The Rock Island City Council met for Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16,2003, 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, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne, Equipment Maintenance Supervisor Bill Woeckener, Marina Manager Melody Miller, Building Inspection Division Manager Tom Ayers, Public Works Assistant Tim Ridder, and Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson.
TOPICS FOR
DISCUSSION
Due
to the number of people in attendance for the Marina Upland discussion, City
Manager John C. Phillips indicated that would be discussed first. He added that there were two other topics
for discussion and the Marina discussion would need to end at approximately
5:50 in order to allow the time for the other discussion.
MARINA UPLAND IMPROVEMENT
DESIGN
Public Works Director Bob Hawes reviewed the design. He indicated that the City Council and Boaters Advisory Committee have approved the modified Master Plan. He reviewed the plan, and pointed out where the additional parking spaces would be put in and where the landscaping would be. He indicated that Phase I would cost about 1.3 million dollars. They plan to open bids for the construction on July 8 with the bid award recommendation going to the Council July 14. He noted that the dredging is underway. (Note: Correction made at meeting of June 23 – dredging will begin in September.)
Carl Eckerman asked about the storage area, and Mr. Hawes noted that the winter storage will be the same and pointed out where the summer storage areas would be. He noted that they feel there will be adequate space for storage. Doreen Youngberg asked about he moving expense when they move from dry dock to winter storage. Mr. Hawes stated that is an operating expense and was not included in the budget for improvements. John Woolrum of Davenport asked about leaving the fence for the security of those who live there all year. Jack Nightingale also asked about the fence, indicating that the fence prevents children from falling down the hill. He also expressed concern about the soil pit not being large enough to finish the dredging, and added that they do not need the larger parking lot. He stated that the boaters would like to see the Abonmarche contract stopped now. Ron Dixon of Moline stated that he sees added value to people using the facility. Greg Youngberg stated that he believes the improvements are being made to bring additional revenue to the City, but noted that there will not be the additional revenue. Peggy Nightingale stated that they received additional signatures on the petition, two of them being members of the Boaters Advisory Committee, because they were told by members of the Boaters Advisory Committee that it was not a “done deal.” She suggested that Council call for a referendum, and asked Council if it was a “done deal.” Ken Dieger of Moline, stated that he wanted to sign the petition. He added that he resigned his slip after ten years. Dick Baldwin of Coal valley stated that the Marina is customer based and the improvements did not appear to be making the customers happy. Dewey Mongcreek of Rock Island stated that the Marina is a working class marina and the improvements are driving the costs up. He added that the City would soon be faced with empty slips.
Alderman Bauersfeld stated that he, along with Alderman Forlini, was a member of the Task Force. HE stated that the investment is worth a few million dollars and should bring in a reasonable return. He stated that the Marina should have the same amenities of the other parks in Rock Island, and it is part of the parks that need to be improved and upgraded. He stated that they asked for committee and boater input and there were several meetings to discuss the plans. He noted that not much has changed since the City took over the Marina twenty years ago.
Alderman Conroy compared the City’s ownership of the Marina to that of a landlord owning an apartment complex. He indicated that maintenance and minor improvements are done on a regular basis, and then comes a time when a major improvement needs to be made. He stated that the improvements will make it fresh, and it is a great facility that will be even better when the project is complete.
Fred Atwood stated that the parking area will still have cars among the people, and the Marina is already a moneymaker for the City. Bob Weiner asked why improvements have not been done over the years. He also stated that the Boaters Advisory Committee members don’t ask the boaters what they want, but they just make their own decisions. Mayor Schwiebert stated that it is the boaters’ responsibility to find out who their representatives are and go to them with their questions and concerns. He also encouraged anyone who is interested in becoming a member of the Boaters Advisory Committee to let him know. He stated that Phase I makes a lot of sense. Alderman White agreed and stated that the City has made the Marina a safe place to be after taking it over twenty years ago.
City Manager John Phillips expressed appreciation to Tom Ayers for his commitment to this project. Scott Harrington of Moline also expressed his appreciation to Mr. Ayers. Greg Champagne reviewed the reason for the shared services between Moline and Rock Island, indicating that there was a budget crisis as well as a staff shortage in Moline at the time. He noted that there were several meetings with the Moline Planning and Development Director, the Rock Island Community and Economic Development Department Director, and the Rock Island Building Official. They determined that there were four goals to be addressed before any changes could be made. These were cost, improvement to customer service, community support and a consideration of future development. Mr. Champagne noted that there were bargaining issues to consider, wages and benefit differences, and the expertise of staff.
Mr. Champagne stated that there were some alternatives for shared services. The Cooperative Services alternative provides a formal mutual aid type of arrangement between Rock Island and Moline. The Joint Operation alternative is effectively a consolidation of both work units into a single work unit, but one that can be operated in either of the two locations. The Traditional Operations alternative would leave both operations where they are now. Mr. Champagne and Mr. Herrington evaluated the three alternatives, and presented their recommendation to use the first alternative – Cooperative Services. Mr. Champagne stated that this alternative would allow both inspection entities to function independently with clear lines of authority in each jurisdiction. It will also allow for a standardization of procedures and processed using the “best practices” technique.
Council discussed combining the Boards of Appeal. Alderman Conroy stated that contractors would prefer addressing one rather than two Boards of Appeal. Mayor Schwiebert expressed some concerns, stating that it may be less sensitive to neighborhood concerns. He indicated his support for the sharing of inspectors during an absence so the customers would be served in a timely manner.
The report will be discussed with the Moline City Council next week. Following that, a final report will be presented to both Councils for final action.
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld 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 6:35 p.m.
____________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 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 White and seconded by Alderman Forlini to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of June 9 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring the week of June 16 through 22 as Falun Dafa Week.
Agenda Item #7
PRIVATE
PARKING/4341 18 AVENUE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regulating parking at 4341 18th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
HANDICAPPED
PARKING/921 14 ˝ STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a Handicapped Parking Space at 921 14 ˝ Street. . 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, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
HANDICAPPED
PARKING ELIMINATED/3105 6 AVENUE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance eliminating a Handicapped Parking Space at 3105 6th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Forlini to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
REAL
ESTATE/YMH TORRENCE COMPANY
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance providing for the sale of real estate to YMH Torrence Company in the amount of $33,200.00. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Forlini to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #11a
EHLERT/VEHICLE
DAMAGE
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Ray Ehlert in the amount of $923.31 for vehicle damage.
Agenda Item #11b
NOVELL/MAINTENANCE
CONTRACT RENEWAL
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department recommending payment to Novell in the amount of $6,907.80 for a maintenance contract renewal of the Netware Operating System and Group Wise E-Mail Software.
Agenda Item #11c
SHIVE-HATTERY/THIRD
AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Shive-Hattery in the amount of $4,883.94 for the Third Avenue Reconstruction Project.
Agenda Item #11d
VALLEY
CONSTRUCTION/1999 WATERMAIN PROJECT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Valley Construction in the amount of $6,460.70 for the 1999 Watermain Project.
Agenda Item #11e
GENERAL
CONSTRUCTORS/GREAT RIVER PLAZA RENOVATIONS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors in the amount of $46,179.22 for the Great River Plaza Renovations.
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 #12
JUNE 6
THROUGH 12
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of June 6 through 12 in the amount of $961,731.36. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
PAYROLL
Agenda Item #13
MAY 26
THROUGH JUNE 8
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of May 26 through June 8 in the amount of $966,836.07.
|
GENERAL FUND |
640,162.24 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #1 DOWNTOWN |
526.22 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #2 S 11 STREET |
179.59 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #3 N 11 STREET |
179.57 |
|
KING CENTER |
3,161.11 |
|
FEDERAL COPS GRANT |
4,046.83 |
|
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT |
21,254.01 |
|
LIBRARY |
40,173.61 |
|
ELDERLY SERVICES CONTRIBUTION |
155.50 |
|
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS |
7,888.31 |
|
WATER |
58,103.76 |
|
SEWER |
41,227.48 |
|
COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
7,278.34 |
|
BRIDGE |
490.08 |
|
SUNSET MARINA |
8,838.38 |
|
PARK AND RECREATION |
98,423.01 |
|
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE |
23,763.58 |
|
SELF-INSURANCE |
1,778.51 |
|
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE |
869.89 |
|
MLK ACTIVITY FUND |
4,927.33 |
|
DRUG PREVENTION |
3,408.72 |
|
TOTAL |
$966,836.07 |
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
CONTRACTS
Agenda Item #14
MAHLIK/SUMMER
FESTIVAL
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for clean-up services for the Summer Festival, recommending the bid from Malik, L. C. in the amount of $5,500.00. A motion made by Alderman Forlini 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, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Agenda Item #15
MIDWEST
GRAPHICS MANAGEMENT/2130 THIRD AVENUE
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding redevelopment of property at 2130 Third Avenue, recommending that staff be authorized to negotiate a contract with Midwest Graphics Management for redevelopment of this property. Alderman Keefe noted that MGM wants the City to assist in the purchase of the lot and alley, noting that this might make a difference in the decision. Greg Champagne, Community and Economic Development Department Director, responded that staff would negotiate the contract and come back to Council for approval. This would be included in the negotiation process.
Jeff Guthrie discussed the plans for the building. He noted that they plan to take possession of the property September. He is working with Steve Trumble, owner of Sports Fans in Bettendorf. He noted that this would be a sports restaurant/bar, with a family atmosphere. Mr. Guthrie stated that there are some concerns with the roof and that is one of the things he will fix first. He also indicated that they plan to be open from 11:00 a.m. to 12 Midnight. Alderman Bauersfeld suggested that staff keep working with the other proposal for a different location, and Mr. Champagne stated that he and Dan Carmody have talked with Mr. Crawford.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to authorize staff to negotiate the contract as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
VAN
HECKE/SPECIAL USE PERMIT
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Joan Van Hecke for permission to apply for a Special Use Permit to construct an accessory parking lot at 1235 31st Street to be used for an adjacent business. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to allow Ms. Van Hecke to apply for the Special Use Permit CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #17
1328 5 ˝
AVENUE/ROOF DEFERRED PAYMENT LOAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for a commitment from the City Council for a Roof Deferred Payment Loan in the amount of $4,268.00 for 1328 5 ˝ Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Conroy to commit $4,268.00 for the Roof Deferred Payment Loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item
#18
1600 4 ˝
STREET/ROOF STANDARD PAYMENT LOAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for a commitment from the City Council for a Roof Standard Payment Loan in City funds, in the amount of $4,626.00 for 1600 14 ˝ Street. Alderman Keefe asked why the low bid was not accepted for this project, and Mr. Carmen stated that the low bid was accepted and the amount included the 10% contingency. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Forlini to commit $4,626.00 for the Roof Standard Payment Loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
Agenda Item #19
HEALTH,
ELECTRICAL
The City Clerk read a Memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending five reappointments to the Health Code Board of Appeals and one reappointment to the Electrical Code Board of Appeals.
HEALTH
CODE BOARD OF APPEALS:
Brenda Carmen
William “Bill” Healy
Jon Keim
Sally O’Donnell
Suzanne
Chapdelaine Davis
ELECTRICAL
CODE BOARD OF APPEALS:
Jeff Thomas
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to approve the reappointments CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ITEMS
FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
STRATEGIC
PLANNING PROCESS
City Manager John Phillips referred to the report on the annual Strategic Planning Process. He discussed the benefits of the planning process, and asked the Council if they wanted to have this in the Fall. He also asked them to consider whether or not they wanted to use Lyle Sumek again, and whether or not there were ways to cut the costs.
Alderman Bauersfeld stated that having the Goal Setting sessions allows the Rock Island Council to be above a level playing field. He stated that there were other venues tried, and neither one seemed to work as well as the past several years with Lyle. He stated that it takes a strong facilitator to keep the Council members on track, and they did not see the same results with the different leaders and venues as they do with Lyle.
Alderman Conroy stated that he feels the Goal Setting sessions are excellent, and they allow the Council to give staff some direction on projects for the coming year. He asked if the facilitator was ever out for bid, adding that a new facilitator might bring in a new perspective. He added that he thought Lyle does a good job, and the facilitator is an open issue as far as he is concerned.
Alderman White stated that she does not care who the facilitator is, but wants someone who is involved with other cities. She stated that it is important to continue the Goal Setting, but is not opposed to looking for someone else to facilitate the sessions.
Alderman Forlini stated that Lyle Sumek is the best facilitator in the country, and he stated that the first period of time with the Council he generally spends talking about what other cities are doing. He stated that we should be listening to Lyle as the session goes along, and he feels Lyle is under-utilized by the Council.
Mr. Phillips noted that we decreased the cost last year by about $3,000.00 by reducing the formal report. Alderman Rockwell suggested perhaps doing a multi-year contract, which may be cheaper. Alderman Bauersfeld stated that he would like to see a list of people who do this type of session. Mr. Phillips stated that there are consultants who facilitate sessions once in awhile, but their main work is consulting. He indicated that staff would contact some of these persons to see what they charge, and if they would be available in the fall. Council members will let Mr. Phillips know which week they will not be able to attend, and staff will see which week Mr. Sumek and others are available.
CITIZEN
OF THE YEAR
City Manager stated that there was a memo about the Citizen of the Year committee, and asked for two volunteers from the Council. Aldermen White and Bauersfeld volunteered to serve this year.
BOARDS
AND COMMISSIONS
Mr. Phillips called attention to the list of Board and Commission members that was distributed to the Council.
POOL
Alderman White noted that the pool was very busy when she saw it earlier.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Executive Session on matters of Property Acquisition and Personnel CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:30 p.m.
RECESS
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 8:30 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Monday, June 23 CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:30 p.m.
____________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk