The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:00 pm at the home of Augustana College President Bahls, 1100 35th Street. 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. Others present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Augustana College President Steven Bahls, Executive Assistant to President Bahls Kai Swanson, Augustana’s Vice President of Business and Finance Paul Pearson, Rock Island Director of Community and Economic Development Greg Champagne, Rock Island Community Marketing Director Jennifer Fowler, and Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation Business Development Director Marsha Walker.
AUGUSTANA COLLEGE’S 5-YEAR
CAMPUS PLAN
Augustana College President Steven Bahls welcomed the attendees and expressed his appreciation of the excellent working relationship between the City and Augustana College. He then provided an overview of Authentically Augustana: A Strategic Plan for a Premier Liberal Arts College. This plan calls for the investment of $50 million in construction. The College plans to raise $30 million, with the remaining $20 million coming from bonds. Approximately $15 million of that has already been invested in the Duane R. Swanson Commons, the new residence facility.
Augustana’s goal is to become the number one liberal arts college within ten years. To work toward attaining that goal, the College retained a nationally-recognized campus planning firm to assist with developing its master plan. It was determined that the College has sufficient land for most future development of its buildings, and any additional land acquisition will be used to increase parking. New buildings will be constructed within the original footprint of the campus. Augustana recently lifted its enrollment cap to 2,500, with 2,443 students registered this year. Therefore, plans call for the construction of more residence halls and updating or demolition of the existing ones. Nearly one-half of the existing residence halls will be taken down, with athletic fields being constructed in those areas. New residence halls will be congregated around the “slough” to create a neighborhood feel.
Deferred maintenance needs require attention within the next several years, with those issues being most serious at Old Main and Carlsson Hall. Immediate plans call for the renovation of Carlsson Hall, which will then accommodate the pre-professional programs currently in Sorensen Hall. It is anticipated this renovation will begin in June, 2007. Renovation of Old Main will begin once financing has been achieved through fundraising. The need for a new student center was identified and construction is anticipated to begin in 2010 or 2011.
Mayor Schwiebert thanked President and Mrs. Bahls for their invitation to meet at their residence and their hospitality, then asked President Bahls to comment on any future plans the College may have for the 30th Street and 14th Avenue area and the Columbia Park area. President Bahls stated the College does not own the property at 30th Street and 14th Avenue; but he could envision a “campus town” being constructed there with apartments built above retail spaces, which would alleviate the need for more residence halls. The challenge with the Columbia Park area is crossing both the street and the rail line. Some type of a shared development, with a developer creating housing for senior students, might be a possibility there. Currently out-of-area students are required to live on campus for the first three years, so there is a need for senior student housing.
Alderman Conroy questioned if Augustana is planning to work with the City’s Marketing Department to encourage new faculty and staff to find housing in Rock Island. President Bahls responded that the
College plans to hire 21 or 22 new faculty members, and it is always great to have faculty living within walking distance of the campus.
Alderman Austin asked if Augustana plans to add new academic programs in the future. President Bahls stated the College has no plans to expand into graduate programs; their niche is as a liberal arts college.
Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to Augustana’s feeling regarding Western Illinois University’s plans to expand in the Quad Cities. President Bahls answered they feel that whatever is good for the Quad Cities is good for Augustana. However, they hope the State will continue to provide comparable financial assistance to students attending private schools. Currently Augustana is the “hot college” in Iowa and Illinois because of its great academics, clubs, athletic programs, and the “total experience” Augustana offers. Out-of-area students like this smaller community, with the many advantages it offers.
In response to an inquiry from Alderman Brooks, President Bahls stated currently nine percent of Augustana’s enrollment is minority students, up from six percent five years ago. The College has developed a diversity plan to increase the diversity of its students, which should be adopted on October 6th. The College also plans to implement its senior enquiry program, which envisions by 2010 every senior student will work with a non-profit agency. It is hoped that this program will create opportunities for retention of graduates in the Quad Cities, in addition to benefiting not only the students, but the community. Mayor Schwiebert suggested the College work closely with the Young Professional Network to help retain talent in the area.
A motion was made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried with those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 pm.
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Karen DeLathower, Acting 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. Alderman Pauley gave the Invocation. A motion was made by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Rockwell, to approve the minutes of the meeting of September 18, 2006 as amended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #6
Proclamation declaring the
month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Mayor Schwiebert read the proclamation declaring the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Mr. James Maloney from Family Resources, Inc. accepted the proclamation, thanking the Mayor for calling attention to the problem of domestic violence by issuing this proclamation.
Agenda Item #7
Mayor Schwiebert called the Council’s attention to this proclamation, stressing the importance of early detection and treatment.
Agenda Item #8
Claims:
It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, to accept the following reports and authorize payments as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
a. Report from Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $193,686.16 to General Constructors, Inc. for water distribution facility renovations. (283)
b. Report from Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $50,229.45 to Valley Construction for an emergency sewer repair on 15th Avenue. (284)
c. Report from Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $8,904.81 to Valley Construction for an emergency water main repair at 29th Avenue and 43rd Street. (285)
d. Report from Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $4,035.94 to C.H. Langman Son, Inc. for an emergency sewer repair at Ridgewood Road and Andalusia Road. (286)
e. Report from Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $5,697.08 to Zimmer & Francescon, Inc. and payment in the amount of $3,166.97 to Price Brothers for emergency parts to repair the 24” raw water line at 23rd Street between 6th-7th Avenues. (289)
f. Report from Public Works Department regarding payment #1 in the amount of $216,517.97 to Brandt Construction Co. for the 7th Avenue resurfacing between 11th-21st Streets. (293)
g. Report from Public Works Department regarding payment #1 in the amount of $24,629.36 to C.H. Langmon & Son Inc. for the 2006 ditch cleaning. (294)
h. Report from Public Works Department regarding payment #6 in the amount of $30,045.10 to Centennial Contractors for the 2006 utility patching program. (295)
i. Report from Public Works Department regarding payment #2 in the amount of $20,495.09 to Centennial Contractors for the 2006 50/50 Sidewalk and Curb Program. (296)
j. Report from Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $1,401.00 to Gardner Carton & Douglas LLP for professional services for the pretreatment program. (299)
Agenda Item #9
Claims for the week of September 15 through September 22 in the amount of $1,443,666.36
It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Conroy, to allow the claims for the week of September 15th through September 22nd. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #10
Payroll for the weeks of September 11 through September 24 in the amount of $1,058,153.89
It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderman Rockwell, to allow the payroll for the weeks of September 11th through September 24th. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #11
Report from the Information
Technology Services Department regarding the purchase of a printer/copier from
Mason City Business Systems in the amount of $13,700.00
It was moved by Alderman Rockwell, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, to approve the purchase of a printer/copier as recommended. The motion carried with voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #12
Report from the Information
Technology Services Department regarding the purchase of Mobile Data Computers
from CDS Office Systems Inc. in the amount of $47,420.00
It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, to approve the purchase of mobile data computers as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #13
Report from the Public Works
Department regarding bids for the 28th Street Court Trenchless
Sanitary Sewer Repair, recommending the bid be awarded to Visu-Sewer Clean
& Seal Inc. in the amount of $27,348.00
Alderman Conroy moved and Alderman Rockwell seconded to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #14
Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the purchase of tax auction properties, recommending that Council authorize the purchase of ten properties for a total of $8,924.00
It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, to authorize the purchase, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents, and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance. The motion carried with those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #15
Report from the Police Department regarding a one-year renewal contract expiring December 31, 2007 with Quad City Towing for towing services at the prices quoted in the existing contract
Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #16
Report from Community and Economic Development Department regarding renewal of the lease agreement with Jumer’s Casino Rock Island for two years beginning October 1, 2006
Following a brief discussion
regarding the length of the lease renewal, it was moved by Alderwoman Murphy,
seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, to approve the agreement renewal with
the following amended language, The term and
payment of rent for this Lease shall commence on October
1, 2006 and shall extend for a period of two (2) years or until such time as Lessee begins operations at the southeast corner of Interstate 280 and Illinois Route 92, and authorize the City Manager to execute
the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #17
It was moved by Alderman Rockwell, seconded by Alderman Brooks, to approve the sale of property at 1514 – 6th Street as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance. The motion carried with those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #18
Report from the Public Works Department regarding the fines for unauthorized use of handicapped parking spaces
It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, to approve the new fine as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for ordinance modifications. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #19
Report from the Public Works Department regarding reserved parking spaces for downtown
Alderman Austin moved and Alderman Pauley seconded to authorize the sale of reserved parking permits as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for ordinance modifications. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #20
Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to ban parking on the north side of 11th Avenue between 36th and 38th Streets
It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderman Rockwell, to approve the request to ban parking on the north side of 11th Avenue between 36th and 38th Streets as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance. The motion carried with those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #21
Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to extend the No Parking Zone to/from corner along 38th Street at the 11th Avenue intersection
It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, to approve the request to extend the No-Parking Zone to/from the corner along 38th Street at 11th Avenue as
recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #22
Report from the Traffic
Engineering Committee regarding a request to remove the No-Parking Zone and the
30-minute parking meter at 223 17th Street and replace it with
two-hour parking
Alderman Pauley moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve the request to remove the No-Parking Zone and the 30-minute parking meter at 223 17th Street and replace it with two-hour parking as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #23
Report from the Mayor’s Office regarding appointments and reappointments to the Water Resources Advisory Board and the Rock Island County Joint Animal Shelter
It was moved by Alderman Rockwell, seconded by Alderman Conroy, to approve the appointments and reappointments as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #24
Report from the Acting City
Clerk regarding a request for Activity Permit from Alleman High School for
Sunday, October 15, for their Annual Hunger Drive
It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderman Rockwell, to approve the request for an Activity Permit for Alleman High School for October 15th as recommended. The motion carried with those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #25
Report from the Acting City
Clerk regarding a request for street closing of 20th Avenue between
9 ½ and 11th Streets on Saturday, October 14th, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm
for a block party
Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve the request for the closing of 20th Avenue between 9 ½ and 11th Streets on October 14th as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman
Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #26
Report from the Acting City
Clerk regarding a request for street closing of 37th Avenue between
12th Street and 14th Street on Saturday, October 28th,
from 5:00 pm to midnight for a block party
It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, to approve the request for the closing of 37th Avenue between 12th Street and 14th Street on October 28th as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #27
Report from the Acting City
Clerk regarding a request for street closing of 20 ½ Avenue between 17th
Street and 21st Street on Tuesday, October 31st, from
4:30 pm to 8:30 pm for a haunted house for trick-or-treaters
It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Rockwell, to approve the request to close 20 ½ Avenue between 17th Street and 21st Street on October 31st as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #28
Items from the City Manager’s
Memorandum Packet
City Manager Phillips called the Council’s attention to a couple of items in this week’s memorandum packet, including the letter that was sent out by the Engineering Department reminding residents to maintain open drainage channels and the information on the inception of the Sewer Lateral Repair Program. Public Works Director Hawes added that notices of this new program will be included in the utility bills sent out this week. It will take about 13 weeks for all customers to receive utility bills with this notification included. He noted that the maximum amounts covered by the City for sewer lateral repairs are $4,000 for replacing or repairing the failed line and $4,000 for replacing sod and/or pavement. Property owners must first contact a cleaning contractor to attempt to reopen the line before the City will undertake repairs. It is anticipated there will be more sewer lateral failures than water service line failures and currently there are approximately 1,600 participants in the water service program.
Agenda Item #29
Other Business
Alderman Austin noted he attended a very worthwhile session entitled Muzzling Dangerous Dogs, Effective Public Service Laws at the recent Illinois Municipal League conference. He then questioned the distribution of leaf bags and when leaf pick up will commence. Public Works Director Hawes responded leaf bag distribution will begin on October 21st, with the leaf pick-up program running from October 23rd until December 8th. He reminded City residents that no leaves or leaf bags are to be placed in the regular solid waste collection cans.
Mayor Schwiebert advised that trick or treat hours will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm on October 31st, not only in Rock Island but in surrounding Illinois communities as well. The Mayor then stated that he is seeking a way for the City of Rock Island to express its support for Travis Hearn and his family.
Alderman Brooks stated he had talked to the Hearn family, and they are very grateful for all the financial and emotional support shown them during this difficult time. He then stated that the Douglas Park Place groundbreaking kicked off a very important project for women in rehabilitation and one that
he and many others had worked for several years to bring to fruition. He added that a lot of partnerships came together to make this project a reality.
Alderman Conroy stated that he attended an interesting session at the recent Illinois Municipal League conference regarding video marketing. This is an issue that the City is going to need to keep on top of in the months to come and will likely require guidelines for zoning, rights-of-way, setbacks, and landscaping for installation of these large “boxes” used to transmit signals capable of serving entire neighborhoods.
Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo stated she attended the State of the Schools Address and was pleased to hear of improvements in standardized test scores and graduation rate.
Alderman Austin noted he had visited the main Library and was pleased with the renovations, noting the children’s room is an exciting environment for children. Library Director Ketter added the official reopening of the Library will take place on October 25th. Improvements were made to the “high traffic areas” and include colorful paint, carpeting, consolidation of two service desks, which created more space for book shelves, and a new research room for information searches requiring greater lengths of time.
RECESS
A motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to recess to Monday, October 9th , at 5:00 pm. The motion carried with those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
The meeting was recessed at 7:23 pm.
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Karen DeLathower, Acting City Clerk