The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 13, 2005, in the Personnel Conference Room of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Pro-tem/Alderman Daniel Rockwell, 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. Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert was absent. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, City Attorney John P. Konecky, Public Works Department Director Bob Hawes, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, Chief Building Official Inspector Tom Ayers, and Housing Inspector Bruce Crowe.
Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne reviewed background and the process of the Rental Inspection Program. He noted that they have increased the staff with Council approval, adding two Inspectors and one clerical person. He noted that the “drive-by” inspections have now been changed to “walk around” inspections after it was determined that driving by was not adequate.
Mr. Champagne stated that the staff continues to respond to complaints. Mr. Crow stated that frequently when they are doing the initial inspection on the outside, a tenant would invite them in to look at other things inside. He noted that they address these issues as well at the same time. Mr. Ayers discussed the table used by the inspectors in the field, and Mr. Crowe passed around the actual tablet style computer that is used. He stated that the checklist items are then used in the Notice of Violation letter that is sent to the owner. Mr. Ayers explained the color code system for the exterior inspections, and stated that they are working on a color code system for interior inspections.
Mr. Champagne and Mr. Ayers discussed some issues that have arisen since the program was started. One is the fact that there is no Rental Residential Property License Definition. They suggested amending the ordinance to include this. They discussed a letter from Trish Larson regarding a fee based on property as opposed to buildings. Council suggested that they raise the fee to cover the cost. Alderman Conroy suggested a maximum fee. Mr. Champagne stated that they would look at this issue and come back to Council with a recommendation for additional fees. They also discussed the Third Party Inspections, such as those done at Century Woods and Heather Ridge housing units. They explained staff’s application of the ordinance and consensus of Council was that this was okay with them. They discussed the inspections being done by request, and Council consensus was that staff continue this process.
Alderman Conroy asked for pictures showing examples of the various color code violations. Kevin Koski, of Neighborhood Partners, stated that they have been very pleased with the program, and they have quarterly meetings and updates. Alderman Murphy stated that she was able to do an inspection with Bruce and was impressed with the information he provided the landlord. She asked about vacant apartment buildings, and staff responded that they still have to be maintained on the outside, and therefore would have to be inspected as well.
Mayor Pro-tem Rockwell called attention to the memo regarding the Citizen of the Year committee, and Aldermen White, Murphy and Austin volunteered to be on the committee.
MID AMERICAN ENERGY FRANCHISE
Public Works Director Bob Hawes and City Attorney John P. Konecky reviewed the information from MidAmerican Energy regarding their franchise. Mr. Hawes stated that the meeting had been very productive. They discussed the franchise and responses to questions and concerns raised. Council discussed the location of meters, and suggested a side letter to the agreement regarding the location of meters. Alderman Conroy asked what type of franchise other cities have, and Mr. Hawes responded that Bettendorf has no franchise, but Moline and other cities have franchise agreements similar to the City of Rock Island. City Attorney Konecky stated that Stuart Diamond reviewed the franchise agreement and indicated that it looked good.
Council discussed having the overhead cables buried, and Mr. Hawes indicated that if the city asks to have the cables buried, the city has to pay for it. Alderman Conroy stated that he was not in favor of another tax, and Alderman Pauley added that he could not support a new tax for beautification.
Police
Chief Terry Dove reviewed a report that contained the basic facts involving the
dog bite. He added that, because there
is a juvenile involved, the report itself be kept confidential. He discussed the incident according to the
witnesses, and indicated that the dog was taken into custody after the incident
occurred. The dog was declared as a
“dangerous dog,” and the owner was able to show that it had its shots, was
registered, and there had been no prior incidents. The owner has ten days to appeal the “dangerous dog” declaration
by paying a fee and requesting a hearing before the Code Hearing Officer. He explained the appeal process and the
requirements for keeping a dog that has been declared a “dangerous dog” in the
City of Rock Island. Alderman Rockwell
stated that he spoke with the father of the child who was bitten, and they
discussed the formation of a committee to review cases and determine whether
the dog is to be considered dangerous.
He indicated that they have this type of committee in Davenport and it
seems to work well. City Attorney John
Konecky stated that the City Ordinance complies with the State Statutes, but
may be even a bit more stringent than the statutes require. Alderman Conroy suggested that the dog be
held longer than one night, and Alderman Rockwell suggested a review of the
ordinance and discussion of the way incidents are handled in Davenport.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin 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.
_____________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session on Monday, June 13, 2005 at 6:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Pro-tem/Alderman Daniel Rockwell, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert was absent.
Mayor Pro-tem Rockwell called the meeting to order and led 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 White to approve the Minutes of the meeting of June 6 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
HANDICAPPED PARKING/546 22 AVENUE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a Handicapped Parking Space in front of 546 22nd 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, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #7
CITY CLERK/WAGE INCREASE
RRR
The City Clerk read an ordinance amending the base wage for
the City Clerk to $43,055.00 effective May 1, 2005. A motion made by Alderman Conroy 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.
RRR
|
Agenda Item #8a
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 $2,691.22 for construction consulting services for the Saukie Baseball Field Detention Pond.
Agenda Item #8b
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Tri-City Electric in the amount of $139,313.25 for the Fiber Optic Cable Phase I B-D project.
Agenda Item #8c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Peeters Sod Company in the amount of $5,135.00 for the 2004 Sod and Tree Program.
Agenda Item #8d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors in the amount of $159,865.83 for the Centennial Bridge Improvements.
Agenda Item #8e
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Walter D. Laud in the amount of $49,977.10 for the 2005 Brick Street Patch project.
Agenda Item #8f
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to KONE in the amount of $5,548.68 for the maintenance agreement on the elevators located in the Parking Ramp and City Hall.
Alderman White asked about the Centennial Bridge Improvements project, and Mr. Hawes stated that we are on target and within the budgeted amount. City Attorney John Konecky stated that the transfer should take place in early July.
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 #9
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of June 3 through 9 in the amount of $563,269.99. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Murphy to allow the claims 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 r
eport from the Public Works Department regarding purchase of a
Ditch Witch locator from Ditch Witch – Iowa, Inc. in the amount of
$3,564.00.
RC
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy 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.
Agenda Item #11
MIDWEST MAILWORKS/ANNUAL EPA WATER QUALITY REPORT
The City
Clerk read a r
eport from the Public Works Department regarding quotes for
the printing and mailing of the Annual EPA Water Quality Report, recommending
the quote of MidWest Mailworks in the amount of $4,776.40. A motion made by
Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the payment to
MidWest Mailworks as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley,
Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin.
NAYS: None.
RC
Agenda Item #12
RC
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the joint purchase of utility supplies, recommending the low bid for supplies listed. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to award the bids as recommended and authorize purchases 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 a r
eport from the Police Department regarding a Police Mutual
Aid/Intergovernmental Agreement with other area law enforcement agencies,
recommending approval of the agreement.
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to
approve the agreement and authorize the Mayor, City Clerk and Chief of Police
to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley,
Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin.
NAYS: None.
RC
Agenda Item #14
4001 24 STREET/SEWER ON RIGHT OF WAY
RC
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a sewer connection for a new home at 4001 24th Street, recommending that the City Attorney be authorized to prepare a special ordinance allowing a private sewer to be laid on the 24th Street Right of Way. Mr. Hawes stated that the sewer could be shown on our city maps since we know its location. Alderman Pauley asked if any potential damage to the sewer would be the responsibility of the owner or the city, and Mr. Hawes responded that it would be their problem as any other private sewer would be.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman to approve the private sewer to be laid on right of way and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #15
The City
Clerk read a r
eport from the Public Works Department regarding rain gardens
for Rock Island, recommending that Council authorize staff to implement a
simplified credit process for residential rain gardens. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded
by Alderman Murphy to approve the simplified credit process and authorize staff
to implement it CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.
AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and
Austin. NAYS: None.
RC
Agenda Item #16
The City Clerk read a r
eport from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding a contract with Schreiber Anderson Associates for the landscape
design services for the beautification of the gateways at 1st Avenue
and 24th Street, and the 11th Street Point. Alderman Conroy asked what the design
services would be doing for the city at 11th Street Point. Community and Economic Development
Department Director Greg Champagne stated that they will be looking at the
property and designing the projects.
RC
Alderman Conroy suggested that Parks Department be asked to do this and be paid the money, noting that they do a beautiful job with the parks and other areas of the city. Mr. Champagne stated that the Parks Department is working with them in a couple locations. He added that Schreiber Anderson Associates would be designing, looking at an entrance sign and possible public art, as well as landscaping, which may be beyond the scope of the Parks Department.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to approve the agreement 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
The City
Clerk read a r
eport from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding a memorandum of understanding with the Hendricks Development Group
for the Armory property. A motion made
by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the memorandum of
understanding 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.
RC
Agenda Item #18
1716, 1720 29
˝ STREET, 2935 18 AVENUE/SITE PLAN, REZONING
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a review of the site plan and rezoning from R-3 and B-1 to B-3 at 1716 and 1720 29 ˝ Street and 2935 18th Avenue. Alderman Austin stated that he spoke to Mr. Jackson, one of the neighbors, and had some questions for staff on behalf of Mr. Jackson. He asked if the fencing would be the entire width from east to west. Greg Champagne responded that it would.
Mr. Champagne further stated that staff is suggesting that the fence be moved back from the property line and leave a mowing stripe between the fence on this project and the fence that Mr. Jackson has installed. Alderman Austin asked what type of restrictions the city could place on the business. Mr. Champagne stated that the city can regulate the type of business as far as zoning regulations, and can regulate the lighting and signage, but they cannot regulate hours of a business unless it is a Special Use Permit. Alderman Austin asked about the traffic in the alley, and Mr. Champagne responded that they are going to have Traffic Engineering look at it and get some input from the neighbors.
Alderman Conroy asked what the difference is between a B-1 and a B-3 and Mr. Champagne stated that a B-3 is a more intense business. He stated that a B-1 is more like a bank or beauty shop, while a B-3 is a drive-in/fast food restaurant or amusement center.
Steve
Grevase, 2924 45th Street Court, stated that he is the developer and
plans to put in a small strip mall with two or three small businesses like a
beauty shop and other similar types of business. He stated that each one would be 12,000 to 15,000 (Note:
Correction made - should be “1,200 to 1,500”) square feet.
Dan Verscha, 2902 17th Avenue, stated that the alley has a lot of traffic but no snow removal. He indicated that he has no objection to a business going in there, but is concerned about the traffic. He suggested that they exit on to 18th Avenue. The suggestion was made to create the curb so traffic can only go a specific direction. Council asked for a traffic count on the alley.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the site plan and rezoning subject to stipulations stated and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #19
714 9
STREET/SITE PLAN, REZONING
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a review of the site plan and rezoning from B-1 to R-5 at 714 9th Street. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the site plan and rezoning as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #20
The City
Clerk read a r
eport from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding the final plat of Green’s Dynamic Garden Third Addition. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded
by Alderman Austin to approve the final plat as recommended CARRIED on a Roll
Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks,
Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
RC
Agenda Item #21
WILLEY EMINENT DOMAIN CASE/ESCROW
The
City Clerk read a r
eport from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding the payment in the amount of $188,000 to be placed in escrow with the
Rock Island County Treasurer for the Willey Eminent Domain Case.
RC
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve escrow payment of $188,000 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
1018 11
AVENUE/PROPERTY SALE
The City Clerk read a r
eport from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding the sale of city-owned property at 1018 11th Avenue,
recommending approval of the sale of the property to the adjacent owners based
on conditions stated. A motion made by
Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the sale of the
property as recommended 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.
RC
Agenda Item #23
921 14 ˝
STREET/TARGETED REHABILITATION LOAN
The City
Clerk read a r
eport from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding a commitment from the City Council in the amount of $5,500 for
Targeted Rehabilitation Loan at 921 14 ˝ Street. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White
to commit $5,500 for the loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley,
Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin.
NAYS: None.
RC
Agenda Item #24
1209 7 AVENUE/TARGETED REHABILITATION LOAN
RC
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment from the City Council in the amount of $1,960.00 for Targeted Rehabilitation Loan at 1209 Seventh Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to commit $1,960.00 for the loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #25
907 14
AVENUE/TARGETED REHABILITATION LOAN
The City Clerk read a r
eport from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding a commitment from the City Council in the amount of $3,665.00 for
Targeted Rehabilitation Loan at 907 14 Avenue. A motion made by Alderman White
and seconded by Alderman Murphy to commit $3,665.00 for the loan as recommended
CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES:
Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
RC
Martin Luther King Community Center Director Jerry Jones reviewed the information on the grants received by the King Center, with some of the amounts larger than they received last year.
Mr. Jones also reviewed the current Summer Day Camp that started earlier today. He stated that there were one hundred ten children in camp that day, and they will be doing a variety of activities – swimming, golf, tennis, etc. as well as receiving a nutritious meal once a day. He also spoke of a special program from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. that will take place at the King Center for those interested in playing basketball.
City Manager John C. Phillips reviewed the Gaming Board presentation, and stated that they felt that the remarks were well received. He noted that the Gaming Board might be coming to Rock Island for the July meeting, and that the Governor may be signing the HB19 bill here.
Ander Knudsen, 8 Knoll Court, Rock Island, spoke to Council regarding the dog ordinance. He recommended that the Council look at modifying the current ordinance to create a panel of citizens who would review a report of a dog bite and determine whether the dog can be returned to the neighborhood. He stated that the current ordinance is good, but the word “provoked” needs clarification. He suggested the panel consist of a veterinarian, dog owners, police officers, and others. He indicated that this would protect others who could fall victim to a dog bite.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, June 20 CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
______________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk