The Rock Island City Council met for Study Session
at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 9, 2003, 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., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Ann
L. Keefe and Frank J. Forlini, Jr.
Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Community and
Economic Development Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen,
and Public Works Director Bob Hawes.
Guests present included Susan Anderson and Joe Hart from the Rock Island
Housing Authority, along with Housing Authority Commission members Melvin
LaStrapes and Jim Hass, and Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation Director
Dan Carmody.
Susan Anderson, Executive Director of the Rock Island
Housing Authority, reviewed the Asset Management Plan for new housing
opportunities. She began her
presentation with a brief history of the Housing Authority, and stated that
they will be in a position to build new communities for residents based on
transition and hope. She reviewed the
options and suggestions for the various housing projects. She suggested that the Housing Authority
form a non-profit corporation to become an integral partner in the
transformation of the City and a major player in the provision of quality
housing for current and future residents.
She noted that funds generated by the corporation would be invested to
develop additional affordable rental and homeownership housing opportunities
within the community for current and future residents.
She then reviewed the future plans for each of the
current housing projects. One that will
be kept and upgraded is Spencer Towers.
She stated that it could be developed into a mixed-income housing
opportunity. The ownership of the
property would be transferred to the not-for-profit, which would then develop
the project either wholly owned or as a joint venture. The funds from the transfer would enable the
agency to improve, develop, and purchase other suitable property.
Sunset Heights will also be kept and maintained. Ms. Anderson stated that there are some
modifications that must occur for this property to reach its full
potential. She stated that they plan to
install air conditioning and cosmetic enhancements such as paint, wallpaper,
accent touches, and carpeting treatments.
She indicated that decisions relative to tenant profile and composition
should be considered for the long-term.
She stated that this facility would be used for the relocation plan for
the Spencer Towers residents in the short-term.
Ms. Anderson stated that both Manor Homes and Lincoln
Homes would be maintained and monitored.
Manor Homes would be maintained for about five years, and at that time,
would be re-evaluated to determine its long-term value and ability to be kept
as a viable property. Lincoln Homes
could be capitalized upon as part of redevelopment activities in the
community. Due to its age, this
property would need to be evaluated in the next five to ten year period to
determine its long-term value.
Ms. Anderson indicated that Valley Homes is being
recommended for demolition because the modifications necessary would cost over
90 percent of the Total Development Costs for that property. She stated that the buildings have reached
the end of their viable life, and are physically obsolete. She suggested that the property be used for
construction and sale of single-family homes, with construction beginning at
the playground and additional units being added as other buildings are
demolished.
Ms. Anderson also talked about in-fill housing, scattered
sites, Section 8 Program and the supportive Housing. She also talked about the warehouse development and the
relocation plan that needs to be developed in order to accomplish these other
goals. She stated that multiple funding
sources are available for each Asset Management strategy.
Alderman Bauersfeld suggested that they have Living
Standard Training for the residents.
Ms. Anderson responded that they already have a limited amount of this,
but this will be expanded. Commission
member Melvin LaStrapes stated that the Housing Authority should be a part of
the City.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by
Alderman Conroy to recess to an Executive Session on matters of Litigation and
Property Acquisition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks,
Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 5:50 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:40 p.m. 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, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
________________________________
Jeanne
F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at
6:45 p.m. on Monday, June 9, 2003 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., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Ann L.
Keefe and Frank J. Forlini, Jr.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to Order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman Rockwell gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of the meeting of June 2 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
3431 14 AVENUE/SPECIAL USE
PERMIT AMENDMENT
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amending a
Special Use Permit at 3431 14th Avenue, also known as 1340 34th
Street. A motion was made by Alderman
Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass
the Ordinance. A motion was made by
Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to allow the applicant to have
the storage units available on Sundays.
Alderman Keefe stated that the applicant did not want Sunday, and the
neighbors did not want it open on Sundays.
Alderman Conroy stated that the applicant thought that was the only way
to have it approved so he went along with the closing on Sundays. He stated that a storage business does not
create that much traffic on Sunday, and it might allow him to rent out these
spaces more easily.
Alderman Keefe noted that there are three separate
buildings, including the out building, which is the one to be used for
storage. Alderman Brooks stated that he
would want the storage space to be accessible on Sundays if he were renting
it. Following further discussion, a
motion to amend CARRIED on a Roll Call vote, (which followed a Voice vote). AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld,
Rockwell and Forlini. NAYS: Aldermen
White and Keefe. The main motion, as
amended, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy,
Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #7a
CITY ATTORNEY/LEGAL SERVICES
The City Clerk read a statement from the City Attorney in the amount of $5,668.00 for legal services during the month of May.
Agenda Item #7b
CENTRAL
PETROLEUM EQUIPMENT COMPANY/
MARINA
FUEL DISPENSER UPGRADE
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Central Petroleum Equipment Company in the amount of $14,332.37 for the Marina Fuel Dispenser Upgrade.
Agenda Item #7c
KELLY
CONSTRUCTION/2003 BRICK STREET REPAIR PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Kelly Construction in the amount of $22,351.86 for the 2003 Brick Street Repair Program.
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
MAY 28
THROUGH JUNE 5
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of May 28 through June 5 in the amount of $747,055.23. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
CONTRACTS
Agenda Item #9
YMH
TORRANCE COMPANY/DEVELOPMENT
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a development agreement with YMH Torrance Company and the purchase of city-owned property by them. Greg Champagne, Community and Economic Development Department Director, responded to questions from Alderman White. He noted that the $500.00 credit (#3c) pertains to new hires. He also stated that the agreement would be finalized pending completion of the contingencies. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Forlini to approve the agreement, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance regarding the sale of the property CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
AT&T
WIRELESS/WATER TOWER SPACE
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding an agreement with AT&T Wireless for leased space on the City’s water towers. A motion was made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. Alderman Conroy asked about the contract to manage this for the City. Mr. Hawes responded that the contract was terminated and now the City collects 100% of the fees. City Manager John Phillips stated that the company hired to manage was non-responsive and had done nothing as far as marketing for us prior to termination of the contract. A motion made to amend the main motion, to have the approval dependent on the approval of the licensor, CARRIED on a Voice vote. The main motion, as amended, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
TREIBER
CONSTRUCTION/ILLINOIS CASUALTY BUILDING
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a quote from Treiber Construction for removal of the parking lot surface, landscaping and light pole bases, and regrade the sub base at the Illinois Casualty Building in the amount of $27,200.00.
Alderman Bauersfeld asked why there was just one quote and no bid. Mr. Hawes stated that he did not know the answer to this. Mr. Champagne stated that the agreement included an understanding that we would do the remediation using $78,000 from the Downtown TIF money. He stated that the work took longer than anticipated, and the NFR letter has been received about two and a half months ago. He stated that, until the letter was received, they could not be sure of what needed to be done to the property. He noted that we could do a bid, and added that there is language in the agreement that the City would provide parking for them when they move in if the lot was not completed.
A motion was made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to accept the quote from Treiber Construction as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. Following discussion, Alderman Conroy withdrew his second to the motion. Alderman Brooks then seconded the motion. The motion FAILED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks. NAYS: Aldermen Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. Council directed staff to go for bids on the project.
Agenda Item #12
HIGH
SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER/2003-2004
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding a contract for the High School Liaison Officer for the 2003/2004 School Year. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
ABONMARCHE
CONSULTANTS/SUNSET MARINA PHASE 1 B
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a contract with Abonmarche Consultants for the engineering services for the Sunset Marina Improvements, Phase 1 B. Alderman White asked about Force Accounting, and Mr. Hawes stated that this was based on time and material account basis. He indicated that Council would be reviewing the land plans next Monday, and they plan to open bids July 9.
John and Peggy Nightingale presented petitions to Mayor Schwiebert that they indicated were collected in twelve hours from boaters opposing the plans. The petitions indicated opposition to the up-land plan to demolish the large Butler Canopy, the concrete road in front of the 300 Dock, the security fence, and areas of the new parking lot to be used for flower boxes. Mr. Nightingale stated that the “Yes” vote of the Sunset Marina Advisory Board did not represent the majority of boaters. Mr. Hawes responded to questions from Council, noting that the slips designs will be seen next Monday, and construction is to begin in August. He also noted that the dredging is about three years late, and since the Corps of Engineers cannot do it, the City will be doing it. He stated that the repainting of the canopy would cost about $6,600.00, and suggested that tents can be used for any event that was previously held under the canopy. He described the water’s edge landscaping, noting that the security fence will be removed, and will be replaced with landscaping, a sidewalk and seat walls. He noted that the long-range plan includes turning the apartment unit into a recreational area for boaters.
Peggy Nightingale stated, at the first meeting with Abonmarche, a petition was presented with three hundred signatures from boaters asking them not to do the plan. She stated that the Boaters Advisory Committee does not represent the boaters. Mayor Schwiebert noted that it was up to the boaters to talk to their representatives or to serve themselves, adding that there are currently three slots that are empty.
Mr. Nightingale stated that they did not see the contract, and did not know that bonds would be used for the project. He also questioned the use of Abonmarche, stating that MICO is a good engineering firm. Mr. Hawes stated that Abonmarche is a design firm and MICO is an engineering firm. He added that MICO could bid on the project. He added that the BAC meetings are open and anyone can attend.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: Alderman Rockwell.
POLICIES/PROCEDURES
Agenda Item #14
PUBLIC
HEARINGS/RULES
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the rules for Public Hearings, recommending that the City Council adopt these rules for Public Hearings and the “interested party” form for its use with Special Use Permits, and that the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and Preservation Commission adopt these procedures for public hearings. Alderman Forlini stated that he would be voting against this because he was opposed to Item #7. Alan Carmen, Planning Administrator, reviewed the Notice of Interested Parties provision. Mayor Schwiebert stated that people who decide to speak at the meeting could still do that but those who do not file the form would not be able to call witnesses. He stated that we have to have rules to have fair hearings. Alderman Conroy stated that the procedures are good and the Chair and Council would still be able to use their discretion.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to adopt the form and the rules as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: Alderman Forlini.
Agenda Item #15
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARTNERS/BY-LAWS CHANGE
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a change in the Neighborhood Partners By-Laws, recommending the deletion of Article III, Section 3 of the by-laws that is the residency requirement. A motion was made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy not to approve the change.
Alderman Bauersfeld explained that this group is discussing the Rock Island neighborhoods, and he preferred that Rock Island residents be on the board. He stated that these organizations should be able to find Rock Island residents in their offices who could serve on this board. Alderman Conroy stated that he is usually not so parochial, but this is like neighborhood persons making decisions for our neighborhood. Alderman Brooks agreed with both Aldermen Bauersfeld and Conroy. Alderman Rockwell agreed that the neighborhood initiative should be from Rock Island.
Alderman White stated that she agreed personally. She stated that she has been on this board for some time and these organizations have not been members for a long time. Mr. Carmen reviewed the membership, stating that one third are Council appointees and the majority are Rock Island residents. Alderman Rockwell suggested that the change could state that the “majority of board members must be residents of Rock Island.” Alderman Bauersfeld suggested making non-residents ex-officio members without voting privileges. Mr. Carmen stated that the group forms task forces that include Rock Island residents of the various neighborhoods.
Alderman Keefe stated that the Council is trying to micro-manage Neighborhood Partners, and the recommendation should be approved. Alderman Forlini stated that people outside a community do not have parochial interest. Alderman Brooks stated that this is a citizen organization, and the agencies help the neighborhoods, but they are not always neighborhood friendly.
Following discussion, the motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy, to not approve the change, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Forlini. NAYS: Aldermen White and Keefe.
Agenda Item #16
1015
22 STREET/EMERGENCY PRL PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment for the Emergency PRL Program in the amount of $21,467.00 at 1015 22nd Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to commit $21,467.00 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
PARKING/TRAFFIC
Agenda Item #17
4341
18 AVENUE/PARKING LOT
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Tim Nonnenman to place the parking lots at 4341 18th Avenue under City Ordinance control. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #18
3105 6
AVENUE/HANDICAPPED PARKING REMOVED
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Jesse Hullon to remove the handicapped parking space in front of 3105 6th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Keefe 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 #19
921 14
½ STREET/HANDICAPPED PARKING
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Nellie Cheers for a Handicapped Parking Space in front of 921 14 ½ Street. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
Agenda Item #20
APPOINTMENTS
The City Clerk read a memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending the following appointments and reappointments:
PARK
BOARD:
Dave Conroy – reappointment
Peter Nyman - reappointment
POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSION:
John Hildreth – reappointment
SUNSET
MARINA BOATERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
Carol Ehlert – reappointment
Joe Heriford – new appointment
CENTRAL
RIVERFRONT DESIGN STRATEGY COMMITTEE:
Dan Rockwell – new appointment
David Levin - new appointment
Greg Champagne - new appointment
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the appointments as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PERMITS/LICENSES
Agenda Item #21
GLORIA
DEI CHURCH/JUNE 14
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request to close off the alley behind the Gloria Dei Church between 11th and 12th Streets on Saturday, June 14th from 4:00 pm. to 8:00 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Forlini to approve the request CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #22
RACE
FOR THE CURE/JUNE 14
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request to allow the Race for the Cure to use some City streets and off-duty officers on June 14. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the request CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ITEMS
FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to the “Executive Summary Consolidated and Annual Action Plan FY 2003-2004, which came from the Community and Economic Development Department. He also noted the information from Public Works regarding the cost savings of joint pavement marking contract, which information was requested by Council members. Alderman Bauersfeld asked for a report on what is done in-house, and what amount is contracted out that is beyond what our staff can do. Mr. Hawes noted that about $16,000 was saved on the project. Mr. Phillips called attention to the information regarding the status of the 2003 Yard Waste Program.
Mr. Phillips asked Alan Carmen to review the information regarding the shifting of Neighborhood Partners from Community Leadership to ‘Over the Fence’ concept. He noted that the attendance at the Community College has been decreasing, and several of those attending were not from Rock Island.
Mr. Carmen explained that Neighborhood Partners is changing their focus to provide educational programs that will apply to neighborhoods and neighborhood community building. He stated that this would consist of a series of programs, seminars, gatherings and activities designed to reinforce or teach concepts of what it means to be a good neighbor or a model neighborhood. He stated that this new focus would be less college and more “hands-on.”
OTHER
BUSINESS
ALDERMAN
WHITE
Alderman White asked about the mulch, stating that she was unable to get some last week. Mr. Hawes stated that there would be a press release within a couple weeks advertising free mulch. Alderman White also commended Bill Nelson, stating that the parking lot at Whitewater Junction was full when she drove through there earlier in the day.
Alderman White asked about traffic backed up on Blackhawk Road from the 24th /17th Street light. She asked if there would be a traffic count done and if that would help the State of Illinois put the widening of Blackhawk Road in their plan earlier. Mr. Hawes stated that it is in their five-year plan but he does not know where it is. Mayor Schwiebert asked Mr. Hawes to draft a letter for his signature requesting the State to do both projects in the same year.
ALDERMAN
ROCKWELL
Alderman Rockwell noted that he had a Ward Meeting last Tuesday, and thanked staff and other Council members for attending and providing information to those in attendance.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
A
motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Keefe to recess to an
Executive Session on matters of Property Acquisition CARRIED on a Roll Call
vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and
Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:40 p.m.
RECESS
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 9:30 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to recess to Monday, June 16 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 9:32 p.m.
_________________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk