The Rock Island City Council met at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 20, 2004 in the Personnel Conference Room of Rock Island City Hall for Study Session. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David R. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Dan Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Ann Keefe and Charles "Chuck" O. Austin.
Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Building Official Tom Ayers, City Attorney John Konecky.
RENTAL PROPERTY
ORDINANCE
Greg Champagne, Community and Economic Development Department Director, reviewed the Rental Residential Property Ordinance report. He indicated that, following this review, they planned to place the Ordinance on the Agenda for the next meeting of the City Council on September 27.
Alderman White asked how the out of town people wanting to rent a house/apartment would be educated about this ordinance. Tom Ayers, Chief Building Official, responded that they would work with the real estate agents and the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Champagne stated that there would be a public education process, including the web site and the public access channel, as well as coverage by the media. The suggestion was made to add the word “knowingly” in Line 130 – to read “It is unlawful for a persons to knowingly occupy a rental residential property…”
Mr. Ayers stated that the object of the inspections was compliance, and, comparing it to people not getting a required permit for a building or building improvement, stated that they currently issue a “stop work” order and allow them time to comply with the permit requirement. The City Attorney noted that it would be difficult to prove that the person knew or did not know that the building was inspected and/or in compliance prior to renting. Alderman Keefe stated that the landlord is the one who owns the property and pays the taxes, and it is their responsibility to know the regulations and to be licensed when they rent out the property. Alderman Rockwell stated that he felt it was going too far to hold the tenant responsible for the condition of the property. Alderman White suggested putting the names of the people in the system, and allowing them one warning. Alderman Conroy suggested that this list consist of landlords only, and not include tenants.
Council further discussed the provisions regarding the tenants and the change in wording suggested earlier. Following discussion, consensus was to leave the tenant provisions in and leave in the word “knowingly” as well.
Alderman Austin suggested that they display the license and/or use it as part of their advertising. Alderman White stated that she would have the tenant sign a copy of it when they sign the lease agreement. In response to questions about the inspections, Mr. Champagne noted that the landlords would first be required to complete the application form and pay the fee for a residential property license. They would receive a temporary license at that time, and be scheduled for an initial inspection. Mr. Ayers and Mr. Champagne discussed the Classifications and the licensing process.
Following further discussion, consensus was to remove the words “nor a succeeding owner” from Line 162/163 – the line will now read “A license for a rental residential property cannot be transferred to another rental residential property.”
Mr. Ayers also noted that the licenses would be renewed annually. Staff will determine a minimum time for the landlord to register the property. Council asked that they be kept posted on the program, and Mr. Champagne noted that this would be a separate cost center in the budget so Council can see how it is working. Mayor Schwiebert requested a sunset clause, requiring the program to be reviewed every four years, with periodic updates for Council in between these reviews.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m. to allow the Council to attend the reception for the Labor Day Parade winners.
______________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, September 20, 2004 in the Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David R. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Dan Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Ann Keefe and Charles "Chuck" O. Austin.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Monsignor Paul Showalter, of St. Pius X Church, gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the Minutes of the meeting of September 13 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Members of the unit presented the flag of the 123rd Artillery National Guard Unit to the City. Mayor Schwiebert noted that the City of Rock Island has officially adopted this unit. Captain Feger stated that this unit would be deployed in November to Fort Dix. He talked about the importance of the support of the family and friends as well as the community, and commended the City for their support of the unit.
Agenda Item #7
Mayor Schwiebert, along with Parade Chairpersons Art Melton and Grace Shirk presented the awards to all the winners in the Labor Day Parade. Ms. Shirk stated that this was the twentieth year for the Labor Day Parade, which started the year after the Bicentennial Celebration for the City. Following the award presentation, Mr. Melton and Mayor Schwiebert presented special awards Melton and Mayor Schwiebert to Janice Berry and Greg Vogele who are retiring from the Labor Day Parade Committee after twenty years. They were also on the City’s Bicentennial Committee twenty-one years ago.
Agenda Item #8
QUAD CITIES AFRICAN AMERICAN HIV/AIDS “PREVENTION IS THE CURE” AWARENESS DAY/SEPTEMBER 18
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation he had issued declaring Saturday, September 18 as “Quad Cities African American HIV/AIDS “Prevention Is The Cure” Awareness Day.
Agenda Item #9
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to the proclamation declaring the week of September 19 through 25 as National Rehabilitation Week.
Agenda Item #10
524,526 30 STREET/REZONING
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amending a zoning district, changing the zoning of 524/526 30th Street from R-3 to R-4 district. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read an Ordinance amending Chapter 7, changing language regarding cats being under restraint. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: Alderman Bauersfeld.
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance declaring certain personal property owned by the City as surplus for purposes of being sold at the countywide auction September 25. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13a
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors in the amount of $53,373.50 for the 2004 Catch Basin Rebuild Program.
Agenda Item #13b
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Altorfer in the amount of $2,900.00 for the rental of a Caterpillar Track Loader used during Spring Clean-up Week.
Agenda Item #13c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $1,482.60 for professional services for the Water and Sewer Extension to Turkey Hollow Road, and the Remote Chlorination System.
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of September 10 through 16 in the amount of $630,009.40. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Austin to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
AUGUST 30 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 12
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of August 30 through September 12 in the amount of $971,090.49. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
TIF RESOLUTION/PUBLIC HEARING
DATE ESTABLISHED
The City Clerk read a resolution establishing November 8 at 6:45 p.m. as the date and time for the public hearing to consider the tax increment redevelopment plan and redevelopment project for the proposed Parkway and I-280 Redevelopment Project Area. Mayor Schwiebert asked why this was being done so far in advance, and Greg Champagne, Community and Economic Development Department Director, responded that State Statute requires it be done this way. City Manager John Phillips added that final action by the Council is scheduled for November 22. Mayor Schwiebert explained to the audience that this was for the Jumer’s Project and he asked staff to prepare a memo with a time frame for the project to include groundbreaking date and beyond. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to adopt the Resolution CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a development agreement with Rock Island Industrial Partners for the resurfacing of 4th Avenue between Mill Street and 2nd Street.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
4710 12 STREET, 4700 11
STREET/PROPERTY ACQUISITION
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the purchase of property at 4710 12th Street and 4700 11th Street. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to authorize the purchase of the property as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
2405, 2408 THIRD AVENUE, 311 24
STREET/PROPERTY ACQUISITION
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the purchase of property at 2405 and 2409 Third Avenue and 311 24th Street. A motion made by Alderman and seconded by Alderman to authorize the purchase of the property as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #20
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the purchase of properties from the Rock Island County Trustee. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to authorize the purchase of the property as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #21
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for a commitment from City Council for a Roof Standard Payment Loan in the amount of $6,829.00 for 814 11th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to commit $6,829.00 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for a commitment from City Council for the Project Facelift Program in the amount of $8,860.00 at 4434 7th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to commit $8,860.00 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
The City Clerk read a report from the Fire Chief regarding a request from Rock Island High School for a waiver of the Fireworks Display Ordinance for their special event on October 15, and the letter requesting a grant in the amount of $3000.00 from the City for this event. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to waive the fireworks ordinance for this event and to contribute $3000.00 toward this event as requested CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
Alderman Bauersfeld presented a challenge to Bob Swanson, RIHS Athletic Director who was in the audience, to present the athletes from some of the minor sports like swimming, tennis, golf and others at some time in the future. He noted that he (Alderman Bauersfeld) had been a member of the first swim teams at RIHS. Alderman Conroy stated that this event is celebrating Rock Island History. Alderman Brooks commented on the landmark, and also on the history of his family in football.
Alderman White noted that the fireworks were the “ashless” type, and Mr. Swanson stated that the same type of fireworks was being used inside the Mark Monday night. Alderman White added that the celebration is an indication of the maintenance of the stadium as well as the quality of workmanship that went into it originally.
Agenda Item #24
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a letter from the Rock Island Boat Club requesting permission to sell alcohol outside Thursday, September 30 and Friday, October 1, and to have outdoor Sound Amplification September 30 for the same event. Alderman Keefe asked what time the alcohol was going to be served, and it was noted that the letter stated that they would be selling from the opening time of the club to the closing time. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the event and the Sound Amplification CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #25
BLOCK PARTY/29 ½ STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request to close 29 ½ Street between 15th and 16th Avenues on Sunday, October 3 from Noon to 7:00 p.m. for a neighborhood block party. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to approve the street closing CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #26
BLOCK PARTY/39 STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request to close off 39th Street from 22nd to 23rd Avenue on Saturday, October 23 from 5:00 p.m. to Midnight for a neighborhood block party. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to approve the street closing CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #27
STUDENT HUNGER DRIVE/ALLEMAN HIGH SCHOOL
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Alleman High School for permission to hold a collection for the Student Hunger Drive at the intersection of 31st Avenue and 24th Street on Sunday, October 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the request CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ITEMS FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM PACKET
City Manager John Phillips reminded Council of the Goal Setting sessions that will begin Friday Noon, September 24 and continue again Saturday, September 25 beginning at 8:00 a.m. He also called attention to the Management Report from August 2004, and asked Council to call him or Bill Scott if they have any questions.
OTHER BUSINESS
ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE
Alderman Conroy and Alderman Bauersfeld attended the Illinois Municipal League Conference in Chicago the past weekend, and both spoke about some things they learned during the conference. Alderman Conroy said he received some information on Health Insurance, which he plans to share with the City Manager as well as the Health Committee members. He also discussed the train that runs from Naperville to Chicago, and said he signed a petition at the conference to get the train to extend its route to the Quad Cities. He stated that this would not only allow residents to go to Chicago, but would also allow people from Chicago to come here. Mayor Schwiebert commented on the Federal Government and their involvement with Amtrak.
Alderman Bauersfeld noted that he attended a session on “How to Stay on the Council for a Long Time”, and said there were twenty one points. He noted that he left his papers in his room at the hotel and is expecting to receive them soon. He will share this information with the Council when it arrives. He also has information on the Health Insurance that he plans to give to the City Manager. He spoke about a session he attended which broke up into four role-playing groups – Developers, Council, Media and Citizens. He joined the developers group, and learned that developers in some cities purchase items for the city like fire trucks, etc.
City Manager John Phillips stated that he heard Mayor Daley’s Welcome, and the three issues he spoke on were a) Health Care, and the impact on the cities and on those who do not have this; b) unfunded mandates, and the problems posed for cities; and c) state funding for schools in Illinois. He noted that Park and Recreation Director Bill Nelson presented on a panel on Thursday regarding parks and recreation, and he moderated a session on the gangs. He stated that Brian Sharkey, who is a Special Agent on our local Gang Task Force, was on the panel and they were able to share some of the things being done around here on this issue.
Alderman White asked about the unfunded mandates, and if there was a conference on them. City Manager stated that this was not the time to do that – this was a conference and people were making presentations. He stated that the Illinois Municipal League has made an effort to address this, and will continue to do so.
PRESS CONFERENCE/ARSENAL JOBS
Mayor Schwiebert noted that he attended a press conference earlier in the day where the Arsenal announced that there would be 250 new jobs available at the Arsenal over the next several years. They will be manufacturing 119 Howitzers at the Arsenal. He also spoke briefly about his recent vacation trip and a visit to Louisville, Kentucky where he observed some riverfront work that was done with the consultation of Hargraves and Associates. He also talked about their “Live on Fourth Street” which was similar to the activities that occur in the District.
STATE OF THE SCHOOLS
Alderman Austin noted the State of Schools address by Superintendent Rick Loy that occurred earlier in the day. He stated that they recognized distinguished alumni, and noted that Mayor Schwiebert was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the school as a graduate of 1968.
ANIMALS
Alderman Austin stated that pet owners, especially cat owners, should be educated about the new ordinance that was passed tonight. He suggested putting a flyer in the Finance Department to be given to cat owners when they purchase their cat license.
MAYOR RETURN
Alderman White stated that she was glad the mayor had returned from his vacation, and noted the number of events that she was scheduled to attend during his absence.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Executive Session on a matter of Property Acquisition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:50 p.m.
RECESS
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 8:10 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Friday, September 24 at 12:00 Noon for Goal Setting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:12 p.m.
_________________________________ Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk