The Rock Island City Council met in regular session on Monday, October 11, 2004, 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, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Dan Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White and Charles "Chuck" O. Austin. Aldermen David A. Conroy and Ann Keefe were 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. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of October 4 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Janis Thomas, United Way Key Person for the City of Rock Island, noted that her co-chair Nick Hartman was unable to be here because he was working. She presented a brief review of the City’s campaign plans for the year. United Way Loan Executive Ernest Arku discussed the United Way campaign. He indicated that the goal this year is 8.7 million dollars, and the theme this year is “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” Ms. Thomas discussed the plans for the kick-off event for City Employees to be held Wednesday, October 13 in the Parking Ramp on First Floor beginning at 11:00 a.m. She indicated that lunch will be available for purchase, and there will be competitive games, with the proceeds going to United Way.
QUAD CITIES CONVENTION AND
VISITORS BUREAU/TAYLOR
Joe Taylor, Executive Director of the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau, spoke to Council about the recent Fishing Tournament that took place at Sunset Marina recently. He expressed appreciation to the City Manager, Public Works, the Police Department, Alleman High School and Augustana College, and all those who volunteered their services for the event. He stated that they were impressed, and there is a possibility that they will bring this tournament back to Rock Island again in the future.
Agenda Item #8
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring the week of October 10 through 16 as Rock Island Public Schools Stadium Week. Athletic Director Bob Swanson accepted the document, noting that Superintendent Rick Loy was out of town. He then discussed the events planned for the week. He noted that the events begin Friday evening with the Sophomore Game, followed by the returning celebrities being introduced after that game.
During half time of the varsity game, there will be music and a car giveaway, followed by a talk by Mayor Schwiebert. Fireworks are planned to follow the game. On Saturday, from 10:00 to 12:00 there will be guided walking tours through the Stadium.
Agenda Item #9
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the month of October as National Arts and Humanities Month.
Agenda Item #10
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the week of October 11 through 16 as GFWC Illinois Junior Week.
PUBLIC
HEARING
Agenda Item #11
SERIES 2004 RETIREMENT FACILITY REVENUE BONDS
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 7:04 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing regarding a plan by the City to issue its Retirement Facility Revenue Bonds (Friendship Manor Project) Series 2004 in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $8,000,000.
No statements were received by the City Clerk regarding this issue. City Manager John C. Phillips explained that the bond was to allow Friendship Manor to refinance their initial bond and to provide additional financing for some improvements to be made to the facility. He noted that the City would have not financial responsibility with these bonds.
Tony Woods, Operations Manager for Friendship Manor, stated that the facility needs to have some work done to it, and this bond will help provide additional revenue to do that work.
Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:08 p.m.
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2004, of the City of Rock Island. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Austin to CONSIDER the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regarding the addition of territory to the Enterprise Zone at IL 92 and I-280. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, White and Austin, and Mayor Schwiebert. NAYS: None. ABSTAIN: Alderman Rockwell.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to authorize the Mayor to execute the expansion application CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, White and Austin. NAYS: None. ABSTAIN: Alderman Rockwell.
Agenda Item #14a
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works recommending payment to Republic Electric Company in the amount of $3,035.69 for a replacement pole for the Parking Ramp.
Agenda Item #14b
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Peterson Parking Lot Striping in the amount of $59,164.70 for the 2004 Pavement Marking project.
Agenda Item #14c
GENERAL CONSTRUCTORS/41 STREET RESURFACING
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors in the amount of $101,620.35 for 41st Street Resurfacing, 14th Avenue to 18th Avenue.
Agenda Item #14d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to the City of Moline in the amount of $3,073.75 for the purchase of 44 tons of rock and 1,625 gallons of emulsion purchased from them for use in the Wildcat Patching machine.
Agenda Item #14e
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Walter D. Laud in the amount of $66,890.72 for the 16th Street Court Reconstruction, South of 35th Avenue.
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of October 1 through 7 in the amount of $292,735.66. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
The City Clerk read a report from the Fire Department regarding bids for the purchase of kitchen cabinets for Station One, recommending the bid of M & D Sales Company of Orion in the amount of $4,805.00, with money to be used from the Foreign Fire Tax Fund. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to award the bids as recommended and authorize purchase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
The City Clerk read a report from the Fire Department regarding bids for the emergency purchase of five-inch fire hose from W. S. Darley & Company in the amount of 46,798.00. Alderman White asked if there was adequate fire hose on the trucks, and also the length of time to wait until the new hose arrives. Fire Chief Jerry Shirk responded that all the trucks are short at this time, and they expect the new hose to arrive in about a week, since the order was placed last Tuesday. He indicated that they never expected to find this amount of hose to be in poor condition at the same time. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to authorize purchase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding the purchase of the eight channel digital video recorder with writable disk from E. Enterprise LLC in the amount of $3,999.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to authorize the purchase of the video recorder as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding bids for the Preservation Commission Video Project, recommending the bid of MediaWork Productions in the amount of $9,415.00. A motion was 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 (for discussion).
Daryl Empen, of the Preservation Commission, discussed the method used to determine the bid award. He noted that they spent several hours reviewing the RFP and coming to the decision they did. in reaching their decision, and felt that all three companies could do a good job. They selected MediaWork because they presented the most formal proposal with the best timeline, and they were able to show the type of work they have done, which was similar to what the Preservation Commission is looking for. He noted that any of the three would do a good job. He noted that the Rock Island firm had a slim proposal – a biography, a proposal and no past projects to show. He noted that the prices were all very close, and they would respect the decision of the Council.
Phil Dingeldein, of dphilms, Rock Island, stated that they helped prepare the RFP for the project and then were one of three firms to submit the bid. He discussed their involvement with downtown Rock Island and noted that their quote was less than MediaWork. When questioned about their ability to do the job, Mr. Dingeldein responded that they would be able to do it, and discussed some of the past projects they worked on, such as the Rock Island commercials, and Rock Island High School commercials. He noted that they have won awards for some of their work, and he is familiar with the historic homes since he produced the Bob Yapp Home Improvement show.
Rick Webster, co-owner of MediaWork Productions, stated that everything Mr. Dingeldein stated was true. He noted that they have done work for the John O’Donnell Stadium and other fund-raising projects, and have won awards.
Mick Elliott, of Avolux Media of Moline, stated that both Phil and MediaWork do greet work, and this project has a lot of money coming from the state. He noted that the decision should not be based on where the company is located. He noted that his business in Moline and they do a good job. He discussed some projects such as work for Deere and Company and Swiss Valley, United Way, Chippiannock Cemetery and Grand Excursion event at the cemetery.
Alderman Austin asked if there was any obligation to accept the low bid, and City Attorney Konecky stated that certain types of bids take into consideration special expertise, but in situations where the product is similar, the bid is awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.
Alderman White noted that, with all things apparently being equal, the bid should go to the low bidder who happens to be the Rock Island business.
Following discussion, Alderman Rockwell with drew his motion and Alderman Bauersfeld withdrew his second to the motion. A bid was then made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to award the bid to dphilms of Rock Island in the amount of $9,375.00, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Police Station Tuck-Pointing, recommending the bid of Frey Restoration in the amount of $24,423.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin 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, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a contract with Missman Stanley Associates for engineering services related to the construction of a wetland mitigation site on land in Southwest Rock Island, in the amount of $8,700.00. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the contract and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request to rezone a segment of the Highland Park Addition from R-3 district to R-2 district. Mayor Schwiebert noted that this is similar to what the Broadway District did some years ago with some success. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the rezoning request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #23
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a contribution in the amount of $12,000 to Phase Two of the Quad City Wayfinding and Signage System, utilizing marketing funds left over from previous years. Sally Heffernan, Special Projects Coordinator, spoke about the signage system, noting that each of the Quad Cities would have their own color for signage and directional signs. The purpose is to make it easier for tourists and visitors to find their way to their destination.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to authorize the contribution as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #24
RIVER DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY/ALLOCATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an application to the River Development Authority and a request for an allocation of $5,000 as matching funds. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to authorize the Mayor to execute the grant application and approval of the allocation of $5,000 as recommended, with the provision that any lighting scheme be approved by Rock Island and Davenport, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #26
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for removal of a handicapped parking space in front of 2407 6th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #26
AIDS PROJECT
QUAD CITIES/OCTOBER 16
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding an application for an event sponsored by the Aids Project Quad Cities, requesting to close off a portion of 9th Street from the south side of 6th Avenue to 7th Avenue on October 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and a Sound Amplification permit for the same event. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the street closing and Sound Amplification applications CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet
alderman Rockwell noted that he will be
attending an Urban Waterfront Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin beginning
Thursday.
Alderman Bauersfeld called attention to an
e-mail he received regarding an “Adopt A Cop” e-mail. He stated that it
involves stretching tax dollars and he asked City Manager John Phillips to
review this and respond with his thoughts.
Alderman White said
“Good Night” to Alderman Keefe, who was probably watching the meeting on
television.
Tom Geyer, Moline, and
Ali Murtaza of Davenport presented a review of their request for Council to
consider giving them a license to sell beer at a proposed grocery store on 11th
Street in the area formerly used as the Bargain Bin. Mr. Geyer stated that they have an opportunity to purchase the
building, and commented on the need for a full-sized grocery store in that
area.
Alderman Bauersfeld noted that the letter
indicated that they would be utilizing 7,000 square feet, and asked if they
plan to purchase or rent the space. Mr.
Geyer indicated that they would use the 7,000 square feet first and then
expand. He noted that they plan to have
a full grocery store – meat, produce, etc.
Alderman Bauersfeld suggested that he would like to see a more detailed
business plan before considering the request further. Alderman Brooks noted that he is concerned about the large amount
of alcohol that would be purchased and sold, and added that some convenience
stores are liquor stores rather than convenience stores. Mayor Schwiebert noted that 7,000 square
feet is not very large, and added that the City does not have a license for
beer only. Therefore a liquor license
would in fact allow them to increase their stock to sell more types of alcohol
other than beer as stated. Alderman
Rockwell asked to see a floor plan for the business.
Following discussion, Mr. Geyer stated that
they would draw up a business plan and come back to Council at a later date.
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded
by Alderman White to recess to Monday, October 18 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a
Voice vote. The meeting was recessed at
8:10 p.m.
__________________________________
Jeanne
F. Paggen, City Clerk