The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session on Monday, October 3, 2005 in the Personnel Conference Room 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, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Community and Economic Development Department Greg Champagne, and Park and Recreation Director Bill Nelson. Also present were holders of liquor licenses in convenience and grocery stores, and liquor distributors.
Bob Hawes and Greg Champagne gave Council members an update of the proposed gateway projects. Mr. Hawes stated that Schreiber Anderson would estimate the costs and do a report that would be presented to Council. It will also be proposed to MidAmerican Energy. Council discussed the three design concepts for 11th Street Point. He noted that the structures will be done locally for less cost than the ones by the Bridge, and will not be as tall. He added that the caps are being planned to be lit like the tower caps by the Bridge. They talked about the plans for the demolition of the Heriford building, the small house and gas station at 11th Street Point. The Parks Department is working with them, and will be doing the planting and maintenance. Alderman White asked if the Parks Department will be paid for this, and Mr. Champagne responded that they would be paid as if they were a contractor doing this work. Mr. Nelson stated that they will try to put in perennials and annuals that are colorful and require limited maintenance.
Mayor Schwiebert noted that there were people in the attendance with some interest in the topic – both distributors and liquor licensees. He invited them to speak but asked that they give their name first. Alderman Pauley asked about the impact on the businesses with the proposed elimination of the sales of small airline bottles of alcohol. A brother of the owner of Quick Stop at 2030 11th Street stated that they do not sell a lot of these and he did not believe it would make much difference in their sales.
A clarification of the definition of package sales was requested. Mayor Schwiebert responded that packages sales are any product that is consumed off the premises. Matt Stern, President of Stern Beverages stated that single serves are a big part of business all over the area. Alderman Conroy stated that eliminating the sales of single serves would hurt the low-income people, and Alderman Brooks disagreed with this comment. He stated that the small airline bottles are easier to hide, and businesses don’t have the common decency to put the alcohol away where it is not so visible to the kids coming into the convenience store. He noted that some of the convenience stores sell more alcohol than pop and candy.
Alderman White stated that Council should not punish all the liquor licensees because of a few. She suggested that the business owners lower the alcohol so it is less visible to children. Alderman Austin noted that the gas station/convenience store on 7th Avenue at 15th Street has their alcohol covered with posters in their windows. Mayor Schwiebert noted that this is not acceptable, since the interior of the business should be visible to the Officers driving by.
Rod Brown of Country Market, questioned the information contained in the first letter, which stated that ”beer and wine only at convenience stores” leading him to believe that beer and wine could only be sold at convenience stores and not at other stores. Mayor Schwiebert clarified this by stating that one consideration was to allow convenience stores to sell only beer and wine, and not hard liquor. He read sections of the Liquor Ordinance regarding location of the alcohol and separation from other sale items. He indicated that there has to be a clear view into the inside of the business establishment.
Mr. Brown stated that the Country Market does not sell single cans or airline bottles of alcohol. Alderman Brooks stated that many of the convenience stores are liquor stores because they sell more alcohol than other items. Joe DePaepe stated that most convenience stores sell more pop, chips and other items than liquor. Alderman White stated that she has talked with the owner of the Mobil station at 7th Avenue and 15th Street. She stated that they have been cooperative and he has taken care of other problems in the past when they were called to his attention.
Following further discussion, Mayor Schwiebert summed up the discussion. He noted that the consensus from Council appeared to be that the ordinance would be amended to prohibit the sale of airline size bottles and to discourage the display of alcoholic packaged liquor in windows.
Mr. DePaepe stated that he thought all the convenience stores have to stop selling alcohol at Midnight, adding that this really affected his business. Mr. Stern also noted that the total sales of alcohol in Rock Island were impacted when this ordinance was enacted. RIPD Chief John Wright stated that the hours were changed because there were crowds of people lining up at the various convenience stores after the bars closed. This was creating problems with fighting and other disturbances. These problems have eased since the change in hours for convenience stores. He clarified that the ordinance requires them to stop selling alcohol at 1 a.m. and not at Midnight.
Mayor Schwiebert noted that a letter will be sent out from his office regarding the non-storage of alcohol in windows.
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session on Monday, October 3, 2005 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, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, 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 White gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of the meeting of September 19 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the month of October as National Arts and Humanities Month. Alderman Austin indicated that, on behalf of the Mayor and the City, he accepted an award at the Illinois Municipal League Conference. He stated that the Illinois Arts Alliance Foundation and the Illinois Municipal League presented the award. The award was the Presidents’ Arts Friendly Community Award for Outstanding Innovation and Leadership in Using the Arts to Build Friendly Communities. He noted that there were twenty one communities nominated for this award which will be placed in the display case in the lobby of City Hall.
Agenda Item #7
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring October 9 – 15 as GFWC (General Federation of Woman’s Clubs) Illinois Junior Week.
Agenda Item #8
The City Clerk read an ordinance amending Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances, regarding Vicious Animals and Dangerous Dogs. A motion was made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance.
Alderman Rockwell made a motion to amend by (1) adding a definition of “Vicious Animal” to Section 7-117.1. (2); by deleting the words ”menacing fashion or” from Section 7-117.1. (a) under Potentially Dangerous Dogs:; and (3) by deleting the last line under Penalty “Any dangerous or potentially dangerous dog which attacks a human being or domestic animal may be ordered destroyed when, in the judgment of the chief of police of circuit court, such dangerous or potentially dog represents a continuing threat or serious harm to human beings or domestic animals.” Alderman White seconded the motion to amend.
Alderman Conroy stated that he has a problem with the definitions in general. Captain Don Reichert noted that he agreed that there was inconsistency in the definitions. He stated that they had been placed in the ordinance under Chief Scott and were taken from an ordinance outside the state of Illinois. He explained that the state has a definition and has recently clarified their dangerous dog regulations under House Bill 315, which has been signed by the Governor. Alderman Conroy suggested that we add the states definitions to our ordinance. Captain Reichert stated that Rock Island County would be rewriting the Animal Ordinance. City Attorney suggested that the language that will be used in the ordinance should be in front of the Council when they adopt the Ordinance. Captain Reichert suggested that he would like to incorporate the state language but also look further into other areas.
Mayor Schwiebert stated that the procedure will be the same for all types of animals, but the clarification will be primarily on the definition areas.
Following discussion, a motion to DEFER for two weeks – to October 17 – made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #9
(The City Clerk called attention to an error in #9 l – the amount on the printed agenda was $18,400.00 and should be $18,400.30.) A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Brooks to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The claims were as follows:
a. Statement from the City Attorney in the amount of $4,787.50 for legal services during the month of September.
b. Report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Marjoria Bragg in the amount of $3,000 for property damage.
c. Report from the Finance Department recommending payment to Timothy W. Sharpe in the amount of $4,400.00 for actuarial services.
d. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley & Associates in the amount of $12,758.80 for the 30th Street/Blackhawk Road Development.
e. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley & Associates in the amount of $800.00 for the 9th Avenue Resurfacing from 14th to 17th Streets.
f. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley & Associates in the amount of $2,500.00 for the 15th Street Resurfacing from 7th to 15th Avenues.
g. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to AMEC in the amount of $21,587.22 for the Sand Creek Storm Water Management.
h. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Gardner Carton and Douglas in the amount of $4,889.40 for professional services for the Pretreatment Program.
i. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to C. H. Langman & Son in the amount of $129,498.48 for the 30th Street Extension Blackhawk Road to 47th Avenue.
j. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Walter D. Laud in the amount of $15,838.95 for the 13th Avenue Reconstruction form 45th to 46th Streets.
k. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley & Associates in the amount of $1,326.00 for the American Discovery Trail project.
l. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley & Associates in the amount of $18,400.30 for the 24th Street Resurfacing from 17th Street to Blackhawk Road.
m. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley & Associates in the amount of $2,347.89 for the parking inspection and report.
n. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Fahrner Asphalt Sealers in the amount of $129,262.50 for the 2005 Street Joint and Crack Sealing Program.
o. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Valley Construction in the amount of $7,292.78 for the 2526 38th Street Emergency Storm Sewer Repair.
p. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to C. H. Langman in the amount of $128,017.25 for the 14 ˝ Street Resurfacing.
q. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley & Associates in the amount of $13,448.00 for the 85th Avenue West Reconstruction.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of September 16 through 29 in the amount of $1,572,220.32. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of September 12 through 25 in the amount of $1,106,600.89. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
BIDS/PURCHASES
Agenda Item #12
NORTH AMERICAN SALT COMPANY/ROCK SALT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the joint purchasing bid for Rock Salt, recommending the bid of North American Salt Company at the unit price of $38.09 per ton. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to award the bid as recommended and authorize purchase CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM/PRECEDENCE, INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding bids for the Employee Assistance Program, recommending a three-year EAP contract extension with Precedence, Inc. with the terms, conditions and rates remaining the same as the original contract. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to award the contract extension as recommended and authorize the City Manager to sign the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
BROADWAY/SIDEWALK
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a sidewalk replacement project in the Broadway District, requesting that the permit fee be waived, that 50% of the cost be paid to Broadway Historic District, and that 8th Avenue be closed for 150 feet west of 20th Street on the day of construction. Alderman White noted that the amount of the permit fee is $35.00 and added that Broadway is taking it on themselves to do this long stretch of sidewalk. City Manager John Phillips indicated that the City does not usually waive permit fees. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to waive the permit fee, agree to approve the request that 50% of the cost be paid to the Broadway Historic District, and to close off 8th Avenue as requested CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
TAX AUCTION
PROPERTIES/PURCHASE
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the purchase of Tax Auction properties, recommending that Council authorize the purchase of fourteen properties for a total of $12,917.60. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White to authorize the purchase, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
1235 35 STREET/ROOF DEFERRED 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 Deferred Payment Loan in the amount of $6,789.00 at 1235 35th Street. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to commit $6,789.00 for the Roof Deferred Payment Loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
3311 15 STREET COURT/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 $605.00 at 3311 15th Street Court. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to commit $605.00 for the Targeted Rehabilitation Loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding the election of a voting delegate and alternate delegate for the National League of Cities Conference in December. Alderman Austin nominated Alderman Brooks, which nomination was seconded by Alderman Conroy. Nominations were closed and Alderman Brooks was selected as the Voting Delegate. Since no other Council members are planning to attend this conference, there was no alternate voting delegate selected.
Agenda Item #19
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Alleman High School to use the intersection of 24th Street and 31st Avenue for the Student Hunger Drive collection on Sunday, October 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 pm. Council discussed the construction on 24th Street and suggested that Alleman use the intersection of 30th Street and 31st Avenue. Public Works Director Bob Hawes stated that the construction would not be completed at this time. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to allow the collection with the change in location on the dates requested CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #20
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Rock Island High School to change the dates for the Student Hunger Drive due to construction at 24th Street and 31st Avenue to October 29 and 30, and November 5 and 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on each of these days. Council members again suggested using the intersection of 31st Avenue and 30th Street. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the change in dates and change in location CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #21
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding Sound Amplification for an outdoor concert to follow the Crop Walk on Sunday, October 9 at the Memorial Christian Church Parking Lot at 4:30 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Sound Amplification application CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #22
HILLTOP TAVERN/OCTOBER 15
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application from the Hilltop Tavern for an outside event with Sound Amplification in their parking lot on Saturday, October 15 from 4:00 p.m. to 11 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to approve the event and Sound Amplification CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ITEMS FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM PACKET
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to information as follows:
a. Copy of the 2006-2007 Citizens Advisory Committee’s CDBG funding recommendations. He reminded Council that the public hearing on this would be held October 17 at the Council meeting.
b. Copy of the departmental budget schedule from the Finance Department. He noted the dates for the Budget Review by the City Council would be Saturday, February 25 and Saturday, March 4.
c. Copy of a letter from Alan Carmen to interested property owners regarding proposals for purchase of property.
d. Copy of the letter from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announcing the City has been awarded a Lead Hazard Control Grant. Planning Administrator Alan Carmen discussed this grant and how they plan to use it.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Conroy discussed a walking tour he went on while at the Illinois Municipal League Conference. He stated that the tour emphasized infill housing, adding that there was a real mix of buildings with one new house next to a run-down house. Alderman Austin stated that one of the sessions he attended at the Illinois Municipal League Conference was on Rehabilitating Older Neighborhoods. He stated that they mentioned that the obesity rate is lower in the older walking neighborhoods. He also noted that Public Works Director Bob Hawes gave a presentation and he did not see anyone walk out during the session.
Alderman Murphy stated that there was a picture in the Argus recently of McCandless Park, which is on the border of Moline and Rock Island. She noted that the developer of the Autumn Trails development put in a new sidewalk and roof on the pavilion as a good will gesture. She added that Keystone neighbors use this park and have worked with the Floreciente neighbors to improve the park.
Alderman White asked Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne to give an update on the Hy-Vee situation. Mr. Champagne stated that HyVee has acquired nine of the ten properties, and there is a legal dispute regarding the tenth property. He stated that the case has been won in court at various levels by Hy-Vee, but is now being appealed in Ottawa. Hy-Vee has decided to wait for the decision before proceeding with the demolition and building of the new store.
Alderman Brooks noted that there was a discussion regarding the Liquor Ordinance changes during the Study Session.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to recess to Monday, October 10 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:40 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk