The Rock Island City Council met for Study Session on Monday, May 10 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. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, City Clerk Jeanne F. Paggen and Deputy City Clerk Carol Gentry.
Copies of letters and messages regarding the Hy-Vee project were distributed to Council for their review. City Manager John Phillips suggested that Item No. 13 on the Agenda be referred back to staff for further study. Also distributed were flyers regarding a meeting scheduled to discuss downtown parking and a “Walk to the River” event.
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Executive Session on matters of Personnel CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 5:30 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at
6:25 p.m. Alderman Bauersfeld gave a
brief update on the Quad City Botanical Center, including the progress of the
Children’s Garden project. He noted
that staff and the Board members plan to talk to an architect in June and then
proceed with this project.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White 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 10, 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.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to Order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman Brooks gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the Minutes of the meeting of May 3 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring May 13 as National Association of Retired Federal Employees Day.
Agenda Item #7
The City Clerk read an Ordinance amendment Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances, regarding animal defecation on private property. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance expanding Enterprise Zone Territory along 46th Avenue at 30th Street. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of April 30 through May 6 in the amount of $265,598.74. 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 #10
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding the Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant, recommending that Council authorize the grant in the amount of $12,268 to be turned over to County Court Services for the continuation of the Teen Court Services. Alderman White commented on the recent news article about the success of the Teen Court Services program. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to authorize the grant to be turned over to County Court services as recommended, and authorize the Mayor to execute the contract documents, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the rezoning and Final Site Plan Review for the proposed Hy-Vee Food Store at 2930 18th Avenue, recommending approval of the rezoning and site plan with variances, subject to stipulations as stated. A motion was made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the rezoning and site plan with variances, subject to stipulations stated, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance.
Planning Administrator Alan Carmen reviewed the report from the Planning Commission. He discussed some items that were requested by the Planning Commission during their approval process, and pointed out the locations of the landscaping, the entrance for trucks that will be off of 30th Street, the convenience store location which has been moved north twenty feet to create more space from the neighbors, and other issues that have been addressed by Hy-Vee. He discussed the retention basin, and also noted that there will be canopy trees placed on the west side of the store. Alderman White requested that they place evergreens on the outside of the fenced areas, with the canopy trees inside the fence. Mr. Carmen noted that the storm water would flow to the north rather than the south where the neighbors are. Public Works Director Bob Hawes stated that there is an existing problem there with storm water, and this will not make it worse nor will it make it better. Mr. Carmen also discussed the proposed location of a traffic signal at 29th Street on 18th Avenue, stating that this is being looked at. He stated that the cost depends on future negotiations.
Mayor Schwiebert asked how the neighbors would feel about closing off 29th Street or leaving it open. Fire Chief Jerry Shirk stated that the Fire Department knows where the dead ends are, and work with them. Mr. Hawes suggested that a hammerhead turn could be put in to allow city vehicles and emergency vehicles space to turn around if the street is partially closed. Alderman Bauersfeld stated that he would encourage more dialogue regarding the ingress and egress for Hy-Vee and the Bank off of 18th Avenue. He also asked about the sign. Mr. Carmen responded that the sign would be a total of twelve feet high, with a seven-foot sign and a five-foot clearance from the ground.
David Bailie, Assistant Vice President for Real Estate for Hy-Vee, 5820 West Town Parkway, West DesMoines, spoke to Council regarding the proposed project. He stated that they are making this is a fifteen million dollar investment. He noted that there has been a grocery store at this location for a number of years, beginning with the Geifman store. He stated that they plan to comply with all city ordinances, and will make the store better than what it is today. He indicated that the store would be similar to the Hy-Vee at Lincoln and Locust in Davenport, Iowa. He stated that it would be important to have as many ingress and egress locations as possible and they are in agreement with staff to add another off of 29 ½ Street.
Alderman Rockwell asked if they could keep the construction equipment off of 20th Avenue. Mr. Bailie stated that they would do what they can to keep the equipment off of 20th Avenue, adding that the large equipment will not be stored on the Avenue during construction. They will keep the construction equipment from using 20th Avenue to a minimum. Alderman Rockwell asked if 20th Avenue could be restricted from truck traffic. Mayor Schwiebert noted that this has been done by ordinance in other areas. Mr. Hawes noted that this would not restrict trucks that have a reason to be there from using the street, such as city garbage trucks or delivery trucks were delivering an item to the neighbors.
Mayor Schwiebert asked what type of product this Hy-Vee would carry, and Mr. Bailie stated that they would have similar items to that of the Moline Hy-Vee, including a pharmacy, bank, US Post Office, possibly a UPS drop-off, and gourmet foods and health market foods sections. He noted that the convenience store would carry beer probably, but no wine and spirits, and possibly some sandwich items.
Alderman Rockwell stated that one concern he heard was that of trucks left running during delivery times. Mr. Bailie stated that they have some control over this, and within reason, will be able to control the times of the deliveries. He noted that the neighbors at the Lincoln/Locust location were very concerned when that store was proposed because of a higher traffic count, but that has not been a problem.
Vince Thomas, 1000 21st Street, spoke about the long-range impact on the neighbors and the city. He discussed other areas of the city as well as numerous areas in other cities, where houses have been demolished leaving parking lots that are not being utilized. He stated that the people were being displaced and the city did not help them relocate.
Mayor Schwiebert responded to the comments, noting that Rock Island has numerous programs to help people who want to build or fix up a house in the City. He noted that the people who are moving are voluntary sellers, and added that this store can bring in an additional $100,000 to $150,000 in sales tax to the city.
Attorney Joel Deutsch, representing the owners of the apartment building at 1825 29th Street, stated that he feels the store can be beneficial to the city. He added that, when there has been a problem there, they have contacted the manager and the problem has been taken care of. He asked for clarification on the egress and ingress for the tenants of his apartment unit. Mr. Bailie noted that 29 ½ Street will be wider, and the trucks will be going to the south end of the street, adding that they will probably have even more space than they do now.
Sandy Weatler, 2011 46th Street, spoke on behalf of her son and daughter-in-law, who live at 1840 29th Street. She explained that they contacted the City Planners when they looked at buying their house and were told then that there were no plans to expand Hy-Vee at that time. She asked that 29th Street be barricaded at the end of the convenience store lot so traffic cannot go to 20th Avenue from there. She also requested that no truck traffic be allowed on 20th Avenue.
Larry Lawrence, 2041 29th Street, Rock Island, stated that, if a traffic light is installed at 29th Street, it will only benefit Hy-Vee, and they (Hy-Vee) should be required to purchase it, install it and maintain it. He discussed the loss of the single-family homes and apartment units, and asked if the schools would be receiving more tax money with the store being enlarged. He expressed concern about two members of the Planning Commission being able to vote, noting that he felt they had a conflict of interest and should not have voted. He shared pictures with Council, noting that these showed that Hy-Vee is not a good neighbor.
Mike Zeglin, 2136 20th Avenue, stated he owns three parcels in the neighborhood, and he expressed concern about the impact on the quality of life from the store being enlarged at this location. He discussed the sound pollution that will be created by the air conditioning units on top of the building. He asked how far the new road will be from the neighbors’ property, and stated that a traffic study should have been done to determine the amount of traffic that will be using this street when the store is built. He added that the traffic survey that was used is three years old. He expressed concern for the children going to school at both Audubon and Washington Jr. High School. Mayor Schwiebert stated that the traffic counts have been done by Bi-State. Alderman Keefe asked what the width of the new drive will be, and was told it will be over sixty-six feet wide.
Toni Gasper, 2417 13th Avenue, expressed support for the new grocery store, stating that she has children that attended Washington Jr. High and Audubon, and cannot imagine a store not being here.
Pamela Pilcher, 1826 29th Street, stated that she currently lives across the street from Hy-Vee, and said she wanted to share what kind of a neighbor Hy-Vee is. She noted that she has called or walked over to the store if a problem arose such as excessive noise from a cleaning machine, and the problem was addressed and taken care of. She noted that Hy-Vee has been a good neighbor.
Dennis Rury, 1821 29 ½ Street, spoke of his flower shop and the impact the new Hy-Vee will have on his business. He stated that Hy-Vee is allowing him to leave his sign at 29th Street on 18th Avenue, and that he will do the best he can to maintain his business at its current location. He noted that he does a lot of his business through wire services, and hopes he can continue to provide this service. He commented on the trailers parked along the east side to be used for additional storage.
Walt Schaecher, 2916 20th Avenue, stated that he has no objections, and Hy-Vee is a good neighbor. He stated that he sees no reason for the light if 29th Street is closed off part way. He discussed the limited amount of time used to get onto 18th Avenue, stating that it seems longer to those in the vehicle attempting to get out.
Melvin Whistedt, 2001 30th Street, spoke in support of Hy-Vee. He stated that it is progress, and will be good for Rock Island. He discussed the fact that Hy-Vee has headquarters in the Midwest and they will not build and then sell out like others have done.
Randall McMurray, 2528 30th Street, whose father lives at 1821 28th Street, expressed concern about retention ponds overflowing. He also discussed the difficulty fire trucks and others will have once they get onto 29th Street if it is closed off midway and cannot turn around. He also expressed concern about the ability of some of the larger trailers having a problem entering the side street off of 30th Street.
Following Council discussion, a motion to amend the main motion was made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Conroy, to prohibit truck traffic on 20th Avenue from 28th to 30th Street, and on 29th Street from 18th Avenue to 20th Avenue. Motion to amend CARRIED on a Voice Vote.
A second motion to amend, made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy, regarding items #2, #3 and #6 of the Planning Commission recommendations, to plant evergreens on the outside of the fence and canopy trees on the inside of the fence along the new drive from 30th Street, on 20th Avenue behind the store, and on the west side along 29th Street. Motion to amend CARRIED on a Voice vote.
The main motion, made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the rezoning and site plan with variances, subject to stipulations stated, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance, as amended, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Council members and Mayor Schwiebert then expressed their support to Hy-Vee and expressed appreciation to them for being willing to work with the neighbors to address issues and concerns.
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the street right of way vacation request for Hy-Vee development, recommending the vacation of segment of 29th and 29 ½ Streets and a segment of an east/west alley west of 29th Street. A motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the street and alley vacations as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance.
Alderman Rockwell asked for further discussion about blocking off 29th Street. Alderman Conroy stated that he did not feel there will be a large increase in traffic on this street, and spoke in opposition to closing off this street. He stated that it should be left open for the neighbors who will shop at Hy-Vee, noting that, if this is closed off, the neighbors will have to go to 27th Street or to 30th Street and 18th Avenue to enter the parking area of Hy-Vee. Alderman Brooks noted that emergency vehicles need to have this open for access in and out, and Alderman Bauersfeld noted that, if there is a problem later, Council could address it at that time.
Larry Witherspoon, 1822 29th Street, and one of the persons who has sold his home to Hy-Vee, noted that they live along the alley that is to be vacated. He stated that many times, vehicles drive down the dead end, park the car to go to Osco or other places, and block their entrance to the garage. He indicted that blocking off a portion of 29th Street will create this type of problem at the end of the dead end.
City Attorney John P. Konecky asked for a time line for vacating the streets. Council discussed this issue, and, following discussion, a motion was made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to vacate the south end of 29 ½ Street and north portion of 29th Street at the time the building permit is obtained and construction has been started. Motion to amend CARRIED on a Voice vote.
The main motion, made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the street and alley vacations as recommended, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance, as amended with the time line stated, CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #13
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request to vacate a portion of 15th Avenue east of 44th Street, recommending approval subject to Mr. McAdam working with Public Works Department to determine the proper storm sewer connection. A motion was made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the street vacation subject to stipulations stated, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance. Alderman Keefe discussed this area, noting that it has become blight for the residences there. She also stated that she did not feel the City should vacate a street without a plan for development. She stated that demolition materials are being dumped into the ravine. She suggested that the City develop a plan so we don’t lose all of our ravines in the City, and suggested that staff come back with some recommendations.
Dave Keenan, 1501 44th Street, stated that this area has deteriorated considerable, and he is concerned about the condition of the ravine. He stated that if something is not done, there would be drainage problems created as well as mosquito problems.
Dave McAdams stated that Mr. Keenan is the one who wanted the ravine filled in, and stated that leaving it as it is will cause erosion.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Conroy to DEFER this for sixty days CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #14
WATCH TOWER FOURTH
ADDITION/FINAL PLAT
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Final Plat of Watch Tower Fourth Addition. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to approve the plat as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment from the City Council in the amount of $12,232 for the Exterior Paint Program at 1535 11th Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to commit $12,232 for the Exterior Paint Program as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
The City Clerk read a memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending the following reappointments:
FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION:
John Hass
LIQUOR COMMISSION:
Bernard Blahnik
Samuel Brownrigg
POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD:
John Hass
Gary Kennelly
Robert W. Motz
Emily Smith
Dr. Randall Wanke
Paul Delcourt
Frank Stewart
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to approve the reappointments as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
City
Manager John C. Phillips called attention to the public meeting being held
Wednesday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the River Center in Davenport. He stated that
the Rock Island City Council would be meeting with the Davenport City Council
for a joint meeting and presentation on the River Vision Plan. Alan Carmen and Alderman Rockwell, members
of the River Vision Committee, spoke about the meeting, noting that it is open
to the public. They encouraged the
public to attend the meeting and express their thoughts on the plan. They noted
that the final document would come back to the City Council for approval.
Alderman Brooks asked about the former Learner’s property, stating that the person there now has not followed through on his promises to improve the façade and landscaping around the property. Mr. Carmen noted that they are working with him and an application is pending for the Façade Program. Staff will present a more thorough report next week.
Alderman Keefe invited Council members to attend the Banner Raising party on Tuesday evening at 5:00 p.m. She noted that they would meet at 643 39th Street.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Wednesday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m. in Davenport for the River Vision Meeting with the Davenport City Council CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 9:25 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk