The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session at 1:00 p.m. for the first day of the annual Goal Setting Session at Southwest Library in Southwest Rock Island. Present were Mayor Dennis E. Pauley presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David Conroy, Paul J. Foley, Stephen L. Tollenaer, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips and Public Works Director Bob Hawes. Also present was Lyle Sumek, Group Facilitator of Sumek and Associates. Alderman Jason W. Jones was absent.

Mr. Sumek and Council reviewed various major accomplishments (successes) that were identified by staff and Council members in the past year, some of which included; the opening of the new Jumer’s Casino Hotel in December, 2008; execution of a development and purchase agreement with LRC Developers and MetroLink for a $30 million dollar transit maintenance facility; the Mayor announced the creation of the Safer Communities Task Force; the implementation of four (4) new retail initiatives (Buy Rock Island Initiatives, Retail Incubator Program, Retail Grant Programs and the 11^th Street Targeted Program) and assisting 10 businesses with low interest loans and 29 businesses with the Facade Grant Program; the financing and design of the new riverfront park was completed and construction has started; received commitments of over $11 million dollars in federal and state funding; faced challenges of providing quality services with falling state revenues in the 2009/2010 budget by restricting hiring and cutting expenses; and a comprehensive marketing campaign including TV advertising and billboards to boost the Rock Solid Rock Island brand was implemented.

A number of other various successes were identified, which included; the purchasing of the Hydro Plant in which improvements are underway and approvals were obtained from MidAmerican Energy; a Bikeways Plan was adopted; introduction of the on-site Nurse; upgraded utility billing system; implementation of Red Flag/Identity Theft program; and implementation of the Leaf Burn Ban.

Following discussion on the successes, Council discussed a Sustainable City in regards to environmental stewardship, personal livability, economic opportunity and community building.

Mr. Sumek, City Manager Phillips and Council then focused on updating the Vision and its guiding principles for the future. Council discussed Vision 2025. After discussion, the updated Vision 2025 states: Rock Island is a Growing City with Beautiful Riverfronts, a Vibrant Downtown and Livable Neighborhoods: Rock Island Respects Diversity and History: Our Citizens have Quality Homes and Places for Enjoyment and Fun: Rock Island is a Proud Community.

After more discussion, a motion was made by Alderman Foley, seconded by Alderman Brooks to recess to Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Foley, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. Alderman Tollenaer left at 3:50 p.m.

The meeting was recessed at 5:05 p.m.

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Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk