The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 10, 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 Department Director Bob Hawes, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson and Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne. Others present included Renaissance Rock Island Executive Director Dan Carmody, Community Marketing Director Jennifer Fowler, President of DARI Mike Thoms and President of the District Board Bill Renk.
City Manager John C. Phillips stated that Renaissance Rock Island is looking at some reorganization proposals and funding plans. He indicated that Dan Carmody has presented a Draft Plan that has been reviewed by some of the Boards involved with Renaissance Rock Island. He noted that Mr. Carmody will be leaving his position, and Mike Thoms is leading the search committee for a replacement. Mr. Thoms has also offered to serve as interim president until the new person is hired.
Dan Carmody introduced Mr. Thoms and Mr. Renk. He stated that they plan to do a National Search for a replacement. He noted that there were no staff members interested in taking on this responsibility, but they all fit into the organization plan he is proposing. He also suggested that the plan remain a Draft Plan until the new person in on board. He stated that the criteria they are looking for is some property management skills, business development skills, creativity, and fundraising skills. He added that the fundraising skills could be a lesser skill than others. He noted that the administrative tasks would be split among the other management staff. He added that he and Mr. Phillips would be doing the initial screening.
Mr. Carmody stated that there has been sort of an informal relationship between the District staff and the rest of the staff. He stated that there should be one point of control, which would be the President of Renaissance Rock Island. He indicated that the Youth Build program is an important program and should stay with Renaissance Rock Island for three to five years to stabilize before going out on its own. He reviewed the proposed organizational chart.
Mr. Carmody discussed funding drives and sources of funding. Mr. Carmody stated that there is a meeting scheduled with South Rock Island Township in October, and one with the County Board for providing employer-assisted housing purchases. He noted that several Rock Island School District staff members have taken advantage of the home-buying program, as have several City employees. Alderman Conroy suggested that Rockridge School District be approached about being included in the Home Buyer program.
Mr. Carmody stated that the District is considering using to a calendar year rather than a fiscal year. He discussed the uses for the Plaza Office building, noting that he sees it being used as rental units on the upper floors with retail below. He also noted that his plans for Armory Park would be using the park for family-oriented events such as the Erin Feis and the Israeli Festival. He indicated that they would be able to have a two-day event without affecting other businesses on the Plaza and they could do more things in a park setting.
Mike Thoms stated that all the Boards have received the Draft proposal and have reviewed it. He added that they have indicated informally that they like the plan. Bill Renk stated that the District Board has informally voted their support of the concept, but have not given final approval. Council consensus was to accept the concept also.
Mr. Carmody noted that the annual Hard Hat event has been scheduled for October 25 at Circa 21. He distributed ballots for Council to select the winner for the Mayor/Council trophies.
Mr. Carmody then discussed two murals that will be done downtown. One will be done on the south side of Steve’s Old Time to replace the one that is there now. He distributed sketches for Mayor Schwiebert and Council to look at for both murals. Alderman White suggested that they put lighting on the Blackhawk mural facing the river. It was noted that this could be done as a part of the RiverVision lighting. Mayor Schwiebert stated that he would like to see the mural that is on Steve’s now duplicated somewhere, and suggested that they consider adding some females to that mural.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Austin to recess to Executive Session on Personnel Matter CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 6:20 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
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 6:35 p.m.
____________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session on Monday, October 10, 2005 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 A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III.
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 Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Minutes of the meeting of October 3 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:46 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on the Citizen’s Advisory Committee recommendations for FY 2006-2007 Community Development Block Grant Funds.
Kevin Hird, Chairperson of the Citizens Advisory Committee, expressed appreciation to staff – Alan Carmen and Lisa Ahern – for their assistance with the process. He also expressed appreciation to the members of the CAC for their efforts in determining who should share in the funding. He noted that there was a 10% reduction in funding this year, which reduced the Social Service funding allocation by that same amount. As a result, Council directed the entire amount of Social Service money to go to the Martin Luther King Community Center. Council members expressed concern that this amount still left the King Center under-funded.
Vincent Thomas, 1000 21st Street, representing the St. Joseph Worker House at 901 20th Street, spoke to Council about their request. He suggested that they consider reducing each of the other twelve funded groups by $400.00 to give them $4,800. He stated that they are currently shut down, but plan to open November 1. He asked staff if there was a possibility of re-programming money and an opportunity to fund the Worker House at that time. Alan Carmen stated that they are not projecting any carry-over funds. Alderman White asked if the Worker House can apply for the Roof Programs, and Mr. Carmen responded that this program is for owner-occupied homes.
Chris Hendricks, 111 20th Street, representing the IL/IA Center for Independent Living, spoke to Council about their request, noting that the funding recommended for them is 50% of their request. She discussed the wheelchair ramps that they want to place in Rock Island, noting that there are 12,374 disabled people living in Rock Island on SSI and SSD. She added that there are others not represented who may be living with their parents, etc. She stated that the funds would be used for materials and not for labor in the installation of the ramps. She also noted that the cost of the materials for the ramps is increasing, but they will continue to build them according to ADA standards.
Alderman Austin asked Mr. Hird if the Project NOW Housing provided a duplication of services. Mr. Hird responded that the committee felt that the housing programs did not overlap, because Project NOW housing can leverage money that is not available to the city. He added that they also provide education for new homeowners and others throughout the city.
Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:05 p.m.
Alderman Conroy noted the shortages with the King Center and with the Rental Inspection Program. City Manager John Phillips stated that the he will be working with Jerry Jones, Director of the King Center, to look at options, the impact on various programs, and at other sources of funding. Alderman Conroy stated that he wanted to make sure they are funded as requested. Mr. Phillips stated that Council would be getting a draft Tax Levy in November with a report on some budget issues. He noted that Inspections is also of great concern, and added that there will not be any extra money available. He stated that if the money does not come from Block Grant Funding, the money would have to be cut from someplace else or raise taxes. Alderman Brooks stated that the Inspection Program should be fully funded. He added that nobody should think that these numbers were final until the Council has made their decision. He indicated that he believes City functions should be funded, and social programs should be addressed.
Alderman Conroy asked Dan Carmody of Renaissance Rock Island about the Economic Growth Corporation funds, and Mr. Carmody stated that most of this is salary expense. Alderman Conroy asked about funding for demolition, and Greg Champagne, Community and Economic Development Department Director, responded that this is part of the budget use of gaming revenue. He stated that he revenues do not yet cover the cost of Rental Inspection, and they do not want to increase fees. He stated that they would be looking at reducing staff, or using funds from gaming and TIF funds for programs. Alderman White noted that they eliminated one good position that was part time, referring to the Nuisance Officer. Mr. Champagne stated that they hired three inspectors.
Mayor Schwiebert stated that this would be back on the Agenda October 17 for the final decisions on the funding.
Agenda Item #7
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance authorizing acquisition of residential properties located in the City of rock Island for a total sum of $12,917.60 through the Rock Island County Tax Auction. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8a
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Electric Pump in the amount of $3,746.61 for the rebuilding of one submersible pump motor.
Agenda Item #8b
BRANDT CONSTRUCTION/24 STREET
RESURFACING
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brandt Construction in the amount of $164,613.51 for the 24th Street Resurfacing from 17th Street to Blackhawk Road.
Agenda Item #8c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $5,178.90 for the River Water Quality Monitoring.
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to accept the report and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of September 29 through October 6 in the amount of $633,613.63. A motion made by Alderman Austin 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 #10
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding the Bi-State bid for copier paper, recommending the bid of C. J. Duffey Paper Company in the amount of $3,416.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to award the bid as recommended, and authorize purchase and payment CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
DAM LIGHTING PROJECT/CITY OF
DAVENPORT
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Davenport for the Dam Lighting Project. Alderman Conroy asked if this would change the funding. Mayor Schwiebert noted that the Riverboat Development Authority in Davenport is providing $45,000, with $5,000 coming from Rock Island and $5,000 from the City of Davenport.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the agreement and authorize the Mayor to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding Section 8-507 of the Tattoo Ordinance, recommending that the section regarding Facial Tattoos be deleted. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the elimination of the section of the ordinance as recommended 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 #13
PROPERTY DISPOSITION/2704 8th
AVENUE
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department recommending the sale of city-owned property at 2704 8th Avenue to the adjacent property owners at 2702 8th Avenue and 2706 8th Avenue based on the conditions stated. Mayor Schwiebert asked about the method being used to divide the property and suggested dividing the property in half and using a Quit Claim deed. He expressed concern that the property owners were paying very little for the property while the City would be handling the expense of a survey, etc. Mary Chappell, CED Program and Land Coordinator, responded to questions. The City Attorney will look at dividing the east and west half with a Quit Claim Deed before doing the ordinance. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the sale of the property with conditions stated, 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 #14
1909 9 ˝ STREET/TARGETED REHAB
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 $5,265.00 at 1909 9 ˝ Street. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to commit $5,265.00 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 #15
525 21st AVENUE/TARGETED REHAB 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 $5,366.00 at 525 21st Avenue.
A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Conroy to commit $5,366.00 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 #16
2434 McMILLAN
COURT/RENTAL PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM LOAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request of a commitment from the City Council for a Rental Property Improvement Program in the amount of $3,352.00 at 2434 McMillan Court. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Austin to commit $3,352.00 for the Rental Property Improvement Program as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
TRAFFIC
ENGINEERING
Agenda Item #17
DOWNTOWN PARKING/REQUEST FOR CHANGES
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Dan Carmody President of Renaissance Rock Island, to
1) Change Parking Lot F from one hour parking to two hour parking;
2) Reduce the number of parking meters at 16 ˝ Street, on 18th Street in front of the former Mississippi Café and along the front of the Center Building, and on 19th Street in front of the McKesson Building;
3) Change parking near the Federal Building, and
4) Put parking spaces where driveways have been eliminated on 20th Street.
Dan Carmody, Renaissance Rock Island, and Public Works Director Bob Hawes responded to questions from Council. They noted that these changes would comply with what we have now in these areas. Mr. Hawes stated that the expanded parking would be consistent with safety features, and Third Avenue was done when micro surfacing was done. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve requests #1 and #2, refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance, and deny requests #3 and #4 as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #18
STOP SIGNS/12th STREET at 12th
AVENUE AND 15th AVENUE
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from the Community Caring Conference for the possible addition of STOP signs on 12th Street at 12th Avenue and 15th Avenue, recommending denial of the request. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #19
45th STREET, 14th and 15th
AVENUES/PARKING BAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from residents for a parking ban on the east side of 45th Street between 14th and 15th Avenues. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #20
STREET CLOSED/SCHOOL HOURS
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to close off 10th Avenue from 12th to 14th Street including the alley, on school days from 7:50 a.m. to 8:25 a.m. and 2:50 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS
Agenda Item #21
CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE, HOUSING AUTHORITY,
R I COUNTY METROPOLITAN MASS TRANSIT DISTRICT
The City Clerk read a memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending the following appointments:
CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
David Andich (reappointment)
Deb Braet (reappointment)
Bill Cleaver (reappointment)
HOUSING AUTHORITY:
Jim Hass (reappointment)
Rev. Joseph Williamson (reappointment)
Vern Winter (reappointment)
Kenneth Simmons (new appointment)
Cecil Hickman (reappointment)
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the appointments and reappointments as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
City Manager John Phillips called attention to the information from RIPD Captain Donald Reichert regarding the changes to the Animal Ordinance. Alderman Pauley noted that he had given some suggestions to City Attorney Konecky, who then read them for Council review. Alderman Pauley asked that in section 1 (b), the “two” be changed to “one.” Council consensus was to make this change. Mr. Phillips stated that the ordinance would be on the Agenda October 17, and if any other changes were to be made, the ordinance could be amended at that time.
Mr. Phillips noted the information from the Assistant City Attorney Ted Kutsunis regarding the Moratorium for new liquor licenses on 11th Street. He indicated that it is to be renewed, and Council decided they wanted to discuss this before renewing it. It will be discussed at the Study Session on October 17.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Conroy expressed concern that we were not set up to allow a person in a wheelchair speak into a microphone without moving the lectern. Claire Gordon, ITS Director, stated that this is being incorporated into Phase II of the improvements for Council Chambers. City Manager John Phillips indicated that we would have been able to provide a microphone for her if we had been notified ahead of time that this would be needed.
Alderman Rockwell commended Trinity Medical Center and the Rock Island High School for their program to rake leaves for residents.
Alderman Murphy stated that her four-year old granddaughter requested that she say “Hello” to her on camera.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 7:55 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to recess to Monday, October 17 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 7:56 p.m.
____________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk