The Rock Island City Council met for Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 25, 2003, 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, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Ann L. Keefe and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. Alderman John E. Bauersfeld, Jr. was absent. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Park Department Director Bill Nelson, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, and Police Captain/Acting Chief John Wright. Also present was Dan Carmody, Executive Director of Renaissance Rock Island.
City Manager John Phillips distributed copies of letters for the Council regarding the “Hail Mary’s Last Chance” name for a restaurant/bar to be opened in Rock Island. He indicated that there would be a number of these letters presented during the Council Meeting. He distributed a copy of the Minutes from the special meeting of the Planning Commission held August 19 that relates to Item #19 on the Agenda of the regular meeting. He also distributed background information to be reviewed prior to the Council Goal Setting Session on September 5 and 6.
Dan Carmody, Executive Director of Renaissance Rock Island, stated that the process for filling the position of Community Marketing Director has not been started, and he wanted to begin that process after the Council has a chance to consider the position during the Goal Setting September 5 and 6.
Mr. Carmody stated that the biggest change affecting the future of the program has been the loss of most school district funding. The school district will still be participating in several joint programs, but will not be providing one third of the administrative support for the program as they have done in the past. He indicated that another change that has taken place is in the number of GROWTH housing developments. He noted that this has increased GROWTH’s utilization of the Community Marketing Director over the past years. He suggested a split of time for the new community marketing person at 50/30/20 between City, Renaissance Rock Island and the School District. He suggested that the community couldn’t be marketed without marketing the schools, so it was important to maintain that relationship.
He suggested the possibility of developing alternative funding sources. He added that one event might be a Decorator Show Home different from the ones conducted in the past by GROWTH in that it would be a suburban home in a great neighborhood where money could be made on the sale of the home as well as the home show. He discussed the possibility of a special event in conjunction with the school district that celebrates various cultures.
He reviewed the report from former Community Marketing Director DeeDee Doeckel, and also showed the six television spots for Rock Island. Council discussed the briefly. He also distributed copies of the revised Resident Guide.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Executive Session on a matter of Litigation CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 6:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:20 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:21 p.m.
_____________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, August 25, 2003, in the of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David R. Conroy, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Ann L. Keefe and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. Alderman John E. Bauersfeld, Jr. was absent.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to Order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman Forlini gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Forlini to approve the Minutes of the meeting of August 11 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Alderman White, along with Mayor Schwiebert and members of the Citizen of the Year Committee, presented the winners of the 2003 Citizen of the Year awards. The winners in each category were:
Business: Royal Neighbors of America
Professional: Brian Hollenback
Education: Charles O. Austin, III
Individual: Phillip Dennis
Organization: Friends of the Library
City Employee: Karen Wilfong
Youth: Barbara Hart
Honorary: Phil Scott
The overall winner was Phillip Dennis, who will be the Grand Marshall of the Labor Day Parade September 1. The other winners will also be in the Labor Day Parade.
PROCLAMATIONS
Agenda Item #7
AFRICAN-AMERICANS
AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE MONTH/SEPTEMBER
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring the month of September as African Americans Against Gun Violence Month. Alderman Brooks commented on the proclamation, stating that gun violence has become a “social disease.” He suggested that the public needs to be educated about this problem.
Agenda Item #8
HELPING
CITIZENS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES WEEK/SEPTEMBER 19-21
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the week of September 19 – 21 as Helping Citizens with Developmental Disabilities Week.
Agenda Item #9
NATIONAL
ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH/SEPTEMBER
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the month of September as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.
ORDINANCES
Agenda Item #10
REZONING/3423,
3425, 3427 6 AVENUE/R-3 – U-1
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance changing the area of 3423, 3425 and 3427 6th Avenue from R-3 to U-1 District. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
RIGHT
OF WAY/6 AVENUE, 34-35 STREETS
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance vacating an unimproved right-of-way of 6th Avenue between 34th and 35th Streets. A motion made by Alderman Forlini 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, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
HANDICAPPED
PARKING SPACE/728 30 STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a Handicapped Parking Space in front of 728 30th Street. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Keefe to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
RESOLUTIONS
Agenda Item #13
MFT
MAINTENANCE FUNDS/7 AVENUE, 20 STREET TRAFFIC SIGNAL UPDATE
The City Clerk read a Resolution appropriating the use of Motor Fuel Tax Maintenance Funds in the amount of $100,000 for the 7th Avenue and 20th Street Traffic Signal Update Project. Alderman Forlini asked why this amount was being used.
Public Works Director Bob Hawes responded that the amount used will depend on the bid that is awarded for the project, and if the cost of the project is less than this amount, the money will remain in the fund. He noted that, if the cost of the project would be more than the amount requested, another Resolution would have to be approved prior to obtaining the money. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to adopt the Resolution CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14a
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Susanne Hazlett in the amount of $900.00 for vehicle damage.
Agenda Item #14b
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Califf and Harper in the amount of $2,510.75 for legal services during the month of July.
Agenda Item #14c
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Pappas and Schnell in the amount of $2,866.21 for legal services during the month of July.
Agenda Item #14d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Davenport Electric Company in the amount of $14,430.00 for work completed on the Third Avenue Decorative Lighting Project.
Agenda Item #14e
PARAGON CONSTRUCTORS/PARKING STRUCTURE RESTORATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Paragon Constructors in the amount of $69,552.18 for the 16th Street and Third Avenue Parking Structure Restoration Project.
Agenda Item #14f
WALKER PARKING CONSULTANTS/PARKING STRUCTURE
RESTORATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Walker Parking Consultants in the amount of $8,146.87 for the 16th Street and Third Avenue Parking Structure Restoration Project.
Agenda Item #14g
KELLY CONSTRUCTION/2003 MUDJACKING PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Kelly Construction in the amount of $1,740.00 for the 2003 Mudjacking Program.
Agenda Item #14h
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brandt Construction in the amount of $62,630.29 for the Third Avenue Rehabilitation/Resurfacing Project.
Agenda Item #14i
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to W. F. Scott Decorating in the amount of $20,013.52 for the 17th Street Retaining Wall Painting Project.
Agenda Item #14j
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $16,309.61 for the Turkey Hollow Road Water Main Extension.
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of August 8 through 21 in the amount of $982,582.29. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of August 4 through 17 in the amount of $924,789.78.
|
GENERAL FUND |
$615,256.73 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #1 DOWNTOWN |
1,096.55 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #2 SOUTH 11 STREET |
190.11 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #3 NORTH 11 STREET |
190.11 |
|
COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
21.43 |
|
KING CENTER |
3,177.07 |
|
FEDERAL COPS GRANT |
4,216.57 |
|
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT |
22,859.18 |
|
LIBRARY |
40,113.71 |
|
ELDERLY SERVICES CONTRIBUTION |
1,013.54 |
|
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS |
5,992.38 |
|
WATER |
51,896.24 |
|
SEWER |
37,783.76 |
|
COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
5,711.10 |
|
BRIDGE |
776.70 |
|
SUNSET MARINA |
8,186.35 |
|
PARK AND RECREATION |
90,850.78 |
|
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE |
22,486.11 |
|
SELF INSURANCE |
1,825.04 |
|
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE |
840.43 |
|
CAFETERIA PLAN |
1,930.71 |
|
MLK ACTIVITY FUND |
4,952.69 |
|
DRUG PREVENTION |
3,422.49 |
|
TOTAL |
$924,789.78 |
A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Backwash tank Overflow Sewer Extension, recommending the bid be awarded to General Constructors in the amount of $32,875.00. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell 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, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the 2003/2004 Demolition Program, recommending that staff be authorized to negotiate a contract with Raymond Professional Group for the program. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to authorize staff to negotiate the contract as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Development Agreement with YMH Torrance, recommending an amendment to the original agreement. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the amendment as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
RAINBOW-SKIP-A-LONG DAY
CARE/EASEMENT AGREEMENT
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an easement agreement between Rainbow/Skip-A-Long Day Care and the City of Rock Island for playground and parking uses adjacent to 16th Avenue and 4th Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the easement agreement and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the agreement CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a development agreement with HMV, L.L.C. for a residential subdivision in Southwest Rock Island. Jim Hass of Valley Construction, Mike McCaw of Missman-Stanley, and Gary Hodge of Hodge Construction were in the audience. Mr. Hass discussed the mixed use of the area, and stated that they are very excited about this project. He noted that they have already had some serious inquiries. He stated that they would prepare updates for Council as the project moves along. Alderman Conroy expressed his excitement about this project also. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an annexation request for approximately 9200 35th Street West. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Forlini to approve the annexation and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding consideration of a Preliminary Plat and rezoning from R-1 to B-3 for property to be annexed into the City at approximately 9200 35th Street West. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to approve the plat and rezoning, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #24
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the 2004-2005 Community Development Block Grant Policies. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the fiscal year 2004-2005 Community Development Block Grant Policies as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #25
2735 9 AVENUE/SPECIAL USE PERMIT
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Attorney Gregory DePorter for Esteban Munoz, request permission to apply for a Special Use Permit to maintain a four-unit dwelling at 2735 9th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow Attorney DePorter to apply for the Special Use Permit CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #26
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment from City Council for a Roof Standard Payment Loan in the amount of $5,540.00 at 1501 12th Street. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Conroy to commit the $5,540.00 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #27
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding a request for a review of a denial of a sewer backup claim. A motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to DEFER this item to the next meeting of September 8. Alderman Keefe asked for the reason to DEFER, and Alderman Conroy explained that Alderman Bauersfeld is the Alderman for this Ward and he is absent tonight. Following discussion, the motion CARRIED on a Voice vote, with Alderman Keefe voting NAY.
Agenda Item #28
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding items to be declared as surplus for the annual auction to be held on September 27 at the Rock Island County Fairgrounds in East Moline. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Forlini to authorize the items as surplus and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #29
BLOCK PARTY/8 AVENUE, 25-27
STREETS
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request to close off 8th Avenue from 25th to 27th Streets on September 20 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a block party. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to approve the street closing CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
City Manager John Phillips called attention to the information about the joint meeting with the Moline City Council, to be held Tuesday, September 9 at the Mark at 5:00 p.m. He asked the Council to let him know whether or not they would be able to attend, and the tentative count at this time showed that the majority would be in attendance.
Finance Director Bill Scott reviewed the Management report for July 2003. He noted that the General Fund is on target, with the Revenues and Expenses at or around 33%.
Mr. Phillips called attention to the information regarding the Accounts Receivables, and asked that Council contact the Finance Director if they have any questions about this. He also called attention to the information regarding Section 8 Housing in regards to the Villa Project.
Mr. Phillips noted that the Budget for the current fiscal year is now on the website. He indicated that the website is being updated regularly and there is a lot of information on there, and encouraged residents and Council members to access it at www.rigov.org.
Alderman Conroy stated that he would like to see Leaf Burning restricted to Thursday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. He asked that this be placed on the Agenda for the next meeting September 8.
Alderman White asked for discussion of the Moratorium on Liquor Licenses on 11th Street. She suggested that this discussion occur at Goal Setting or at a Study Session and then be placed on the Agenda of a regular meeting. Mayor Schwiebert suggested that the Moratorium could have the possible exception of restaurants.
Alderman Brooks stated that there are convenience stores that have more alcohol for sale than other items. He noted that this is creating problems for people in the area, and this needs to be discussed more at length, suggesting that it be discussed at Goal Setting. He stated that the definitions of Liquor Licenses classes be reviewed and possibly changed.
Alderman Forlini made a motion, which was seconded by Alderman Brooks, to prepare a Temporary Moratorium for one year of any new Liquor Licenses to be issued along 11th Street, with the exception of restaurants, and have it placed on the Agenda for September 8. The motion CARRIED on a Voice vote. Mayor Schwiebert noted that a concern has been expressed about the hours for selling alcohol, and this can be discussed at Goal Setting also.
Alderman White reminded the audience about the Go Kart Races coming up this weekend in the District and also the Parade on Monday at 9:30 a.m. on 18th Avenue and 24th Street. She noted that the Library would be closed during the Go Kart Races. Mayor Schwiebert expressed his thanks to Alderman White and her committee for the Citizen of the Year Program and work that is done each year on that program.
Alderman Conroy stated that Whitewater Junction is still open.
BAR NAME
Monsignor Paul Showalter, Pastor of St. Pius X, 2502 29th Avenue, Rock Island, spoke to Council regarding the proposed name of a restaurant/sports bar. He stated that “Hail Mary’s Last Chance” is not an appropriate name for a bar, noting that the Hail Mary is prayer taken from the Bible and used by Catholics everywhere. He asked Council to help bring about a change in the name, and stated that Bishop Jenky had written a letter to the Rock Island Argus that had not yet been published. He read the letter for the Council, and noted that all the Catholic parishes of the Illinois Quad Cities had letters signed by parishioners over the weekend. He presented a large number of these letters from parishes in Rock Island to the Mayor at this time. Mayor Schwiebert agreed that the name is an insensitive choice of words. He stated that the City Council couldn’t dictate to people what they can name their business, but he did encourage the people with concerns to share these concerns with the business owners.
Monsignor Dale Wellman, Sacred Heart Parish in Moline, 1608 13th Street, Moline, presented another large number of letters from parishes in Moline, East Moline and Silvis. He expressed his concern with the insensitivity to the name also.
Dr. Clement Cunningham, 2921 27th Street, stated that he was offended by the relationship given by the prayer and sport. He referred to people asking him to say a “Hail Mary” for them, and stated that they were not expecting him to throw them a football. He stated that this is a sensitive issue for people of all faiths who have a respect for Mary, and urged the Council to do what they can. He indicated that this is a good community and this name on a bar will not be good.
John Moran (no address given) stated that he was in business for fifty years and lived in Rock Island 86 years – and he thinks it is insane to name a bar “Hail Mary.”
Jean Reese, 2209 35th Avenue, stated that she had to take off work to be here, but she did want to speak to Council regarding her request for a review of the denial of her claim for the damage done by the sewer/water break. She stated that this was a unique situation and was the result of a malfunction of City equipment. She added that she has not had any other problems since she has lived at this address, and understands where the General Liability Committee is coming from with their decision. She indicated that she may not be able to take off another day of work to attend the meeting September 8, but would try to be present.
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Keefe to recess to Friday, September 5 at 12 Noon for Goal Setting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:45 p.m.
____________________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk