The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session on Monday, August 8 2005 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, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Public Works Department Director Bob Hawes, RIPD Captain/Interim Chief Don Reichert, Personnel Director John Thorson, and Utility Superintendent Dale Howard. City Attorney John P. Konecky was present for the second portion of the meeting.
City Manager John C. Phillips distributed an item that was not put on the Agenda regarding the Tell On Your Neighbor Awards, a corrected memo for Agenda Item #25, and an additional report from RIPD Interim Chief/Captain Reichert regarding Animal Control.
Public Works Director Bob Hawes presented the Long Term Control Plan Status. He reviewed the background for the benefit of some of the newer Council members. He stated that the EPA sued the City of Rock Island and the Illinois EPA in August of 2000. In June of 2003, a consent decree was signed, and the Long Term Control Plan was one of the results of this. He stated that the Water Resource Advisory Committee reviewed the sewer system and came up with some options.
The options included #1 North Alternative – Partial Sewer Separation; #2 North – New Interceptive Sewer with the costs that assume the design conceptions from the USEPA. Mr. Hawes indicated that, if the design conceptions were determined to be inadequate, the cost would be higher. Other options from the Committee included the #3 North – 6th Avenue Relief Sewer, #4 North – Relocate Sylvan Slough Combined Sewer Overflow Points; South #1 – Relocate Blackhawk Creek Combined Sewer Overflow Point; South #2 – Relief Sewer – Relocate Blackhawk Creek Combined Sewer Overflow Point, and South #3 – Relief Sewer.
Mr. Hawes stated that the Water Resource Advisory Committee will be meeting next month and will begin to develop construction phasing plan and a financing plan. The recommendations will be reviewed in January and February. Staff will be holding public meetings and will come back to Council with the plan. The plan is to be presented to the USEPA by June 30.
Mr. Hawes noted that Moline does not have combined sewers, and Davenport is one year behind us. The city of East Moline has combined sewer but no overflow. He noted that a number of other cities in Illinois that have a combined sewer, and the City of Rock Island is being used as a test city for the Long Term Control Plan. He noted that other cities would have to do the same thing eventually. Mayor Schwiebert suggested that they try to get federal help for this project. City Manager John Phillips noted that there are no federal programs to provide grants and suggested that staff start working with the legislators now. Mayor Schwiebert stated that he would like to take a closer look at all of the alternatives and monitor the situation closer. He stated that the components and costs along with the financing availability should be looked at. He stated that the Public Works Department would be the ones who have to try to make a case for the City.
ANIMAL ORDINANCE
Rock Island Police Captain Donald Reichert stated that staff reviewed existing ordinances and statutes for the cities of Rock Island, Moline, East Moline, Davenport and Bettendorf, as well as the State of Illinois. They divided the report into six categories 1) Definition of a Dangerous Dog; 2) Restrictions on a Dangerous Dog; 3) Definition of a Vicious Dog; 4) Restrictions on a Vicious Dog; 5) Impoundment after a biting incident; and 6) Determination of dog status after a biting incident. He noted that staff also searched the ordinances for the definition of “provocation” but no definition was located.
Captain Reichert distributed a memo listing three areas of our ordinance that could be enhanced. He discussed each of the three areas, the first being that there is no identification of the mechanism for the release of an animal following a biting incident. The second area was the addition of a requirement that the investigation into a biting incident be completed and approved before the animal is released to the owner, even if the inoculation for rabies can be proven. This would require the animal to be held two to five days after a biting incident to allow for the completion of the investigation. He further suggested that the City Attorney and a veterinarian or animal behaviorist/obedience trainer review the recommendation of the animal control officer or police officer. He added that both persons would have to concur with the recommendation.
Council discussed the recommendations, and Alderman Conroy suggested that the expertise incorporate people we already have on hand with the Rock Island County Animal Control Shelter. He suggested that the head of the shelter also review the ordinance. Alderman White stated that it should not take three bites to determine whether the dog is vicious or dangerous. She stated that the dog should be muzzled after it has bitten just one time.
Concern was expressed about pit bulls, noting that pit bulls bite sixty times more than other breeds of dog. She stated that $100,000 insurance was not enough. Alderman Pauley suggested bringing in other cities with the animal ordinance since the animal shelter includes other cities. Alderman Conroy stated that he does not want vicious dogs in Rock Island. Alderman Brooks expressed concern about pit bull attacks, and stated that they are trained to fight and to be vicious. He stated that vicious dogs should not be allowed in the city. City Attorney John Konecky stated that there is Illinois legislation that does not allow having breed specific ordinances.
Alderman Murphy stated that she is in favor of the time for confinement after biting a person. Alderman Austin noted that there are two categories – the dangerous and the potentially dangerous. Captain Reichert stated that it depends on what happens, but the confinement time would be the same. He stated that a dog could be considered vicious after one bite.
Mayor Schwiebert asked about an appeal process. Captain Reichert stated that the review process would be utilizing expertise. He stated that there would be no specific number of days for confinement but it would depend on when the investigation is completed.
Council decided that there would be a minimum number of days for confinement to give the owner time to get a muzzle and insurance. The suggested period was three days if the owner has the vaccinations in order, and up to ten days if the animal has not been vaccinated.
Alderman Conroy suggested looking at the professional expertise to determine the time for confinement. The Animal Control Officer and/or the Police Officer would do the initial report. The City Attorney and a Veterinarian or Animal Obedience expert would then review it to make sure they were in agreement with the decision. An appeal could be done through the Code Hearing Officer.
City Manager John Phillips stated that staff would try to put together some draft ordinance amendments with these suggestions for Council review. Nicole Knudsen spoke about a dog bite that occurred Memorial Day. She suggested getting rid of all potentially dangerous dogs. She noted that the dog that bit her daughter is still at the home of the owner. An unknown woman in the audience stated that she knows that dog and it is not vicious. She stated that it has been in the neighborhood for three years. She added that the same child was bitten last year by a relative’s dog.
ADJOURNMENT
Following further discussion, a motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy 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 on Monday, August 8 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, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to order and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman Rockwell gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Minutes of the meeting of July 25 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Alderman White announced the winners in each of the eight categories for 2005 Citizen of the Year. The winners will be presented with their awards on August 22 following a reception for them in Council Chambers at 6:15 p.m. The winners announced were:
Business – City Limits
Professional – Kevin Koski
Education – Don Adams
Organization – Rock Island Rotary
Individual – Rhoda Humphrey
City Employee – Jerry Jones
Youth – Andy Colgan
Honorary –Mary Lou Buckrop
Agenda Item #7
JOE TAYLOR/Q C CONVENTION
AND VISITORS BUREAU
Joe Taylor, Executive Director of the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau, gave a brief update on the events. He indicated that there was a press conference held in the District regarding Quad City Speed Week, which is a combination of car races as well as the Rock Island Grand Prix. He spoke of some coming events including a Birding Symposium and a National Trails Symposium.
Agenda Item #7A
TELL ON YOUR NEIGHBOR/AWARDS
Mayor Schwiebert noted that this item did not get in for the agenda, but the Council was adding it at this time since it did not involve any decisions or votes.
Bob Towler, former City employee and a member of the Beautification Commission, introduced the winners. Mayor Schwiebert presented the awards and certificates to the winners.
ORDINANCES
Agenda Item #8
ENTERPRISE ZONE/AMENDMENT
The City Clerk read an Ordinance amending Chapter II, Article VI, designating an area within the City as an Enterprise zone. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Pauley to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
NO PARKING/12 AVENUE, 21 – 22
STREETS
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing NO PARKING zone along the north side of 12th Avenue between 21st and 22nd Streets. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
FORD VAN/SURPLUS FOR
TRADE-IN
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance declaring a 1994 Ford Van as surplus for purposes of a trade-in. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #11 a through o
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to accept the reports and authorize payments CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The claims were as follows:
a. Report from the Personnel Department recommending payment in the amount of $4,316.17 to Johnnie Neville for property damage.
b. Statement from the City Attorney in the amount of $5,776.00 for legal services during the month of July.
c. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to C. H. Langman Son in the amount of $6,423.98 for an emergency water main repair at 28th Street and 31st Avenue.
d. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brandt Construction in the amount of $156,845.52 for the 24th Street resurfacing from 31st Avenue to 17th Street.
e. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brandt Construction in the amount of $158,348.29 for the 24th Street resurfacing form 17th Street to Blackhawk Road.
f. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors in the amount of $225,203.41 for the Centennial Bridge Improvements.
g. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to McCarthy Improvement Company in the amount of $22,689.81 for the 17th Street Resurfacing, 31st Avenue to 24th Street.
h. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley and Associates in the amount of $6,686.20 for the American Discovery Trail project.
i. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley and Associates in the amount of $1,914.00 for the Parking Garage Emergency Repair.
j. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley and Associates in the amount of $42,037.25 for work associated with the 85th Avenue West Reconstruction project.
k. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley and Associates in the amount of $19,841.00 for the 24th Street Resurfacing from 17th Street to Blackhawk Road.
l. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Shive-Hattery in the amount of $2,192.90 for the 16th Avenue 22nd Street Storm Water BMP project.
m. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to C. H. Langman & Son in the amount of $149,873.63 for the 15th Street Resurfacing from 15th Avenue to 7th Avenue.
n. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to C. H. Langman & Son in the amount of $197,721.50 for the 30th Street Extension project.
o. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to C. H. Langman & Son in the amount of $210,567.58 for the 13th Avenue Reconstruction.
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read the claims for the weeks of July 22 through August 4, 2005 in the amount of $585,320.64.
A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Brooks to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of July 18 through 31 in the amount of $1,072,924.30. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Pauley to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, 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 purchase of open top roll-off containers, recommending the bid of Mid-Iowa Solid Waste Equipment Company in the amount of $8,840.00 for two 30 cubic yard open top containers, that the 1997 containers be declared surplus and authorized to be sold on a sealed bid.
In response to a question from Alderman White about the reason for trade-in if they were still usable, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor Bill Woeckener, stated that they would be traded in for scrap metal. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Pauley to award the bid, declare the 1997 containers as surplus and authorized to be sold on a sealed bid, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
200 CFM PORTABLE AIR COMPRESSORS/LOGAN CONTRACTOR
SUPPLY
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the purchase of two 200 CFM Portable Air Compressors, recommending the bid of Logan Contractor Supply in the amount of $23,198.00, and that the 1981 and 1985 air compressors be declared surplus to be sold at the auction.
A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to award the bid as recommended, declare the 1981 and 1985 air compressors as surplus to be sold at auction, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS
Agenda Item #16
ARMORY/CONCRETE REPAIR BIDS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the concrete repair at the Rock Island Armory, recommending that the bids be rejected and direct the Engineering Division to rebid this project as soon as possible. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to reject the bids as recommended and direct staff to rebid this project CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
METROBANK/BANKING SERVICES EXTENSION
The City Clerk read a report from the Finance Department recommending a two-year extension of the banking services contract with Metrobank beginning October 1 and ending September 30, 2007. Alderman Conroy asked if this is the final extension, and Finance Director Bill Scott responded that this was part of the initial agreement. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to extend the contract as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
NIMS NOTIFICATION/FIRE DEPARTMENT
The City Clerk read a report from the Fire Department regarding the National Incident Management System implementation and compliance, recommending that the City sign the Acknowledgement of NIMS Notification with the County and complete the Self-Assessment document in-house. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the self-assessment being done in-house and authorize staff to execute the documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
ABBEY STATION/VOLUNTEER DINNER
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding the contract with the Abbey Station for the Volunteer Recognition Dinner on August 15. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the contract and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
LANDSCAPE BARRIER
GRANT PROGRAM/PARKWAY, TURKEY HOLLOW ROAD
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works
Department regarding a landscape barrier grant program for properties on the
south side of 85th Avenue West between the Rock Island Parkway and
Turkey Hollow Road. A motion
remained on the floor from July 25, when the item was deferred. “A motion was made by
Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the initiation of the
grant program as recommended.” Motion
CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES:
Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
PUBLIC ARTS
PROGRAM/RENAISSANCE ROCK ISLAND
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a proposed Public Arts Program, recommending that Council approve the program proposed by Renaissance Rock Island. A motion was made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the arts program as recommended. Alderman Conroy expressed concerns about the project costs, stating that the money could be spent on other projects. He stated that he would not vote in favor of this.
Dan Carmody of Renaissance Rock Island reviewed the request and explained the proposed projects. Mayor Schwiebert commented that there is a need to spruce up the downtown Rock Island, noting that Davenport has now raised the bar. He indicated that he was not in favor of paying $130,000 for “ghost signage” and suggested that a better use of that money would be to add it to the CIRLF money to attract artists. Alderman Murphy stated that she has some concerns about spending that amount of money on a sign that will be behind a tree.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to remove the money allocated for the Voss Brothers sign, and increase the CIRLF funds to $100,000, and send it back to staff for additional information on the Voss Brothers project. Motion to amend as stated CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Alderman Conroy asked who would be in charge of the funds, and City Manager John Phillips responded that staff would be in charge of it and it would be handled like other CIRLF funds with these funds being kept separately. Alderman Conroy then indicated that he would be voting in favor of this with the amendment.
Following further discussion, the motion as amended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
SUNSET BUSINESS
PARK/PROPERTY PURCHASE
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the purchase of residential properties in Sunset Business Park at 1219 1st Street at $35,000, and 1223 1st Street at $22,500.
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the purchase of the properties as recommended, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
HGL/WATERMAIN
EXTENSION
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an agreement with HGL for extension of a watermain to 4507 24th Street as part of an in-fill housing project. A motion made by Alderman White 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, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #24
1335 44
STREET/TARGETED REHABILITATION LOAN
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 $3,498 for a Targeted Rehabilitation Loan at 1335 44th Street. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to commit $3,498 for the Targeted Rehabilitation Loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #25
824 17
STREET/TARGETED REHABILITATION LOAN
(Note: The original report had an incorrect address for this item – a corrected report was given to Council before the meeting with the address of 824 17th Street. The Clerk read the corrected address.)
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 $5,500 for a Targeted Rehabilitation Loan at 824 17th Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to commit $5,500 for the Targeted Rehabilitation Loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #26
716 14
STREET/HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE REMOVED
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Margaret Mueller to have the handicapped parking space at 716 14th Street removed. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #27
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Gilbert Frank of Project NOW to place the parking lot at 415 19th Street under city ordinance control. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the request 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 Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Dorothy Howlett, Shirley Darby, Barbara Assaline and Glen Wynn of 1836 30th Street, for four handicapped parking spaces in front of the Carlton Apartments, recommending denial of the request. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to allow two handicapped parking spaces, keep the Drop Zone there as well, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance, CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #29
APPOINTMENTS/REAPPOINTMENTS
The City Clerk read a memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending the following appointments and reappointments:
BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION:
Kim Bolyard – reappointment
Alice Moss – new appointment
Merriam Jolly – new appointment
Kenna Durham – new appointment
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS:
Faye Jalloh – new appointment
BOATERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
Bill Barlett – new appointment
Ken Courter – new appointment
Mike Thoms – new – to 100 Dock from 500 Dock
Fred Attwood – new – to 600 Dock from 700 Dock
Jon Lee – new – to 500 Dock from 200 Dock
LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSIONS:
Stephen Clark – reappointment
Marilyn Kieffer – reappointment
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE BOARD OF
APPEALS:
Joseph Gusse – new appointment
Christine Geuther – new appointment
Mark Schaecher – new appointment
Joe Mason – new appointment
John Westmoreland – new appointment
Tim Meegan – Alternate –new appointment
Steve Moller – Alternate – new appointment
David Andich –Alternate –new appointment
A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the appointments and reappointments as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #30
The City Clerk read a letter from Mike Kavanaugh of the Hilltop Tavern requesting to have an outside event in their parking lot at 1228 30th Street on August 31st for the 10th Annual Senior Golf Tournament. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White to approve the request CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #31
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application for the Labor Day Parade to be held Monday, September 5. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the application CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #32
CORNBELT RUNNING CLUB/OCTOBER 2
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application from the Cornbelt Running Club for a run to be held October 2 beginning at 8:00 a.m. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the application CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #33
THIRD AND TWENTY TWO/AUGUST 19
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a letter from Olie Johnson, manager of Third and Twenty Two, and a Sound Amplification application for outdoor music on their patio on Friday, August 19 from 8:00 p.m. to Midnight. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the Sound Amplification permit and the event CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #34
22 ˝ AVENUE, 25 – 26
STREET/AUGUST 13
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request to close off 22 ˝ Avenue from 25th to 26th Street on Saturday, August 13 for a Block Party. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the street closing CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #35
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk and the Police Department regarding a letter from the Body Shop requesting permission to sell beer outside, an application for Sound, and a request to close off 20th Street in front of 325 20th Street on September 24 from Noon to 3:00 a.m. to hold an Ultimate Fighting event and Midget Wrestling event at that location. Alderman Brooks stated that he couldn’t support the midget wrestling and ultimate fighting event on the streets. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to deny the street closing and sound amplification CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ITEMS FROM THE
CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM PACKET
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to the information regarding the latest design concepts for Armory Park. He stated that Schreiber Anderson would be reviewing this at the Study Session scheduled for September 12.
Mr. Phillips also called attention to the information regarding Sunset Marina and the status of various IDOT projects. He noted the information regarding eminent domain from the August 1 ITIA 2005 Legislative Special Alert.
Jerry Jones, Director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, spoke about the Economic Development Day to be held at the King Center on Thursday from Noon to 7:00 p.m. He stated that the Illinois Department of Employment Security is sponsoring the event. He added that there would be information regarding financial assistance, health care, small business, as well as other resources available. He stated that they are doing these events throughout the state of Illinois.
Mr. Jones also spoke briefly about the King Center Day, expressing appreciation to the Public Works Department and the Police Department as well as the City Council members for their support and assistance with the event. He stated that they had about 3,500 persons in attendance throughout the day.
Alderman White expressed appreciation to the Public Works Department for the project at 13th Avenue and 20 to 22 Streets. She also commented on the Israeli Festival that was held in the District on Sunday, August 7. She stated that it appears that it was a successful event, and they had children’s games as well as a variety of food and other entertainment and information.
Alderman White also talked about RIPD Officer Duane VanLandegan who retired recently. She noted that he was a DARE Officer and was a good role model for the youth of Rock Island.
Alderman Brooks commented on the events of King Center Fun Day, stating that there was a large crowd, and the drill teams did an excellent job. He further stated that he has talked to Jeff Terronez about the two people involved in selling drug paraphernalia who were recently arrested.
Alderman Austin commented on the Summer Fest Committee that recently dissolved. He stated that they did a lot of hard work on the festival each year. He also commented on the 20th Street Overlook and the bike path.
Alderman Austin announced that he would be having a Ward meeting on September 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene. He commented that staff from the Community and Economic Development Department and Public Works Department would attend to present information as well as to respond to questions from the audience. He invited the public to attend.
Alderman White noted that Whitewater Junction is going well and encouraged the public to utilize this facility.
Timothy Dooling, P O Box 3134 (no street address stated) discussed problems he is having with people from Heritage Wesleyan Church. He indicated that he plans to pray a rosary across the street from the church, and added that he expects the response from the Police Department to respect his religious rights and not to be stopped and arrested when he does this. He also discussed a theft of his backpack, and the theft of his bicycle while he was at work at Wal-Mart in Moline.
Bill Palos, 7915 8th Street Wet, representing the Quad City Realtor Association, discussed the sign ordinance and stated that he agrees with the ordinance. He does oppose the removal of the Open House signs that have been removed during the open house on Sundays. He suggested that they are discriminating against the realtors when they do this. Public Works Director Bob Hawes clarified the sign ordinance and explained where they can put signs for the Open Houses. Mr. Palos asked that Council take another look at this ordinance.
Jon Loquist, 23 Foxwood Court, suggested a compromise that would leave the signs for the Open House in front of the property for sale, and change the ordinance to allow the Open House signs for a number of hours. Mayor Schwiebert stated that the sign ordinance was being enforced because there are signs that are placed up and are left there forever. Alderman Conroy stated that he would agree with leaving the Open House signs up for a day inside of the sidewalk. He suggested that they allow these signs up on Saturday on Sunday as long as the date is posted.
Jennifer Pfaff, 2310 – 35th Avenue, stated that there are a lot of signs giving directions to various buildings like the Botanical Center, etc. She stated that there are also a lot of banners on light poles, and asked why the Council does not allow the residents to post signs when the City does it all the time. She also noted that there are a lot of vehicles being parked on the streets with balloons and large Yard Sale signs. She stated that these are more distracting than other yard sale signs.
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Monday, August 22 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:20 p.m.
__________________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City
Clerk