The Rock Island City Council met for Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 23, 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 and Ann L. Keefe. Alderman Frank J. Forlini, Jr. was absent. Staff present included Public Works Director/Acting City Manager Bob Hawes, Park Director Bill Nelson, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Information Services Tim Bain and Municipal Services Superintendent George Seiz. Also present was Judy Holdorf of Quad City Arts.
Judy Holdorf of Quad City Arts reviewed the history of the agency, and presented an overview of the programs offered by them. She indicated that they have been located in downtown Rock Island for twelve years now, and occupy two levels of the building. The first floor is the gallery area and the second floor is their office space. She stated that they cover a six county area in both Iowa and Illinois, and have received the William B. Dawson Program for Excellence Award, which is an award also won by the Kennedy Center.
Ms. Holdorf discussed the various programs. She stated that the Metro Arts program involves area teens who are chosen from applicants. During the six-week program, they learn various employable skills that can be applied to other areas of their lives. They also participate in a variety of activities involving the arts. At the end of the six weeks, there is a finale on the Plaza. Ms. Holdorf indicated that they have held four of the six programs in Rock Island and two in Davenport, but this year because of the construction, two are being held in Arts Alley and four are in Davenport. She discussed the Visiting Artist Series, the Friday Series at the Center, the Art$Dollar$ Program for grants to artists and organizations, and Art at the Airport. She noted that they are a not-for-profit agency.
Ms. Holdorf then discussed the Lloyd Schoeneman Memorial Sculpture. She showed a sketch of the proposed sculpture, composed of three large pieces of limestone that will have holes bored into them so people can see the river through the rocks. The total of the piece is about ten feet wide and thirty feet high. The plan is to place this across from Arts Alley, with three trees lined up in the center of Arts Alley. The three trees would represent three different seasons of the year. She noted that the funding for this would come from a memorial fund set up by the Schoeneman family, along with some private donors and other commitments.
Ms. Holdorf stated that they planned to minimize the opportunity for rock climbing on the sculpture, and they would make sure that the sculpture was structurally sound. Mr. Hawes noted that there will be a cost to move the water and sewer lines if the trees are planted in Arts Alley. Ms. Holdorf stated that the City would not have to pay that cost. Mr. Hawes also expressed concern about the weight of the limestone used in the sculpture, noting that no street is built to handle that much weight in a truck, and no bridges could be used to transport it here.
Alderman Brooks asked what the design is supposed to symbolize and Ms. Holdorf responded that art is to expose and entertain people as well as educate them. She stated that the hope is that people will be able to look at it and learn something from it, and there may be plaques around the sculpture.
Alderman White expressed concern about the trees that would be chosen for Arts Alley. She suggested that a Gingko tree is one of the most beautiful trees around, but it is a large tree. She also expressed concern about the cost of moving the sewer lines for the trees. Alderman Bauersfeld stated that he really loved the sculpture. He noted that there was a space left for it, and asked if it was open now. Mr. Hawes stated that they put in a sidewalk to cover the space for now, but no planters were placed there.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to recess to Executive Session on matters of Property Acquisition and Litigation CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 6:15 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:40 p.m. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
___________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met for regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, June 23, 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 and Ann L. Keefe. Alderman Frank J. Forlini, Jr. 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 Rockwell gave the Invocation. Alderman Keefe made a correction to the Minutes of June 16 – noting that the dredging of the Marina is to begin in September, and has not begun already, as stated in the Minutes. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of the meeting of June 16, with the correction noted, CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:50 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Bridgette Korthals and Misty Page for a Special Use Permit to operate an artificial flower and bridal accessory shop at 4021 11th Street.
Misty Page, 94 B MacArthur Court, discussed the plans for the business. She indicated that they plan to use the basement to prepare the floral pieces, and use the living room to meet with the customers and have their office areas. She stated that they plan to pave the driveway, and are familiar with the stipulations. Alderman White asked about the employees, and Ms. Page stated that Bridgette lives there, but is away on her honeymoon now. She (Misty) will be the non-resident employee.
Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 6:55 p.m. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to approve the Special Use Permit with stipulations stated, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #7
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regarding Prevailing Wage Rates in the City of Rock Island. A motion made by Alderman Conroy 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 and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
PARKS/SOUTHWEST PARK GRANT
APPLICATION
The City Clerk read a Resolution authorizing the Parks Department to apply for the Southwest Park grant application. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to defer this to the end of the meeting, following an Executive Session to discuss this, CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #9a
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Califf and Harper in the amount of $$4,648.00 for legal services during the month of April.
Agenda Item #9b
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Carole Capritta in the amount of $2,194.14 for property damage.
Agenda Item #9c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $9,900.96 for services related to the ongoing litigation support for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Compliance Program.
Agenda Item #9d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of 45,320.70 for the Turkey Hollow Road watermain and sewer extensions.
Agenda Item #9e
CENTENNIAL CONTRACTORS/2003
UTILITY PATCHING PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Centennial Contractors in the amount of $9,910.23 for the 2003 Utility Patching Program.
Agenda Item #9f
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Iowa-Illinois Taylor Insulation in the amount of $3,380.00 for services relating to the Great River Plaza Renovation Project.
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of June 13 through 19 in the amount of $581,855.53. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of one rotor, one stator and required seals for the water treatment plant form Flow Technics in the amount of $8,494.52. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to authorize the purchase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of filter plates and contour gaskets from Christy Refractories Company in the amount of $47,000.00. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to authorize the purchase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS
Agenda Item #13
AT&T
MONOPOLE/WATER TOWER LEASE
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a Water Tower Lease for the AT&T Monopole at the southwest Water Treatment Plant. Alderman Keefe asked for clarification of the revenue from the charges for the lease.
Tim Ridder, Public Works Assistant, responded and explained the charges, noting that the fees would increase $200, going from $800 to $1000 per month, with a one-time landscaping fee of $1000 and a fee of $1,000 per term of five years for maintenance. A motion made by Alderman and seconded by Alderman to approve the lease and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
TIF HOUSING PROJECT/217
17 STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a development TIF Housing project with Ken Shields for four apartments above his sewing center business at 217 17th Street, using $80,000 of Downtown TIF funds for the project. Alderman White noted that Mr. Shields will be investing a lot of his own money in the property as well. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the agreement 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 and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
ALLEY
VACATION/22, 23 STREETS – 4, 5 AVENUES
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from St. Mary’s Catholic Church and JTM Concepts for the alley right of way vacation between 22nd and 23rd Street and 4th and 5th Avenues. Mayor Schwiebert asked how the property was to be divided up, and Alan Carmen, Planning Administrator, responded that the east portion of the alley would belong to JTM, while the west side of the alley would belong to St. Mary’s. He also noted, in response to a concern from Alderman Bauersfeld about the easements, that the ordinance will address the easement rights for the alley. He added that the overhead wires might be removed, which will make the easements a non-issue. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to approve the alley vacation and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #16
1330
15 STREET/SUPPLEMENTAL REHAB 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 Supplemental Rehab Loan at 1330 15th Street in the amount of $2,510.00. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to commit $2,510.00 for the Supplemental Rehab Loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
1637 37
STREET/EXTERIOR PAINT PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for a commitment from the City Council for the Exterior Paint Program at 1637 37th Street in the amount of $10,560.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to commit the $10,560.00 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
2208 7
AVENUE/SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Dr Frances Ricketts for permission to apply for a Special Use Permit to operate a professional clinical psychology office at 2207 7th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to allow Dr. Ricketts to apply for the Special Use Permit CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #19
Q C BOTANICAL
CENTER/EVENTS
The City Clerk read a letter from Bill Healy requesting permission to serve alcohol at three outside events at the Quad City Botanical Center – Flamingo Fling July 25, a wedding August 30 and the Quad City Botanical Center Garden Gala September 5. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the request CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #20
Q C BOTANICAL CENTER/SOUND
AMPLIFICATION
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding applications for Sound Amplification for three outside events at the Quad City Botanical Center in July, August and September. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the applications CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #21
BLOCK
PARTY/JUNE 28
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request from People’s Missionary Baptist Church to close off 23rd Street from 5th Avenue to the alley on June 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the street closing CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #22
THE
ARENA/OUTDOOR CONCERT
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application from The Arena for an outdoor concert on the East Plaza July 18 from 9:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the event as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #23
KING
CENTER/FAMILY FUN DAY AUGUST 2
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding applications for the King Center Family Fun Day to be held Saturday, August 2, including a parade application, street closing, Sound Amplification and a request to waive the fee for the Sound Amplification for the event. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the applications as recommended and waive the fee for Sound Amplification CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ITEMS FROM THE
CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
Public Works Director/Acting City Manager Bob Hawes called attention to the May Management Report, and asked Council to call Bill Scott, Finance Director, if there were any questions.
He also called attention to the list of contracted services included in the FY 03/04 budget. Alderman Bauersfeld expressed surprise at the number of seasonal workers. He asked what the regular employees do when the seasonal workers are employed, and Mr. Hawes responded that they work together. He stated that the seasonal workers add manpower to the various jobs that are done throughout the city.
OTHER
BUSINESS
SEWER/WATER
BACKUPS
Alderman White asked about the sewer backup claims, and asked why the City paid for one kind of blockage and did not pay for the other. Troy Larson, Risk Manager, responded that they were looking at their policies. He added that he did some research and there had not been any sewer backups in that area. Mr. Hawes noted the City has an obligation to keep the sewer main open, but not to keep water main from leaking. He added that the water filled in the low spot, and because this is the location of these houses, their basements were flooded. Alderman Bauersfeld stated that the Council would be hearing more about this.
SIGNS
Alderman Rockwell called attention to a company that is distributing fliers through the city regarding house numbers on signs placed in a line so emergency personnel can easily see them. He stated that it is important for the citizens to note that the city is not doing this, even though the flier appears to be an official notice (states Public Notice at the top in two places.)
KEYSTONE
NEIGHBORHOOD
Alderman Keefe noted that the Keystone Neighborhood held their annual Picnic in Lincoln Park on Sunday. She stated that they have also started organizing a group called “Friends of Longfellow” to assist the school as volunteers. The group also hopes to encourage the School Board to place at least one teacher in each class when school reopens. She noted that not only the parents of school-age children, but also others who live in the area, feel that the school is essential to the neighborhood.
SENIOR OLYMPICS
Bing Bingaman, representing the Senior Olympics, presented Mayor Schwiebert with a Gold Medal of Mayors Award. He noted that the area mayors need to decide which event they want to compete in for next year – and suggested that it could be trivia, spelling or anything else they might feel comfortable. Mayor Schwiebert noted that a gentleman who received a heart transplant competed in both the 1500 and the 3k, and Mr. Bingaman added that he also received a gold medal. The gentleman was able to help promote organ donations.
SUMMER SCHEDULE
Mayor Schwiebert reminded citizens that the Council would not be meeting until July 14. June 30 is the fifth Monday of the month, and the Council will begin their summer schedule in July when they meet the second and fourth Mondays only.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Executive Session on Property Acquisition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None. The meeting was recessed at 7:30 p.m.
RESOLUTION
Agenda Item #8 (deferred earlier)
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 8:00 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to adopt the Resolution authorizing application for the grant for Parks CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Monday, July 14, 2003 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None. The meeting was recessed at 8:00 p.m.
_____________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk