The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session on Monday, May 16 at 5:00 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, RIPD Chief Terry Dove, Sgt. Mike Sponsler, Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne. Also present was City Attorney John P. Konecky.
Public Works Director Bob Hawes explained the franchise with the Gas and Electric Company, stating that staff is currently negotiating a franchise with MidAmerican Energy. He noted that the last franchise agreement was for twenty-five years, with an option to reopen in ten years, and the City is honoring that option now. He stated that the name of the company has changed from Iowa/Illinois Gas and Electric Company, and this would be a good time to make any other changes in the franchise. Council noted some changes or improvements, such as the appearance of the downtown substation, and the fencing on Fifth Avenue. Alderman Conroy stated that they are trimming trees and not cleaning up the branches and limbs. Alderman White also stated that MidAmerican Energy is putting in meters in the center of the front of people’s homes, and asked if this can be changed. Following discussion, it was decided that Bob Hawes and City Attorney Konecky will continue to negotiate the franchise and report back to Council with any changes or questions.
Police Chief Terry Dove introduced Jay Moreno representing the School District. Chief Dove then spoke about the School Resource Officer program. He noted that it would take the place of the DARE officer, and with the retirement of DARE Officer Duane VanLandegan, this seemed an appropriate time to make the change. He explained that the DARE program was one class at a specific time and in a specific area, with a narrow focus on topics for discussion. The School Resource Officer will have more flexibility, and be able to address more issues. He stated that the officer would begin the first part of June to work with the schools to develop a curriculum for each of the schools. He stated that the program would be classroom oriented but the officer would have the flexibility to also have lunch with the students and do other things with them as needed.
Mayor Schwiebert expressed concern about losing the ability to create relationships that the DARE Officer had. He stated that there would be a larger number of students to work with and remember on a regular basis. He noted that the expectations would be that relationships would be formed and the officer would not just used for enforcement.
Alderman White discussed a “CAN” Program for schools. She stated that she made some contacts and learned more about the program and would like to see this started in the schools. She stated that she would be talking to PTA’s about it.
Alderman Brooks stated that the School Resource Officer could have the flexibility to create trust and respect and encourage students to become police officers and firemen.
Alderman Conroy stated that he likes this program because it is all-inclusive, and the officer can continue to build trust over the years. He asked if only one officer should be involved since all the schools will be involved. Mayor Schwiebert expressed his concerns and stated that they need a structured program. He stated that the program should have a meaningful impact, and it would be difficult when working with 5000 kids.
City Manager John Phillips asked Council if they would like to place this on the Agenda next week for action. He noted that the funding would remain the same and there would be no major changes. Council determined that there would be no reason for formal approval, since it would be similar to the DARE program. They directed staff to move ahead with the program.
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Executive Session on Personnel, Property Acquisition and Litigation CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 5:55 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. 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 6:31 p.m.
_____________________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session on Monday, May 16 at 6:45 p.m. in 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.
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 Brooks gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of the meeting of May 9 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PRESENTATIONS
Agenda Item #6
PRESERVATION AWARDS
Linda Anderson of the Rock Island Historic Preservation Society, along with Mayor Schwiebert, presented the awards. As the awards were announced, photos of the completed work were shown on the screen in Council Chambers. Certificates were presented for preservation work done at Augie’s at 310 20th Street, 743 22nd Street and 1929 9 Avenue. Awards were given for preservation work completed at the Broadway Presbyterian Church, the Centennial Bridge, 1019/21 21st Street, 804 20th Street and the Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation for the Youth Build House at 716 15th Street.
ORDINANCES
Agenda Item #7
2122 5 AVENUE/HANDICAPPED
PARKING
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a Handicapped Parking Space in front of 2122 5th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Pauley to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
4533 4 AVENUE/PRIVATE PARKING
LOT
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regulating parking on parking lot at 4533 4th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Rockwell 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 #9
The City Clerk read an Ordinance amendment regarding the Supplemental License Options and Fees for Liquor Licenses. A motion was made by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance with Option II. Motion failed for lack of a second.
A second motion was made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance with Option I.
Alderman Conroy stated that he would like to see the Downtown Security area the same size as the District, and have the boundaries from 17th to 19th Street, and First to Fifth Avenues. This would include both sides of the street. Alderman Brooks agreed with this, stating that it is unfair to make other bars pay for the problems that occur in the District. Alderman Rockwell added that there is a high concentration of people in the District but not at Augie’s, Hunter’s, Steve’s At 5 O’clock, or the Jolly Roger. The motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to amend Option I to reduce the size of the Downtown Security to 17th to 19th Street, both sides of the street, and First to Fifth Avenues CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: Alderman White.
Alderman Conroy suggested that the cabaret fees be increased and also that the vendors help pay for the downtown security. Mayor Schwiebert noted that the vendors are not under the Liquor Ordinance and it would be difficult to enforce since this is part of the Liquor Ordinance. He added that the Cabaret issue would be discussed at another time. Alderman Conroy stated that he has been downtown at night when the crowds of people are around the vendors and not the bars.
Fees were discussed, and Finance Director Bill Scott will calculate the new fees. Mayor Schwiebert noted that, with the number of bars included in the Security Area decreased, the amount to be paid by each of the bars would increase.
Terry Tilka, owner of RIBCO, stated that he did not agree with the ordinance because it is not fair for all the bars to pay for the ones that have problems. He stated that he does hire off-duty officers, and should not have to pay the additional $6,000 per year. He stated that he feels like he is being punished for having a large facility, and added that there is no other city where the businesses have to pay for the Police to patrol the area. Mayor Schwiebert stated that this ordinance addresses issues suggested by bar owners. He noted that Mr. Tilka was one of the first to refuse to pay through the previously established voluntary payment program, and that is why the ordinance was being done now. He stated that this ordinance would assure that downtown security area would be continued, since the voluntary payment program did not seem to be working.
Jason Blackwell, owner of Thirsty Beaver, stated that he hires his own off-duty officers for Saturday nights. He noted that the sales from the bar have gone down the past five years. He also noted that both Augie’s and Hunter’s have gotten beer trailers for District events and yet they are not included in the District Security area.
Dave Delvechio, owner of Del’s In The District, expressed his concerns about the cost of the fees. He stated that he was not told about the fees for the Police Officers when he opened his bar. He suggested that the city donate part of the 1% sales tax toward the cost of the security by the Police Officers. He stated that eth city should be helping the bars out, noting that the city is losing money when the bars do not have the business. Mayor Schwiebert noted that the state gives us mandates, and added that Moline has four times the sales tax as Rock Island. Mayor Schwiebert then asked Pat Friese, Director of the District, how the beer trailers work.
Mr. Friese explained that the bar owners who pay the District a membership fee are eligible to operate a beer trailer for the District events. He stated that the District is a not for profit organization, and their events benefit all the bars. He stated that there will be a District Board meeting Tuesday and they plan to discuss the criteria for the Lottery. He noted that the District events are over at 12:30 a.m. and the trailers close by 1:00 a.m.
Following further discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to DEFER this ordinance for one week to give staff the opportunity to refine the fees and make the changes in the Downtown Security Area as voted on tonight, CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read an Ordinance authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2005. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider the ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11a
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to XPEDX in the amount of $3,648.18 for copier paper.
Agenda Item #11b
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department recommending payment to the Mobile Team Training Unit IV in the amount of $6,500.00 for the Rock Island Police Department membership.
Agenda Item #11c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Dixon Engineering in the amount of $3,550.00 for the 38th Street Water tower Painting project.
Agenda Item #11d
MILLER TRUCKING AND
EXCAVATING/SAUKIE BASEBALL FIELD DETENTION POND
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Miller Trucking and Excavating in the amount of $45,292.37 for the Saukie Baseball Field Detention Pond and Storm Sewer Improvements.
Agenda Item #11e
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley and Associates in the amount of $888.00 for the American Discovery Trail construction observation services.
Agenda Item #11f
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley and Associates in the amount of $1,609.50 for the 24th Street Resurfacing from 17th Street to Blackhawk Road.
Agenda Item #11g
SHIVE-HATTERY/SAUKIE BASEBALL
FIELD DETENTION POND
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Shive-Hattery in the amount of $2,156.46 for the construction consulting services for the Saukie Baseball Field Detention Pond project.
Alderman White asked if the cost of putting the logos on the water towers was included in this cost. Public Works Director Bob Hawes responded that this is for engineering only, and the painting issue is almost two years away. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy 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 #12
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of May 6 through 12 in the amount of $506,403.89. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to allow the claims 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 the payroll for the weeks of April 25 through May 8 in the amount of $1,017,427.36.
|
GENERAL FUND |
$663,135.54 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #1 DOWNTOWN |
556.21 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #2 SOUTH 11 STREET |
203.96 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #3 NORTH 11 STREET |
203.92 |
|
KING CENTER |
3,480.87 |
|
FEDERAL COPS GRANT |
1,062.23 |
|
COMMUNITY DEV. BLOCK GRANT |
26,144.82 |
|
LIBRARY |
46,039.86 |
|
ELDERLY SERVICES CONTRIBUTION |
665.82 |
|
WATER |
68,374.63 |
|
SEWER |
36,167.83 |
|
COMMUNITY
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
14,063.68 |
|
SUNSET MARINA |
6,250.50 |
|
PARK AND RECREATION |
81,548.31 |
|
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE |
26,249.57 |
|
ENGINEERING |
31,147.78 |
|
SELF INSURANCE |
1,732.65 |
|
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE |
994.40 |
|
MLK ACTIVITY FUND |
4,978.10 |
|
DRUG PREVENTION |
4,426.68 |
|
TOTAL |
$1,017,427.36 |
A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Murphy to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
LOVEWELL FENCING/ANIMAL SHELTER
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding quotes for the Animal Shelter fencing, recommending the quote of Lovewell Fencing in the amount of $3,108.00. Alderman Conroy asked why the city was spending money on fences when the new facility is being built. City Manager John Phillips stated that the County is having problems with dogs and asked the city if they could take them until the new facility is built. In order to do this, the new fence has to be built. He noted that the County is paying the city $2000 per month to do this, so the fence would be more than paid for by the time the new shelter is built. Alderman White and Chief Dove are on the Committee and Alderman White noted that the new director has been hired, and they are hoping to have the shelter completed by the end of the year.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to accept the quote 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 #15
2005 SOD REPLACEMENT, TREE PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2005 Sod Replacement Program and 2005 Tree Program, recommending that the bids be awarded to Peeters Sod Company in the amount of $27,790.75. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to award the bids 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 #16
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2005 Sidewalk and Curb Replacement Program, recommending the bid of Centennial Contractors in the amount of $120,064.00. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to award the bids 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 #17
33 BLACKHAWK HILLS COURT STORM
SEWER REPAIR
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 33 Blackhawk Hills Court Storm Sewer Repair, recommending the bid of Andrews Carpentry and Construction in the amount of $28,839.00. Alderman White asked if this was for just one house, and Mr. Hawes responded that it is a sewer next to this address. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to award the bids 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 #18
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 24th Street, 31st Avenue to 17th Street Resurfacing, recommending the bid of Brandt Construction in the amount of $999,998.75. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to award the bids 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 #19
3000 5 AVENUE/PURCHASE
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the purchase of 3000 5th Avenue in the amount of $95,000.00. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to authorize the purchase and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department requesting authorization for staff to submit a letter of interest to the Chicago Home Loan Bank Board for participation in a pilot lending program. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin to authorize staff to submit the letter as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
45 STREET, 8 AVENUE/STOP OR
YIELD SIGN
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic
Engineering Committee regarding a request for the installation of a Stop or
Yield Sign located at 45th Street and 8th Avenue. (Note:
This item was deferred for one week on May 9) (Motion on the floor from May
9 – made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the request.)
Following clarification that the STOP sign is to be placed on 8th Avenue for traffic approaching 45th Street, the motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the request and referred to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #22
Alderman Conroy nominated Alderman Rockwell to be Mayor Pro-tem for 2005-2006, which nomination was seconded by Alderman White. Nominations were closed, and all Council members voted in favor of Alderman Rockwell becoming Mayor Pro-tem.
Agenda Item #23
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding applications from The Body Shop to close off 20th Street between Third and Fourth Avenues on Saturday, June 11 from Noon to 3:00 a.m., and a Sound Amplification permit for the same date from Noon to 12:30 a.m., permission to sell alcohol outdoors for an event to celebrate their First Anniversary.
Alderman Conroy stated that he would be voting against this because he does not believe that strip bars should be allowed to have outside events. He stated that he sees this as a privilege for some businesses but not for a strip bar. Mayor Schwiebert noted that he plans to specify that any type of adult cabaret activities cannot be done outside of the building, including a bus that he has heard rumors about being brought in for the event. Alderman Brooks stated that the business should be allowed to have their Anniversary celebration outside.
A motion to amend made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to stop selling alcohol outside at 12:30 a.m. FAILED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Rockwell and Austin. NAYS: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, White and Murphy.
Bill Coffey, 2800 25th Avenue A, Moline, and owner of The Body Shop at 325 20th Street, stated that they do not plan to have any nudity outside, and they have had similar activities outside with the band and alcohol. In response to a question about the “Girls Gone Wild” bus coming for the event, he stated that they are not coming. Pat Friese of the District asked if this could be moved to another date, because The Body Shop is a member of the District and the District is sponsoring Gumbo Ya Ya in the District that weekend. Mr. Coffee responded that there is no other weekend to hold this.
Following discussion, the motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the applications as recommended, pending receipt of fees and certificate of insurance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Pauley, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: Aldermen Conroy, Rockwell and White.
MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMUNITY CENTER/GRANT FUNDING
Jerry Jones, Director of the Martin Luther King Community Center, spoke about the impact on the King Center with the loss of START grant funding. He noted that they will be losing one staff position, and he expressed concern about the impact it will have on the youth. The amount of money that will be lost is $75,000.00.
City Manager John Phillips called attention to the memorandum from Jennifer Fowler regarding the new community-marketing plan.
Mr. Phillips also pointed out the copy of the Rock Island Centennial Bridge Monthly Status Report and the notification from the GFOA indicating that the city again qualifies for the Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting.
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to the information noting that a tree will be planted in Lincoln Park in appreciation to Ann Keefe for her work and dedication as a Council member.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Brooks noted that he is not trying to close the High Twelve Club or the Family Dollar, but he is working to help them realize that they need to respect the people and keep their businesses looking decent and clean. He stated that, until this is done and maintained, he will continue to pursue methods to have this accomplished.
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Austin to recess to Monday, May 23 at 6:45 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 8:15 p.m.
____________________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk