The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M.A. Brooks I, David Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Stephen L. Tollenaer, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. City Manager John Phillips and City Manager John Konecky were also present with Deputy Clerk, Linda Rutten, filling in for the City Clerk, Aleisha Patchin.
Introductory
Proceedings
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to order and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance. Alderwoman Murphy gave the Invocation.
Agenda Item #5
Minutes of the Meeting of July 23, 2007.
A motion was made by Alderwoman Murphy and seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Carabello to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of August 13th, 2007 as written. The motion carried by the following roll call vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #6
Presentation of the Citizen of the Year
Awards.
Chairperson / Alderwoman Joy Murphy and Mayor Schwiebert presented the awards to the winners in each of the categories for Citizen of the Year. This year’s recipients were introduced by a member of the current committee made up of winners for 2006 Citizens of the Year.
The winners for 2007 were:
Business 2007
Citizen of the Year (tie) - Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse & Illinois Oil
Products –
introduced by Jeff Adamson
Professional 2007
Citizen of the Year - Rev. Daniel Mirabelli, CSV –
introduced by Alderwoman Murphy for Mike
Thoms, who could not be present
Education 2007
Citizen of the Year - Kirk Humphreys
introduced by Alderman Chuck Austin for
Bill Greathouse, who could not be present
Organization 2007
Citizen of the Year - Knights of Columbus-Allouez Council 658 -
introduced by Alderwoman Margie Mejia –
Carabello
Individual 2007
Citizen of the Year - Mary A. Welling –
introduced by Mike Markell
City Employee
Citizen of the Year - Doris Quigley –
introduced by Tom Ayers
Youth Citizen of the
Year - Hannah Mattison –
introduced by Nick Camlin
Honorary Citizen of
the Year - Todd Harlow –
introduced by Larry Tschappat
Grace Shirk, 20 year
member of the Citizen of the Year Committee, then announced Rev. Daniel
Mirabelli, CSV as the overall winner of the Citizen of the Year Award. She reviewed the reasons for his nomination
and selection by the committee.
Agenda Item #7
Proclamation
declaring August 26th – September 1st, 2007 as Truck
Driver Appreciation Week.
Mayor Schwiebert called to attention the
Proclamation declaring August 26th
– September 1st, 2007, as Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
Agenda Item #8
Proclamation
declaring September, 2007 as Save-a-Life Month.
Mayor Schwiebert called to attention the
Proclamation declaring the month of
September, 2007, as Save-a-Life Month.
Agenda Item #9
CLAIMS
It was moved by Alderman Austin seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, to accept the following reports and authorize payments as recommended. The motion carried by the following roll call vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #2 in the amount of $61,659.24 to Hoerr Construction, Inc. for the 2007 Joint Sanitary / Storm Water Lining project 762571 for services provided August 6th – August 17th (231)
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #2 in the amount of $88,690.91 to C.H. Langman for the 25th Street Resurfacing; 5-7th Avenue and 6th Avenue; 24th – 26th Street project 762572 for services provided August 4th – August 17th, 2007 (232)
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #2 in the amount of $106,932.65 to Valley Construction for the Shadybrook Lift Station Replacement project 762517 for services provided May 11th – July 30th, 2007. (233)
Agenda Item #10
Claims for the weeks of August 10th through August 23rd
in the amount of $1,922,647.78.
Alderman Pauley moved and Alderman Conroy seconded to allow the claims. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #11
Payroll for the weeks of July 30th through August 12th,
2007 in the amount of $1,128,508.79.
It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Carabello, seconded by Alderman Austin to allow the payroll. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #12
Report from the
Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2007 Asphalt Street Milling and
Patching Project 762434, recommending the bid be awarded to Valley Construction
in the amount of $109,603.55
Alderman Pauley moved and Alderman Conroy seconded to award the bid as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following roll call vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #13
Report from the Public Works Department
regarding bids for the replacement of 11 first floor windows at the Raw Water
Pumping Station, recommending the bid be awarded to Bi-State Masonry of
Davenport, IA in the amount of $13,950.00.
Alderman Austin moved and Alderman Conroy seconded the motion to award the bid as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following roll call vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #14
Report from the Public Works Department
regarding bids for catering for the Luau at Sunset Marina on September 15,
2007, recommending the bid be awarded to Hy-Vee in the estimated amount of
$2,535.00.
Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Carabello seconded the motion to award the bid as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following roll call vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda #15
Report from the Public Works Department
regarding an agreement with the owners for purchase of the White Hydropower
Company and the purchase of engineering services.
Alderman Conroy moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve the contracts and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents as recommended. Mayor Schwiebert asked the City Manager to comment on this item. City Manager Phillips advised that this was something the City has been talking about for some time and is pleased to be able to make this purchase of this facility. He stated that there are still some conditions that have to be met yet, but that is a great opportunity long term for the City to use a renewable energy source for power. He thanked Bob Hawes and members of his staff for their assistance over the past six months. Mayor Schwiebert then called upon Bob Hawes, Public Works Director, who advised that the City would be able to supply approximately 2/3 of the power supply to City facilities with this hydropower plant. Mayor Schwiebert added that at some point; other buildings such as City Hall may be switched over also and that this purchase should save the City hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years and move us to a more environmentally responsible City operation. Following the discussion, the motion carried by the following roll call vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #16
Report from the Public Works Department regarding a Supplemental
Agreement for additional engineering services between the City of Rock Island
and Stanley Consultants at a cost not to exceed $15,000.
Alderwoman Mejia – Carabello motioned and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following roll call vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #17
Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding
a contract with C.H. Langman and Son to haul fill dirt and reseed the Slyvan
Natural Area prairie at a cost not to exceed $27,750.00
It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Carabello to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. Alderwoman Murphy asked for an update on the status of this project and the Greg Champagne was called upon to advise. Mr. Champagne advised that they had some finishing work to complete, but hoped to have the park in shape and growing well before they open to the public. Tentative opening is set for opening sometime yet this fall. After discussion, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #18
Report from the
Finance Department regarding a request for modifications to the FY2008
Budget.
Alderwoman Murphy and Alderwoman Mejia-Carabello seconded to approve the request as recommended. Alderman Conroy asked for clarification of this item and City Manager Phillips advised that it was an adjustment of money carried over from last year, not money from this year. After discussion, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #19
Report from the
Community and Economic Development Department regarding the disposition of 10
City-owned properties to Rock Island Housing Authority for infill housing
projects.
It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Carabello and seconded by Alderman Austin to convey the City owned property to the Housing Authority as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #20
Report from the
Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to install a handicapped
parking space at 600 – 7th Street.
Alderman Austin moved and Alderman Conroy seconded to approve the request as recommended and 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 Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #21
Report from the
Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to restrict parking on both
sides of 7th Avenue between Mill Street and 11th Street,
except along the north side of 7th Avenue between 4th and
5th Streets, beginning September 30th, 2007.
It was moved by Alderman Conroy seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the request as recommended and 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 Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #22
Report from the
Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to restrict parking on the
east side of the 2900 block of 24th Street, next to the church,
Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Alderman Austin moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance. Alderman Pauley asked if there would be additional signs stating the parking restrictions and if the curb would remain yellow (no parking) along that area. Public Work Director Bob Hawes advised that signs would be put up, however, the curbs would still remain yellow and that police officers would only be issuing tickets according to the signage, not the curb markings. Mayor Schwiebert also asked for clarification on the side of the street this was located on as the document stated WEST and the Council agenda stated EAST. It was confirmed by Bob Hawes that it should be “East” as stated on the agenda and that it was a typographical error in the original paperwork. After discussion, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #23
Report from the Public Works Department regarding the Highland Place
Storm Water Credit.
It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Carabello and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the 25% Unique and Special Cases Storm Water Credit as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #24
Report from the Public Works Department regarding the 5 year Storm
Water Management Plan.
Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Carabello seconded to award the contract as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to approve the recommendations as outlined in the report and authorize the City Attorney to prepare the required ordinance modifications. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #25
Report from the
Mayor’s office regarding a request for payment to the United States Conference
of Mayors in the amount of $3,387.00 for the 2007 – 2008 membership dues.
Alderman Conroy moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve the payment as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #26
Report from the
City Clerk regarding a request for an Activity Permit from the Churches United
of the Quad City Area to hold their Annual Crop Walk on Sunday, October 7, 2007
from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
It was moved by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to approve the request as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #27
A report from
the Deputy City Clerk regarding a request from Martini’s on the Rock for
outdoor entertainment on Friday, August 31st and Saturday, September
1st, 2007 beginning at 8:00 p.m. with a special request to extend
the hours to 12 a.m. with the understanding the music can be shut down if noise
complaints are received.
Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderman Tollenaer seconded to approve the request as recommended. Alderman Austin asked if there was anyone from Martini’s to represent this report. He stated that he lives about three quarters of a mile from Martini’s and that he has been able to hear the music in the past and that this may be a problem with others in the neighborhood. Mr. Ron Petersmith, from Martini’s spoke and advised that they have repositioned the band shell so that the music will be playing out to the river, instead of the previous easterly direction. Mr. Petersmith also advised that they will be installing a new machine in the near future to monitor decibel levels. Mayor Schwiebert reiterated the fact that the usual time for outdoor entertainment to end under the liquor ordinance is 10:00 p.m., but that the Council can make except to that upon request. This exception is subject to shut down if any noise complaints area received. Mr. Petersmith advised that he understood this and he thanked the Mayor and City Council for their consideration. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #28
Items from the City Manager’s
Memorandum Packet.
The City Manager brought to the Council’s attention the 11th Street Moratorium information in the packet for their review and a copy of the resolution that will be on the agenda for the next meeting. He also mentioned the management report and asked Bill Scott, Finance Director, to comment. Mr. Scott briefly reviewed the report and pointed out on the first page of the report, generally the major taxes and general fund are on target for the fiscal year. The exception is the increase of replacement tax for 2008, which is good news.
Alderman Chuck Austin mentioned that he would be having a “Ward Meeting” for the 7th Ward on Thursday, September 13th, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene located on the corner of 38th Street and 29th Avenue. Public Works Director, Bob Hawes will be attending to answer any questions. This meeting would be open to the public from all wards and invited everyone, including the Council, Mayor and City Manager to attend
Agenda Item #29
Other Business
Mr. Glenn Evans
of 1120 – 8th Avenue, addressed the Council regarding his
concerns about the new issues facing the school board and the possibilities of
school closings and stated he hoped that the City would work with the school
board on these issues.
Sebastian Curtis
of 1450 – 18th Avenue, Apt. B9, addressed the Council regarding his
perception of police policies. He also
expressed concerns about Freedom of Information Act requests regarding this
matter being repeatedly denied. City
Manager Phillips commented that this was in part because this case is still
pending at this time and case information cannot be released until the case is
closed. The City Manager assured Mr.
Curtis that the Police Department’s Internal Affairs Department is reviewing
the complaint made regarding this issue and asked for everyone’s cooperation
with them during this investigation. He stated that if Internal Affairs finds
that mistakes or wrong doing did occur, appropriate action will be taken, but
until the investigation has been completed, no reports or information would be
released. Mr. Curtis was then referred
to speak with the Chief of Police sitting in the back of the room for more
specifics on this incident.
Diana Banks of
1009 – 21st Street, also wished to address the Council
regarding the actions of the Police Department in connection to the same
incident mentioned by Mr. Curtis. The
denial of the Freedom of Information Act request for reports was again
explained pertaining to this case and Ms. Banks was also referred to Chief
Wright, who advised that they have a procedure that they have to follow in
order to insure the integrity of the investigation and asked that all parties
cooperate with this investigation. At
the Mayor’s suggestion, Chief Wright later spoke to both parties outside
Council Chambers.
Steve Schwindt
of 1510 – 35th Avenue.
Mr. Schwindt wished to speak to
the City Council and request their assistance regarding a water runoff problem
he is having at his residence. A report
and pictures were previously submitted and included in Council’s memo packet
for their review. The Council and Public
Works Director, Bob Hawes, agreed that there are other individual cases similar
to this throughout the City, but that by State and Ordinance definition it was
natural drainage and, therefore, no something the City can be involved with at
this time. Bob Hawes also stated that
they checked and there was no stormwater drainage violations.
Agenda Item #30
Executive
Session on Personnel and Litigation
A motion was made by Alderwoman Murphy and seconded
by Alderman Austin to recess to Executive Session on Personnel and
Litigation. The motion carried by the
following roll call vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman
Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo,
Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
The Executive Session was recessed at 8:25 p.m.
Agenda Item #31
Recess
A motion was made by Alderwoman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to return to regular session at 8:26 p.m. Another motion to recess to Monday, September 10, 2007 at 5:00 pm was made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Austin. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was recessed at 9:10 p.m.
___________________________________
Linda K. Rutten, Deputy City Clerk