The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:05 p.m. in the conference room at the McKesson Loft building. Present were Mayor Dennis E. Pauley, presiding, and Aldermen Stephen L. Tollenaer, Joy Murphy and P. J. Foley. Also present were City Manager John Phillips, Brian Hollenback and Zack Wenthe from Renaissance Rock Island and several City department heads and members of the Bicycle Task Force.  Alderman Charles Austin arrived at 5:30 p.m.  Aldermen Terry Brooks, David Conroy and Jason Jones were absent.

 

 

ROCK ISLAND BIKEWAYS PLAN

 

City Manager John Phillips called on Greg Champagne who spoke briefly about the Bicycle Task Force and then introduced Dan Osterman, a member of the Task Force who explained responsibilities the Task Force was given to make Rock Island a “bike friendly city”: to review City initiatives to promote bicycling and alternate forms of transportation; make recommendations on possible additional measures that could be undertaken; and make suggestions on funding sources that could be accessed to help pay for proposed improvements.  Mr. Osterman advised that the task force began meeting in December, 2008 and drafted a community bikeways plan with the overall goal of the plan being construction of a network of on-street striped bike lanes and trails throughout the City. Mr. Osterman described the Task Force’s recommendation to complete the east/west and north/south routes as priorities and provided the Council and staff with maps depicting the current and proposed trails. 

 

 

RETAIL STATUS REPORT

 

City Manager Phillips asked Greg Champagne to speak on the Retail Status Report.  Champagne outlined the 4 initiatives established in May, 2009:  Downtown Retail Grant Program kicked off on Friday, August 21st – application deadline is September 18th; District Retail Entrepreneur Program (incubator program partnered with Renaissance Rock Island); 11th Street Retail Property Improvement program focusing on doing significant makeovers on 3-4 properties on 11th Street; and Buy Rock Island program. This is an effort to get more information out to Rock Island and other area residents to shop in Rock Island.  Champagne noted that Jennifer Fowler, Renaissance Rock Island, has put together a 14 point marketing plan covering businesses information and opportunities in Rock Island. 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion made by Alderman Tollenaer and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to adjourn the meeting carried on a roll call vote. Those voting Aye being Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was adjourned at 5:38 p. m.   A tour of the McKesson Lofts, including the Roof Garden and 3 units currently available for sale was offered to council members and those in attendance at the Study Session before returning to the Council Chambers in City Hall for the regular meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

____Linda K. Rutten___

                                                                                         Linda Rutten, Deputy City Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Dennis E. Pauley, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M.A. Brooks I, P. J. Foley, Stephen L. Tollenaer,  Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. City Manager John Phillips and City Attorney John Konecky were also present.   Alderman Conroy and Alderman Jones were absent.

 

Introductory Proceedings

 

Mayor Pauley called the meeting to order and lead the Pledge of Allegiance.  Mayor Pauley also gave the Invocation. 

 

Agenda Item #5

Minutes of the Meeting of August 10, 2009. 

 

A motion was made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Foley to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of August 10, 2009 as written. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #6

Update Rock Island

 

Mayor Pauley stated that there were many upcoming events in the City of Rock Island, but wanted to mention The Rock Island Grand Prix, on Labor Day Weekend, September 5-6, 2009. The competition, held in The District, will feature top racers from across the country as well as international competitors. Events start at 8:15 a.m. Saturday and Sunday and finish at 6 p.m., or at the conclusion of the races. 

 

Mayor Pauley also noted that a ribbon cutting ceremony was held last week at the newly expanded Eugene Field Elementary School, 2900 31st St. New additions include a media center, cafeteria, six additional classrooms, and a secure entry and administrative office area.  He noted that there will be more ribbon cuttings at Rock Island schools in the upcoming weeks and encouraged citizens to attend if they had the opportunity.

 

The $6.5 million McKesson Lofts development, located at 100 19th St., is now complete and a grand opening Wednesday, August 26 from 5 to 6 p.m. will be held. Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation completely revamped the 60,000 square foot former 1914 warehouse.  22 condominiums were created on the second and third floors, and 12,000 square feet of commercial space was developed on the first floor. The basement is used for parking for the owners and the roof was converted to an award-winning green roof.

 

As the last item, Mayor Pauley stated that there will be public meetings on the design options for Douglas Park (18th Ave. & 10th St.) and Old Chicago Park (east of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center on 9th St,) will be presented by the Rock Island Parks & Recreation Dept. at two public meetings - Monday, August 31 at 6:30 p.m. at Hauberg Civic Center or Tuesday, September 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Center. These designs were based on previous meeting discussions. The Parks Dept. hopes to collect public comments on both facilities and gather ideas on activities and programming for the parks.

 

 

 

 

Agenda Item #7

Employee Recognition Award

 

The 2nd Quarter Employee Recognition Award was presented to Mr. Tim Anderson, Maintenance Worker I, Public Works Department by City Manager, John Phillips.

 

Mr. Phillips stated that Mr. Anderson was nominated for the award for his outstanding work ethic and gave a brief description of his work assignments and mentioned several examples of Mr. Anderson’s dedication to his job and to the City.  Mr. Anderson was presented with a plaque and a monetary award for this achievement.

 

Agenda Item #8

Presentation of the 2009 Citizen of the Year awards by members of the Citizen of the Year Committee and Mayor Pauley.

 

Alderwoman Murphy spoke about the Citizen of the Year awards and advised that this is where the City recognizes their citizens, businesses and organizations for the outstanding work the do throughout the year.

 

The winners in each category were introduced by a member of the current committee, which consisted of winners of the 2008 Citizen of the Year awards.   Mayor Pauley approached the podium and presented the awards to the winners in each of the categories for 2009 Citizen of the Year.

 

The winners of the 2009 Citizen of the Year are as follows;

 

Business:  Introduced by Louie Alongi – Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home - Steve Pressly        

Professional:  Introduced by Ametra Carrol – Italo ‘Lo’ Milani

Education:  Introduced by Grace Shirk – Michelle Lillis

Organization:  Introduced by Alderwoman Joy Murphy – R.I. Township Relief Office

Individual:  Introduced by Carroll “Red” Pearson – Robert Fout

City Employee:  Introduced by Officer Jeff Ronk–James Fobert, Chief Vroman accepted

Youth:  Introduced by Matthew Jacobs – Colin Carstens

Honorary:  Introduced by Grace Shirk – Michael J. Oberhaus, Associate Superintendent of the Rock Island – Milan School District.

 

Alderwoman Murphy then announced that the Rock Island Township Relief Office was the overall winner of the 2009 Citizen of the Year award.  She reviewed the reasons for their nomination and selection by the committee.  Pictures were taken of the winners of the 2009 Citizens of the Year.

 

Mayor Pauley congratulated all the award winners and thanked the members of the committee for all their hard work.

 

Agenda Item #9

Proclamation declaring September, 2009 as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Month.

 

Mayor Pauley read the Proclamation proclaiming September, 2009 as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Mr. Michael Shovlain, Executive Director of the Abbey Foundation and Mr. Tom Zacharski, Outreach Coordinator, stepped forwarded and accepted the proclamation.

 

Agenda Item #10

Proclamation declaring Monday, September 7th, 2009 as Labor Day.

 

Mayor Pauley read the Proclamation declaring Monday, September 7th, 2009 as Labor Day.

 

Agenda Item #11

A Special Ordinance providing for a 90 day extension of the current cable franchise agreement.

 

Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderman Austin seconded to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance providing for a 90 day extension of the current cable franchise agreement.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks,  Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. 

 

Agenda Item #12

Claims

 

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Foley, to accept the following reports and authorize payment as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and  Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

a.       Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $5,982.44 to Brandt Construction Co. for emergency rip-rap replacement at 2552 – 35th Avenue.  (258)

 

b.      Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $7,442.33 to Brandt Construction Co., Inc. for emergency sewer repair at 8500 – 14th Street W. (259)

 

c.       Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $8,536.10 to C.H. Langman Son, Inc. for emergency sewer repair at 2537 – 22nd ˝ Avenue. (260)

 

d.      Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $16,288.83 to USALCO for the purchase of liquid alum. (262)

 

e.       Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 in the amount of $21,302.23 to Bi-State Masonry for the 2009 Parking Ramp Renovations, project #762603. (264)

 

f.       Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $2,544.47 to Langman Construction for the 2009 Sewer Lateral Repair Program, project #762564. (265)

 

g.      Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #7 in the amount of $466,706.81 to Williams/Valley Construction Management for services provided July 01, 2009 through July 31, 2009 on Armory Park – Bid Release 1, project #762511. (266)

 

h.      Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #3 in the amount of $471,202.56 to Williams/Valley Construction Management for services provided July 01, 2009 through July 31, 2009 on Armory Park – Bid Release 2, project #762511. (267)

 

i.        Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 in the amount of $76,277.79 to Tri-City Electric for the Fiber Optic Cable, Phase 4, project #762502 (270)

 

Agenda Item #13

Claims for the weeks of August 7th through August 20th in the amount of $1,252,765.31.

 

Alderman Foley moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to allow the claims.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #14

Payroll for the weeks of July 27th through August 9th in the amount of $1,253,526.94.

 

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to allow the payroll as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #15

Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of a light bar and siren for the new Fire Command vehicle in the amount of $3,535.00. (271) 

 

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Foley to allow the purchase. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #16

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an agreement with Sholtz, Gowey, Gere, Marlof Architects and Interior Designers, PC for design services for selected 11th Street purchases in an amount not to exceed $16,000.00. 

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the agreement as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #17

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for 2008 Manhole Relining Phase 2 Project, recommending the bid be awarded to Mechanical Jobbers Marketing, Inc. in the amount of $35,300.00.  (268)  

 

It was moved by Alderman Foley; seconded by Alderman Austin to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #18

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2009 Joint Sanitary/ Storm Lining Program Project, recommending the joint project be awarded to Hoerr Construction, Inc. in the amount of $117,972.00.  (269) 

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy; seconded by Alderman Foley to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

 

 

 

Agenda Item #19

Report from the Public Works Department regarding a modification to the contract with Symbiont for the design of the Mill Street Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion. (257)

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy; seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the modification as recommended in the amount of $110,000.00 and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #20

Report from the Finance Department regarding adjustments totaling $1,069,442.05 to the Fiscal Year 2009 - 2010 budget as specified in the attached report.   

 

It was moved by Alderman Austin; seconded by Alderman Foley to approve the budget adjustments as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #21

Report from the Fire Department regarding a change in the base rate for ambulance transport. 

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy; seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the rate changes as recommended and to refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #22

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for the installation of a stop sign at 45th Street and 47th Avenue. (263) 

 

It was moved by Alderman Austin; seconded by Alderman Foley to deny the request as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #23

Report from the Mayor regarding an appointment to the Citizens Advisory Committee. 

 

It was moved by Alderman Foley; seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the appointment as recommended.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #24

Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Hilltop Tavern to hold an outside golf event on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 1228 - 30th Street.

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy; seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the event as recommended.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #25

Report from the City Clerk regarding a request for a Street Closing at 12th Avenue between 12th Street and 14th Street; along with a Sound Amplification permit for Apostolic Truth Temple Church’s 3rd Annual Neighborhood Back to School Celebration to be held on Saturday, August 29, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

It was moved by Alderman Brooks; seconded by Alderman Foley to approve the requests as recommended.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #26

Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Martinis on the Rock to hold live entertainment outside on Sunday, September 6, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderman Foley to approve the request as recommended, subject to complying with all liquor license regulations and subject to being closed down early if noise complaints are received.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #27

Report from the City Clerk regarding a request for a Street Closing at 45th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues; along with a Sound Amplification permit for the East End Neighborhood Fair to be held on Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.

 

It was moved by Alderman Austin; seconded by Alderman Foley to approve the requests as recommended.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #28

Report from the City Clerk regarding a request for an Activity Permit from Rock Island High School for their Homecoming Parade to be held on Friday, September 18, 2009 from 3:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

It was moved by Alderman Foley; seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the event as recommended.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #29

Report from the City Clerk regarding a Sound Amplification application for St. George Greek Orthodox Church for Friday, September 18 and Saturday September 19, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. for their Fifth Annual Big Fat Greek Festival.

 

It was moved by Alderman Austin; seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the sound amplification permit as recommended.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #30

Report from the City Clerk regarding a request for an Activity Permit from Rock Island High School for Saturday, September 26, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for their annual corner can collection for the Student Food Drive.

 

It was moved by Alderman Austin; seconded by Alderman Foley to approve the activity permit as recommended.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #31

Items from the City Manager

 

City Manager John Phillips called the press release regarding to the City’s new Drop-off Center location to the Council’s attention and asked that the Council work with the City to get the word out regarding this change.

 

City Manager Phillips also made mention of the July, 2009 Management Report and asked Finance Director Bill Scott to come forward and explain some of the highlights and share the reasons why the budget adjustment was on the agenda. 

 

City Manager Phillips also indicated the reports in the memo packet from the Parks Department regarding the naming policies of the parks as well as the art in the park and how those decisions are made.

 

Agenda Item #32

Other Business

 

Alderwoman Murphy spoke about “Shop Rock Island” and advised that Cool Beanz Coffeehouse had just opened on the corner of 30th Street and 14th Avenue and celebrated with a Grand Opening on Sunday, August 23rd.   They will be serving coffees, teas, breakfast sandwiches and lunches.  It is owned by Annette Zapolis, a recent graduate of Augustana College.

 

Alderman Austin stated he wanted to express his appreciation to the Parks Department and their employees for the well maintained softball diamonds in the southwest this past week.  Alderman Austin advised that in spite of all rain, the ball diamonds were still playable the following day and he asked Bill Nelson of the Parks Department to pass along his appreciation to those who maintained the diamonds.

 

Alderman Austin then spoke regarding his desire to have a sign put on the Centennial Bridge indicating to motorists they were crossing the Mississippi River.  This sign would be similar to the signs over other bridges throughout the Midwest indicating what body of water the motorist was crossing.  City Manager John Phillips said that City staff would follow up on this recommendation to see what it would take to have these signs installed.

 

Timothy Dooling of 832 14 ˝ Street stepped to the podium and voiced concerns regarding police matters.

 

Agenda Item #33

Recess

 

A motion was made by Alderwoman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to recess to Monday, September 14, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

The meeting was recessed at 7:57 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

____Linda K. Rutten____

                                                                                  Linda Rutten, Deputy City Clerk