The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session on Monday, October 4, 2004 at 5:00 p.m. for Study Session 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, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Dan Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White and Charles "Chuck" O. Austin. Alderman Ann L. Keefe was absent. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Public Works Department Director Bob Hawes, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Building Inspector Tom Ayers, Special Projects Manager Sally Heffernan, City Attorney John Konecky and Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson.
MISCELLEANEOUS ITEMS
City Manager John C. Phillips noted the items on the agenda for this session – an update no the Way Finding project, a report on the Leaf Bags and a review of the revisions in the Rental Property Ordinance. He added that the plan was to go to Council Chambers at approximately 6:00 p.m. to see an upgrade being proposed for Council Chambers.
Mayor Schwiebert noted that he had received a letter from Alderman Ann Keefe regarding her health, and said he would be reading it at the Council Meeting. He noted that she has had a mild stroke and is not accepting any visitors at this time. She is at Trinity West and started her therapy today. Mayor Schwiebert added that her son Dennis would be in attendance at the Council meeting.
RENTAL PROPERTY ORDIANNCE
REVISIONS REVIEW
The City Clerk distributed information received from John Versypt, President of the Quad City Rental Property Association. Tom Ayers, Building Official, noted that he spoke with Mr. Versypt after the City Clerk had received the information, and he felt that all the questions and concerns from Mr. Versypt had been addressed.
Greg Champagne, Community and Economic Development Department Director, reviewed the revisions that were made in the Rental Property Ordinance. He stated that they were not giving up the dangerous building incentive. He indicated that tenants would be notified by Certified Mail for consistency. Mr. Ayers noted that the safety issues remain the same as they have since 1983 and there are already methods in place for this type of violation. He stated that they could not order a tenant to vacate a building if it was not licensed, but could order them to vacate if their safety was a major concern.
Mayor Schwiebert noted that one of the concerns of the Landlord’s Association was about the inspection of the exterior or the interior. Mr. Ayers noted that the exterior would be inspected first, and they would be issued a temporary license, which would continue until the permanent license was issued. Alderman Austin noted that a reward aspect would be nice, and asked when the Class A license would be assigned. Mr. Ayers noted that the Class A could be issued on the first compliance visit if indicated rather than wait until the second inspection in four years.
In response to questions about a landlord selling property to another person before coming into compliance, Attorney Konecky pointed out the last paragraph in Section 4-177, which relates to transfer of ownership of the property. Staff added that the new owner would have to change the ownership information on file, but the license would remain with the property and they would not have to go through the inspection process again.
TARGETS AND PRIORITIES
City Manager John C. Phillips noted that the Vision Statement 2020, the Goals for 2010 and the Priorities for the coming year have been posted in the Personnel Conference Room.
LEAF BAG PROGRAM
Public Works Department Director Bob Hawes noted that the leaf bags went very fast – 12,000 in the first two hours. After that, he stated that they limited them to ten at one time per person. He reviewed three options for Council consideration – a) get the bags at 45 cents per bag with the printing, which would take three to four weeks; b) buy the plan bags at 42 cents a bag which would be available in about two weeks; or buy the Handy True Value type bags at 36 cents a bag, which could be available in one week. He noted that staff would mark the bags to identify them for leaves only. He added that acorns could be put in these bags along with leaves. Alderman White asked about garden trimmings, and Mr. Hawes noted that would be yard waste and needs to be put into yard waste bags that are picked up by subscription or taken to 1301 Mill Street to be dumped there.
The suggestion was made to charge a nominal fee for the bags rather than giving them away, and Mr. Hawes stated that this could be considered for next year, but since the first set of bags were free, the rest of them needed to be free for this season. Alderman Rockwell noted that some people had indicated that they were unable to pick up bags during the week and by the time they went to the Public Works on Saturday the bags were gone. He suggested that the Saturday site have some bags set aside to give out to customers on that day.
Mr. Hawes stated that he would order the True Value bags and would publicize it when they were ready to be distributed again.
WAY-FINDING PRESENTATION
Mayor Schwiebert distributed copies of a letter from Dan Carmody regarding a grant application, which was denied because the Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation does not have a good standing from the Iowa Secretary of State. He indicated that he would sign it, but wanted the letter on the Agenda for October 11 meeting for Council approval.
Kathy Wine, of River Action, spoke about the Way-Finding project. She displayed the sign design, with each of the four Quad City quadrants represented by a different color. The Rock Island quadrant is red. She indicated that the purpose of the system is to direct out-of-town visitors to individual cities and major tourist and business destinations such as The District and The Quad City Airport.
She and Sally Heffernan, Special Projects Manager, discussed Phase II of the project, noting that the portion of funding needs to come from the area cities. Ms. Wine noted that Rock Island is being asked to provide $12,000, with the same amount coming from Moline. East Moline is being asked for $6,000. They indicated that this money would provide everything short of putting the signs up. They added that the plan is to use existing sign poles where possible, and a more detailed cost report will be provided at a later date. They also are considering approaching some of the major for-profit businesses like Casino Rock Island for financial assistance.
Alderman White asked about the lights on the Centennial Bridge. Ms. Wine noted that the cost of electricity annually is about $3,000. She stated that the replacement costs are about $5,000 to $6,000 for a seven-year period of time. She noted that they re-lamped the bridge last year, and offered to provide a breakdown of costs. She emphasized that the grant money referred to by Mayor Schwiebert is the lighting of the side of the roller dam. More information will be provided for the Agenda of October 11.
AUDIO/VISUAL UPGRADE PRESENTATION
Council members then moved to the Council Chambers for the remainder of the Study Session for a presentation on the Audio/Visual Upgrade Presentation by the Information Technical Services Staff. Tim Bain, Information Technical Services, presented a review of Phase I of the upgrade for Council Chambers. He demonstrated the ability of the electronic media, noting that it had not been determined at this time who would be operating the equipment. Alderman Conroy asked for the ability to look at various maps through the GIS System when discussing some agenda items. He also expressed concern that someone from the audience could put something on the screen that we might not want people to see, and suggested that a Firewall be put into the system to prevent this from occurring.
Alderman Bauersfeld stated that Phase I would allow more information for the public and Phase II would increase that. He encouraged Council to look at continuing with the wireless connections.
In response to a question about how the screen image would be transmitted to the cable viewers, Mr. Bain indicated that there would be linkup with the screen to the cable service. He noted that, if approved, Phase I could be implemented in thirty to sixty days.
ADJOURN
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 and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session on Monday, October 4, 2004, at 6:45 p.m. in 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 and Charles "Chuck" O. Austin. Alderman Ann L. Keefe was absent.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to order and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman Austin gave the Invocation, indicating that Alderman Keefe had some health issues. Mayor Schwiebert noted that her son, Dan, was in the audience to observe the meeting.
Mayor Schwiebert then read a letter from Alderman Keefe regarding her health condition in which she expressed a desire to continue working with and for her constituents. She encouraged them to call the City Manager or the Mayor if they have questions. Mayor Schwiebert suggested that, if residents have questions, they should direct them to his office or that of the City Manager, and the family would keep in touch with the Mayor for updates on Alderman Keefe.
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the Minutes of September 24, 25 and 27 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
GFOA/BUDGET AWARD
Mayor Schwiebert presented the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to Jackie VanderMeersch, Budget Supervisor. He also presented Ms. VanderMeersch with a Key to the City for her 30 years of service to the City.
PROCLAMATIONS
Agenda Item #7
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
MONTH/OCTOBER
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the month of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
ORDINANCES
Agenda Item #8
1317 14 STREET/HANDICAPPED PARKING
REMOVED
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance eliminating a handicapped parking space in front of 1317 14th Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
917 4 AVENUE/HANDICAPPED
PARKING REMOVED
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance eliminating a handicapped parking space in front of 917 4th Avenue. 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 and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing the intersection of 22nd Street and 35th Avenue as a Stop Intersection for westbound traffic on 35th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
4524 7 AVENUE/PRIVATE PARKING LOT
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regulating parking on private property at 4524 7th 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 Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
18 AVENUE, 17 STREET/NO PARKING ZONE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a NO PARKING zone on 18th Avenue west of 17th Street. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Brooks to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
The City
Clerk read an Ordinance amending Chapter 4 of the Code of Ordinances, regarding
Rental Residential Property. (NOTE: The
main motion, made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Brooks, to
consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance, remains on the floor from
the meeting of September 27.)
A motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to amend the main motion, to include the revisions removing the references to tenants, CARRIED on a Voice vote, with Alderman Bauersfeld abstaining.
Kevin Koski, 1309 38th Avenue Court, spoke as president of the Neighborhood Partners and Problem Property Task Force. He read a letter from the Problem Property Task Force supporting the ordinance.
Constance J. Bell, 920 43rd Street and President of the Coalition of Home Owners, spoke to Council and expressed appreciation to them for enacting this ordinance. She noted that it would benefit the housing stock, the community, the landlords and the tenants. She echoed everything Mr. Koski stated, and asked that Council revisit the ordinance in a year or so to close any loopholes that may exist. She noted that there are bad landlords and bad tenants, and she hoped this ordinance would protect the good landlords from the bad tenants. She suggested that this ordinance be kept well balanced to protect everyone involved.
Mark Schaecher, 9421 12th Street West, stated that he is a member of the Quad City Rental Property Association, but was not speaking on their behalf at this time. He stated that this ordinance had input from other cities, landlords and tenants and was getting the job done and meeting goals. He stated that they would like more tenant accountability because there is nothing to protect landlords from bad tenants.
Alderman Brooks stated that something needed to be done, and added that there are both good and bad tenants and good and bad landlords. This ordinance was written to get to the bad landlords to increase the quality and safety of the tenants. Alderman Rockwell explained that they took the tenant portions out of the ordinance because the ordinance was basically a licensing and inspection of the property owned by the landlord, and the owner needs to address the shortcomings of their property.
Following discussion, the main motion, as amended, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None. ABSTAIN: Alderman Bauersfeld. Mayor Schwiebert read a note from Alderman Keefe stating that, even though she was unable to attend this meeting, she supported this ordinance.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #14a
The City Clerk read a statement from the City Attorney in the amount of $8,433.50 for legal services during the month of September.
Agenda Item #14b
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk recommending payment to Sterling Codifiers in the amount of $3,270.00 for Supplement #28 of the Municipal Code Book.
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 Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of September 24 through September 30 in the amount of $616,726.60. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of September 13 through 26 in the amount of $948,649.63. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
CDW.G/ADOBE 6.0 UPGRADE
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding the purchase of the Adobe 6.0 Upgrade from CDW.G in the amount of $4,017.50. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to authorize purchase and payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT/PHASE I
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding Council Chambers Audio/Visual Enhancements, recommending approval of Phase I design, authorization to purchase the Audio Visual Equipment for a total cost of $4,761.44. Mayor Schwiebert explained to the improvements that would occur with this equipment, which will give the Council members as well as the audience both at home and in Council Chambers a visual presentation of maps and other items as they are being discussed. This will give a better format and be more understandable to those viewing the presentation.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve Phase I Design and authorize purchase and payment of equipment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
LAYER BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION/FIRE
STATION ONE
The City Clerk read a report from the Fire Department regarding bids for the concrete replacement of Station One front apron, recommending the bid of Layer Brothers Construction in the amount of $6,485.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to award the bid to Layer Brothers Construction as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
MILLER TRUCKING AND EXCAVATING/
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Saukie Baseball Field Detention Pond and Storm Sewer Improvements, recommending the bid of Miller Trucking and Excavating in the amount of $242,737.80. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding GPS lease agreements with Davenport and Moline, allowing them to have access to Rock Island’s GPS base station signal for $2,000.00 per year. Alderman Conroy asked what the cost of this is to the City. Bob Hawes, Public Works Director, responded that the cost to the City was $40,000 initially, but there is no ongoing cost. He indicated that the contract was automatically renewable annually until one or the other entity ended the contract. He indicated that it would enhance the communications for the other cities without impacting our communication systems. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the agreements and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
1006 THIRD AVENUE/SPECIAL USE
PERMIT
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Ivory Clark for permission to apply for a Special Use Permit to operate a learning/activity center that will also sell prepackaged food items and will have a second floor dwelling unit at 1006 3rd Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow Mr. Clark to apply for the Special Use Permit CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #23
BLIND CROW PRODUCTIONS/2010
THIRD AVENUE
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for authorization of the temporary use of the property at 2010 Third Avenue by Blind Crow Productions. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to authorize the use of the property as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #24
621 13 AVENUE/ROOF STANDARD
PAYMENT LOAN
This item was removed from the Agenda at the request of the applicant.
Agenda Item #25
1116 THIRD AVENUE/ROOF DEFERRED
PAYMENT LOAN
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 Deferred Payment Loan in the amount of $5,341.00 at 1116 Third Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to commit $5,341 for the Roof Deferred Payment Loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #26
SUNSET MARINA BOATERS ADVISORY
COMMITTEE/McMURRAY
The City Clerk read a memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending the appointment of Randall McMurray to the Sunset Marina Boaters Advisory Committee. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the appointment CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #27
ADOPT A UNIT COMMITTEE/SHIRK
The City Clerk read a memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending the appointment of Grace Shirk to the City of Rock Island Adopt-A-Unit Liaison Committee. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the appointment CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #28
FRIGHT NIGHT/OCTOBER 28
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application for Fright Night in The District on October 28, requesting to close off Second Avenue beginning at Noon on Thursday, and using both sides of the Plaza as well as Arts Alley. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the application CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ITEMS
FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM PACKET
LEAF BAGS
City Manager John C. Phillips asked Public Works Department Director Bob Hawes to review the Leaf Bag Program. He indicated that they ran out of paper bags on the third day, and, with approval from the Council at the Study Session, will be ordering 22,000 more bags. He indicated that residents can use plain paper bags for leaves and they do not need stickers. Acorns can also be put into these paper bags. He stated that they do not need a subscription like they do for yard waste, but they simply have to fill the paper bags with leaves and acorns only and place the bag by their other garbage containers to be picked up on their regular garbage day. Yard waste – like grass clippings, garden waste, etc. is picked up only if the residents have a subscription and are placed on a regular route. Alderman Rockwell stated that this free bag program gives residents an alternative to burning. Mayor Schwiebert indicated that some of the people might have received more than they need, and he encouraged them to share the bags with their neighbors to be put to use for their leaves.
OTHER
BUSINESS
NORTHWEST MUNICIPAL LEAGUE MEETING
Alderman Bauersfeld noted that the next Northwest Municipal League Meeting would be held October 13 at Moon River in Andalusia. He encouraged the Council members to attend this event to visit with other elected officials. He noted that Rock Island is hosting the next meeting in November, with the location to be announced at a later date.
VALLEY HOMES
Rosie Kelly, 1003 25th Street, Apartment 35, spoke to Council regarding the situation at Valley Homes. She indicated that Susan Anderson, Executive Director of the Housing Authority, has not contacted the residents at Valley Homes regarding the demolition of the buildings. Mayor Schwiebert noted that the Housing Authority is separate from the city operations, and is run by the Housing Authority Board of Directors who are appointed by the Mayor. He noted that the Council has no jurisdiction over the Housing Authority. Alderman Brooks stated that he would be speaking with Ms. Anderson on Tuesday, and as a member of the Housing Authority, will express their concerns. He indicated that Reverend Grimes has been in contact with the residents. He noted that the Housing Authority meets the first Tuesday of the month, and he encouraged them to attend the meeting and express their concerns. Larry Hunter, 1725 6th Street, expressed concern that others were allowed to speak longer than he was before he was cut off during the meeting of September 27.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Austin to recess to Monday, October 11 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was recessed at 7:30 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk