The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 9 at the Sala Apartments for a tour of the building. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, Public Works Assistant Director Tim Ridder, and Park and Recreation Director Bill Nelson. Also present were Dan Carmody, of Renaissance Rock Island, Brian Hollenback, Community Marketing Director Jennifer Fowler, and Devin Hansen of Brew and View II and I.
The City Council met at the Sala Apartments, located at 4th Avenue and 19th Street. They toured the renovated apartments and then convened at the new Brew and View II on 19th Street in Rock Island. At the theater, Devin Hansen presented his plans for the completion of the building, which he hopes to open soon. He indicated that they would be showing more mainstream movies than Brew and View I, and he plans to have free matinees on Saturdays for seniors. He noted that this audience could include residents of Fort Armstrong as well as Spencer Towers and other elderly residents of Rock Island. He added that many of his afternoon customers at Brew and View I are seniors also. Mr. Hansen stated that he plans to have more menu options at the new facility as well as the usual concessions available.
Dan Carmody then showed several downtowns and talked about the changes in the downtown Rock Island. He indicated that there are four types of downtown housing – the market rate owner occupied, the market rate rental, affordable owner occupied and affordable rental. Brian Hollenback discussed the Voss Brothers building which will soon become a location for additional downtown housing units. He indicated that they are working with the unions for the work to be done on this unit. Mr. Carmody stated that between 2000 and 2005, the downtown has had 156 rental units established along with 11 new ownership units.
Following discussion, Mr. Hansen offered a tour of the remainder of the building to anyone who was interested.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman
Conroy to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley,
Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin.
NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 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 9 in City 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, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy and Charles O. 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 Brooks gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the Minutes of the meeting of May 2 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring the week of May 15 through 21 as National Public Works Week. He presented the framed document to Bob Hawes, Public Works Director. Mr. Hawes stated that the Open House would take place in the fall. He noted that the focus of this Open House will be on the Rain Garden Program.
Agenda Item #7
1014 8 AVENUE/TITLE TO
PROPERTY
The
City Clerk read a Special Ordinance accepting title to property at 1014 8th
Avenue. 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, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and
Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department recommending payment to H. Coopman Trucking and Excavating in the amount of $9,700.00 for emergency demolition of 2401 Third Avenue. (Note: Agenda contained incorrect address of 1929 9th Street) A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
APRIL 29 THRU MAY 5
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of April 29 through May 5 in the amount of $364,340.99. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department requesting approval of a purchase of Radio Receiver equipment from GEM Electronics in the amount of $3,945.00. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the purchase and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding the Software Maintenance for the Novell Netware Operating System and Group Wise E-mail, recommending the renewal of the maintenance contract in the amount of $5,792.05. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the renewal of the maintenance agreements and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a contract with Shive-Hattery in the amount not to exceed $6,700 for the design services for the storm water and erosion control improvements at 22nd Street from 13th Avenue to 16th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell 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, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2005 Street Joint and Crack Sealing Program, recommending the bid of Fahrner Asphalt Sealers in the amount of $115,300.00.
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, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an amendment to the IEPA Brownfield Redevelopment Grant, recommending that the Mayor be authorized to sign the Brownfield Redevelopment Grant amendment request, that the City Manager be authorized to sign the revised contract with Missman Stanley and Associates for engineering services associated with the remediation of the City’s Brownfield properties, and approve the allocation of $12,514.00 in special projects funds as grant match.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the amendment, authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the documents, and approve the allocation of $12,514.00 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
ENVIRONET/MIDWAY OIL
PROPERTY ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the environmental remediation of the former Midway Oil property on Sylvan Slough, recommending approval of the amended contract with EnviroNet for the costs associated with the project. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the amended contract and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
MEMORIAL CHRISTIAN
CHURCH/ADOPT A HIGHWAY
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding an Adopt A Highway contract with Memorial Christian Church to adopt 31st Avenue between 9th Street and 24th Street. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell 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, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Agenda Item #17
OLD CHICAGO
NEIGHBORHOOD/BANNERS
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Brian Hollenback, Executive Director of Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation, for permission to hang banners for Old Chicago Neighborhood, and requesting that the city be responsible for mounting the banners on the light poles.
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the placement of the banners as requested CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
2300 31 AVENUE/STREET LIGHT
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for a Street Light near 2300 31st Avenue.
Gwendolyn Blasé, 2300 31st Avenue, spoke in opposition to the proposed placement of the streetlight. She stated that the plan would have the streetlight in front of her bedroom window. She suggested that they mount the light on an existing pole or on a half tree in the area. Alderman White stated that staff told her the new pole would meet the 400-foot requirement between streetlights. She also noted that tree branches would shelter it and impede the light. Alderman Austin asked if the tree branches could be removed.
Planning Administrator Alan Carmen stated that the tree would have to be removed for the light at this location to provide lighting for the street. He noted that the request came in from the condo association, and staff received reactions on both sides of the issue. He stated that the proposal meets the requirements but the location is the subject of a difference of opinion. Mayor Schwiebert asked about the utility lines, and Mr. Carmen stated that would be checked out by Mid American Energy if this is approved.
Ken Way, 2223 31st Avenue, Rock Island, suggested that they break away from the 400-foot guideline if possible. He emphasized the need for the lighting to help people find the entrance to the condo units without getting hit from behind by an approaching vehicle. Mayor Schwiebert suggested that the light be placed on the west side of 2300 31st Avenue, and staff was directed to work with the property owners and Mid American Energy to determine the best location. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the request as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #19
1236 GLENHURST
COURT/SPECIAL USE PERMIT REQUEST
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Charles and Decca Petterson for permission to apply for a Special Use Permit to operate an ice cream and hot dog truck at their residence at 1236 Glenhurst Court. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Brooks to allow Mr. and Mrs. Petterson to apply for the Special Use Permit CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #20
520 24 AVENUE/ROOF DEFERRED
PAYMENT LOAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment from City Council for a Roof Deferred Payment Loan at 520 24th Avenue in the amount of $4,840.00.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to commit $4,840.00 for the Roof Deferred Payment Loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
TRAFFIC
ENGINEERING
Agenda Item #21
STOP OR YIELD SIGN/45
STREET 8 AVENUE
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Miguel Rosas for the installation of a STOP sign or Yield sign at the intersection of 45th Street and 8th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Conroy to deny the request FAILED for lack of a Second. A motion was made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the request.
Following the motion, another motion was made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to defer for one week to allow Mr. Rosas to obtain a petition of signatures from neighbors who are in favor of this STOP sign. Motion to DEFER for one week CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #22
YIELD SIGNS/HILLCREST COURT
21 ½ AVENUE
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Kristin and Jason Peters for the yield signs at the intersection of 21 ½ Avenue and Hillcrest Court be replaced with STOP signs. Alderman White stated that she wanted a petition submitted for this also because only one person is requesting this and is not a sign that the entire neighborhood wants the sign.
Alderman Rockwell explained that the STOP sign was needed because people do not pay attention to the YIELD sign that is currently there and traffic goes through very quick. He admitted that a petition from the entire neighborhood could be done, but added that he did not feel that there would be any opposition to the STOP sign. Alderman Austin stated that he drove around there as well, and it was very difficult to see at the intersection, and a STOP sign would be good.
Following discussion the motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #23
STOP SIGNS/14 AVENUE AND 7,
8 AND 10 STREETS
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Debra Swift of the Community Caring Conference for STOP signs at the intersections of 14th Avenue with 7th Street, 8th Street and 10th Street. Pat Allison, 1421 8th Street, spoke for the neighbors, explaining the reasons for the request. She stated that they want the signs on 14th Avenue at these streets so traffic would have to stop on 14th Avenue. Alderman Pauley stated that 14th is a one-way as is 13th Avenue, and he anticipates another request for STOP signs on 13th Avenue in a week or so.
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #24
2122 5 AVENUE/HANDICAPPED
PARKING SPACE
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Michael Taylor for a Handicapped Parking Space in front of 2122 5th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #25
PRIVATE PARKING LOT/CLUB
HPNOTIQ
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Jessica Morrison to have the parking lot at Club Hpnotiq placed under City Ordinance control. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #26
The City Clerk read a report from General Administration regarding Downtown Security Services, recommending that the City Attorney prepare an amendment to the Liquor Ordinance that establishes a designated Downtown Security area that is defined as 24th Street to 15th Street and 1st Avenue to 5th Avenue; provide that the liquor license holders with in the Downtown Security area that have the extended hours option be required to pay for specified security services in the downtown area; and that City Council recommend a draft ordinance regarding a not-for-profit organization of the bar owners, or a draft ordinance that adds a surcharge for downtown security to those license holders with extended hours to pay for the cost of the additional security.
A motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance amendment regarding the District area – for discussion purposes.
City Manager John C. Phillips gave the background on the security arrangement that was proposed in 2001, which was a voluntary system. He noted that currently, the system does not seem to be working since some of the bar owners are refusing to pay their share of the cost. He noted that Alderman White has been meeting with some of the bar owners, and he and the Assistant City Attorney have attended some of these meetings also. He indicated that the bar owners have expressed a feeling that the security was important and want it to continue. He added that they suggested changing the hours of the security to 12 Midnight to 3:30 instead of starting at 11 p.m. He noted that another question was the boundaries of the security area. He indicated that one alternative the bar owners came up with was to form a not-for-profit corporation to collect the money and pay the officers. If the city pays the officers, they would be paid at a time and a half rate because they would be working overtime. He stated that the rates could be varied depending on the capacity of the building and referred to the list of owners with the extended hours option in the downtown area.
Mayor Schwiebert expressed concerns about the alternatives. He stated that, as the liquor commissioner, he is responsible for the liquor licenses and enforcement. He stated that creating a not-for-profit organization would not be a workable option. He identified some of the problems as the lack of continuity and reporting problems. He indicated that there would be an enforcement issue as well, because if a bar has not paid, he would remove the extended hours option from their license, but the not-for-profit organization does not have the enforcement powers to do this. He suggested adding a surcharge to the ordinance to cover the cost of the security. He suggested shortening the hours for security to 12:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. – three hours – that would decrease the cost to the bars. He also suggested that there be a two tier system based on capacity – less than 180 would pay one fee while those with the capacity for 180 or more would pay a higher fee. He suggested that the Sheriff’s Department works until Midnight and may be they could be hired to work security if our officers were unable to do this. He indicated that the city would need to have liability regardless of who works the security.
Chief Terry Dove, RIPD, stated that the half hour – 12 Midnight to 12:30 a.m. – would not make a big difference because that is not the highest time for use of the security. He added that the visibility of the officers before that time is important because it gives the perception of security with officers in place. He stated that the purpose of the officers is to prevent as well as to react, adding that there would be a declining pool of officers willing to work from 12 or 12:30 a.m.
Alderman Conroy added that if he was working until 11 and asked to work overtime beginning at Midnight, he would not be willing to do that either. He asked if the city could pay the extra hour at time and a half, while the bar owners pay the remaining three and a half hours. Mr. Phillips stated that there were no costs estimated for overtime. He suggested that it could be referred for an ordinance with some flexibility to cover the cost of security. Mayor Schwiebert suggested that, in order to arrive at a fee, numbers should be plugged in.
Alderman Conroy stated that there are bars like Steve’s and Hunters that are not in the District, and do not have problems. He noted that Hunter’s joined the District so they can get in on the availability of having a beer wagon for District events. He added that he does not agree with expanding the security area. Alderman Rockwell asked if the expansion of the security area would be extending the area too much for the officers assigned there. Chief Dove said that they would not be walking the area, but would be driving around to the outlying bars. Alderman Conroy also suggested that the District hire their own security for their events, and Chief Dove stated that the District negotiates with the Police Department for each event to determine the number of officers needed for the event. Alderman Rockwell stated that some record keeping needs to be done regarding the money that is collected and paid out.
Mayor Schwiebert stated that there should be a procedure in place for enforcement of the liquor ordinance. He suggested revising the Draft Ordinance as follows: eliminating “The annual fee for the Extended Hours – Downtown Security Area option shall be Eight Hundred Dollars ($800.00). He further suggested leaving in “To be eligible to receive an “Extended Hours – Downtown Security Area” license, the licensee must …, remove the remainder of the paragraph, and add ”…..pay an added security surcharge as a condition of the extended hours option in the amount of ____ for bars with the capacity of 180 and above, and the amount of ____ for bars with the capacity of less than 180, option in the amount of ______ for said surcharge to be paid in the same manner as other license fees. Failure to pay such surcharge shall result in a suspension or immediate revocation of the extended hours privilege of the licensee."
Alderman Austin asked if the pension costs increase with the added overtime if the officers are paid by the city. Personnel Director John Thorson responded that the pension would not be affected.
Dale Peeters, of the Daiquiri Factory, stated that security is needed, and suggested that the City play a role in this. He indicated that revenues are down for the downtown establishments and Davenport and Moline are having more big events so there is more competition. He stated that the city should do something proactive to bring something downtown.
City Manager John Phillips noted that the city is already providing more to the downtown businesses than to other businesses in the City, such as snow removal, street sweeping, litter patrol, flags, landscaping, and trash containers as well as parking.
Steve Peters, owner of Steve’s at 5 o’clock, 2120 4th Avenue, stated that he has an issue with the boundaries being proposed. He stated that he has been open for fifteen months and has made no calls to the Police Department during that time. He stated that it is a neighborhood bar, and he does not need the extra security. He stated that he has the extended hours because many of his customers are bartenders from Iowa who want to have a drink in a quiet environment.
Bill Coffey, owner of the Body Shop, 325 20th Street, stated that the activities in the District take customers away from the bars on 20th Street. Rick Goulet, owner of Augie’s, 3113 20th Street, agreed with Mr. Coffey. He stated that a lot of their customers come from the boat, and they do not benefit form the District events.
Alderman Murphy suggested a three-tier payment plan rather than two-tier, stating that there is a large difference between 180 and 50 or 60 patrons. She suggested that the first tier be capacity of 180 or larger, the second tier be capacity of 70 to 179, and the third tier be capacity of less than 70 for the small bars. The majority of the Council appeared to be in agreement with this proposal.
Following discussion, it was decided that the ordinance would be written with a revision of the boundaries, the three categories for payment of the fee, and numbers to be tied in to the fees, in addition to the language suggested by Mayor Schwiebert. The motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance amendment regarding the District area CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #27
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application from Steve’s Old Time to close off 17th Street beginning June 17 at 5:00 p.m. until June 19 at Noon to allow motorcycles from Sturgis on the River to be parked there for display. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the application CARRIED on a Voice vote. Alderman White also commended Jeff Rusk, owner of Steve’s Old Time for working to bring in a new event as well as to take into consideration the need for possible emergency vehicles to enter the area as well as safety for the pedestrians and others wishing to visit other businesses within the area.
Mr. Phillips called attention to the status report on the Goal Setting Priorities. He also noted that there were two weeks Lyle Sumek would be available for the 2005 Goal Setting session with the Council – September 9 and 10 or October 14 and 15. Council members are to call him or Karen to confirm whether they can attend one or the other.
Mr. Phillips noted a Press Release announcing Police Chief Terry Dove’s retirement July 16, and Council members commended Chief Dove for the work he has done here. Mr. Phillips also noted the information about the selection process for hiring the new chief.
Mr. Phillips called attention to the information requested by Council members about “Jake Brakes” and the update on the Police Memorial. He announced the groundbreaking ceremony for the College Hill Project that will take place Tuesday, May 10 at 5:00 p.m. at 13th Avenue and 30th Street. He also announced the Bike Auction that will take place May 14 at 8:00 a.m. in the lower level of the parking garage on 16th Street. He also called attention to the letter from Bob Hawes to the First Church of the Nazarene regarding a neighborhood Drainage improvement meeting to be held May 17 at 6:00 p.m. at the church.
Alderman Austin noted the correction to Item #8, which listed an incorrect address for the demolition. (Note: the correction was made in these Minutes.)
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Monday, May 16 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:45 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk