The Rock Island City Council met in regular session 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, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Absent was Alderman Dennis E. Pauley.
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 Austin gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the Minutes of the meeting of June 19, 2006 CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 1112 3rd Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Conroy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #7
SPECIAL USE PERMIT/612 AND 614
- 46TH STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit at 612 and 614 46th Street. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #8
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to accept the following reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $4,160.00 to Robert and Carol Hawes for rain garden program reimbursement.
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,232.00 to Bob Payne for rain garden program reimbursement.
c. Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $515.00 to Mindie Lowry for a general liability claim.
d. Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,493.55 to Califf and Harper the legal services rendered for May 2006.
e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $5,156.12 to Valley Construction for an emergency sewer repair.
f. Report from the Police Department regarding partial payment in the amount of $71,357.50 to GEM Electronics for radio dispatching equipment and cabinetry.
g. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,227.50 to Eagle Printing for the yearly purchase of business cards, letterhead and envelopes.
h. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,157.10 to Gardner Carton & Douglas LLP for professional services for the Pretreatment Program NPDES Permit for May 1 through May 31, 2006.
Agenda Item #9
The City Clerk read the claims for the weeks of June 16 through July 6 in the amount of $1,627,643.93. A motion made by Alderman Conroy seconded by Alderman Austin to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
PAYROLL
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read the Payroll report for the weeks of June 5 through June 18 in the amount of $1,115,659.76 and June 19 through July 2 in the amount of $1,084,278.23. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for catering the Luau at Sunset Marina recommending the bid be awarded to Hy-Vee in the estimated amount of $2,145.00. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin 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, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
DEMOLITION AND SITE
CLEARANCE BIDS
3000 5TH
AVENUE/C. H. LANGMAN & SON
1014 8TH
AVENYE/H. COOPMAN TRUCKING & EXCAVATING
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding bids for demolition and site clearance at 3000 5th Avenue recommending the bid be awarded to C. H. Langman & Son in the amount of $87,840.00 and demolition and site clearance at 1014 8th Avenue recommending the bid be awarded to H. Coopman Trucking & Excavating in the amount of $19,710.00. Alderman Murphy inquired as to the time frame of the buildings actually coming down after Council approval. Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne advised it would be approximately thirty (30) days.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to award the bids as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
EMERGENCY HVAC REPAIR BIDS/CRAWFORD COMPANY
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for emergency HVAC Repairs recommending the bid be awarded to Crawford Company in the amount of $7,447.00. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White 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, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the water distribution facility asbestos abatement project recommending the bid be awarded to Active Thermal Concepts in the amount of $9,434.00. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy 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, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
7TH AVENUE RESURFACING PROJECT BIDS (11TH TO 21ST STREETS)/
BRANDT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 7th Avenue Resurfacing Project, 11th Street to 21st Street recommending the bid be awarded to Brandt Construction Company in the amount of $2,148,351.06. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy 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, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2006 Seal Coat Pavement Program recommending the bid be awarded to Settle, Inc. in the amount of $42,305.00. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell 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, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2006 Sanitary Lateral Repair and Cleaning Programs recommending the bids be rejected and direct the Engineering Division to re-bid both of these projects. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin to reject the bids as recommended and direct the Engineering Division to re-bid both of these projects CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL
REFUSE CARTS/TOTER
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding purchase of additional refuse carts from Toter in the amount of $30,286.00. Alderman Austin inquired as to whether this purchase of additional carts would provide a cushion and how many would be in inventory. Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Bob Hawes advised the City would have an inventory of approximately 300 carts. Alderman White inquired as to the number of carts having to be repaired to date. Mr. Hawes advised there have been only a few in need of repair and the carts are under warranty except for vandalism.
