The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session on Monday, June 27 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 A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Alderman Evelyn "Evie" R. White was absent. Staff present included Public Works Director/Acting City Manager Bob Hawes, Finance Director Bill Scott, Chief of Police Terry Dove, RIPD Captain Scott Harris and RIPD Captain Donald Reichert. Also present were City Attorney John P. Konecky, and representatives from McGladrey & Pullen – Sarah Bohnsack and Angela Burch.
Sarah Bohnsack, partner in McGladrey & Pullen, in charge of the Midwest region, and Angela Burch, who will be in charge of our audit, reviewed information they distributed concerning the upcoming audit. Ms. Bohnsack stated that Kevin Smith, Mia Frommelt and John Romano would also be involved in the audit process. She stated that the purpose of this meeting was to encourage direct communication between the City Council members and outside auditors, and to give an overview of the reporting indicators. She indicated that, once the audit is completed, the city would receive a complete comprehensive annual financial report, management letter, auditor communications letter and data collection form.
Ms. Burch presented a time-line for the audit, stating that they met in January with management. During the week of May 2, staff was here for some on-site preliminary work. July 11 they will begin the final fieldwork for the City, and by August 31, they plan to have drafts to management and meetings with management to discuss reports and letters.
Ms. Bohnsack discussed the fraud risk inquiries, and in response to questions from Council, stated that if Council members have concerns about possible fraud within the City government, they should contact her or Angie. She discussed some of the types of fraud, such as the theft of cash and assets, as well as management override of controls.
Ms. Bohnsack and Ms. Burch then reviewed the Statement of Net Assets that was completed in March 2004, and was a part of the audit report received earlier by Council. Mayor Schwiebert requested that information regarding where Rock Island is compared to other cities.
TRAFFIC STOP INFORMATION
Chief Dove, along with Captains Harris and Reichert, reviewed the report on the traffic stop information. Chief Dove discussed the data, stating that IDOT is preparing a statewide report with the assistance of Northwestern University, which will be released July 1 to the state legislature. He noted that the difference between the percentage of stops for Minority drivers and the estimated Minority driving population resulted in a ratio of 1.69, while the statewide average is 1.15 to 1.20. He also noted that the data regarding the Outcome of Stops shows that when Minority and Caucasian drivers re stopped, they are issued tickets or warnings in almost the exact same percentage. He indicated that the data shows that there does not appear to be significant differences between the data for Minorities and Caucasians in most of the areas of information.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DINNER
The City Clerk referred to a memo regarding the fire at Circa 21 and the plans for the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner which was scheduled for July 18 at Circa. Following discussion, the new date selected is August 15. The City Clerk was directed to a) see if Circa 21 could guarantee that they will be open by that date; b) if they are unable to give a guarantee, check with the Abbey Station and with the Botanical Center.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Murphy to recess to Executive Session on matters of Litigation CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was recessed at 6:10 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:40 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Murphy to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy and Austin. 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 on Monday, June 27, 2005 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 A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Alderman Evelyn "Evie" R. White was absent.
INTRODUCTORY PROCEEDINGS
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to order and lead 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 Murphy to approve the Minutes of the meeting of June 20 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PRESENTATION
Agenda Item #6
QUAD CITY DEVELOPMENT/TOM
HART
Mr. Hart had not arrived at this time, so this was postponed until he arrived later (following Item #8)
ORDINANCES
Agenda Item #7
SURPLUS/REFUSE PACKERS
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance declaring five refuse packers as surplus to be used for trade-in. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
22 STREET/RESIDENTIAL
PARKING
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing Type B Residential Parking on the east side of 22nd Street between the north property line of 1823 22nd Street and 20 ˝ Avenue.
Dr. Prem Virdi, who has an office on 18th Avenue at 22nd Street, spoke to Council regarding his concerns about the parking issues. He stated that his patients need room to park, and many of these residents are not home during his office hours. He indicated that nobody had talked to him about the problems and he was not asked about the residential parking either. He stated that he has a large clientele of older persons with poor eyesight, and they need to be able to park close to the office. He added that the neighbors use his parking lot for their parties also. He stated that he has leased eight spaces next door.
Alderman Conroy asked him if he is still planning to relocate, and Dr. Virdi indicated that he would be relocating. He stated that the building process would take about a year. Public Works Director Bob Hawes reviewed the process, stating that the Traffic Engineering Committee received a petition from the neighbors requesting Residential Parking on the entire street. The committee recommended that the residential parking only be allowed in front of the residences and not the business. Alderman Conroy stated that the reason stated last week by the residents was that they would come home and there would not be any place for them to park because the patients would be taking up the entire street. Dr. Virdi stated that there are only two and a half days when he has a number of patients.
Mayor Schwiebert suggested that staff look at the procedure and make sure that all residents who would be affected be notified of the request. He also encouraged Dr. Virdi to talk to the Strieter Corporation for spaces, and added that the city is not required to provide parking spaces for businesses.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Pauley 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, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
At this time, Tom Hart, Executive Director of the Quad City Development Group, gave his presentation.
Mr. Hart distributed information in a report that he
handed out to Council members. The
report showed the new logo for the QCDG, and Mr. Hart explained that the logo
indicates that we are one vibrant community that is engineered for
success. He discussed the marketing
program used by them. He stated that
the staff members visit several cities and attend many conferences and shows
where they make contacts and gain information about businesses that might be
interested in moving to the Quad Cities.
He talked about the number of jobs that have come to this area and
stated that it would be difficult to break down the number of new jobs by city
because many of the residents of one city may be employed in another city.
Mr. Hart discussed the Arsenal status, noting that their
presentation at the recent hearing is posted on their website. He stated that
they presented facts that the closing of the Arsenal would cost the government
more money, and noted that he felt the presentation went well.
Agenda Item #9a
The City Clerk read a report from the Finance Department recommending payment to Crowe Norene in the amount of $9,764.92 for consulting services in connection with the 2005 General Obligation Refunding Bonds.
Agenda Item #9b
The City Clerk read a report from the Finance Department recommending payment to Katten Muchin Rosenman in the amount of $10,000 for legal services in connection with the 2005 General Obligation Refunding Bonds.
Agenda Item #9c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $2,762.21 for Water Plant Evaluation.
Agenda Item #9d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Graybar in the amount of $5,005.80 for High Lift Pump VFD Repairs.
Agenda Item #9e
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Turkle Tree Service in the amount of $4,595.00 for the removal of fourteen trees.
Agenda Item #9d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Erosion Management Consultants in the amount of $3,320.00 for the Erosion Control Training Course.
A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Conroy to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of June 10 through 23 in the amount of $1,472,538.89. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
PAYROLL
Agenda Item #11
JUNE 6 THROUGH 19
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of June 6 through 19 in the amount of $1,071,699.46. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Pauley to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
BIDS/PURCHASES
Agenda Item #12
PRINTER, COPIERS/MASON CITY BUSINESS SYSTEMS,
HEWLETT-PACKARD
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Department regarding the purchase of nine printer/copier machines to replace twenty nine various pieces of copy and printer equipment, recommending the purchase from Mason City Business Systems in the amount of $92,200, and from Hewlett-Packard in the amount of $10,328.00. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the purchases and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2005 Summerfest Clean-up Contract, recommending the bid of Malik’s Supersweep in the amount of $5,200.00. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the contract and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the Centennial Bridge Transfer documents. Alderman Conroy noted that this has taken a long time to be completed and he was glad to see these documents. Bob Hawes, Public Works Director, stated that the construction is now completed, and there will be one last inspection by IDOT. Once the documents are signed, the city will be out of the bridge business. He added that there is about $40,000 or $50,000 left that will go to the state. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the necessary documents as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an Intergovernmental Agreement Enhancement Grant Program, recommending that Council authorize the City Manager to execute an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Moline for preliminary design services for a bike trail connection to the West Rock River Bridge. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin 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, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an assignment and assumption agreement with Donohue & Associates to replace a previous contract for demolition specifications for properties at 3rd Avenue and 24th Street with Raymond Professional Group, which has ceased to operate. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the assignment and assumption agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
The City Clerk read a resolution in support of the Creek Wood, Lynden Lane and Scattered Site Development Projects and an Application for Funding through the Federal Hope VI Grant Program. Susan Anderson, Executive Director of the Rock Island Housing Authority, spoke to Council about the grant application, stating that this is the second try and they hope to receive the funds this time. She noted that she has not heard of many other cities applying this time. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to adopt the Resolution CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
RENTAL RESIDENTIAL
PROPERTIES/AMENDMENTS TO ORDINANCE
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding amendments to the Rental Residential Properties Ordinance, recommending adding a definition for the Rental Residential Property License, and a change in the manner in which the license fees are issued. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the changes as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #19
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding environmental services for the removal of drums at Midway, recommending the proposal from EnviroNet, Inc. in the amount of $3,500.00. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to accept the proposal in an amount not to exceed $3,500.00 and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for a commitment from the City Council in the amount of $2,002.99 for a Rental Property Improvement Program at 1441 38th Street. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to commit $2,002.99 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for a commitment from the City Council in the amount of $5,420.00 for a Targeted Rehabilitation Loan at 829 12th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to commit $5,420.00 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding three Sound Amplification Applications from the Bill Healy for the Quad City Botanical Center events on July 29, August 27 and September 9, beginning at 6:00 p.m. until midnight at each event. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the Sound Amplification Applications CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #23
AUGIE’S/SATURDAY JULY 2
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Augie’s to close off the alley from 20th to 21st Street between Third and Fourth Avenue on July 2 from midnight for an outdoor picnic, recommending approval pending stipulations regarding fencing, no minors be allowed, security be provided and a certificate of insurance be received by the City Clerk prior to the event.
Alderman Pauley asked about the ending time for the event because the insurance has 3:00 a.m. and the report says Midnight. The City Clerk noted that the application says Midnight so the event should end at that time. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the alley closing pending stipulations as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #24
RENAISSANCE ROCK ISLAND/JULY 3
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application from Renaissance Rock Island for a special event that will take place in Arts Alley on Sunday, July 3 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Dan Carmody reviewed the events, stating that Brave Combo would be playing in Arts Alley beginning at 6:00 p.m. and fireworks from Davenport would be starting about 9:30 p.m. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the application CARRIED on a Voice vote.
There were no items discussed at this time.
Alderman Austin noted that this was his first anniversary, having served one year as an Alderman. He reviewed his experiences and commended Mayor Schwiebert, the City Manager and City staff for their work and assistance.
Alderman Murphy commended the Quad City Development Group and Mayor Schwiebert for their efforts to save the Arsenal. She indicated that closing the Arsenal would result in the loss of jobs to other businesses that rely on contracts with the Arsenal.
Mayor Schwiebert announced that the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner that was scheduled for July 18 has been postponed due to the fire at Circa 21. He noted that the Council has decided to reschedule it for August 15, and the place is yet to be determined. New invitations will be mailed out shortly.
The City Clerk announced that the Summer Schedule for Council meetings begins in July, with the Council meeting the second and fourth Monday during the months of July and August.
85TH AVENUE PAVING
AND LANDSCAPING
Phil Scott, 8701 51st Street West, and Ken Keller, 5008 85th Avenue West, spoke to Council regarding their concerns about the landscaping and paving of 85th Avenue West. Mr. Scott asked Council to give some more thought to the landscaping, stating that this was an opportunity to do a subdivision right. He asked that the berms, and heavy landscaping be considered for the area. He stated that the berm does not need to be ten feet wide. He noted that he would be willing to donate his property at no charge if the landscaping and berms are done right.
Ken Keller stated that he agrees with Mr. Scott, and invited Council to come out to see what they are talking about. He stated that he would also donate his property (if his wife agrees) if the landscaping were the same quality as that requested by Mr. Scott. Staff was directed to look at the costs for the berm, indicating the donated property in the calculations.
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Austin to recess to Executive Session on matters of Property Acquisition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:10 p.m.
RECESS
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 8:30 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, July 11 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:31 p.m.
______________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk