The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 19, 2005, in the Personnel Conference Room of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen David A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Alderman Terry M. A. Brooks I was absent. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Finance Director Bill Scott, Employee United Way Campaign Coordinator Nick Hartman, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen and Urban Planner Jill Doak. Also present were Sarah Bohnsack and Angela Burch from the auditing firm of McGladrey Pullen.
Finance Director Bill Scott introduced Sarah Bohnsack and Angela Burch from McGladrey Pullen who presented a review of the Audit Report. Ms. Bohnsack began the review noting hat the there were no new accounting policies, but there may be one added next year regarding disclosure. She stated that the auditors had no disagreements with Management or consultation with other accountants. She indicated that they had no difficulty in performing the audit.
Ms. Burch reported that there was an increase in fines and fees due primarily to better collection of ambulance fees. They discussed the Police and Fire Pensions, and Ms. Bohnsack noted that the city made their required contribution to both pension funds. She added that the funding ratio has declined due to the economy. Ms. Bohnsack recommended that a consultant be hired to look at the Tax Penalty exposure. Mr. Scott stated that the staff would do some background work before the consultant would be hired, and Ms. Bohnsack noted that they would be able to provide the Finance Department with a spreadsheet to assist them with their research.
Ms. Bohnsack and Ms. Burch responded to questions from Council regarding the Arbitrage and the length of time to recalculate. Ms. Bohnsack stated that they have sixty days following five years after the Bond issues. They would look at each bond with their payouts, and test them.
Alderman Conroy asked that Council receive the Audit Reports more than a weekend before the discussion in Study Session. Mr. Phillips stated that they should feel free to contact either Sarah or Angela at McGladrey any time during the year if they have questions.
Nick Hartman, Employee Campaign Coordinator for the City of Rock Island, introduced Bruce Peiper, Loan Executive from United Way. Mr. Hartman discussed the fundraiser that will be held Thursday in the Municipal Parking Garage. He indicated that they are holding a raffle, and will be serving lunch for $3.00. He noted that they would have people there from InfoLink who will be speaking about their services as well as distributing information. United Way contribution forms were then distributed to all Council members present.
Council then watched the award-winning video on Historic Preservation that won a national award recently in Atlanta. The official award will be given to the Mayor during the regular meeting in Council Chambers at 6:45 p.m.
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Austin to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
____________________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session on Monday, September 19, 2005 at 6:45 p.m. in Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen David A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Alderman Terry M. A. Brooks I was absent.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to order, lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and gave the Invocation. Alderman Pauley made a correction to the Minutes of September 12, stating that he voted “NAY” to Item #20. Following the correction, a motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of September 9, 10 and 12 with the correction noted, CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Grace Shirk, of the Labor Day Parade Committee, and Mayor Schwiebert presented the awards to the winners of the Labor Day Parade.
Agenda Item #7
Mayor Schwiebert accepted the National award for the Preservation Video. Preservation Commission Daryl Empen, along with Diane Oestreich and Linda Peterson presented the award to Mayor Schwiebert. They noted that Dphilms of Rock Island did the film.
Agenda Item #8
DOLLAR WISE WEEK/SEPTEMBER
26 THROUGH OCTOBER 1
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the week of September 26 through October 1 as “Dollar Wise” week.
Agenda Item #9
KIWANIS PEP DAYS/SEPTEMBER
23 THROUGH OCTOBER 10
The City Clerk called attention to a proclamation declaring September 23 through October 10 as Kiwanis PEP Days in the City of Rock Island. He noted that the area Kiwanis Clubs will be sponsoring a group of Russian visitors during these days, and he encouraged the citizens to welcome them.
Agenda Item #10
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER
AWARENESS MONTH/NATIONAL MAMMOGRAPHY DAY
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the month of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 21 as National Mammography Day.
Agenda Item #11
TRICK OR TREAT/OCTOBER 31
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation establishing the time for Trick or Treat as October 31 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the City of Rock Island.
ORDINANCES
Agenda Item #12
NO PARKING/COLLEGE HILL
ENTRANCE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance extending a NO PARKING zone in front of the College Hill entrance on 30th Street and 10th Avenue an additional forty feet on each side. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
HANDICAPPED PARKING/1127 15
AVENUE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a Handicapped Parking Space in front of 1127 15th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
NO PARKING/10 AVENUE, 44
STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a NO PARKING zone along the north side of 10th Avenue from 44th Street to a driveway. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
REZONING/816 37 AVENUE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regarding the rezoning of 816 37th Avenue from I-1 to B-1 district. 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 Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
REZONING/1206, 1208 30
STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regarding the rezoning of 1206 and 1208 30th Street from R-3 to B-1 district.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regarding the rezoning of 3706 9th Street from B-1 and I-1 district to R-3 district. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
REZONING/4501 24 STREET
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regarding the rezoning of 4501 24th Street. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance vacating a segment east of the right of way line of 24th Street and south of the Rock Island Fitness Center. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance declaring property owned by the City as surplus property to be sold at the annual Bi-State Auction September 24. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The claims were as follows:
a. Report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Califf and Harper in the amount of $9,661.69 for legal services during the month of August.
b. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Centennial Contractors in the amount of $29,940.94 for the 2005 Utility Patching Program.
c. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Centennial Contractors is the amount of $10,068.55 for the 2005 50/50 Sidewalk and Curb Program.
d. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Kelly Construction in the amount of $31,537.91 for the 2005 Catch Basin Rebuild Program.
e. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to C. H. Langman and Son in the amount of $165,075.80 for the 9th Avenue Resurfacing from 14th to 17th Street.
f. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to C. H. Langman and Son in the amount of $329,519.56 for the 15th Street Resurfacing from 15th Avenue to 7th Avenue.
g. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Peeters Sod Company in the amount of $5,794.42 for the 2005 Sod and Tree Program.
h. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Phoenix Corporation in the amount of $65,233.11 for the 5th and 7th Street Storm Sewer Improvements.
Agenda Item #22
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of September 9 through 15 in the amount of $1,437,449.82. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of August 29 through September 11 in the amount of $1,014,103.20. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Murphy to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
BIDS/PURCHASES
Agenda Item #24
GENERAL CONSTRUCTORS/PHOSPHORIC ACID FEED SYSTEM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Phosphoric Acid Feed System at the water plant, recommending the bid of General Constructors in the amount of $69,500.00.
Alderman Pauley noted that the bid was 51% above the engineering estimate, and asked if this was the best bid we could get. Public Works Director Bob Hawes responded that they looked at the estimate again, and indicated that they underestimated. 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 document CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #25
TOTER, INC/REFUSE CARTS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the refuse carts, recommending the bid of Toter, Inc. in the amount of $626,955.00. Public Works Director Bob Hawes responded to questions. He stated that these will be distributed beginning January 10, and it will take about two weeks to have them all out. He noted that they would have the colored city logo on two sides. Alderman White suggested that residents call the Public Works Department to have someone come out to evaluate where they will be able to pick up these containers. She noted that she and her husband are now doing some concrete work to accommodate these. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #26
NORTHERN FILTER MEDIA/ANTHRACITE FILTER COAL
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding quotes for the purchase of sixty tons of anthracite filter coal, recommending the purchase be made from Northern Filter Media in the amount of $15,250.00. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Murphy to authorize purchase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS
Agenda Item #27
BURKE CLEANERS/DRY CLEANING RIPD
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding the Dry Cleaning Contract, recommending the renewal of the current dry cleaning contract with Burke Cleaners for one year at the prices quoted in the existing contract. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the contract renewal as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #28
RIVER BEND ROOFING/REPROOFING CITY HALL PORTION
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the reproofing of the roof above the rear stairwell of City Hall, recommending the bid of River Bend Roofing in the amount of $2,935.00.
Mayor Schwiebert asked if they would be doing some interior work as well at that location, and Mr. Hawes responded that Public Works staff would be doing that work. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #29
ENVIRONET/MIDWAY OIL SITE
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an amended contract with EnviroNet for the costs associated with additional investigation and removal of impacted soil at the Midway Oil site. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the amended contract and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
MISCELLANEOUS
ITEMS
Agenda Item #30
ANIMAL ORDINANCE/VICIOUS ANIMALS AND DANGEROUS DOGS
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding changes to the Vicious Animals and Dangerous Dogs sections of the Animal Ordinance. Alderman White stated that the vicious dogs and potentially dangerous dogs that are categorized as that currently would be grandfathered in. One animal bite starts the process over again according to the new ordinance. Nicole Knudsen, 8 Knoll Court, spoke about the language used in the ordinance revision regarding the height of the fence. She stated that the ordinance needs specific language and not vague verbiage. She added that the old ordinance required that lettering for signs regarding dangerous dogs was very specific, but the recommended changes do not include this language.
Alderman Austin stated that the Animal Control Officer would determine the size, height and covering if needed for the fence for the dogs. Alderman Conroy stated that some animals could jump over any fence. Alderman Rockwell stated that the State of Illinois does not allow an ordinance against breed specific animals.
Brian Hergert, 3510 10th Street Court, stated that he was walking his dog at Sunset Park recently when a pit bull attacked his dog. He stated that he reported it, and the officer told him that this was a civil matter. He added that the animal owner put the dog into the car, but when he drove by later, he noticed the dog was out walking with the owner again. Assistant City Attorney Ted Kutsunis stated that the Animal Control Officer would take the complaint, and he explained the process to Mr. Hergert. He stated that there is a civil remedy and suggested that he try to recover the cost of his vet from the other dog owner. He suggested that Mr. Hergert give his information to Captain Reichert or Chief Wright who were both present at the meeting at this time.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the changes as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
COMMUNITY AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Agenda Item #31
914 14 ˝ STREET/TARGETED REHABILITATION LOAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for a commitment from the City Council for a Targeted Rehabilitation Loan in the amount of $5,336.00 at 914 14 ˝ Street. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to commit $5,336.00 for the Targeted Rehabilitation Loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #32
1004 20 STREET/ROOF STANDARD PAYMENT LOAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for a commitment from the City Council for a Roof Standard Payment Loan in the amount of $5,500.00 at 1004 20th Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to commit $5,500.00 for the Roof Standard Payment Loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
BOARDS AND
COMMISSIONS
Agenda Item #33
APPOINTMENTS
The City Clerk read a memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending the appointment of Alderman Austin to the Bi-State Regional Commission and the Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation, and Alderman Murphy to the Neighborhood Partners Committee. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Pauley to approve the appointments as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #34
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application for the use of Parking Lot F for a Poker Run sponsored by the Daiquiri Factory on Saturday, October 8 from 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the proceeds to go to the American Cancer Society for Lymphoma Research. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the application CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #35
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request to close off 39th Street between 22nd and 23rd Avenues on Saturday, October 8 from 5:00 p.m. to Midnight for a neighborhood Block Party. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the street closing CARRIED on a Voice vote.
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to the following items:
a. Information from the Community and Economic Development Director regarding the rental housing program;
b. Information from Assistant City Engineer Mike Kane regarding traffic control during Augustana College’s dormitory construction;
c. Information from the IT Services Director regarding Council e-mail addresses. He suggested that they contact Claire or him for suggestions regarding any changes they need to make.
d. Letter from Terry VanOpdorp regarding the facial tattooing portion of the City’s Tattoo Ordinance. He suggested that staff review this and see what other cities are doing. Alderman White stated that the request refers to permanent cosmetic changes rather than a picture tattooed on someone’s face. Staff will review and come back to Council with a recommendation.
e. Copy of Media release for September 20 regarding the Fall Leaf Collection. Public Works Director Bob Hawes discussed the program, stating that they purchased 60,000 leaf bags this year. Residents can pick up ten per day, fill them with leaves and have them out for the free pickup. He stated that there was less burning last year with this program in place. Leaves are to be put into paper bags only. The Free Leaf Pickup begins October 17 and ends December 2. There is no charge for the bags and no charge for the pickup. Residents are limited to ten bags per day. They have added two drive-up pickup areas this year for the convenience of residents who are unable to get to City Hall or Public Works during the regular weekday. The Recycling Center at 24th Street and 16th Avenue will be open from Noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and the Yard Waste Drop-Off Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for leaf bag pickups. City Hall and Public Works will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
f. Copy of Press Release announcing the Armory Park Development Public Meeting Results.
Mr. Phillips then called on Rock Island Fire Chief Jerry Shirk and Chief of Police John Wright to discuss the assistance being provided to the victims of Hurricane Katrina by the local cities
Chief Shirk noted that Assistant Chief Doug Vroman left for New Orleans Saturday evening and he will be there for about two weeks. He will be working from the Incident Command Center. Others have left form Moline, Rock Island, East Moline and the Arsenal over the past few weeks. Chief Wright noted that RIPD Officer Ben Smith is in Hammond, Louisiana now, and RIPD Officer Rich Landi may be leaving in two weeks.
Greg Moroni, Director of Rock Island Clean and Beautiful, stated that he is helping collect items for Chad Pragraecke to take on the barge to Louisiana. He also challenged the Council to consider curbside recycling.
Alderman White stated that the corner of 30th Street and 14th Avenue is a great shopping area, with an artists studio opening there soon. She encouraged people to visit the area.
Alderman Rockwell stated that there was good public input on the Armory Park project. Alderman Murphy asked how long people can vote on-line for the features, and the response was that the voting can be done until mid-October.
Alderman Murphy stated that the information about the dogs should be communicated to the public. She stated that they should know where the information could be found about the procedures and what can be done if a dog bites someone or another animal.
Timothy Dooling, 9th Avenue and 14 ˝ Street, spoke to Council regarding some incidents that have occurred to him and/or his vehicles. Mayor Schwiebert noted that the Police Department will follow up on these incidents.
RECESS
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Monday, October 3 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:15 p.m.
____________________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk