The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:00 p.m. 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 Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Stephen L. Tollenaer, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Also present were Acting City Manager Bob Hawes, Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne, Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen, Principal Dave Schreiber of Schreiber Anderson Associates, and Mike Helms and Larry Sandhaas from Stanley Consultants. City Manager John Phillips was absent.
ARMORY PARK
Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Alan Carmen led the discussion with background information regarding Armory Park Redevelopment. Mr. Carmen stated that there were several options that were reviewed for potential reuse of the property from a structural and engineering standpoint. Mr. Carmen pointed out that Schreiber Anderson Associates and Stanley Consultants did a more extensive analysis of the property. Mr. Carmen then inquired upon Dave Schreiber, Principal of Schreiber Anderson Associates to explain the structural report for the Armory building and flood protection.
Mr. Schreiber stated the intent of the report is to examine the feasibility of future reuse of the Armory and vicinity from a structural engineering perspective. Mr. Schreiber indicated that the preferred Teardrop Concept, which looks at open space, is generally the plan with the purpose of retaining flood protection and developing usable space. Mr. Schreiber then provided Council with five (5) alternatives for the Armory building and floodwall protection.
The first alternative (#3) mentioned was a modified Teardrop Concept in which the Armory’s stage would be maintained, the existing north wall would be retained, a portion of the basement would be retained as usable space and the existing flood protection would remain in place. Mr. Schreiber indicated that this was the least flexible of the options, it was the highest cost, the structural drawings of the 1930’s was not available, and the partial demolition of the building would be difficult due to the many unknowns of the building.
The next alternative (#4) Mr. Schreiber provided to Council was to consider the demolition of the entire Armory except for a portion of the north wall to remain for flood protection, and the majority of the existing flood protection would remain in place. There would also be a new stage and the flood wall east of the Armory would be demolished and re-aligned. Mr. Schreiber noted that this alternative provided limited flexibility and 1st Avenue views would be blocked. Also, the structural drawings were unavailable and a partial demolition would be difficult.
Mr. Schreiber stated that alternatives #5 and #6 comprise a new stage area, a complete Armory demolition with a demountable floodwall on existing foundation and the view from 1st Avenue would be open. Mr. Schreiber offered there would be a reoccurring cost to install temporary flood protection with this alternative and the demountable flood wall would have to be stored off site.
Mr. Schreiber stated that the last alternative (#7) provided the most flexibility for flood wall realignment. There would be a new stage area and an open view from 1st Avenue, demountable and column/bulkhead floodwall types and this alternative would call for a complete demolition of the Armory. It was also noted that with this alternative there would be off-site storage with the demountable flood wall, there would be a reoccurring cost to install temporary flood protection, and there were many unknowns between the 1930’s floodwall and the Armory.
Discussion followed with Mayor Schwiebert stating that the goal is to have some type of general direction to follow and/or additional clarification on some of the alternatives. Mayor Schwiebert also inquired as to how certain of what the cost is of the restoration of the east stage area verses building a new stage. Mr. Schreiber inquired upon Larry Sandhaas to explain the structural component from an engineering perspective. Mr. Sandhaas stated that there is sufficient detail in the plan to cover the upgrades of the structure and an estimate was done that liberally estimates what the maximum costs would be.
After more discussion, Mayor Schwiebert had concerns with alternative #7 and moving the north wall. Mayor Schwiebert also noted that having a slightly elevated floor space makes sense because to the west there will be elevated space.
Alderman Pauley favored option #3. He was concerned about recreating something that already exists. Alderman Pauley noted that if the character of the building was kept, that would be a great draw to the community.
Alderman Conroy had concerns with the building unknowns with the alternative to keep the north wall. Alderman Conroy stated that not knowing, he could see the costs increasing in the future with the upkeep of the building.
Alderwoman Murphy favored option #3 but noted that option #5 and #6 allowed more flexibility and gave the least unknowns.
After further discussion, Mayor Schwiebert stated that he would like to get more tangible representation of what the new stage may look like for the cost that has been estimated at $732,000 as well as the reconfigured existing stage. The Mayor stated that there are hidden costs with new construction as well as existing construction. And, the Mayor commented that he would also like to see what the maintenance costs over time would be regarding the new and existing construction costs. Alderman Brooks concurred with Mayor Schwiebert. Mayor Schwiebert concluded that Council is still considering option #3, option #5 and #6 with keeping the north floodwall intact and taking option #7 off the table.
SPIRIT PARTNERS PROJECT
Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne addressed the Council and stated that a series of agreements with the Spirit Partners is on tonight’s agenda for Council approval. Mr. Champagne indicated that the Spirit Partners have been in business for several years. Mr. Champagne noted that the Spirit Partners purchased property at 2408 4th Avenue, and they are intending a three phase development of the building at this location. The first phase would be a renovation and remodeling of the building. Mr. Champagne also indicated that Spirit Partners are interested in purchasing the adjacent properties that the City owns at that location. They would be buying the western most lot, putting a parking lot on that lot, and eventually building a 5,000 square foot addition.
Mr. Champagne noted there were some slight changes to the agreement. Mr. Champagne commented that Spirit Partners were concerned with the timing of the development agreement as to when they would be required to complete the 5,000 square foot building. Currently, the contract states (paragraph four (4)) that the construction of the 5,000 square foot building is to be completed by January, 6, 2008. They are concerned that this is a little aggressive. Mr. Champagne indicated that Spirit Partners would like the ability to have a little more time to do the first addition. Spirit Partners inquired if the time frame to complete the 5,000 square foot addition could be moved to January 6, 2010. Mr. Champagne stated that he is recommending the change. Mr. Champagne concluded with another minor change to the development agreement for paragraph two (2). Currently, the agreement states that 75 new jobs would be created. Mr. Champagne noted that was a significant number, a very high growth rate. The staff recommended that the agreement be modified to reduce the number of new jobs created to 25.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
A motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to recess to Executive Session on matters of Personnel. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Those voting Aye being, Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was recessed at 6:32 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:39 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to adjourn the meeting carried on a roll call vote. Those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p. m.
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Aleisha L. Patchin, 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 Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Stephen L. Tollenaer, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Acting City Manager Bob Hawes was also present. City Manager John Phillips was absent.
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 Brooks gave the Invocation.
Agenda Item #5
Minutes of the Meeting of October 1, 2007.
A motion was made by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of October 1, 2007 as written. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #6
Proclamation
declaring the week of October 7 through October 14, 2007 as Occupational Health
Nurses Week.
Mayor Schwiebert made reference to the Proclamation,
and reminded everyone of the important things that nurses do in our country
every day to enhance the quality of the healthcare system. Mayor Schwiebert
also commented that Rock Island is the home of the Trinity School of Nursing.
Agenda Item #7
A Special
Ordinance Amending Special Ordinance No. 061-2007 by deleting Section One and
inserting that there is hereby established a no parking zone on the east side
of 24th Street next to St. Pius parish, Monday through Friday from
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Conroy, to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the Ordinance Amending Special Ordinance No. 061-2007 by deleting Section One and inserting that there is hereby established a no parking zone on the east side of 24th Street next to St. Pius parish, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #8
CLAIMS
It was moved by Alderman Austin seconded by Alderman Tollenaer, to accept the following reports and authorize payment as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
a.
Report
from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $5,114.49 to
Califf and Harper for legal services rendered for the month of August 2007.
b. Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $6,502.82 to Konecky, Koenig, Kutsunis and Weng for legal services rendered for September 2007.
c. Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $2,131.13 to Melvin Owens for General Liability Claim.
d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $4,496.00 to Jerry and Grace Shirk for the building of Rain Gardens through the Rain Gardens for Rock Island Program. (263)
e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 in the amount of $13,396.00 to C. H. Langman and Son Inc. for the 2007 Ditch Cleaning Program. (266)
f. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 in the amount of $17,731.80 to General Constructors Inc. for the 2007 Gateway Improvements. (268)
g. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #2 in the amount of $185,339.69 to Walter D. Laud Inc. for the 32nd Avenue Reconstruction of 12th to 14th Street. (269)
h. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $2,973.00 to United States Postal Service for Postage for the Curbside Recycling Program. (271)
i. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #2 and final in the amount of $173,601.96 to Truesdell Corp. for the 2007 Parking Ramp Repairs. (274)
j. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #4 in the amount of $345,124.77 to C.H. Langman for the 7th Avenue Resurfacing of Mill to 11th Street. (275)
Agenda Item #9
Claims for the week of September 28 through October 4 in the
amount of $579,165.61.
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Alderman Pauley moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to allow the claims. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda
Item #10
Report from the
Public Works Department regarding the purchase of three (3) step type fuel
tanks from Truck Country of Iowa in the amount of $3,052.53.
It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, to approve the purchase as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda
Item #11
Report from the
Public Works Department regarding the purchase of a traffic signal master
controller unit from Brown Traffic Products in the amount of $2,750.00.
Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve the purchase as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda
Item #12
Report from the
Public Works Department regarding the emergency purchase of an Aries TR3000
Wheeled Tractor from Coe Equipment, Inc. in the amount of $7,789.00.
It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, to approve the purchase as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #13
Report from the
Community and Economic Development Department regarding the purchase of 12 tax
auction properties in the amount of $10,078.00.
Alderman Pauley moved and Alderman Conroy seconded to approve the purchase as recommended, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents 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 Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #14
Report from the
Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2007 Fire Hydrant Installation,
recommending the bid be awarded to C.H. Langman and Son Inc. in the amount of
$28,920.00.
It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, 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 Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #15
Report from the
Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Development
Agreement, Land Purchase Option, Right of First Refusal Agreement and Easement
Agreement with Spirit Partners, Inc.
Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderman Conroy
seconded to approve the Development Agreement, Land Purchase Option, Right of
First Refusal Agreement and Easement Agreement as recommended, and authorize
the City Manager to execute the contract documents.
Discussion
followed with Mayor Schwiebert stating that a few modifications were mentioned
earlier at Study Session regarding the agreement. The agreement that was in the
Agenda packet is the document that was originally prepared.
Mayor
Schwiebert inquired upon Community and Economic Development Director Greg
Champagne as to whether his recommendation to the agreement would be as
discussed earlier in the Study Session. Mr. Champagne responded yes.
Mayor
Schwiebert indicated that the modifications reflected paragraph two (2) of the
agreement regarding new jobs being created. There would be 25 new jobs created
as opposed to 75 new jobs created; and in paragraph four (4) of the agreement
where the construction of the first 5,000 square foot building would be
completed no later than January 6, 2010 as opposed to the completion date of
January 6, 2008.
Mayor
Schwiebert stated that the modifications were noted and inquired upon the move,
Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo and the second, Alderman Conroy as to whether the
modifications were acceptable. Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo and Alderman Conroy responded
yes.
The motion
reads as follows:
It was
moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the
Development Agreement with the two modifications as stated earlier per
discussion, the Land Purchase Option, Right of First Refusal Agreement and
Easement Agreement 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 Tollenaer,
Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those
voting No, none.
Agenda Item #16
Report from the
Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for a rezoning
from an R-2 (one family residence) district to an O-1 (office) district at 2603
and 2607 17th Street.
It
was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Pauley, to approve
the request 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 Tollenaer, Alderwoman
Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #17
City of Rock
Island Environmental Impact Policy.
Alderman Pauley moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded
to adopt the proposed Policy.
Mayor Schwiebert noted that the Environmental Impact
Policy will be guiding actions in City Hall focusing on the Green Team that was
created several months ago. Mayor Schwiebert commented that the Environmental
Impact Policy was identified as one of the outlines of what the City wants to
accomplish through the Green Team. And, it not only focuses on City Hall, but
also focuses on creating educational tools, incentives, guidelines and other
factors that should encourage more sustainable conservation minded development
in and throughout the City.
After discussion, the motion carried by the
following Aye and No vote: those voting
Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman
Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin;
those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #18
Report from the
City Clerk regarding a request to close off 35th Street between 41st
Avenue and 43rd Avenue on Sunday, October 14, 2007 from 3:00 p.m. to
6:30 p.m. for a block party.
It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to approve the request as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley,
Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #19
Items from the City Manager’s
Memorandum Packet.
Acting City Manager Bob Hawes did not have any items to discuss.
Alderman Conroy stated that he had received complaints regarding the bus
route on 23rd Street and 24th Street near KJWW. Alderman
Conroy inquired upon Acting City Manager Bob Hawes as to whether the bus route
had been rerouted.
Acting City Manager Bob Hawes responded that the bus route was relocated
due to 25th Avenue being closed. Acting City Manager Hawes also
noted that Metro Link is looking towards other options.
Alderman Austin inquired upon Acting City Manager Bob Hawes to explain
about the availability of leaf bags and pick up for the free leaf collection
program. Acting City Manager Hawes stated that free leaf pick up begins on
October 15, 2007 through December 7, 2007.
Acting City Manager Hawes commented that citizens could pick up free
leaf bags at City Hall, the Yard Waste Drop Off Center, South Rock Island
Township Office, the Public Works Department, Rock Island Township Office and
the Martin Luther King Center. Distribution of the free bags began on October
6, 2007, and residents will receive a maximum of ten (10) bags per day. Acting City Manager Hawes indicated there was
an error on the press release for free leaf collection. He stated that the memo
stated that leaves could be dropped off in the fall at the recycling center,
and that was incorrect. The leaves may be dropped off at the recycling center
anytime.
Alderman Austin inquired upon Parks and Recreation Director Bill Nelson
to update everyone on the annual Fright Night in the District. Mr. Nelson
stated that the annual Halloween Fest will be held on Thursday, October 25,
2007 in the District. The judging of costumes begins at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Nelson
also commented that they are looking for judges, and hoped that several Council
members would participate. Mr. Nelson noted that it should be a lot of fun. Mr.
Nelson then commented that the Sylvan Slough Natural Park Dedication will also
be held on Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 1:00 p.m.
Agenda Item #20
Other Business
There was no other business.
Agenda Item #21
Executive Session on
matters of Personnel.
The Executive Session was held
prior to the meeting.
Agenda Item #22
Recess
A motion was made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to recess to Monday, October 15, 2007 at 5:00 pm. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
The meeting was recessed at 7:04 p.m.
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Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk
