The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 6, 2005, in the Personnel Conference Room of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Alderman David Conroy was absent for the first part of the meeting, arriving at approximately 5:50 p.m. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips and Deputy City Clerk Karen DeLathower.
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Executive Session on matters of Personnel CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 5:10 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 5:45 p.m. Alderman Conroy arrived at approximately 5:50 p.m. City Manager John C. Phillips reviewed the process outlined by Personnel Director John Thorson for the recruitment of the new City Clerk following retirement of the current City Clerk. Council discussed the process, and asked if the plans included allowing them to be involved in the interviews. Mayor Schwiebert suggested that the two or three Council members be on a committee to conduct the interviews. Aldermen Pauley, Austin and White offered to serve on the committee to interview the final candidates following the recruitment process and the testing. The entire Council will be voting on the final candidate. The Personnel Department will screen the initial applications, and narrow it down for the testing process. Following the testing process, they will select the top five candidates for interviews. The interviews will be scheduled for October, following the recruitment and testing process that will begin in September.
Council discussed some of the attributes of the person they are looking for. Mayor Schwiebert suggested adding a line to the information from the Personnel Director, stating that the person needs to have the ability to work with the public in a positive, constructive and non-partisan manner. They determined that the person should be a resident of Rock Island, and if not a resident when hired, as with other employees, they would be given a six-month period of time to move to Rock Island following a probationary period.
PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY
Public Works Department Director Bob Hawes reviewed the report regarding the signs being placed in/on public right of way. He noted that there is an ordinance in existence, and suggested that it be amended to include He suggested an enforcement process, with the temporary signs being removed by staff and kept at Public Works for seven days. They will also try to contact the owner and let them know of the violation as well as a deadline to pick up the signs. Following an educational period for people to get used to the enforcement of this ordinance, staff will remove the signs and dispose of them immediately if they are located in the public right of way.
Mr. Hawes also discussed the illegal parking on the public right of way such as sidewalks and boulevards. He noted that boulevard parking has become very common in many neighborhoods, and suggested full enforcement of the ordinance prohibiting this. He suggested that, because enforcement has been done primarily on a complaint basis for some time, that staff use a phased approach that would begin with a media release and other methods of informing the public. He further suggested a courtesy notice be used for approximately one month, and will be handed out by staff on the streets, including public works, police and others. Following that period of time, parking tickets will be issued to the violators. Consensus of Council was to follow through with the plans for enforcement of the public right of way signs and parking, and prepare an amendment to the Code Hearing Officer section of the Code Book to include these violations.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman White 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 6:40 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, June 6 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, 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 Conroy gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Minutes of the meeting of May 23 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:47 p.m.
and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Charles and Decca Patterson for a
Special Use Permit to operate an ice cream and hot dog truck at their residence
at 1236 Glenhurst Court.
Charles Patterson, 1236 Glenhurst Court, reviewed his
request. He stated that he wants to
sell ice cream, candy and trinkets to the children in the neighborhood and
others who drive by. He indicated he
agreed with the stipulations from staff as read by the Mayor with regard to
signs and times for the business to be open.
Alderman Brooks stated that he heard from several residents in the area who have
concerns about the parking problems and the traffic that this busines would
generate. He asked Mr. Patterson why he
doesn’t drive the truck around and sell ice cream like others do. Mr. Patterson stated that he is concerned
about the traffic also, and noted that this area is a gathering place for drug
traffic. He stated that he wants to
have people gathering for a good thing as opposed to the drugs. He further stated that, if there are
problems, they can be worked out. He
asked Council to give him a chance to start this business and address any
problems as they occur. Alderman
Rockwell stated that it sounded like the
Unit was better suited to go to
a particular site rather than be in a driveway. Mr. Patterson stated that he was told that he cannot drive the
truck and sell on the street. The City
Clerk indicated that Mr. Patterson talked to her about the Itinerant Merchant
License, but then went to talk to Alan Carmen when he indicated he wanted to do
this at his house. Mr. Patterson also
stated that he has the truck fixed up to use electricity and water from his
house, and is not equipped at this time to operate as a mobile unit.
Alderman White indicated that she has a problem with
allowing him to set up in his driveway, and she has concerns about the children
congregating, the hours after dark, and the addition of papers and trash that
will result from this business in the neighborhood. She suggested that he talk to the Park Board about setting up his
business near the bike path.
Jim Young, 1116 13th Avenue, and owner of 1308
12th Street, stated that 13th Avenue is a one-way street and is very
narrow. He stated that this business
will bring in litter and noise, and will decrease the value of residential
properties. He added that the Health Department should check out the truck as
well as the house at 1236 Glenhurst Court.
LeRoy Nimmers, who stated he lives across the street from
Mr. Patterson, stated that he did not want the busienss in the
neighborhood. He stated that the kids
already are throwing papers and bottles around there. Mr. Patterson stated that he understands the concerns expressed
by the neighbors, and indicated that he plans to hire youngsters to pick up
trash daily around his property as well as the other areas of the
neighborhood. He stated that he wanted
to do this to bring something good into the neigbhborhood. Alderman Brooks stated that he cannot
support this in this neighborhod.
Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened
the regular meeting at 7:15 p.m. A
motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman White to DENY the Special
Use Permit CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #7
STOP SIGN/HILLCREST COURT
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance replacing a Yield sign with a STOP sign at the intersection of 21 ˝ Avenue and Hillcrest Court. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell 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, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing Type B Residential Parking Only areas on the east side of 30th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues in the City of Rock Island. A motion made by Alderman White 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 a Special Ordinance establishing Stop intersections for vehicles traveling west on 14th Avenue at 7th, 8th and 10th Streets. 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, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to Dave and Jean McAdam at 320/342 34th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy 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 #11
The City Clerk read an Ordinance regarding prevailing wage rates in the City of Rock Island. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy 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 #12a
The City Clerk read a statement from the City Attorney in the amount of $13,347.86 for legal services during the month of May.
Agenda Item #12b
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Califf and Harper in the amount of $2,248.00 for legal services during the month of April.
Agenda Item #12c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Gardner Carton and Douglas in the amount of $10,269.31 for professional services for the Pretreatment Program.
Agenda Item #12d
LAHUE/VEHICLE DAMAGE
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Michael Lahue in the amount of $505.44 for vehicle damage.
A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Austin 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 #13
MAY 20 THROUGH JUNE 2
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of May 20 through June 2 in the amount of $811,432.68. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to allow the claims 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 the payroll for the weeks of May 9 through 22 in the amount of $1,018,726.77. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
BIDS/PURCHASES
Agenda Item #15
CUMMINS CENTRAL POWER/INJECTOR PUMP
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of an emergency injector pump, recommending approval of the purchase from Cummins Central Power in the amount of $2,636.20. A motion made by Alderman Pauley 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.
CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS
Agenda Item #16
R I COUNTY POLICE CONSORTIUM RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/
MAINTENANCE
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding the City’s share of the annual maintenance of the Rock Island County Police Consortium Records Management System in the amount of $13,017.77. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the annual maintenance 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 #17
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Barricade Rental Contract, recommending the bid of Selco in the total amount of $46,320.00 for the two-year contract. Following discussion about the bids, a motion made by Alderman Pauley 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, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
C. H. LANGMAN/30 STREET EXTENSION
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 30th Street extension from Blackhawk Road South (47th Avenue), recommending the bid be awarded to C. H. Langman in the amount of $335,458.00. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Austin 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 #19
WALTER D. LAUD/13 AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION, 45 – 46
STREETS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 13th Avenue Reconstruction from 45th to 46th Street, recommending the bid of Walter D. Laud in the amount of $256,845.70. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell 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 #20
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 13th Avenue Reconstruction from 20th to 22nd Street, recommending the bid of C. H. Langman in the amount of $212,822.75. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin 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 #21
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 14 ˝ Street Resurfacing from 7th to 9th Avenue, recommending the bid of C. H. Langman in the amount of $244,918.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell 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 #22
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 15th Street Resurfacing from 7th to 13th Avenues, recommending the bid of C. H. Langman in the amount of $956,483.65. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White 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 #23
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 9th Avenue Resurfacing from 14th to 17th Street, recommending the bid of C. H. Langman in the amount of $299,876.40. 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, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Alderman Conroy asked Public Works Director Bob Hawes when these projects would be done, and Mr. Hawes indicated that they will begin this season and should be completed this season.
Agenda Item #24
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Sealcoat Program, recommending the bid of Settle, Inc. in the amount of $29,333.82. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White 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 #25
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a request for daily parking permits for “The Rocket” theatre for parking in unmetered spaces in Lot C or in 2 hour parking zones. Mayor Schwiebert made some positive comments about the business and the movies being shown at this location. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the parking permits for The Rocket as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #26
2110 11 STREET/SPECIAL USE PERMIT
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Andy Rodriguez for permission to apply for a Special Use Permit to operate an auto body shop at 2110 11th Street. In response to a question from Alderman White, Alan Carmen indicated that this is the location of the old hardware store on 11th Street. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Austin to allow Mr. Rodriguez to apply for the Special Use Permit CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #27
2526 35 AVENUE/SPECIAL USE
PERMIT
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Monroe and Barbara Maness for permission to apply for a Special Use Permit to operate a chiropractic office in the walkout basement at 2526 35th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow Mr. and Mrs. Maness to apply for the Special Use Permit CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #28
804 15 AVENUE/ROOF DEFERRED
PAYMENT LOAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment from the City Council for a Roof Deferred Payment Loan in the amount of $4,950.00 at 804 15th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to commit $4,950.00 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #29
546 22 AVENUE/HANDICAPPED
PARKING
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Ken Lucas for a Handicapped Parking space in front of 546 22nd Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item# 30
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a request from Steve Vyncke of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Station to use the parking lot area at Sunset Marina from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sundays – June 19, July 17 and August 14 for their Boat-In Pancake Breakfast events. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the use of the parking lot area as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #31
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application and Resolution for the Ride the River event to be held June 19. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Conroy to adopt the Resolution and approve the application pending receipt of the Certificate of Insurance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
ITEMS FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
Public Works Director Bob Hawes discussed the information regarding the Mill Creek Flooding in the Andalusia Road area. He explained the problems and noted that they removed four or five beaver dams. That action seems to have helped the situation, but not solved the problems. He stated that the Corps of Engineers is applying for a grant, and if approved, the city will have to share the cost of the cleaning. He stated that the Marina Dredging project could not be attached to this grant application from the Corps of Engineers because the “208”grant is for creek dredging to prevent flooding.
Mr. Phillips also called attention to the information regarding the news release announcing the awarding of Neighborhood Partners Grants for ten projects, and the documentation from Moody’s Investor Service regarding the sale of General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2005. He noted that the information regarding the Mid American Energy Franchise will be discussed at Study Session on June 13.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Brooks reviewed the School Board discussion regarding the new Rock Island Police Department Resource Officer position. He noted that Council approved the officer to be more than an enforcement officer. Chief Dove stated that the school is still on board with the proposal. He noted that the officer will go to all the schools on a regular basis. He added that the regular beat officer would continue to make on-site visits at the Thurgood Marshall Learning Center. Mayor Schwiebert asked for a report regarding the curriculum for the program and an outline of the program.
Alderman Brooks stated that the Council should look at the sale of the small bottles of liquor, noting that he has observed several persons purchasing these at convenience stores, and pouring the contents into a can of pop before they leave the premises. He suggested that the sale of small bottles should be eliminated and stated that he would be talking to Mayor Schwiebert about this on Wednesday.
Alderman Conroy stated that the weather has been beautiful and he encouraged people to visit our parks in Rock Island, including Whitewater Junction, golf courses and the bike path.
Alderman Rockwell announced his Ward Meeting on Tuesday evening, June 7 at 6:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church. He noted that information will be presented about several of the new Public Works Programs, as well as responding to questions from the audience by staff members.
Alderman White asked about the white lines on 17th Street and asked how to get to the Fitness Center. Public Works Director Bob Hawes responded that there is access to the Fitness Center from 17th Street.
Mr. Hawes then explained the white lines, stating that there is a bike path on 17th Street, with the south-bound path against the curb, and the northbound path is eight feet into the road, with a parking lane between the curb and the bike path.
Alderman White asked about a resident who has called her stating that the city staff cannot find the water shut off for him. Mr. Hawes explained that this is not required for the water service program, and noted that the shut off may be in the street.
Alderman White asked about the burning at the new development location on 30th Street. She stated that she did not believe they were using the fire curtain correctly. Fire Chief Jerry Shirk responded that not all air curtains are equal, and the contractor had one that had been approved seven or eight years ago by the EPA. He stated that they tried to make it work but they were unsuccessful. He stated that the contractor has been notified about getting a different air curtain and the contractor does know what he is supposed to do. He stated that the site will be inspected prior to its use.
Alderman White asked Chief Dove about the illegal trucks parking on 13th and 14th Avenues and not being ticketed. She stated that the problem exists in several neighborhoods. She stated that the trucks should be ticketed immediately when an officer sees this rather than waiting for a complaint call.
Alderman White noted that Gumbo Ya Ya is this weekend in the District.
Alderman Murphy asked what the plans are for the northeast corner of 30th Street and 18th Avenue. Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne indicated that staff has not seen a building plan, but the developers have indicated that they already have two or three tenants. He noted that they did check the complaint on the odor coming from the dirt being hauled in, and the Building Inspector could find no problems there.
Alderman Murphy commended the CCC Graffiti Busters group for covering the graffiti at 46th Street and 5th Avenue – formerly Archie’s. She stated that they did a good job covering it up and noted that the building has been secured again.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Monday, June 13 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 8:05 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk