The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:00 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Center located at 630 – 9th Street. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M.A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips and Community and Economic Development Department Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen. Also present was Fifth Ward Alderman Appointee Margie Mejia-Caraballo.
NEW OLD CHICAGO PLAN UPDATE
Brian Peterson and Larry Witzling from Planning and Design Institute (PDI) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin presented Council with a revised draft of the New Old Chicago Redevelopment Plan. Mr. Peterson gave an introduction and background regarding the project. He detailed the purpose of the study, description of the study area, scope of the project, prior studies, public process and citizen input, and project goals. He advised of the neighborhood analysis issues and opportunities with regard to social and economic activity of existing land use, long-term adjacent uses, institutions and services, non-owner occupied property, land publicly owned, circulation, parks, open space and nature, and the physical form of the area. Mr. Peterson presented potential catalytic projects broken into three sections of the area constituting the Center “Community Heart”, a Gateway to the West, and a Gateway to the North.
Mr. Witzling discussed the implementation of the project detailing current tools for redevelopment such as tax rebate programs, housing repair loans, rental property improvement programs, to name a few. He advised of potential tools for redevelopment such as retail grants, the City as developer and lease to own programs. Lastly he spoke of tools for retaining residents with a variety of tax abatement programs and grants.
Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to the challenge to attract investors, developers, bankers, and financers. Community and Economic Development Department Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen advised meetings have been held with Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation and local banks and the interest in growth is positive.
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
___________________________________
Cynthia A. Neiggemann, City Clerk
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 A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III.
INTRODUCTORY PROCEEDINGS
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to order and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America with the Vietnam Veterans of the QC Chapter 299 presenting their colors. Alderman Brooks gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Minutes of the meeting of August 14, 2006 CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PRESENTATIONS
Agenda Item #5a
APPOINTMENT/FIFTH WARD
ALDERMAN
The City Clerk read a report recommending the appointment of Margie Mejia-Caraballo as Fifth Ward Alderman. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the appointment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #6
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office for Margie Mejia-Caraballo. Alderman Mejia-Caraballo was then seated for the remainder of the meeting.
Agenda Item #7
Citizen of the Year committee members and Mayor Schwiebert presented the awards to the winners in each of the categories for Citizen of the Year. Each winner was introduced by a member of the current committee made up of winners for 2005 Citizen of the Year.
The winners were:
Individual – Mike Markell (Joy Murphy)
Business – Mama Compton’s/Comedy Sportz, Owner /Jeff Adamson (Charles Austin)
Professional – Mike Thoms, President – Renaissance Rock Island (Kevin Koski)
Education – Bill Greathouse – Teacher, Edison Jr. High School (Don Adams)
City Employee – Tom Ayers, Chief Building Inspector (Jerry Jones)
Youth – Nick Camlin, Student at Rock Island High School (Grace Shirk)
Honorary – Merrill Morris (Jane Koski)
Organization – Vietnam Veterans of the QC, Chapter 299 (Grace Shirk)
Grace Shirk then announced the Vietnam Veterans of the QC, Chapter 299 as the overall winner of the Citizen of the Year Award. She reviewed the reasons for their nomination and selection by the committee.
Agenda Item #8
PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS
MONTH/SEPTEMBER
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the month of September as “Prostate Cancer Awareness” month.
Agenda Item #9
SAVE A LIFE MONTH/SEPTEMBER
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the month of September as “Save A Life” month.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance providing for the sale of City-owned property at 2704 – 8th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance designating a one-way alley between 4th and 5th Avenues and 19th and 20th Streets. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell 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, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
CITY EQUIPMENT AND PARTS SURPLUS/DISPOSITION
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance declaring certain personal City-owned equipment and parts as surplus to be disposed of in a manner advantageous to the City. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #13
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to accept the following reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
a. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Jason Koontz in the amount of $3,184.00 for Rain Garden Program reimbursement.
b. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors, Inc. in the amount of $15,124.12 for emergency parking ramp repairs.
c. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Settle, Inc. in the amount of $29,889.25 for the completion of the 2006 Sealcoat Program.
d. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Symbiont in the amount of $3,124.82 for river water quality monitoring.
e. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Gardner Carton & Douglas LLP in the amount of $3,661.90 for professional services for the Pretreatment Program.
Agenda Item #14
The City Clerk read the claims for the weeks of August 11 through August 24 in the amount of $1,442,910.47. A motion made by Alderman Pauley seconded by Alderman Murphy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
PAYROLL
Agenda Item #15
The City Clerk read the Payroll report for the weeks of July 31 through August 13 in the amount of $1,060,898.41. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
WATER TREATMENT CHEMICAL
PURCHASE/MET PRO
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of water treatment chemicals for the remainder of the calendar year from Met Pro in the estimated amount of $15,840.00. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the purchase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
CABLE LOCATOR AND FAULT LOCATOR PURCHASE/DITCH WITCH – IOWA, INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of a cable locator and fault locator from Ditch Witch – Iowa, Inc. in the amount of $5,569.50. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Pauley to approve the purchase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
MILL STREET WWTP ROOF REPLACEMENT BIDS/STERLING COMMERCIAL ROOFING
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Mill Street Wastewater Treatment Plant Roof Replacement recommending the bid be awarded to Sterling Commercial Roofing in the amount of $133,534.00. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy 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, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 9th Avenue (12-14 Street) Sanitary Sewer Repair Project recommending the bid be awarded to Alliance Concrete Construction Co. in the amount of $39,174.00. A motion made by Alderman Murphy 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, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2006 Free Fall Leaf Bags recommending the bid be awarded to Resourceful Bag and Tag, Inc. in the amount of $18,600.00. Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to distribution of the bags. Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Bob Hawes advised the bags would be delivered to the City and would be placed in the same location as the previous year (Public Works, Drop-off Center and City Hall Finance Department).
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy 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, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
The City Clerk read a report from General Administration regarding renewal of the legal services agreement with Konecky, Koenig, Kutsunis, and Weng for one year beginning April 1, 2007. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the agreement renewal as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding an agreement with Missman, Stanley and Associates for the 11th Avenue Paving (36th to 38th Street and Augustana Campus Trail Improvements) with a design fee of $147,875.00 and an estimated construction engineering fee of $125,000.00. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
IDOT LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING AND RESOLUTION/IL92 – TURKEY HOLLOW ROAD PROJECTS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding an IDOT Letter of Understanding and Resolution regarding the IL 92/Turkey Hollow Road Projects. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the Letter of Understanding as recommended, pass the resolution and authorize the City Manager to sign the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #24
DEMOLITION OF 2010 AND 2013 –
3RD AVENUE CONTRACT/LANGMAN AND SON, INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a contract with Langman and Son, Inc. for demolition of buildings at 2010 and 2013 - 3rd Avenue in the negotiated amount of $398,566.00. Mayor Schwiebert requested a clarification in dollar amounts on the documentation. Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne advised an error in dollar amounts was made on the original documentation. He advised the original bid came in at $443,300.00 and was negotiated down to $398,566.00 not $383,225.00.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #25
LONG TERM CONTROL PLAN PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING CONTRACT/SYMBIONT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a contract with Symbiont for the Long Term Control Plan for preliminary engineering in the amount of $337,800.00. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #26
EASEMENT AGREEMENT W/LUCKY
LUKES LLC/223 – 17TH STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an easement agreement with Lucky Lukes LLC for a mural being painted on the building at 223 – 17th Street. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Mejia-Caraballo to approve the agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #27
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Site Plan Review and Rezoning from R-2 (one family residence) to PUD (planned unit development) at 2930 – 18th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the site plan and rezoning as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #28
STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION/SEGMENT OF 29TH
STREET FROM 18TH AVENUE SOUTH TO 20TH AVENUE
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding street right-of-way vacation for a segment of 29th Street from 18th Avenue south to 20th Avenue. David Bailie of Hy-Vee advised the project is scheduled to start in the Fall of 2006 and the targeted completion date is Summer of 2007, approximately eleven months after inception.
After discussion, a motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the vacation as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #29
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the sale of city-owned property at 1115 – 6th Avenue to Isaias Mejia. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the sale as recommended and authorize the City Attorney to draft a Contract for Deed CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None. ABSTAINS: Mejia-Caraballo.
Agenda Item #30
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment in the amount of $5,500.00 for a Targeted Rehabilitation Loan at 1828 – 16th Street. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Conroy to commit $5,500.00 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #31
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding approval of revision of the Abandoned Vehicle Ordinance. (Note: Item was Deferred August 14 - A motion remains on the floor – Motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the revision and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance.)
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Pauley amending the revision by setting both fines at $100.00 CARRIED on a Voice Call vote. The main motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the revision and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #32
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for handicapped parking space at 1712 – 32nd Street. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #33
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for a two-way alley located at 10th and 11th Streets between 15th and 16th Avenues. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #34
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for removal of stop signs at 11th Street and 3rd Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #35
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for removal of a handicapped parking space at 4419 – 7th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Mejia-Caraballo to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #36
SOUND AMPLIFICATION/QUAD CITY
BOTANICAL CENTER
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request for sound amplification permit from the Quad City Botanical Center for September 9. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the request as recommended CARRIED on a Voice Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #37
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Bennigans for street closure of 2nd Avenue between 16-1/2 and 17th Streets and sound amplification from 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 15, to Noon, Sunday, September 17, for a block party. (Note: Item was Deferred August 14 - A motion remains on the floor – Motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the request as recommended. The motion on the floor CARRIED on a Voice Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #38
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a Plaza Activity Permit request for Saturday, September 23, from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. for a Christian music concert. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the request as recommended CARRIED on a Voice Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #39
STREET CLOSING/22-1/2 AVENUE
BETWEEN 25TH & 26TH STREETS
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request for street closing of 22-1/2 Avenue between 25th and 26th Streets on Saturday, September 23, from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. for a block party. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the request as recommended CARRIED on a Voice Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #40
STREET CLOSING/21-1/2 AVENUE BETWEEN 28TH STREET AND END OF CUL-DE-SAC
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request for street closing of 21-1/2 Avenue between 28th Street and the end of the cul-de-sac on Saturday, September 23, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. for a block party. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the request as recommended CARRIED on a Voice Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #41
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request for Activity Permit from the Cornbelt Running Club for Saturday, October 8, for their Run/Walk. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the request as recommended CARRIED on a Voice Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #42
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request for Activity Permit from Churches United of the Quad City for Saturday, October 8, for their Run/Walk. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the request as recommended CARRIED on a Voice Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #43
STREET CLOSING/27TH STREET BETWEEN 8TH
& 8-1/2 AVENUES
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request for street closing of 27th Street between 8th and 8-1/2 Avenues on Saturday, October 28, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. for the annual Trunk or Treat Event. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Pauley to approve the request as recommended CARRIED on a Voice Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
City Manager John Phillips broke attention to a follow-up report on Oak Wilt and Emerald Ash Borer provided by Parks and Recreation Director William Nelson.
He advised the Blackhawk Mural Lighting Mockup scheduled for Monday evening, August 28, after the Council meeting was postponed due to the rainy conditions and the tentative new date is September 11.
Mr. Phillips advised that Council had regretfully accepted City Clerk Cindy Neiggemann’s letter of resignation. He advised the application process would begin and Mayor Schwiebert asked for volunteers from Council for the hiring committee.
Mr. Phillips then asked Community and Marketing Director Jennifer Fowler to give an update on the Marketing Plan Television Commercials. Ms. Fowler advised that in 2004 a two-year marketing plan was created for Rock Island and during 2005 a series of print advertisements along with the new website www.LiveRI.com was created. She announced that the second year of the marketing plan is ready to be launched with a series of television commercials. She stated the commercials are scheduled to start the week of September 4, 2006 and run through the week of March 19, 2007. She advised that a total of over 2,500 ads will run in three week series for a total of eighteen weeks; informing ads will run on KWQC, WQAD, WHBF and on cable HGTV, Fox News, CNN, TNT, TBS, Food, Comedy, BET, CMT, SciFi, and VH1. She stated the demographic used was adults 25-54. She also advised that all the stations have matched the ads spot for spot at no charge due to our non-profit status and their support for the City’s efforts.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Brooks addressed Council regarding a letter he had received about the growing problem of violence throughout Rock Island, as well as the Country. He advised a police program that President Clinton initiated and President Bush let expire and fall by the wayside had caused a reduction in police officers. He advised that due to this reduction, crime and violence has been on the rise and continued to escalate. Alderman Brooks advised the City and Country needs to put more police officers back on the streets.
A report had been distributed prior to the meeting from Police Chief John Wright addressing the C.A.P.E. Program and Sub-station at Century Woods. Chief Wright gave background on the programs and provided information and costs for two new officers. He advised six new officers would start September 5, 2006. He informed if the hiring of two more officers were approved they would not be able to start at the academy until January 2007 and would not be on the street until July 2007.
Mayor Schwiebert advised the sub-station at Century Woods is still open and suggested more police duties such as reporting writing, etc. be done at that location in order to have the presence of police officers during more hours of the day. He advised that a policy should be incorporated into the leases that if guns were found on the property the individuals would be evicted, as is the case with drugs. Alderman Brooks agreed with enforcement of stricter penalties and advised citizens would feel more comfortable and confident with the visual presence of additional police officers in the neighborhoods.
Alderman Pauley advised that public safety is top priority; however, funding needs to be discussed regarding additional police officers.
ALDERMAN AUSTIN
Alderman Austin commended the Parks Department for the job well done regarding flowers and maintenance throughout downtown Rock Island.
He also advised of the annual 7th Ward meeting inviting anyone to attend at the Nazarene Church at 38th Street and 29th Avenue on September 14 at 7:00 p.m. He informed that City Manager Phillips and Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Hawes would be present at this meeting.
ALDERMAN CONROY
Alderman Conroy reminded of the upcoming RiverWay Steam Train Excursion on September 14 – 17 and advised more information could be obtained by visiting www.visitquadcities.com.
PHIL SCOTT
Phil Scott, 8701 51st Street W, Milan, address Council regarding a request for a Special Use Permit for a proposed scrap yard near the Sunset Business Park. Mr. Scott expressed his concerns regarding this request and urged Council to read the report and direct staff to not support this request. He also presented photos of issues that are already a concern to him. He advised a better use for this 22‑acre site could be housing on the riverfront instead of a scrap/junk yard. He informed the Sunset Business Park has brought in good business with decent paying employment opportunities and this proposed scrap yard would not be a good choice for this area and land use. He also advised he was concerned with the wording of the documentation.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Executive Session on a matter of Property Acquisition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was recessed at 8:50 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular session at 9:05 p.m.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, September 11, at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 9:06 p.m.
____________________________________
Cynthia A. Neiggemann, City Clerk