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. Mayor Schwiebert gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the Minutes of the meeting of August 28, 2006 CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert read a Proclamation declaring the week of September 24 as Quad City Museum Week. Quad City Botanical Center CEO/Director, Cheryl Carney, presented background on the Quad City Museum coalition, which was established in 2003 as an informal forum for the directors of the community’s 20 museums. She discussed current collaborative projects offered and what the Quad City Museum Week stands for.
Agenda Item #7
HELPING CITIZENS WITH
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES DAYS
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a Proclamation declaring September 15 and 16 as Helping Citizens with Developmental Disabilities Days.
Agenda Item #8
MASQAT COURT DAY
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a Proclamation declaring September 16 as Masqat Court Day.
Agenda Item #9
NATIONAL REHABILITATION WEEK
Mayor Schwiebert read a Proclamation declaring September 17 – 23 as National Rehabilitation Week. Trinity Medical Center Representatives Harold Brink and Ann Bowser, along with two volunteer rehabilitants, were present to accept the Proclamation.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read an Ordinance amending Chapter 9 regarding abandoned vehicles. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amending a zoning district and map from R-2 to PUD at 2930 – 18th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy 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
VACATING A SEGMENT OF 29TH
STREET/18TH – 20TH AVENUES
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance vacating a segment of 29th Street from the north right-of-way line of 20th Avenue to a point parallel with the north property line of the south ˝ of the east ˝ of Lot 26 of Campbell’s Addition. 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 #13
TWO-WAY ALLEY BETWEEN 15TH
& 16TH AVENUES AND 10TH AND 11TH STREETS
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance designating a two-way alley between 15th & 16th Avenues and 10th and 11th Streets. 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.
Agenda Item #14
HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE/1712
– 32ND STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 1712 – 32nd Street. 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 #15
HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE REMOVAL/4419 – 7TH AVENUE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordnance eliminating a handicapped parking space at 4419 – 7th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Murphy 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 #16
TWO-WAY STOP SIGNS REMOVAL 11TH
STREET/INSTALLING TWO-WAY STOP SIGNS AT 3RD AVENUE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance removing two-way stop signs located at 11th Street and installing two-way stop signs at 3rd Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin 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 #17
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 Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $8,888.89 to City Attorney’s office for August 2006 legal services rendered.
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,716.00 to Jordan Thoms for rain garden program reimbursement.
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $5,000.00 to Arthur Milton for rain garden program reimbursement.
d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $4,848.00 to Keith Smith for rain garden program reimbursement.
e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $14,751.35 to General Constructors for Phosphoric Acid Feed System project.
f. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $79,105.97 to Brandt Construction for the 24th Street Resurfacing: 31st Ave to 17th St.
g. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $121,597.76 to Centennial Contractor for the 2006 Utility Patching Program.
h. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $16,470.73 to Kodiak Site Contractors for the 2006 Sod and Tree Program.
i. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $291,026.15 to Walter D. Laud for the Spring Hills Estates Reconstruction Special Assessment Project.
Agenda Item #18
The City Clerk read the weeks of August 25 through September 7 in the amount of $720,423.27. 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 #19
The City Clerk read the Payroll report for the weeks of August 14 through August 27 in the amount of $1,055,895.64. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell 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 #20
APPEAL/MEMORIAL
CHRISTIAN CHURCH LANDMARK DESIGNATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an appeal of Memorial Christian Church Landmark Designation at 217 - 15th Street.
A motion was made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy (for discussion purposes) to uphold the Preservation Commission’s landmark designation at 217 - 15th Street as recommended.
Mayor Schwiebert advised Staff would make a presentation, followed by a presentation by the Church, followed by anyone in support of the Appeal, and finally followed by anyone in opposition of the Appeal.
Community and Economic Development Department Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen address Council advising on July 26, 2006 the Rock Island Preservation Commission voted to approve the application for landmark designation of Memorial Christian Church. He advised there are seven criteria in the Preservation Ordinance of which three were met, as follows: Criterion Three: Architecture, Criterion Four: Master Builder and Master Architect, and Criterion Five: Established and Familiar Visual Feature. Mr. Carmen advised the impact of landmark designation on the church would only establish checkpoints, not roadblocks; the Preservation Commission would render the decisions for building changes or demolition. Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to whether the standard of review would be the same as tonight if changes were requested on the building with historical appropriateness. Mr. Carmen advised yes the standard of review would be the same, and if not appropriate it could be appealed to Council.
Alderman Rockwell inquired about economic impacts on the property. Mr. Carmen advised if the property was sold and used for other than a church it may have economic benefits with the landmark status, e.g., tax credit opportunities, to the new owner. Alderman Conroy inquired as to the parking requirements on reuse and Mr. Carmen advised the parking would be grandfathered in.
Catherine Hult, Lane & Waterman, 220 N. Main Street, Davenport, Iowa, addressed Council on behalf of Memorial Christian Church. She advised the Church has been discussing the sale of the building for the last five years. To date they have had approximately a dozen lookers with only one offer from Royal Neighbors of America. She advised the cost to make the necessary repairs to the building would be in the millions and the Church has a budget of approximately $150,000. She advised of the health issues in the building and all that would be entailed to repair the building and then maintain it. She advised that the building is less than 50% of the original architecture for which it had been nominated to be designated as a landmark. She advised that religious properties are not usually eligible to be designated landmarks and respectfully requested Council overturn the recommendation. Ms. Hult advised there are approximately 90-95 active members on a given Sunday to which 86 voted to sell the Church and were against the landmark status.
Pastor Charles Dorsey, 3436 – 22nd Avenue, addressed Council regarding the property and advised the Church requested a ballpark figure, on a short time frame, from Quint Co. regarding extensive repairs to the building. He advised the Church family has been discussing the future of the building for the past twenty-five years and seriously discussing the sale of the building for the past five years. He advised the members have left the building since after Mother’s Day 2006 and have been holding service in the Starcrest Building. He advised the Church’s long-term goal is to become more progressive in worship and more family-oriented to replace the older membership.
Preservation Commission Chairman Daryl Empen advised Council of the three criteria and the reasons the building should be designated as a landmark.
David Parker, 702 – 20th Street, addressed Council with some history and background on Memorial Christian Church and advised of his support to uphold the Preservation Commission’s decision to make the building a landmark.
Shirley Long, 1516 – 19th Avenue, expressed her support to Council to uphold the Preservation Commission’s decision to make the building a landmark. She advised not all of the Church members were advised of the meeting regarding the future of the building.
Pat Baker, 1812 – 9-1/2 Street, addressed Council in favor of the sale of the Church and advised the Church holds an annual meeting at the same time every year and every member, active or non-active, was informed of the meeting.
Pastor Dorsey presented Council with a signed petition of the members of the Church that are in favor of selling the building and not upholding the Preservation Commission’s decision to designate the building as a landmark.
Alderman Brooks advised he considered himself a history buff, stating he hoped the divided Memorial Christian Church family could come together as a church family again after a decision was made. He advised he would vote to uphold the Preservation Commission’s decision to designate the building as a landmark.
Alderman Mejia-Caraballo advised she had received numerous phone calls and mail, all to uphold the Preservation Commission’s request, and read a portion of a letter from Diane Oestreich stating that once it is gone, it is gone forever.
Mayor Schwiebert advised a church is more than a building; it’s a living community. However, to uphold a request such as this would break the church, or the building would just sit and deteriorate at the gateway to Rock Island. Upholding this request would cause an economic hardship to the church and be unfair and unwise. Therefore he advised he would vote against the motion for reasons of economic hardship.
Alderman Austin advised of a church which was lost up on the hill and the emotion involved with this action, he advised he would vote against the motion.
Alderman Rockwell agreed with Mayor Schwiebert regarding the church and advised he would vote to overturn the Preservation Commission’s decision.
Alderman Pauley advised 90-95 members of the Church would not be able to come up with the money needed to repair and maintain the building and would vote to overturn the Preservation Commission’s decision.
Alderman Conroy advised of different changes during his life and how time does not stand still. He advised economically it would not be a sound decision and therefore he withdrew his second to the motion.
In order to continue the discussion, Alderman Rockwell then seconded the motion (for discussion purposes only).
Alderman Murphy advised she was saddened that the congregation had not taken better care of the building and let it get to this state and also suggested the Preservation Commission get involved with these types of issues sooner rather than later. She advised she would vote to overturn the Commission’s decision.
Alderman Rockwell then
withdrew his second.
Correction made September 18, 2006 – A motion was made by Alderman Brooks, seconded by Alderman Rockwell, to sustain the Preservation Commission’s landmark designation of the Memorial Christian Church building located at 217 – 15th Street. The motion FAILED by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo; those voting No being Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Murphy, Alderman Austin, and Mayor Schwiebert. City Attorney Konecky then advised that an alternate motion should be made. A motion was then made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell not to uphold the Preservation Commission’s landmark designation at 217 – 15th Street. The motion CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy, Austin, and Mayor Schwiebert. NAYS: Aldermen Brooks and Mejia-Caraballo.
Agenda Item #21
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT/KJWW EXPANSION PROJECT
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Development Agreement with KJWW for an expansion project.
KJWW President, Paul VanDuyne, and Senior Vice President, Larry Pithan addressed Council regarding the proposed Development Agreement for their expansion project and the redevelopment of
25th Avenue. Mr. VanDuyne depicted views of KJWW’s proposed Phase 1 and Phase 2 projects. He advised Phase 1 would add another 75 new positions with a projected completion date of December 2007. He advised Phase 2 would follow and add approximately 70-75 new positions upon completion. He advised the total time frame for Phase 2 completion would be approximately four to five years.
After discussion, motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Conroy 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 #22
PROPOSAL/DISTRICT SCULPTURE
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Proposal for a sculpture in the District to be installed at the northwest corner of 17th Street and 3rd Avenue. Alderman Pauley advised that the corner of 17th Street and 3rd Avenue is not the only location for these sculptures.
Lori Roderick, Vice President of Programs for Quad City Arts, addressed Council regarding this proposal and advising of how this program works and the time frame involved. She advised it is a two-phase program with three pieces being displayed each year. These pieces would then be available for purchase with 65% of the proceeds to the artist and 35% to perpetuate the program.
After discussion, motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Brooks 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, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: Pauley.
Agenda Item #23
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for Riverfront Corridor Overlay District Site Plan Review for a new freestanding sign at 4028 Blackhawk Road (Rock Valley Plaza). A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the request as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #24
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for Special Use Permit for 569 – 22nd Avenue to maintain a chicken coop area. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Mejia-Caraballo to deny the request as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: Mejia-Caraballo.
Agenda Item #25
The City Clerk read a report from Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment in the amount of $5,500.00 for a Roof Deferred Payment Loan at 1021 – 16th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Pauley 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 #26
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 4001 – 6th Street. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy 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 #27
TARGETED REHABILITATION LOAN/1326 – 14TH STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment in the amount of $4,617.00 for a Targeted Rehabilitation Loan at 1326 – 14th Street. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to commit $4,617.00 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #28
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS/CITY
CLERK
The City Clerk read a report from General Administration regarding the resignation of City Clerk Cindy Neiggemann recommending appointments of Karen DeLathower as Acting City Clerk and Carol Gentry as Deputy City Clerk. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the appointments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #29
ACTIVITY PERMIT/RIHS HOMECOMING PARADE
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request for Activity Permit from the Rock Island High School for Friday, September 15, for their Homecoming Parade. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the request as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #30
SOUND AMPLIFICATION/STREET CLOSING 31ST ST BETWEEN 18TH
AND 20TH AVENUES
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request for sound amplification and street closing of 31st Street between 18th & 20th Avenues on Saturday, September 23, from 4:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. for a block party. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to approve the request as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, and Austin. NAYS: None.
Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Bob Hawes brought attention to a memorandum from staff regarding enforcement of nuisance ordinance violations.
He also reminded Council about the second attempt of the proposed lighting mockup for the Blackhawk mural scheduled for after the meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Austin asked Parks and Recreation Director Bill Nelson to enlighten Council and residents regarding the Steam Train Excursion. Mr. Nelson advised the Steam Train Excursion is going well and is almost sold out. He advised two railroad cars were added and informed if folks were interested they needed to contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau within the next two days to see what is available. Mr. Nelson advised the train could be viewed in downtown Rock Island at 9:00 a.m. and a send-off would take place at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, 9/14, in front of Modern Woodman.
Alderman Austin also reminded of the Ward Meeting on September 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Nazarene Church at 29th Avenue and 38th Street. He advised this was for 7th Ward residents; however, anyone was welcome to attend. He informed that City Manager John Phillips and Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Bob Hawes would be in attendance.
Alderman Rockwell advised the new mural on 17th Street and 3rd Avenue has received very positive comments.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, September 18, 2006 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 9:10 p.m.
____________________________________
Cynthia A. Neiggemann, City Clerk