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. City Manager John Phillips was also present.  

 

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 8, 2007. 

 

A motion was made by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of October 8, 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 time for Halloween Trick or Treat as October 31, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the City of Rock Island.

 

Mayor Schwiebert made reference to the Proclamation, and stated that Trick or Treat will be observed on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the City of Rock Island. The Mayor also mentioned that as in the past, the Chief of Police recommends the trick or treat times in accordance with the other Illinois side Chiefs of Police.

 

Agenda Item #7

Proclamation declaring the month of October as Douglas Park Place Month.

 

Mayor Schwiebert inquired upon Ametra Carrol, Executive Director of Douglas Park Place to step forward as he read the Proclamation declaring the month of October as Douglas Park Place Month. After the Mayor read the Proclamation, Ms. Carrol thanked the Mayor, City Council and the City of Rock Island. Ms. Carrol noted that Douglas Park Place is a positive atmosphere for individuals that have entered the center or that will enter the center. Ms. Carrol explained the accomplishments of the individuals while in the center, and commented that the individuals will be very good citizens to reintegrate back into society.   

 

Agenda Item #8

Public Hearing on the Citizen’s Advisory Committee recommendations for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) monies and Gaming Funds.

 

Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:50 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on the Citizen’s Advisory Committee recommendations for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) monies and Gaming Funds.

 

Mayor Schwiebert inquired upon Chairman Kevin Hird of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee to present the committee’s recommendations for allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) monies and Gaming Funds. Mr. Hird thanked the Mayor, the members of the committee, City staff and the organizations (that petitioned for the funds) for participating in the process. Mr. Hird stated that the Block Grant allocations totaled $1,193,278.00.  Mr. Hird explained that the Federal Government and the Department of Housing and Urban Development stated that the funding should be at least at last year’s funding level. Mr. Hird noted that there may be an increase of up to 15% based on the figures that the Social Service allocations are capped at, which is a 15% funding level that comes to $178,992.00.

 

Mr. Hird then read the recommendations from the Citizen’s Advisory Committee for the Community Development Block Grant Funds. Various recommendations included: $12,500.00 to Project Now Housing, $78,240.00 to Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation’s Housing Program Division and $43,802.00 to Economic Development Division, $203,487.00 to Rock Island Planning and Redevelopment Division for Housing programs and $139,380.00 for City Administration in the Planning and Redevelopment Division and $178,992.00 to the Martin Luther King Community Center for operating and administrative support.  

 

Mr. Hird then stated that in the area of the Gaming dollars, the City allocated $50,000.00 out of Gaming to assist social service agencies in providing programming within the City. Mr. Hird read the Citizen’s Advisory Committee recommendations for allocation of Gaming Funds. Various recommendations included: $3,660.00 to Humility of Mary, $5,000.00 to Transitions Mental Health, $6,160.00 to Boys and Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley, $2,500.00 to Family Resources, $2,000.00 to the Arc of Rock Island County and $5,222.00 to Youth Service Bureau of Rock Island County.

 

Mr. Hird commented that it was brought to the committee’s attention that some social service agencies were not petitioning for the funds. Mr. Hird noted that through this year’s process, the Citizen’s Advisory Committee identified a need to evaluate and streamline the process to better accommodate the petitioning agencies.

 

Mayor Schwiebert thanked Mr. Hird and the committee for doing a good job, and noted that several social service agencies were outside based organizations and inquired as to whether the allocated money would go the children in Rock Island.

 

Mr. Hird responded that 100% of the money that was allocated to the various outside organizations that petitioned for money would be going for programming for Rock Island children. 

 

Alderman Pauley inquired as to why the Arc of Rock Island County was only allocated $2,000.00 when their request was for $10,000.00 for dental care for people with developmental disabilities.

 

Mr. Hird responded that other programs that had been allocated funds in the past were successful, and the budget had to be balanced with the limited funds, and that was the decision of the committee.

 

Mayor Schwiebert inquired if there was anyone that wished to speak on the recommendations from the Citizen’s Advisory Committee.

 

Rock Island Economic Growth Executive Director Brian Hollenback of 2604 27th Street stepped forward and thanked the City and the Citizen’s Advisory Committee for the support. Mr. Hollenback stated that the Home Buyers Assistance Program is a most successful program, and introduced Ms. Christie Ramirez as the new Housing Director.

 

Ms. Kyle Rick, Executive Director of the Arc of Rock Island County located at 4016 9th Street stepped forward and thanked the Citizen’s Advisory Committee for the allocation of funds, and stated that the program has had difficulty in providing affordable dental care to the residents who have developmental disabilities and reside in group homes. Ms. Rick also noted that most residents in group homes are often on Medicaid, and most local dentists will not take them as patients.

 

With no other persons present to speak in favor of, or in opposition to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee recommendations for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) monies and Gaming Funds, Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:11 p.m.  Decisions will be made on the Citizen’s Advisory Committee recommendations for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) monies and Gaming Funds on Monday, October 22, 2007.

 

Mayor Schwiebert departed momentarily from the structure of the Council meeting and introduced Dr. Methee Payomyong, Director of Natural Resources and Environmental Development Section for NESDB from Chiang Mai, Thailand who is on an Eisenhower Fellowship.  Mayor Schwiebert then presented Dr. Methee Payomyong with a key to the City.

 

Dr. Methee Payomyong expressed his gratitude and stated that being on the Eisenhower Fellowship gives him opportunities to travel  to the states  and gain insight into the many  different practices and experiences of U.S. metropolitan areas in hopes that he will take back ideas to promote in his own country. Dr. Methee Payomyong stated that the reason he chose to come to Rock Island was due to Rock Island being similar to his City. Dr. Methee Payomyong presented Mayor Schwiebert with a beautiful Thai craftsmanship Lacquer ware. The Mayor stated that it was an honor to have Dr. Methee Payomyong in Rock Island.

 

Agenda Item #9

A Special Ordinance authorizing acquisition of residential properties located in the City of Rock Island for a total sum of $10,078.00.

 

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderman Pauley, to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the Ordinance authorizing acquisition of residential properties located in the City of Rock Island for a total sum of $10,078.00.  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

A Special Ordinance Amending a zoning district and zoning map from an R-2 (one family residence) district to an O-1 (office) district at 2603 and 2607 17th Street.

 

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance Amending a zoning district and zoning map from an R-2 (one family residence) district to an O-1 (office) district at 2603 and 2607 17th Street. 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

CLAIMS

 

It was moved by Alderman Austin seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, 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 Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,038.00 to James and Ann Sullivan for the building of rain gardens through the Rain Gardens for Rock Island Program. (277)

 

b.      Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #21 in the amount of $9,952.50 to Centennial Contractors of the Quad Cities Inc. for the 2007 50/50 Sidewalk and Curb Program. (278)

 

c.       Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #3 in the amount of $55,216.62 to Hoerr Construction Inc. for the 2007 Joint Sanitary Storm Sewer Lining project. (279)

 

d.      Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #2 in the amount of $51,782.20 to Northwest Restoration for City Hall Tuckpointing and Exterior Cleaning. (280)

 

After the motion carried, Mayor Schwiebert inquired as to whether anymore work was going to be done on the exterior of City Hall regarding Agenda Item #11d.

 

City Manager John Phillips stated that window replacement work is scheduled for the spring, tuckpointing and exterior cleaning has been completed, and the roof work is continuing at City Hall.    

 

Agenda Item #12

 
 
Claims for the week of October 5 through October 11 in the amount of $1,114,221.30.

 

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderman Austin 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 #13

Payroll for the weeks of September 24 through October 7 in the amount of $1,119,608.40.

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to allow the payroll. 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 Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Renaissance Rock Island for the purchase of Holiday Decorations in the amount of $25,000.00.

 

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve the purchase and authorize payment as recommended.

 

Mayor Schwiebert noted that the $25,000.00 would come from the Tax Increment Financing fund, which is a Downtown fund for Downtown projects.

 

After comments, 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 Public Works Department regarding bids for the purchase of snow plow parts, recommending the bid be awarded to Bonnell Industries Inc. in the amount of $28,940.70.

 

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to award the bid as recommended and authorize purchase. 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 from Gregory Kerchner to apply for a Special Use Permit to operate a window washing business at 4314 28th Avenue.

 

Alderman Austin moved and Alderman Pauley seconded to allow for the application of the Special Use Permit 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 #17

Report from the Mayor regarding an Appointment to the River Vision Coordinating Committee.

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the Appointment 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.

 

Appointment to the River Vision Coordinating Committee is Alderman Stephen L. Tollenaer who will be representing the Mayor and Aldermen.

 

Agenda Item #18

Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Belmies Bistro to close off 13th Avenue between 29th Street and 30th Street on Saturday, October 20, 2007 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for their second annual October Fest.

 

Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded 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

Report from the City Clerk regarding a request to close off 21st Street between 8th Avenue and 9th Avenue on Saturday October 27, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for a neighborhood Halloween block party.

 

It was moved by Alderman Tollenaer, seconded by Alderman Conroy 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 #20

Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet.

 

City Manager John Phillips brought to the Council’s attention the media release that was in the memo packet regarding the Curbside Recycling Program. Mr. Phillips noted that the City is beginning the promotion for Curbside Recycling, and the City will be encouraging  citizens  to sign up for the program: 1,500 individuals are needed to sign up before  the program can begin. Mr. Phillips commented that if anyone would like to sign up for the Curbside Recycling Program, they may call Public Works at 732-2200, sign up on the City’s website at www.rigov.org or citizens may e-mail publicworksmail@rigov.org.

 

Agenda Item #21

Other Business

 

There was no other business.

 

Agenda Item #22

No Executive Session

 

An Executive Session was not scheduled.

 

Agenda Item #23

Recess

 

A motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to recess to Monday, October 22, 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 7:26 p.m.

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                                                                      Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk