The Rock Island City Council met for Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2003, 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 R. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Ann L. Keefe and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, Finance Director Bill Scott, Chief of Police Terry Dove, RIPD Sgt. J. Michael Sponsler, Budget Supervisor/City Collector Jackie VanderMeersch, Public Works Assistant Tim Ridder, Accountant Tim Banks and Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne. Also present was Dave Cahill of Eide Bailley.
United Way Key Persons for the City of Rock Island – Doug Vroman and Jan Thomas – reviewed the United Way program and distributed the forms to be completed by the Council. Mr. Vroman noted that there were a series of presentations scheduled for the different departments of the City, and he also reviewed the raffle and other prize drawings that are being held during the Employee Breakfast in November.
Public Works Department Director Bob Hawes distributed flyers regarding the parking ramp covered spaces, which will be offered to customers at a temporary price of three months for $100.00 during October, November and December. If a customer purchases two months of parking in a covered space, the third month is free. He clarified that they can be used after December, but must be purchased during these three months.
Bill Scott, Finance Director, introduced Dave Cahill of Eide Bailey. Mr. Scott stated that the audit was prepared electronically so it can be posted on our website. Mr. Cahill then discussed the audit document. He noted some of the new reports that are included because of GATSB.
Council requested an update on the draw down on the housing funds, including the amount of interest that was lost because the draw down was not completed. Mr. Champagne explained that the staff member who had been doing this left to take another job, and at that time, there was nobody else trained to do the work. There are now several staff members trained to do this, including some from his staff and some from Finance. Council also discussed the outstanding checks and what can be done about them. Mr. Scott noted that Mr. Banks has identified some from 1999, and they are addressing this issue.
Council discussed the grants, and Mr. Phillips noted that there was no grant writer on staff but each department has been doing this themselves. He indicated that several of the grants – for Fire and other departments – have been successful in obtaining some funding for various projects and purchases.
Mr. Phillips stated that he has thought of forming a Grant Team, with members being the representatives of the various departments who are responsible for writing most of the grants. He indicated that they are doing a good job, but probably could do even better with some input from others.
Following discussion, Mr. Cahill left the meeting.
Chief Terry Dove discussed the proposed Animal Shelter for the County. He noted that they have been meeting regularly with Moline, East Moline and Rock Island County to discuss this, and the draft agreement was part of the packet. He stated that the location would have to be in Moline, since they have a contribution from an estate for this purpose, and there are a couple locations that have been discussed. He stated that Rock Island currently has two officers in the field and one part-time person at the shelter. If this proposal is approved, the City would no longer sell animal tags or be involved in that at all. There would still be the two officers in the field, and they would also be able to assist the officer who is responsible for the abandoned vehicles. Mr. Phillips noted that the amount currently requested from Rock Island is $50,000. Alderman Conroy asked why the City is paying anything, when there is a state statute that requires the County to have the Animal Shelter for the County. Council will receive a report and update on this from staff.
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:43 p.m.
_______________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2003, in the 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., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Ann L. Keefe and Frank J. Forlini, Jr.
Mayor
Schwiebert called the meeting to Order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag of the United States of America.
Alderman Forlini gave the Invocation.
A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to
approve the Minutes of the meeting of October 6 as printed CARRIED on a Voice
vote.
Agenda Item #6
The City of Rock Island received an award for
fifty years of the Council/Manager form of government. Moline City Administrator, representing the
Illinois City Managers Association, presented Mayor Schwiebert and City Manager
John Phillips with the award.
Agenda Item #7
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring Thursday, October 16 as Zimmerman-Pontiac-Cadillac-Oldsmobile-Honda Day in the City of Rock Island. Mark Zimmerman accepted the framed document. Mayor Schwiebert noted that a ribbon re-cutting would be held Thursday afternoon.
Agenda Item #8
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:56 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Ron Day of R & K Inc. for a Special Use Permit to operate a vehicle towing, repair and sales service, including an outside storage yard at the former Learner’s Sales and Service.
David Levin, 3201 36th Avenue, of Ruhl & Ruhl and representing R & K Inc., spoke to Council about the request. He stated that Learners has had a long history at this location and they have been trying to market it for about seven years. He stated that the staff has recommended eight employees at this location, but Mr. Day would like to be able to have more employees. He noted that he would like to have more hours also than the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. staff was suggesting.
Ronald Day, 3219 36th Avenue, stated that he would like to be able to add staff as required, and would like to be open one or two nights until 8 p.m. Greg Champagne stated that the stipulations from staff were what those originally discussed with Mr. Day. He added that they also were trying to be sensitive to the neighborhood. Alderman Brooks stated that being open until 8 pm would not have an impact on the neighborhood.
Alderman Keefe stated that doing vehicle repair during later hours might annoy the neighbors. Mr. Day stated that is not his intention to annoy the neighbors, but rather to improve the neighborhood. Alderman White asked about the towing service and the hours he would need for that. Mr. Day stated that several of his calls would be after midnight, and he does expect to apply for the City contract.
Alderman Forlini stated that he and Alderman Brooks visited with Mr. Day at the site last week. He indicated that they suggested, and Mr. Day agreed to, stripe the parking lot. This will be used for all stored vehicles and they will be parked between the lines so it doesn’t look like a junkyard. He noted that there is space for parking 180 vehicles. Mr. Day stated that there would be no stripping of vehicles, and they will not be doing any rebuilding. They will be selling used vehicles, repairing vehicles and towing vehicles. He added that the towed vehicles would only be kept there for a limited number of days.
Alderman Brooks then asked that the number of employees be taken out of the stipulations, and the hours changed to 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Alderman Conroy asked what he was doing that requires a Special Use Permit. He noted that they are already in a B-3 district where car sales and vehicle repairs are allowed. Mr. Champagne stated that the towing of vehicles was the object of the Special Use Permit. It was suggested that #5 should include “…and shall be maintained in a neat and orderly condition and shall meet all code requirements.” Alderman White stated that there should be some guidelines for the towing business. She stated that she would like to see some greening somewhere on the lot.
Alderman Forlini noted that Learners have left some vehicles there, and once the building is empty, the plate glass windows will be broken. He stated that the building needs to get occupied as soon as possible.
Frankie Atwater, 806 4th Avenue, stated that he and his wife live in the house that is totally surrounded on three sides by Learner’s property. He noted that he is opposed to the towing business located there, and added that there are six other residents who are investing a lot of money in their houses. He indicated that these residents are willing to invest in their houses, and won’t be as willing if this lot is used for towed vehicles. He stated that it just doesn’t fit the neighborhood. He noted that there are some gas tanks there also.
Alderman White stated that there need to be some landscaping requirements and he needs to have some landscaping plans. City Manager John Phillips suggested that it could be approved subject to submitting acceptable landscaping plans to staff.
David Weiner, 3511 15th Street Court, representing Mr. Learner, stated that they tried to market the building to no avail. He stated that Mr. Atwater bought his property with his eyes open – surrounded by a paved lot. Mr. Day noted that he intends to enhance the neighborhood and not tear it down. He indicated he has no objection to landscaping and fencing requirements discussed.
Sam Gillman, 2831 48th Avenue Court, stated that if a landscaping plan is to be approved before Mr. Day can begin the business, it would add another element of delay. He stated that they need to close on time so the property can be protected. City Attorney John Konecky noted that it would need to come back as an ordinance for final approval. Mayor Schwiebert asked if a landscaping plan could be completed next week and come back to Council for approval.
Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 8:05 p.m. A motion was made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Rockwell, to approve the Special Use Permit, with stipulation number 1 through 5 as modified, striking number 1 and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance.
Alderman Brooks made a motion to amend, which was seconded by Alderman White, to add number 6 – direct staff to come back with a landscaping plan next week. Motion to amend CARRIED on a Voice vote.
The original motion, as amended, CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #9
SANT’AMOUR/LIQUOR
LICENSE SIGNATURE WAIVER
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 8:10 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from John Sant’Amour for waiver of the signature requirement for a liquor license at 1232 30th Street.
John Sant’Amour, 7929 9th Street West, spoke to Council regarding his request. He indicated that they have spent six months developing the property as a café. He noted that they would like to complement their menu with wine.
Terry Stimpson, 1121 39th Street, spoke in favor of the license. She indicated that she lived in California for several years, and cafes like this are the norm there. She stated that the building is compatible with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and is non-smoking.
Nina Cowen, 1300 30th Street, stated that she is opposed to liquor being served in a coffee shop. She stated that the owners were not honest with her when they spoke to her about their plans, and feels that they will be adding other liquor after they begin with wine.
Eileen Draese, 2916 13th Avenue, stated that she agreed with Ms. Cowen, and also noted that there is a traffic problem on 13th Avenue. She pointed out that there are a number of trucks and buses coming and going on that avenue, and there are children playing there. She stated that she does have a problem with the liquor license in this establishment.
John Sant’Amour spoke to Council and asked if there was a wine license. He indicated that they would not be selling beer. Alderman White stated that the residents on 13th Avenue should have received letters. She stated that the front door faces both 13th Avenue and 30th Street, and the letters should have gone to residents within 300 feet, no matter which direction they live.
Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 8:30 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Forlini to recommend to the Liquor Commissioner that the liquor license be approved CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Following other positive comments from Council members, Alderman Bauersfeld suggested that we look at a wine only type of license. Alderman Conroy stated that he would like to see the liquor ordinance revised, and added that, if there were a “wine only” license given, the licensee would need to come to Council for approval for an upgrade.
Agenda Item #10
2016 9
STREET/HANDICAPPED PARKING ELIMINATED
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amendment to eliminate a Handicapped Parking Space in front of 2016 9th Street. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld 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, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
PARKING
CHANGES/26 STREET, 17 – 18 AVENUES
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amendment establishing a “No Parking, Stopping, or Standing from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.” on the east side of 26th Street between 17th and 18th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Forlini to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
MOTOR FUEL TAX
FUNDS/30 STREET ADDITIONAL
The City Clerk read a Resolution appropriating an additional $22,310.00 in Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the 30th Street Reconstruction of 1996. Alderman White asked how long the state has to come back with this type of request. Public Works Director Bob Hawes responded that they audit this every seven years. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adopt the resolution CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13a
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Paragon Construction in the amount of $87,147.50 for the 16th Street and 3rd Avenue Parking structure restoration.
Agenda Item #13b
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Centennial Contractors in the amount of $18,912.09 for the 2003 Utility Patching Program.
Agenda Item #13c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors in the amount of $29,640.00 for the Backwash Tank Overflow Sewer Extension project.
Agenda Item #13d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Walter D. Laud, Inc. in the amount of $185,578.50 for the 2003 Street Patching Program.
Agenda Item #13e
QUAD CITY
DEVELOPMENT GROUP/ARSENAL RETENTION EFFORT
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department recommending payment to the Quad City Development Group in the amount of $10,000 for the city’s share of expenses for the Arsenal retention effort.
Agenda Item #13f
The City Clerk read a report from the Finance Department recommending payment to GeoAnalytics in the amount of $11,020.00 for the Govern Computer System Software Annual Maintenance.
A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of October 3 through 9 in the amount of $302,646.13. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Forlini to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding quotations for the SCADA System Upgrades at the Water Treatment Plant, recommending that the Wonderware Software Upgrades, PICI Modbus Cards and Conversion Services be purchased from Control Application & Maintenance in the amount of $19,350.00 and the needed replacement computer equipment be purchased from Hewlett Packard in the amount of $4,066.00. Claire Dubuisson responded to questions about this process, stating that this hardware is five years old. She stated that after three or four years, it runs out of warranty, and staff has been “babying” this system for over a year just to keep it going. Public Works Director Bob Hawes stated that if this system crashes, we stop making water, and it is important that it no crash. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to authorize the purchases and payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of the Pipe Tech annual maintenance package and training visit in the estimated amount of $8,270.00. Mr. Hawes responded to a question from Alderman Bauersfeld, noting that this money would be from both storm water and sewer funds. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to authorize the purchase and training visit and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids received for the 2003/2004 Tree Removal and Trimming contracts, recommending the bids be awarded to Rick’s Tree Service for Tree Removal and to Turkle’s Tree Service for Tree Trimming and Downtown Tree Trimming. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to award the bids 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, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
P & C ROE COMPANY/TIF LOAN
RESTRUCTURING
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from P & C Roe Company for a restructuring of the remaining balance of their TIF loan. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Conroy to restructure the TIF loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an amendment to the development agreement between the City and Christian Family Care providing up to $7,500 in additional funding for the excavation of demolition debris at the property. Alderman White asked why this was not know originally. Greg Champagne, Community and Economic Development Department Director, responded that they dug down and found this. He stated that, years ago, this was common practice for people to leave the basement in place, fill it with debris and cover it up. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the amendment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
1901 10
STREET/ROOF STANDARD PAYMENT LOAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment from the City Council for a Roof Standard Payment Loan at 1901 10th Street in the amount of $5,548.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Forlini to commit $5,548.00 for the loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding modifications to the Storm Water Credit Manual. Alderman Rockwell asked what the loss would be with this modification made. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to approve the modified Storm Water Credit Manual CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
The City Clerk read a Memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending one new appointment of Chuck Oestreich to the Water Resources Advisory Committee and one new appointment of Brian Hollenback to the Martin Luther King Community Center Board of Directors. Alderman Keefe asked that the names of the appointees be read out loud.
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to approve the appointments as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to a memorandum regarding the Legal Services, and asked Council to review this and let him know of any questions or concerns they have. Greg Champagne reviewed the information on Inspection Services, and Mr. Phillips called attention to the information regarding the CDBG Recommendations. He noted that the public hearing on these recommendations would be held October 20 at the Council meeting. He also called attention to the Quarterly Report for the Combined Sewer Overflow Long Term Control Plan which was prepared by Triad Engineering.
OTHER BUSINESS
Martin Luther King Community Center Director Jerry Jones announced a meeting to be held October 16 at the Center regarding gun violence. He noted that there would be some officials present to talk and to answer questions.
Alderman Conroy stated that he had attended a Block Party in his Ward, and was asked to have an item placed on the Agenda regarding truck traffic on 30th Avenue. He noted that it would be on the Agenda for October 20.
Alderman Rockwell asked about the availability of parking on Second Avenue now that it has parking available and the major event season is over. He suggested that staff look at the possibility of allowing parking on Second Avenue on weekends when there are no activities scheduled. Alderman Bauersfeld stated that it is important to maintain public access there.
Alderman Conroy stated that the Alleman-Rocky Football game is Friday night.
Buck Munson, 816 100 Street, Joy, Illinois, who works for Mississippi Trucking and Trailer, spoke to Council regarding the truck traffic on 30th Avenue, and noted that they need to be able to get their trucks and trailers in and out of this business. Alderman Conroy stated that the request could exclude that portion of the avenue.
John Anderson, of Silvis, Illinois, discussed his ban from the Davenport and Bettendorf libraries, and stated that he has received a warning from the Moline Library. He stated that he was banned from the Rock Island library recently, and is picketing the library on Saturdays to be allowed back in. Mr. Phillips stated that Council would receive a memo from the Library Director explaining this situation.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Forlini to recess to Executive Session on matters of Property Acquisition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 9:07 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the meeting at 9:15 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Monday, October 20 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 9:16 p.m.
__________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk