The Rock Island City Council met for
Study Session on Monday, June 14, 2004 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 R. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Dan Rockwell and Ann L. Keefe. Alderman Evelyn “Evie” R. White was
absent. Staff present included City
Manager John C. Phillips, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Assistant to the
Public Works Director Tim Ridder, Community and Economic Development Department
Director Greg Champagne, City Engineer Jim Johnson and Assistant City Engineer
Bob Horton. Also present was Andrea
Johnson of Shive-Hattery.
Public Works Director Bob Hawes reviewed the background of the project at 38th Street, noting that this was where Wallace’s were located. Genesis purchased the property with the intention of developing it. The neighboring areas have been having problems with flooding and water retention, and the Public Works Department is introducing a project that could assist the neighbors with the water retention problems. Mr. Hawes then introduced Assistant City Engineer Bob Horton and also Andrea Johnson from Shive-Hattery. Mr. Horton distributed a printed version of the slide presentation, and discussed some options for preventing water problems in areas like that on 38th Street. He discussed methods of Storm Water management, including Detention/Bio-Retention, Filter Strips, Rain Gardens, and Riffles-and-Pools. He described each of these practices, and displayed a map with areas noted where one or the other of these management practices could be used.
Mr. Hawes noted that Mr. Horton has designed four of these and these will be put into practice on City property so Public Works can review the amount of maintenance and costs associated with each. He stated that staff has already talked to the School District and will possibly be setting up some areas at Washington Jr. High and Denkmann School to sue this area as a Pilot Project for the City. Council asked about breeding mosquitoes in the standing water, and Mr. Horton responded that it takes ten days for mosquitoes to breed in standing water, and the longest the water is standing is two days.
Mr. Hawes stated that, after July 1, Genesis will be under the new ordinance and will be required to comply as will all new development. He stated that the retention basin for the Genesis project could cost $180,000. In the original agreement with Genesis, they agreed to pay $30,000, but this will be renegotiated. He indicated that the more difficult areas would be the existing properties that are currently having problems with water retention/run-off. He stated that staff would work with them to put into practice one of these methods to address their problems. He indicated that staff is looking at some means of encouraging the residents and business owners to do this.
Council discussed the problems that could occur with people not being able
to identify the differences between a patch of weeds or the rain gardens with
their variations of plantings. Mr. Hawes stated that staff would be looking at
the weed ordinance to see if any changes can be made to address this
issue. With consensus from Council, Mr.
Hawes indicated that there would be a contract on the agenda with Shive-Hattery
to do the final design for the Genesis property area. Mr. Hawes stated that the level of maintenance depends on what is
put into the area.
Franchise Options
City Attorney John P. Konecky entered the room at this time to discuss the Franchise with Mid America. Mr. Hawes stated that a review of the entire Franchise Agreement would be very time-consuming, but necessary. He noted that there is a twenty-five year agreement, with the option to renegotiate in ten years. Attorney Konecky suggested a review with Attorney Stewart Diamond.
After completion of the initial review, staff will update Council and make a recommendation about whether or not to exercise the franchise renegotiation option. Council discussed a range of issues that could be discussed with Mid American Energy. Alderman Keefe suggested setting a ceiling on the amount of money to be spent on the law firm of Stewart Diamond for their assistance. City Attorney Konecky responded that he plans to ask them to do a review of the franchise and present some options as their first step. He indicated that he would ask them if they can estimate the amount of time they would need to do the work. He added that Don Anderson from this law office worked with him in the Stormwater issue, and this firm seems to have expertise in many areas. It was noted that Bettendorf has allowed their franchise to expire, and Iowa City has a referendum to take over the facility.
Council members Bauersfeld, Keefe and Rockwell served on a committee to discuss the issue of city and school funding. Also on the committee were City Manager John Phillips and Assistant to the Public Works Director Tim Ridder. A review of their findings was presented to Council and discussed at this time. Alderman Conroy indicated that he thought they were to come up with a Resolution to be sent to the Legislators regarding the money that is supposed to be set aside for the schools and it does not appear that it is being done.
Alderman Bauersfeld stated that they should continue to seek information on school funding options and existing coalitions and determine if a position should be taken on any specific proposal. He stated that the city should continue to work in cooperation with the Rock Island and Rockridge School Districts as they work with their statewide association on this issue. He indicated that the City should determine the interest level of other area Illinois cities in joining a review of the matter and should also determine the position of the Illinois Quad City Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Municipal League to see if they have an interest in education funding reform. The fourth recommendation was to share these concerns with Senator Denny Jacobs and Representative Pat Verschoore and seek their views of the school funding problems, solution and how the City might help influence reform.
Consensus of Council was to direct City Manager John Phillips to follow up with the schools, and to plan a joint meeting between the School Board and City Council, with this issue being one that could be discussed at that meeting. Mayor Schwiebert suggested a Resolution be drawn up that both the City and School could get behind and support.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Keefe to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30
p.m.
________________________________
Jeanne
F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session on Monday, June 14, 2004 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 R. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Dan Rockwell and Ann L. Keefe. Alderman Evelyn “Evie” R. White was absent.
Mayor Schwiebert 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 Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the Minutes of the meeting of June 7, 2004 CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring the summer of 2004 as YouthWorks Summer, and presented a framed document to Reverend Tom Akers of Memorial Christian Church and Sara Rust, a YouthWorks member, who discussed the mission of YouthWorks. She indicated that Rock Island is a new mission area, and there will be eight different groups, each one staying for a week. The youth will work with various charitable organizations during their stay here.
Agenda Item #7
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a Handicapped Parking Space north of the sidewalk at 1517 14 Street. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regulating parking at 2200 Third Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Keefe to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
1808 7 AVENUE/SPECIAL
USE PERMIT AMENDMENT
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amending a Special Use Permit at 1808 7th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Keefe to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10a
The City Clerk read a report from General Administration recommending payment to Illinois Municipal League in the amount of $1,779.00 for membership dues.
Agenda Item #10b
The City Clerk read a report from General Administration recommending payment to Bridges Catering in the amount of $2,789.95 for the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.
Agenda Item #10c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brandt Construction Company in the amount of $13,279.20 for an emergency water main repair at 18th Avenue and Sunset Lane.
Agenda Item #10d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Valley Construction in the amount of $2,693.48 for an emergency water main repair at 31 Avenue and 30 Street.
Agenda Item #10e
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Phoenix Corporation of the Quad Cities in the amount of $84,736.46 for the 14 ˝ Street Sanitary Sewer Improvement.
Agenda Item #10f
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment
to the US Army Corps of Engineers Planning Assistance to States in the amount
of $25,000.00 for work on the Sunset Marina Project.
Agenda Item #10g
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment
to Newt Marine Service in the amount of $132,056.28 for the completion of the
dredging at Sunset Marina.
Agenda Item #10h
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to C. H. Langman Son, Inc. in the amount of $8,948.82 for an emergency water main repair at 17th Street and 34 Avenue.
Agenda Item #10i
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment
to General Constructors in the amount of $103,341.52 for the Sunset Marina
Upland Improvements.
Agenda Item #10j
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department recommending payment to H. Coopman Trucking and Excavating in the amount of $11,178.41 for the emergency demolition of 1026-1028 16th Street.
A motion made was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended.
Mayor Schwiebert commented on Item #10a, questioning the effectiveness of the Illinois Municipal League. City Manager John Phillips noted that the City sent out a letter in May to the Illinois Municipal League with a number of questions. He stated that a meeting has been scheduled at The Mark on July 22. He encouraged Council members to attend this meeting, and stated that Illinois Municipal League President Ken Alderson is attempting to set up a breakfast or dinner meeting with the area Mayors. Mayor Schwiebert asked City Manager John Philips to get information from area legislators about issues where the Municipal League should have been involved and were not. He also suggested that, if the payment would be approved at this meeting, that it be approved on a temporary basis for one year.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Keefe to separate Item #10a from the others, CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Alderman Brooks commended Tom Ayers and staff for the demolition of the house noted in Item #10j. The motion, made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell, to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended, for Items #10b through #10j, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS: None.
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve payment for Item #10a, with a note that it is probationary for one year, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS: None. Mayor Schwiebert noted that he would be sending a letter along with the payment.
Agenda Item #11
The
City Clerk read the claims for the week of June 4 through 10 in the amount of
$447,168.17. A motion made by Alderman
Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll
Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks,
Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Keefe.
NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
The
City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of May 24 through June 6 in the
amount of $969,785.60. A motion made by
Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Brooks to allow the payroll
CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES:
Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
EAGLE PRINTING/STATIONERY, ENVELOPES AND BUSINESS
CARDS
The
City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding bids for the
purchase of stationery, envelopes and business cards for city departments,
recommending the bid of Eagle Printing in the amount of $9,925.00. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and
seconded by Alderman Brooks to award the bid as recommended and authorize
purchase CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy,
Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS:
None.
Agenda Item #14
QUAD CITIES BUSINESS SYSTEMS/PRINTER-COPIER
REPLACEMENT
The
City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department
regarding bids for the Printer/Copier replacement, recommending the bid of Quad
Cities Business Systems for Minolta Copiers in the amount of $53,950.00.
Alderman Keefe asked if this copier could copy front and back, suggesting that
the Agendas be copied on both sides to save paper. Claire Dubuisson, IT Manager, stated that it would be able to do
this. Alderman Bauersfeld stated that
he does not want the packet printed on both sides. Alderman Rockwell asked
about the savings amount, and Ms. Dubuisson noted that this amount was very
conservative, as she did not have the final numbers. A motion made by Alderman
Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to award the bid as recommended
and authorize purchase and payment CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld,
Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
L. E. CHUTE CO., INC/ANNUAL EPA WATER QUALITY REPORT
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding quotes for
the printing and mailing of the Annual EPA Water Quality Report, recommending the
printing and mailing to be done by L. E. Chute Co., Inc. in the amount of
$5,710.07. A motion made by Alderman
Keefe and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to authorize the work to be done by
L. E. Chute Co. as recommended and authorize payment CARRIED on a Roll Call
vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks,
Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS:
Alderman Conroy.
Agenda Item #16
MENTING MASONRY/PAYNE FOUNDATION WALL
The
City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for
the Payne Residence Foundation Wall repair at 2057 39th Street,
recommending the bid of Menting Masonry in the amount of $5,250.00. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and
seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld 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,
Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS:
None.
Agenda Item #17
FIRE DEPARTMENT/BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS
The
City Clerk read a report from the Fire Department regarding budget adjustments
for the current budget year, adding some purchases from the Foreign Fire Tax
Fund. A motion made by Alderman
Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the budget adjustments
as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.
AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
AFSCME/LABOR UNION CONTRACT
The
City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding the AFSCME A
Contract. A motion made by Alderman
Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the contract and authorize
the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call
vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy,
Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS:
None.
Agenda Item #19
UMBRELLAS/GREAT RIVER PLAZA
The
City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding umbrellas on the Plaza, which are being purchased by The District and
the Rock Island Summer Festival Committee, with the city being responsible for
costs associated with the installation of mounting hardware. Mayor Schwiebert expressed concern about the
umbrellas being in the way of delivery trucks on Second Avenue between 17th
and 18th Streets. Greg Champagne, Community and Economic Development
Department Director, noted that the umbrellas will be folded up some of the
time, and they are primarily for shade.
He stated that they should not interfere with the trucks, but added that
The District and the Summer Festival Committee are still in the process of completing
their discussions on the color and more exact placement of these umbrellas. A
motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to
authorize the city staff to install the umbrellas and pay the cost of the
mounting hardware as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen
Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
3100 10 STREET/SPECIAL USE PERMIT REQUEST
The
City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding a request from Jamie Klauer for permission to apply for a Special Use
Permit to operate a boarding kennel for dogs at 3100 10th
Street.
A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by
Alderman Rockwell to allow Ms. Klauer to apply for the Special Use Permit
CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #21
ENTERPRISE ZONE/EXTENSION
The
City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department
regarding an application to extend the life of the City’s Enterprise Zone,
recommending that Council pass the Ordinance and authorize the Mayor to sign
the Enterprise Zone extension application.
A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Brooks to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS: None.
A
motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the
application and authorize the Mayor to execute the documents CARRIED on a Roll
Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
The
City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department
recommending the adoption of the 2003 International Building Code,
International Residential Code, International Electrical Code, International
Residential Code, International Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code,
International Mechanical Code, International Property Maintenance Code and the
International Existing Building Code.
Kevin Koski, 1309 38th Avenue Court, and speaking as Chairman
of the Problem Properties Task Force, spoke in favor of the Property
Maintenance Code. He noted that he had sent a letter supporting this code, and
Council indicated that it was in the Memo packet.
City Attorney Konecky indicated that it would take
about three weeks before the ordinances can be completed, as there is some
further work that needs to be done. Tom
Ayers, Chief Building Official, added that the State requires a thirty-day
waiting period following the adoption of the codes before they can be
enforced. Following discussion, a
motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the
adoption of the codes as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for
ordinances CARRIED on a Voice vote.
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding requests from the Broadway Historic District for aesthetic improvements to the intersection of 20th Street with 9th Avenue, recommending approval of the requests with the stipulation that the street light and bench installation must be done in conformance with the Public Works Department requirements. In response to questions from Council, Bob Hawes stated that the Broadway Historic District will purchase the benches, streetlights and signs, and the City will install and maintain them. It was noted that maintenance includes replacement if there is an accident. Mr. Hawes added that, generally, if a vehicle hits them, the driver’s insurance would cover this cost. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the requests as recommended with the stipulations stated on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #24
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application from RIBCO for an outdoor concert on June 26 beginning at 8:00 p.m. and ending at 12:30 a.m. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the application as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #25
The
City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application for the
Senior Olympics Run to be held Saturday, June 26 beginning at 6:00 a.m. on the
same route as last year. A motion made
by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Keefe to approve the
application as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
John C. Phillips, City Manager, called attention to the information from the City Attorney regarding the Special Use Permit amendment, and also to the information regarding the Broadway Infill Development Opportunity at 8th Avenue and 19th Street from the Community and Economic Development Department. He noted that a Public Hearing would be held regarding the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report 2003-2004 on June 17 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Mr. Phillips then asked Sally Heffernan and Tim Ridder, City staff members on the Grand Excursion Committee, to come forward and discuss the events that are happening on June 25 with the Grand Excursion. They discussed the work being done by the Public Works Department to prepare the areas near the railroad, as well as the number of events that have been planned in conjunction with this event. Ms. Heffernan discussed the railroad train, stating that it will consist of twenty vintage railroad cars, and will be a multi-million dollar train.
Mayor Schwiebert discussed his week in Pennsylvania at the National Security Seminar. He noted that there were about one hundred sixty civilians in attendance, and he came away with increased confidence in our nation’s military leadership. He stated that he has high regard for people who are serving in the military in any branch. He noted that there were some great ideas that were shared and there was good input from all in attendance.
RECESS
A
motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to
Monday, June 21 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld,
Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS: None.
The
meeting was recessed at 7:45 p.m.
_______________________________________
Jeanne
F. Paggen, City Clerk