The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session 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, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Absent was Alderman Daniel Rockwell. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne.
LANDSCAPING OF ENTRYWAYS
Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne advised the following updates regarding landscaping of entryways. The application of topsoil and seeding of the sites on the east and west sides of the street is currently being completed at the 11th Street Point (11th Street/12th Street south of Blackhawk Road). The Parks Department has completed the landscape design with the planned installation of the plant materials this fall and the Engineering Department is drafting specifications for the “Welcome to Rock Island” sign which will be installed at this and other locations. He advised the area of 44th Street/3rd Avenue near QCIC/Columbia Park was completed last year by the Parks Department and the remaining element is the welcome sign to be installed in the fall.
Mr. Champagne advised of a joint venture project between the City and Renaissance Rock Island located at the northwest corner of 24th Street/4th Avenue. He informed Renaissance Rock Island President Mike Thoms has indicated the project will be completed in the near future. Mr. Champagne also advised plans and specifications have been drafted for demolition of the Taylor property and north of that property is the future site of the Botanical Center Children’s Garden. He advised that Schrieber Anderson Associates completed the concept design for the intersection at 1st Avenue/24th Street (Government Bridge approach), which includes a welcome sign, short sections of decorative black fencing and landscaping.
Mr. Champagne also informed the status of the Parkway/Andalusia Road intersection advising due to the fact that Illinois Route 92 is a state highway, the design of the landscaped welcome sign must first be approved. He also advised updates of the following: 1) 85th Avenue West/Turkey Hollow Road a gateway sign and landscaping is to be included; 2) Parkway/67 West has been identified for a new welcome sign installation; and 3) Blackhawk Road where an existing sign in the north right-of-way will be replaced.
PUBLIC WORKS/PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICES STUDY
City Manager John Phillips discussed the proposed study of the Public Works Department and Parks and Recreation Department to identify ways to enhance services and/or save money. Alderman White inquired as to why the Inspections Department couldn’t be included in this study to see if Public Works could assist in private property maintenance to streamline the process. Public Works Director Bob Hawes advised the clean-up process of private property is still takes four to six weeks before it can be resolved due to violation of ordinance, inspection, research, and outcome. Mr. Phillips advised he would contact Maximus, the company being commissioned to do the study, to see if Inspections could be incorporated into the review and what the additional time and costs would be.
STOP SIGN AND SPEED REGULATION REPORT
City Manager Phillips addressed the issue of recent requests of stop sign installation advising that too many stop signs could actually create a more unsafe condition. Alderman Conroy advised there have been too many stop sign installation requests recently and people may start stopping with a rolling stop and then not at all giving people a false sense of security. Public Works Director Bob Hawes advised people have a misconception that stop signs will control speeding. Stop sign installation requests will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.
ROLL-OFF CONTAINERS
Public Works Director Bob Hawes discussed a proposed permit system to regulate the placement of roll-off containers on city property. This has come about due to safety/traffic hazards or nuisance being created when these containers are not properly placed, marked and/or maintained. He advised the proposal has the requirements of the annual license, which will be proof of adequate insurance, the provision of emergency contact information for the company, and payment of an annual license fee of $100. Alderman Pauley stated these containers do in fact propose hazards when parked on the street with no reflectors visible and are dangerous at night. City Manager Phillips advised that whenever city property is used for placement of the roll-off containers permission is supposed to be obtained first which is not being done.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Brooks to recess to Executive Session on a matter of Personnel/Litigation CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was recessed at 6:05 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular session at 6:15 p.m.
DISCUSSION OF ITEMS IN MANAGER’S MEMO PACKET
City Manager Phillips discussed a preliminary report from the Finance Department regarding the status of the Employee Health Insurance fund for the fiscal year that ended 3/31/06. He advised there were changes in the plan and the fund had built up from a negative position. He also advised an actuary had been hired and also a consultant as facilitator to the plan. Mr. Phillips also advised of Fire Chief, Jerry Shirk’s, announcement of retirement effective June 11, 2006.
Alderman Austin mentioned the CIRLF minutes will become a confidential part of the regular memo packet for Council information. City Manager Phillips advised the Library/Parks minutes part of the regular memo packet and Alderman Austin advised he would like to see the Martin Luther King Center minutes become part of the regular memo packet as well. Mayor Schwiebert referenced a letter from Immanuel Lutheran Church and School inviting the Mayor and Members of Council to a celebration banquet to celebrate their 150th year in Rock Island.
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Pauley to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
___________________________________
Cynthia A. Neiggemann, City Clerk
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 A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Absent was Alderman Daniel Rockwell.
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 White gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Minutes of the meeting of May 15, 2006 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PRESENTATION
Agenda Item #6
DAY OF UNITY
Day of Unity Committee Members Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Greg Aguilar, Idalia Villalpando, and Marisela Villalpando presented Rock Island Police Chief, John Wright, with a “Thank You” plaque to the Police Department for their assistance on short notice for the Day of Unity march held on May 1, 2006. Ms. Mejia-Caraballo advised there were approximately 3,000 participants in the march and it received local and national coverage. Mr. Aguilar thanked the Police Department, the Mayor, Council Members, the City Manager, the City Clerk, and the City of Rock Island for their assistance and support in this important event. Alderman White commented that the march was very orderly, organized and well received.
Agenda Item #7
Mayor Schwiebert presented a Proclamation declaring May 21-27, 2006, as National Public Works Weeks. Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Bob Hawes accepted the proclamation. Mr. Hawes advised August 26 would be the Public Works Department Annual Open House to include Rain Garden classes and a breakfast for the Adopt-A-Highway volunteers.
Agenda Item #8
Mayor Schwiebert presented a Proclamation declaring the week of May 21-27, 2006, as National Association of Insurance Women Week.
ORDINANCES
Agenda Item #9
ORDINANCE REGULATING PRIVATE
PARKING LOT/1643 – 11TH STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regulating parking on private property at 1643 – 11th Street. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING STOP
INTERSECTION/12TH AVENUE AT 16TH STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a stop intersection for the eastbound and westbound traffic on 12th Avenue at 16th Street. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: Alderman Conroy.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amending a zoning district and map at 615 – 31st Street. Alderman Murphy advised she was initially in favor of this and would support it; however, after listening to the extensive discussion and points made by Mayor Schwiebert and Alderman Conroy on how this is considered spot zoning, she advised she has changed her mind and will not be supporting the request. Alderman White advised she agrees with Alderman Murphy regarding the spot zoning and feels this would not be good policy setting for the future. Alderman Conroy advised he has never been in favor of this and regards this as spot zoning; however, he informed his concern that last week Mr. Westmoreland was led to believe this was going to be approved and now that may not happen. Alderman Brooks agreed with Alderman Conroy’s concern. Mayor Schwiebert advised that if the Ordinance were passed he would be inclined to veto it based on the fact that this constitutes spot zoning.
After discussion, a motion was made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Brooks to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance FAILED on a Roll Call vote for lack of a super majority. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Pauley and Austin. NAYS: Aldermen Conroy, White and Murphy.
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Brooks to consider the Ordinance FAILED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Pauley and Austin. NAYS: Aldermen Conroy, White, Murphy, and Mayor Schwiebert.
Agenda Item #12
ORDINANCE AMENDING ZONING
DISTRICT/1110 – 38TH STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amending a zoning district and map at 1110 – 38th Street. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING TYPE B RESIDENTIAL PARKING/3156
– 9TH STREET TO 3168 – 9TH STREET; 3159 – 9TH
STREET TO 3152 – 9-1/2 STREET; AND 910 - 33RD AVENUE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing Type B Residential Parking only area at 3156 – 9th Street to 3168 – 9th Street; 3159 – 9th Street to 3152 – 9-1/2 Street; and 910 - 33rd Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Pauley 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, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE/1112 –
27TH STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 1112 – 37th Street. A motion made by Alderman Murphy 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, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE/1124 –
19-1/2 AVENUE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 1124 – 19-1/2 Avenue. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
ORDINANCE GRANTING SPECIAL USE PERMIT/1821 – 29-1/2
STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit at 1821 – 29-1/2 Street. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White not to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Pauley to accept the following reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $66,895.73 to Centennial Contractor for payment #2 of the 2006 Utility Patching Program.
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $146,950.75 to Walter Laud Construction, Inc. for payment #1 of the 2006 PCC Street Patching Program.
a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $4,275.00 to Kodiak Site Contractors for payment #1 of the 2006 Sod and Tree Program.
Agenda Item #18
The City Clerk read the claims for the weeks of May 12 through May 18 in the amount of $656,272.98. A motion made by Alderman Pauley seconded by Alderman White to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
VALVE TURNER BIDS/E. H.
WACHS COMPANY
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids to replace a failed valve turner recommending the bid be awarded to E. H. Wachs Company in the amount of $5,303.00. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White to approve 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, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
2006 MUDJACKING PROGRAM
BIDS/KELLY CONSTRUCTION OF DAVENPORT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2006 Mudjacking Program recommending the bid be awarded to Kelly Construction of Davenport, Inc. in the amount of $30,050.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy 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, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
STREET LIGHT POLE REPLACEMENT BIDS/CRESCENT ELECTRIC SUPPLY COMPANY
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for a street light pole replacement recommending the bid be awarded to Crescent Electric Supply Company in the amount of $2,786.02. Alderman Austin inquired as to whether the motorist that caused the damage has insurance coverage. Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Bob Hawes informed he did not know; however, the City seeks reimbursement from individuals that cause damage to City property through the Risk Management Department.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve 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, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
PUMP
IMPELLER PURCHASE/GASVODA & ASSOCIATES, INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the purchase of a pump impeller from Gasvoda & Associates, Inc. in the amount of $4,275.70. Alderman White inquired as to the reason for the excessive wear of this item. Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Bob Hawes informed that the pump impeller is the part that turns and moves the water, and grit in the pump station coats them and causes excessive wear. The purchase of the spare will allow rotation of the part for longevity and better wear.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the purchase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding Novell and GroupWise maintenance renewal contracts from ASAP Software in the amount of $5,792.05. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the renewal contracts as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
ORDINANCE MODIFICATIONS/PERMIT SYSTEM FOR PRIVATE
ROLL-OFF CONTAINERS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding preparation of ordinance modifications needed for the permit system for private roll-off containers on city property program and related program literature. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to authorize preparation of the ordinance modifications needed for the program and the related program literature as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #24
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 in the amount of $4,409.45 for 1627 6th Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to commit $4,409.45 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #25
The City Clerk read a report from the City Manager regarding endorsement of the Illinois Quad City Chamber initiative and pledge support in the amount of $15,000 annually over a five-year period for a total of $75,000 with the first year allocation in the 2007-2008 budget. Alderman Conroy inquired as to the Chamber contacting other cities for support in this program. City Manager Phillips advised Rock Island County and the City of Moline have already pledged their support in this program. Alderman White advised the Chamber has done a great job in the community and this program is a great follow-up to keep young people in the community.
Mayor Schwiebert gave some background for the Chamber’s request advising of the Blueprint 2010 Program and the two proposed goals; human capital attraction and retention, and business retention and expansion. He advised the Chamber plans to develop a young professionals network and improve the marketing to re-attract young talent and attract new talent to the Quad City area and on the business side the Chamber will work closer with existing businesses to retain and attract business to the area.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the endorsement as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #26
RENAISSANCE ROCK ISLAND/RED, WHITE & BOOM FUNDS
The City Clerk read a report from the City Manager regarding funds not to exceed $6,000 to Renaissance Rock Island for the Red, White & Boom event. Mayor Schwiebert informed of this joint celebration with the City of Davenport, scheduled for July 3, hosting food, fireworks and events geared toward a family-oriented event.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the funds as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #27
The City Clerk read a report from the City Manager regarding professional services of Maximus to conduct a study of Parks and Public Works services in an amount not to exceed $22,750 plus expenses. City Manager Phillips gave some background regarding this study, which will see how Parks and Public Works can work together to incorporate duel duties into one in order to expedite services and save money. Alderman White inquired as to whether Inspections could be part of this services survey regarding handling of property maintenance clean-up and inspection. City Manager Phillips advised he would contact Maximus to see if this could be incorporated into the study and the additional time and costs required. He will then come back to Council with the information.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the study of services as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
City Manager Phillips advised he had nothing to report.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Conroy took a moment to mention Alderman and Mrs. Rockwell’s recent loss and to keep them in our prayers.
Alderman Pauley wanted to publicly congratulate Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Bob Hawes on his recent Rotary Club Excellence Award at which Alderman Pauley was the keynote speaker.
Alderman White had several calls during the week in which citizens had phoned to express their appreciation and gratitude to the Rock Island Police Department.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Monday, June 5, at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:15 p.m.
____________________________________
Cynthia A. Neiggemann, City Clerk