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the purchase and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
RETIREE DRUG SUBSIDY
PROGRAM AGREEMENT/WALGREENS HEALTH INITIATIVE
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding an agreement with Walgreens Health Initiative in the amount of $5,000.00 to provide retiree information to the Retiree Drug Subsidy Program. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White 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, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
MURAL INSTALLATION
CONTRACT AT 223 17TH STREET/WILLIAM GUSTAFSON
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a contract with William Gustafson in the amount of $35,000.00 for installation of a mural at 223 17th Street. Mayor Schwiebert informed a picture of the revised mural was distributed and requested the artist possibly put Rock Island (R.I. RR) instead of C&RI RR on the steam engine and also have the City logo strategically placed on the mural. Alderman White also requested the artist place his signature and date on the mural.
A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
TARGETED REHABILITATION
LOAN/3904 4TH STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment in the amount of $5,148.00 for a Targeted Rehabilitation Loan for 3904 4th Street. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to commit $5,148.00 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
PERMIT SYSTEM/PRIVATE
ROLL-OFF CONTAINERS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a permit system for private roll-off containers on city property. Alderman White inquired as to why the policy does is not in effect until the container has been on City property for fourteen (14) consecutive days. Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Bob Hawes advised the container companies have to purchase an annual license, then if they place a container for longer than fourteen (14) consecutive days the company needs written approval from the City Engineer. Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to how this process would be monitored. Mr. Hawes advised it would be monitored on a complaint basis; however, does not foresee a problem due to the fact that companies prefer to place their containers on private property rather than City property due to the liabilities involved.
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the permit system and policy as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for Ordinance modifications CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
HANDICAPPED PARKING/501
9TH STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic and Engineering Committee regarding a request for handicapped parking at 501 9th Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #24
RESIDENTIAL (TYPE B)
PARKING/8TH AVENUE BETWEEN 43RD AND 44TH
STREETS
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic and Engineering Committee regarding a request for residential (type B) parking on 8th Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets. Bennie Boswell, 801 43rd Street, addressed Council regarding this request advising he was pleased with the approval; however, expressed his concern that the residential parking was not being extended next to the Lions Club, advising emergency vehicles have difficulties maneuvering into this area. Mayor Schwiebert suggested monitoring the effectiveness of the new parking arrangement and Alderman Murphy advised a follow-up with the Fire Department could be made after the new parking has been in place for a period of time.
A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #25
SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION/27TH
STREET FROM 22ND TO 24TH AVENUES
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic and Engineering Committee regarding a request for reduction in speed limit on 27th Street from 22nd to 24th Avenues. Alderman Rockwell advised he spoke with Mrs. DeLong and others in the neighborhood regarding this request. He presented photos of the area requesting the speed limit reduction advising this street is not like most interior streets in Rock Island. Alderman White advised this street resembles an alley-type street, which may require special consideration. Alderman Murphy advised two-way traffic as 30 MPH is not safe.
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Brooks to grant the request, reducing the speed limit to 20 MPH, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #26
SOUND AMPLIFICATION
PERMIT/HILLTOP TAVERN
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a sound amplification permit from the Hilltop Tavern for an outside event on Saturday, July 22, from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the request as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #27
SOUND AMPLIFICATION
PERMIT/BRIDGES, INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a sound amplification permit from Bridges, Inc. for the Rock Island High School Class of 81 Reunion at the Quad City Botanical Center on Saturday, July 29, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the request as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #28
STREET
CLOSING AND SOUND AMPLIFICATION PERMIT/COMMUNITY CARING CONFERENCE AND THE HOPE
HOUSE
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding requests for street closing and sound amplification from Community Caring Conference/The Hope House for 14th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues on Saturday, July 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for their annual Resource Fair. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to approve the requests as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #29
SOUND AMPLIFICATION
PERMIT/BRIDGES, INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a sound amplification permit from Bridges, Inc. for the Flamingo Fling Event at the Quad City Botanical Center on Friday, August 4, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Alderman White suggested residents to go see the variety of decorated flamingos that have been entered into the event.
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by
Alderman Murphy to approve the request as recommended CARRIED on a Voice
vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and
Austin. NAYS: None.
City Manager John Phillips discussed the suggested expanded services for an approved agreement with Maximus for a study to review Parks and Public Works. The expanded services would have added a study to include the Inspections Division of the Community and Economic Development Department and the removal of garbage by the Public Works Department. Mr. Phillips recommended the expanded services not be included in the study due to the excessive extra cost.
Mr. Phillips discussed the Blackhawk Road widening project that began today, July 10, 2006, which is scheduled for completion on August 20, 2007. He advised travel may be a challenge for a period of time.
Manager Phillips discussed additional information regarding a Special Use Permit for 725 19th Street wherein three off-street parking spaces were to be provided on the site by June 30, 2006. The property owner did not approve the parking to be located on the property; however, the tenant/business owner has made arrangements with adjacent neighbors to secure parking and has therefore met the three off-space parking spaces stipulation in the Ordinance. Council approved this arrangement and reference will be made in the file of this Special Use Permit.
Mr. Phillips advised that a deferred item from the June 12, 2006 Council meeting regarding a Special Use Permit requested by Quad City Engineering has been withdrawn and the company is pursuing other options.
He advised of a letter with attachments from Steve Schwindt regarding Oak Wilt disease informing Mr. Schwindt would address Council under Other Business.
Manager Phillips advised Council of a legal services survey which needs to be completed and returned to his office. He also advised of a handout regarding Fire Chief selection with the closing date of July 14, 2006.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman White reminded residents of the annual Citizen of the Year process and informed that nomination forms could be picked up at City Hall or obtained from our website and need to be turned in to Cindy Neiggemann, City Clerk, or Alderman White by the deadline of July 17, 2006.
Larry and Sandra Bopes, 4417 9th Street, and Perry and Candice Wolfe, 4411 9th Street, addressed Council regarding both residents basements flooding with sanitary sewage. They advised they spoke with City of Rock Island Risk Manager, Troy Larson, regarding this incident and Mr. Larson inspected and photographed their residence and advised them as what steps and measures they needed to take. The Bopes and Wolfes advised Council that cleaning and maintenance of this incident was very costly and they are seeking reimbursement of their claims. They advised they were thankful to see that the City had come down and cleaned out the drains and sewers. They informed that, before the two torrential rains of March 20 and April 30, they had not had water in their residence. The Bopes and Wolfes submitted photos of damage to their residences. Mayor Schwiebert advised Council would look through the photographs and obtain a report from staff regarding this incident.
Pastor Robert Wilson, 932 42nd Avenue, addressed Council regarding the building at 2324 3rd Avenue, the home of Risen Christ Ministry. Pastor Wilson advised he received a letter from the Community and Economic Development Department to vacate the property by August 23, 2006 due to the City purchasing the property. He advised he had previously talked with the owner to purchase the property, later finding it was sold to the City. He also advised he inquired about purchasing or renting the building from the City but was denied. He informed that the church has been in the building for nine years and asked Council to consider the church as an option before bringing in another tenant or owner.
Timothy Dooling, 832 14th Street, addressed Council regarding an incident which took place on July 4, 2006 somewhere between the times of 8:00 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. Mr. Dooling asked for public assistance in solving this incident involving Mr. Dooling, on his bicycle, and a truck in the vicinity between 26th Street and 14th Avenue and 27th Street and 18th Avenue.
Steve Schwindt, 1510 35th Avenue, address Council regarding Oak Wilt Disease. He advised he would like the City to look at implementing an Ordinance where residents need to treat or take care of diseased trees to avoid the disease spreading to other properties. He informed; however, he knows this is type of extreme action is unlikely as it would be a very costly endeavor for all parties concerned. He provided on background and history of this disease and advised that samples can be sent to Iowa State for verification of diseased trees. Mayor Schwiebert advised staff would research this to see what other cities have been doing and gather ideas for education to the public.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Austin to recess to Monday, July 24, at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:55 p.m.
____________________________________
Cynthia A. Neiggemann, City Clerk