collier of 1316 10th Street addressed the Council to express his appreciation for allowing the Positive Brother’s United March and Rally to be held on April 29th, 2007. Mr. Collier stated that the March and Rally was held to help stop the violence in Rock Island.

 

Mr. Collier also voiced his concerns about a recent incident in Rock Island involving Law Enforcement Officers and citizens. Mr. Collier was concerned about the handling of the situation.

 

In Addition, Mr. Collier expressed his concerns regarding the recent premises sweep of the residence located at 705 9th Avenue involving the Lee family.

 

Agenda Item #25

Executive Session on matters of Personnel and Property Acquisition.

 

A motion was made by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderman Pauley at 7:45 p.m. to recess to Executive Session on matters of Personnel and Property Acquisition. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. 

 

Agenda Item #26

Recess

 

Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 8:20 p.m. A motion was made by Alderwoman Murphy and seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to recess to Monday, May 21, 2007 at 5:00 p.m.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

The meeting was recessed at 8:25 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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                                                                               Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk