The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 26, 2004 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, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Ann Keefe and Charles “Chuck” O. Austin. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Chief Building Official Tom Ayers, City Attorney John P. Konecky, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Public Works Director Assistant Tim Ridder, Fire Marshall Jeff Hindman, Building Inspector Steve Moller and Information Technical Services Manager Claire Dubuisson. Also present in the audience were persons interested in the Rental Property Licensing issue.
City Attorney John P. Konecky noted that the Building Code and the Fire Code Ordinances would have to be amended to designate the effective date of August 31, 2004. He suggested that the amendment be made by a Councilperson at the regular meeting.
City Manager John C. Phillips noted that the RiverVision Study and the Andalusia Road Corridor Study plans had been distributed to the Council for their review. He noted that they would be discussed during the Study Session of August 9.
Mr. Phillips stated that there is to be a joint meeting with the Moline City Council on the Regional Services. He stated that this will be at the Botanical Center, and will focus some attention on a Joint Refuse Collection. He suggested the date of August 31 at the Botanical Center, and several Council members noted that they had already made plans since there was no regular meeting scheduled for that date. Another date will be selected for the meeting.
The City Clerk noted two errors on the Agenda – Item #21 – amount should be $60,000 rather than $6,000; and Item #22 – amount should be $4,951.17 rather than $4,951.79 for the Targeted Rehab Loan.
Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne reviewed the report on the Rental Property Licensing. He indicated that additional information was requested at an earlier discussion on this proposal, and the report responded to that request. He stated that one challenge in estimating revenues is that they do not know the number of buildings housing rental units in the city. He noted that, according to the 2000 census, there are 6,242 renter-occupied housing units in the city. They assume that the Housing Authority units will be exempt since they are inspected routinely by the Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations. This reduces the number of units to be inspected to 5,692.
Mr. Champagne discussed the spreadsheets attached to the report, which provided a listing of major apartment buildings in the city and calculates a registration and inspection fee for each property. He stated that the annual licensing/registration fee would be $25.00 per building, with the inspection fee dictated by the number of units, at $15.00 per unit.
Mr. Champagne noted that if the exterior of the units appeared to be in compliance, a more thorough interior inspection would not be needed. He added that the buildings with several units would be inspected through the common areas – hallways, etc. Those that are found to be in compliance would not require another inspection for four years; however, all rental units would need to register annually.
Mr. Champagne noted that one challenge would be to have all the landlords register initially. Council proposed a period of time to allow them to do this. Council asked about the CDBG funds that are being proposed for this program, and what they are currently used for. Mr. Champagne responded that they are used for the Code Enforcement in neighborhoods and some of the inspection time. He added that this function would not be eliminated, but the new function would be added.
Council suggested that the program be reviewed after a period of time. Council decided that a statutory review would be needed after four years, but an annual review would be done as part of the budget process. Mr. Champagne suggested a non-registration penalty that will come back in the ordinance. Council wanted the public to be allowed time to register without a penalty. Alderman Keefe noted that landlords who have a history of code violations should be inspected regardless of the exterior appearance of the building.
Mayor Schwiebert summarized the points that would be included in the ordinance as having a graded system, lower fees with the program to be subsidized by the CDBG funds, periodic evaluation of the value of the program with a complete evaluation at the end of four years, and a non-registration penalty.
Dan Lubbell, 3927 Parkdale Drive, Bettendorf, spoke to Council and talked about deteriorated houses. He noted that the houses that are near deteriorated housing are difficult to sell. He suggested an attorney be involved full-time with Code Enforcement.
Terry Stimpson, 1121 39 Street, asked if the Augustana Dormitories would be included, and the response was they would not, but Augustana off-campus housing would be included. She asked about the houses that rent a room rather than an entire unit, and Mr. Ayers stated that he had not determined that yet. He stated that these generally are in poor condition to begin with. She asked if there would be a Social Services component to work with the inspectors, and Mr. Ayers responded that they already communicate with the service agencies in the community and would continue to do this.
Arlene Bolis, Rock Island, asked how long the $25.00 registration fee would be in effect before it gets increased. Staff responded that they expect to evaluate the program in about four years, and do not plan to increase fees until the evaluation. She complimented staff and Council on the work that has gone into the proposal.
John Versypt, Quad City Rental Property Association, asked about the Housing Authority buildings being exempt, and staff responded that they are exempt because the Housing Authority is a federal agency and they do mandatory housing inspection. Section 8 houses have more sporadic inspections. He requested leniency with the registration, since most of the landlords are “mom and pop” type property owners. He noted that 85% to 90% of the landlords will fall into Class A, and the revenues will be less than predicted. He indicated that this would lead to a higher annual registration fee being charged.
Alderman Brooks commented that we couldn’t lose focus on the purpose of this program, which is to get rid of landlords who don’t care about their tenants or the City of Rock Island in general. He added that it is not about money, and increasing the revenues for the city is not the goal of the program.
Phil Dennis, 1113 45th Street, noted his appreciation for the work that went into the program, and stated that it should improve the quality of housing in Rock Island. Mr. Lubbell again noted the need for a full time attorney, suggesting an Administrative Search warrant would be needed to get into rental units. Ms. Stimpson suggested trying to educate landlords as well as renters, and noted a handbook that is available from Prairie State Legal Services regarding renters’ rights and responsibilities. City Manager John Phillips noted that this could be a topic for another Landlord Workshop.
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. 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, July 26, 2004 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, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Ann Keefe and Charles “Chuck” O. Austin.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to Order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman Bauersfeld gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the Minutes of the meeting of July 12 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PRESENTATIONS
Agenda Item #6
EMPLOYEE
RECOGNITION/LEATHERMAN, STONE
Mayor Schwiebert and City Manager John C. Phillips, along with Public Works Director Bob Hawes, presented Employee Recognition Awards to Terry Stone and Don Leatherman, Maintenance Electricians from the Public Works Department. Mr. Phillips noted that they worked on a major project – installing lights in the parking ramp – in addition to their other work. He noted that some of the challenges for this project included doing the work around the traffic in and out of the ramp.
Agenda Item #7
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring Tuesday, August 3 as “National Night Out.” Community Caring Conference Director Bob Schroeder accepted the proclamation, and Board President Rick Newswander spoke briefly about the purpose of National Night Out, encouraging people to attend their event at Sunset Park and then go home and turn on their porch lights.
Agenda Item #8
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring August 6 and 7 as “V.F.W. Buddy Poppies Days.” Paul J. Hymes, Past Commander of the V.F.W. Post 1303, accepted the proclamation and discussed the fact that the money from the sale of these poppies is used for relief funds to assist veterans and their families. He added that these funds are restricted funds and can only be used for specific things.
Agenda Item #9
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 7:10 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Nancy’s Pies to amend an existing Special Use Permit, to allow construction of an enclosed cooler addition on the south side of the structure at 3950 11th Street.
George Coin, owner of Nancy’s Pies, reviewed his request. He noted that the expansion for the cooler will be enclosed with no new access to the building. He indicated that the cooler is needed for additional cooling space for their products. He stated that there will be no additional signs and there will be plenty of space to go around the addition.
Aaron White, 4017 11th Street, who had submitted a Statement of Interested Party, asked if there would be additional noise from the cooler. He noted that there is already a lot of noise from the trucks that are parked there. Mr. Coin responded that the trucks were used to hold products that needed to be in refrigeration, and this new addition would eliminate most of these trucks. He stated that the noise level should be less than it is now.
Alderman Conroy stated that there should not be a noise problem coming from this facility, and Mr. White noted that the trailers face his house and are run on diesel units, which create noise. He indicated that there are usually six trucks there that are running twenty-four hours a day. Alderman Rockwell expressed concern about the hours of operation and the trucks coming and going at all hours.
Mr. Coin stated that the cooler addition would alleviate some of the noise, and he would check into the trucks coming and going, noting that there are other trucks that use the lot. He added that the lot is under City Ordinance and he is going to put up more signs so the truckers can see them better.
With no other person present to speak for or in opposition to the Special Use Permit Amendment, Mayor Schwiebert closed the public hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:10 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the Special Use Permit amendment with the stipulations stated and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #10
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 7:12 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Nancy’s Pies to amend an existing Special Use Permit, to allow construction of an enclosed sanitation room addition on the east side of the structure at 3950 11th Street.
George Coin, owner of Nancy’s Pies, stated that this addition would also be enclosed with no new access to the building. He stated that it would be built in with the existing building.
Richard Rogers, 4019 11th Street, who had submitted a Statement of Interested Party, commented on the noise. He said that the bulk flour trucks unloaded between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. daily, and they use a vacuum to unload that sounds like a jet engine. Mr. Coin responded, stating that he was not aware that they were unloading at that time, and agreed that they do make a lot of noise. He offered to talk to the distributor to change the time of the delivery. Mr. Rogers asked that a stipulation be added regarding the noise. Mayor Schwiebert noted that the noise was not part of this hearing, and asked staff to submit a report on this issue. Council asked for a copy of the Special Use Permit with stipulations, along with the report on the noise.
With no other person present to speak for or in opposition to the Special Use Permit Amendment, Mayor Schwiebert closed the public hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:15 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the Special Use Permit amendment with the stipulations stated and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read an ordinance amending Section 13-38, Article II of Chapter 12 of the Code of Ordinances, regarding the definition of weeds. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE/2003 EDITION
The City Clerk read an ordinance amending Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances, adopting the International Fire Code, 2003 Edition. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance, with the effective date of August 31, 2004, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
INTERNATIONAL CODES/2003 EDITIONS
The City Clerk read an ordinance amending Chapter 4 of the Code of Ordinances, adopting by reference the International Building Code, 2003 Edition, the International Mechanical Code 2003 Edition and the International Electrical Code 2003 Edition. Alderman White asked about electrical requirements in bathrooms, and Tom Ayers, Chief Building Inspector, responded, directing Council to look at page 21. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Austin to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance, with the effective date of August 31, 2004, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
BOND ISSUE/DEFERRED
The City Clerk read a resolution allowing the city to defer the bond issue until Fiscal 2006 and use the bond proceeds to reimburse fiscal 2005 Special Assessment Project costs. Alderman Keefe asked if this would mean a risk of higher interest rates. City Manager John Phillips responded, noting that there fees incurred with small bond issues and next year, there will probably be a need for a large bond issue that can incorporate this one. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adopt the Resolution CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15a
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Business Technology Integrators in the amount of $2,640.00 for the annual Copy Machine Maintenance Agreement at Public Works.
Agenda Item #15b
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to the State of Illinois Treasurer in the amount of $330,054.85 for services relating to the 5th Avenue Resurfacing Project.
Agenda Item #15c
GARDNER, CARTON AND
DOUGLAS/PRETREATMENT PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Gardner, Carton and Douglas in the amount of $4,780.39 for professional services for the Pretreatment Program – NPDES Permit.
Agenda Item #15d
TRIAD ENGINEERING/
WATER, SEWER TO TURKEY HOLLOW
ROAD, REMOTE CHLORINATION SYSTEM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $5,502.00 for professional services for the Water and Sewer Extension to Turkey Hollow Road, and the Remote Chlorination System.
Agenda Item #15e
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Rail City Construction in the amount of $1,935.28 for the 2004 50/50 Sidewalk and Curb Program.
Alderman Bauersfeld noted that there are some areas of 4th and 5th Avenues that have different levels where cuts have been made in the streets. Public Works Director Bob Hawes responded that if it is rough, it is probably a temporary fill, and if it is permanent, it will need to be replaced. He noted that staff will take a look at these.
A motion made by Alderman Austin 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 Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
The City Clerk read the claims for the weeks of July 9 through 22 in the amount of $1,209,319.03. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of July 5 through 18 in the amount of $1,040,444.08.
|
GENERAL FUND |
$652,808.43 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #1 DOWNTOWN |
553.37 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #2 S 11 STREET |
236.01 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #3 N 11 STREET |
235.98 |
|
FEDERAL COPS GRANT |
3,343.73 |
|
COMMUNITY DEV. BLOCK GRANT |
2,537.63 |
|
LIBRARY |
25,292.96 |
|
ELDERLY SERVICES CONTRIBUTION |
42,162.45 |
|
WATER |
63,581.12 |
|
SEWER |
34,089.90 |
|
COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC DEVELOP. |
12,605.56 |
|
SUNSET MARINA |
9,377.90 |
|
PARK & RECREATION |
119,380.27 |
|
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE |
23,967.31 |
|
ENGINEERING |
29,830.32 |
|
SELF-INSURANCE |
1,774.04 |
|
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE |
878.49 |
|
CAFETERIA PLAN |
8,910.86 |
|
MLK ACTIVITY FUND |
4,731.85 |
|
DRUG PREVENTION |
4,145.90 |
|
TOTAL |
$1,040,444.08 |
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
The City Clerk read a report from the Fire Department regarding bids for the Station 5 Roof Repair, recommending the bid of White Roofing Company in the amount of $4,284.00. A motion made by Alderman Austin 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, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for catering the Luau at Sunset Marina August 28, recommending the bid of At Your Service in the estimated amount of $2,343.75. Alderman White asked why this is being paid by the City rather than the boaters themselves, noting that the guests for the Volunteer Dinner are charged full price. Mr. Hawes stated that this has traditionally been paid by the City, and is in the budget. Alderman Conroy stated that he believes that that the boaters are good customers of the city and this is to show our appreciation. Alderman Rockwell added that this might help market the Marina also.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy 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, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: Alderman White.
Agenda Item #20
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a contract renewal from Land Treatment Alternatives for the land application of wastewater biosolids in the amount of $7.90 per cubic yard. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to renew the contract with Land Treatment Alternatives 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 Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an agreement with the Buxton Program for Retail Consultant Services in the amount of $60,000.00.
Alderman Bauersfeld stated that he thinks this is a great idea. Council members also expressed their support of this. Following discussion, it was noted that they will look at three sites, but will only make a recommendation for one site.
Greg Champagne, Community and Economic Development Department Director, stated that we will have the information but would not get a list of retailers for the other two sites. Mr. Phillips noted that the information might tell us something about the sites – their strengths and weaknesses.
Mayor Schwiebert asked what would be involved in getting information on the other two sites, and Mr. Champagne stated that he would find out. Mayor Schwiebert noted that this might not be as good as he thought if we only get information on one site. Alderman Conroy stated that there would be some name recognition, since they help companies find locations. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Rockwell 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, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Resolution providing for the sale of property to the Illinois Department of Transportation. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to adopt the Resolution CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the Sunset Marina rates for the next fiscal year, recommending freezing the rates for the next year. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to freeze the rates for fiscal year 2005/2006 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #24
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Darla Lopez for a Special Use Permit for 2627 7th Avenue to operate an auto/truck sales business. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to allow Ms. Lopez to apply for a Special Use Permit CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #25
1515 7 STREET/TARGETED REHAB LOAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment from the City Council for a Targeted Rehab Loan at 1515 7th Street in the amount of $4,951.17. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to commit $4,951.17 for the Targeted Rehab Loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #26
2556 8 AVENUE/TARGETED REHAB
LOAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment from the City Council for a Targeted Rehab Loan at 2556 8th Avenue in the amount of $5,725.90. Alderman White asked about the income guidelines for these loans, and Planning Administrator Alan Carmen responded that there is a process and a time line. He noted that there is a long waiting list for some, but they do process the emergency loans quickly. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Austin to commit $5,725.90 for the Targeted Rehab Loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #27
BIKE PATH/STRIPING 17TH
STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the possible striping of 17th Street for a bike path from 31st Avenue to RIFAC, recommending that Council authorize the Engineering Division to include pavement markings to provide bike lanes along both sides of 17th Street between 31st Avenue and RIFAC, and that parking be eliminated on the west side of 17th Street for that same area. Alderman Conroy asked what the annual maintenance cost would be if for this, and Mr. Hawes responded that if they use Thermoplast, it will last several years, and later will have to be painted annually. Alderman Austin noted that this would be a link to a major thoroughfare in the City. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to direct staff to stripe the pavement for bike lanes on both sides of 17th Street from 31st Avenue to RIFAC, approve the elimination of parking on the west side of 17th Street for that area, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #28
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a request from the Rock Island Grand Prix for permission to place a 3 to 4 foot tall limestone art piece in front of the Rock Island Argus building at 4th Avenue and 18th Street, recommending approval per stipulations of the Rock Island Design Team. A motion was made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to approve the placement of the rock with the stipulations of the Rock Island Design Team.
Mayor Schwiebert asked about the City Design Team, and City Manager John Phillips responded that the team members include CED staff and others from Public Works who discuss color, landscaping, etc. for various areas. When asked what this will look like, Tim Ridder, Public Works Assistant, responded that it will be a piece of limestone. There were no design specs of the art piece, and Mayor Schwiebert commented that he would hesitate to approve something without more clarification of what the art piece will look like. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Keefe to DEFER this item for two weeks CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Alderman White also asked about the ‘art piece’ from the Grand Excursion. Community and Economic Development Department Greg Champagne responded that it is currently stored at the QCIC, and no permanent location has been designated. Alderman Conroy suggested that they get some input from the Keystone Group if they are going to locate it in this area permanently.
Agenda Item #29
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Tom Pasmore of Office Machine Consultants for the elimination of the two-hour parking on 16th Street from 5th to 6th Avenues. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to deny the request as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #30
CIRLF, BI-STATE REGIONAL TRAIL
COMMITTEE/APPOINTMENTS
The City Clerk read a memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending the new appointment of Chuck Austin to the Commercial/Industrial Revolving Loan Fund and the new appointment of Bill Nelson to the Bi-State Regional Trail Committee. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the appointments as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #31
The City Clerk read a letter from the Hilltop Tavern requesting permission to hold an outdoor event in the parking lot at 1228 30th Street on August 7 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to approve the outdoor event CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #32
The City Clerk read a letter from the VFW Post 1303 requesting permission to sell poppies on Friday, August 6 and Saturday, August 7 at various locations. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to allow the poppy sale as requested CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #33
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application to close off 22 ½ Avenue between 25th and 26th Street on Saturday, July 31 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for a neighborhood block party. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to approve the street closing CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #34
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding the application for the Labor Day Parade to be held September 6 at 9:30 a.m. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to approve the application CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Chief Terry Dove, RIPD, gave a brief review of the report concerning the change in extended hours for liquor sales at convenience stores. He indicated that this was a very short time to evaluate but it appears to be making a difference. He noted that the Ordinance became effective May 1 with their new liquor license. He recommended staying with the program, adding that the only increase was in the number of thefts resulting from gas drive-offs. He stated that this has become a nationwide problem, and is not specific to Rock Island. Alderman Brooks stated that one business owner told him that he lost $15,000 a month on liquor sales since the new ordinance went into effect.
Mr. Hawes indicated that there would be yard waste bags available beginning October 11 for the Leaf program. The bags will not need stickers, and will be available at City Hall (8 am to 5 pm), the Public Works Department (8 am to 5 pm) and the Yard Waste Drop Off Center (8 am to 6 pm). The bags will be stamped with “Free Fall Leaf Pickup” on one side, and there is a limit of twenty-five bags to a customer at one time. He added that they would only be good for this season and can only be used for leaves. Using these bags, the leaf pickup will be free to residents beginning October 17 through December 4. Alderman White commented on the article in the paper regarding the city of Peoria turning their landfill into electricity. Mr. Hawes stated that our landfill cannot be mined for methane as a result of a study done several years ago. He added that a consultant could be hired to make a more current determination if Council wished.
Mr. Hawes then discussed the Stormwater Control Ordinance that became effective July 1. He stated that implementation is progressing smoothly, and several training sessions have been conducted with staff. He stated that there would be two public informational meetings – July 28 and August 18. He noted that copies of the Storm Water Control Program brochure are being included with water/sewer/storm water bills for the next billing cycle. He added that invitations to the meetings have been sent to local contractors, engineers, architects and neighborhood organizations.
Mr. Hawes also discussed three properties where buildings have been demolished for development that has not occurred as yet. These are the Wallace property, the property on the corner of 18th Avenue and 30th Street that was originally cleared for the Osco store and the property next to Checkers on 18th Avenue west of 30th Street. He noted that all three of these properties have flood problems that are affecting the neighboring properties. He reviewed the guidelines that will be used for the Grading and Drainage Permit applications for new development. He added that, if there are special circumstances that do not fit into these guidelines, the developer will be able to request a variance from the Storm Water Board of Appeals.
Finance Director Bill Scott reviewed the June 2004 Management Report. He indicated that the gaming receipts are down, but are about the same as last year. The new food and beverage tax that was in effect as of April 1 may exceed the predicted amount, with the receipts from April, May and some of June already at $90,000. He discussed the Health Fund, which shows a loss of $36,000, noting that the Health Fund Committee has a major challenge ahead of them. He asked that Council call if they had any questions as they reviewed the report.
Mr. Phillips also called attention to the “Update on the Unified Growth Strategy” provided by the Illinois Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. He noted that the Sign Ordinance is on the agenda for the Planning Commission on August 3.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman White discussed the Special Use Permit at the former Learner’s, stating that there are no markings in the parking lot, the landscaping has not been adequate, and she stated that they have trucks parked on the grass. Planning Administrator Alan Carmen stated that he will look at the Special Use Permit and review the permit stipulations. Council asked for a report and a copy of the Special Use Permit.
David Reyes, 750 30th Street, stated that he received a ticket June 16 for Driving While Under the Influence. He stated that he received a fine and was charged for the towing as well as for twenty days of storage. He noted that he got his car out the first day. Staff will review this. He explained that he was on thirteen medications, including an antibiotic and one with codeine in it, and had only had two beers. Alderman Bauersfeld expressed concern about the amounts that were being charged, adding that he did not realize how the CORA was being practiced.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Executive Session on Personnel Matters CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:30 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 9:00 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, August 9, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 9:01 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk