The Rock Island City Council
met in Study Session at 5:00 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room, City
Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W.
Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M.A. Brooks I, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel
Rockwell, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips and Martin
Luther King Center Executive Director Jerry Jones. Second Ward Alderman Dave Conroy and Fifth Ward Alderwoman Margie
Mejia-Caraballo were absent.
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
Sarah Bohnsack and Angela Burch, McGladrey &
Pullen, LLP, reviewed highlights of the City’s Comprehensive Financial Report
for the year ending March 31, 2006.
Included in their report were a letter summarizing the auditor’s
responsibilities, a letter notifying the Mayor and City Council that the audit
had been completed, and a letter outlining their observations and providing
recommendations for improvement.
Financial highlights for the City include an
increase in revenue of approximately $3.2 million, mainly due to an increase in
tax revenue; and expenditures which increased approximately $6.6 million,
primarily in general governmental expenses, public safety, and streets and
highways. There was a negative $34.5
million change in the enterprise funds, largely due to the transfer of
Centennial Bridge assets. The City’s
long-term debt, deposits and investments, and reportable conditions/compliance
findings were reviewed.
Ms. Bohnsack and Ms. Burch noted the City adopted
three Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statements this year, including
GASB No. 40, GASB No. 42, and GASB No. 46.
There are four other Statements that the City has not yet implemented.
City Manager Phillips noted staff is working on
responses to the audit findings, and they will be released when they are
completed.
MARTIN LUTHER KING CENTER UPDATE
Martin Luther King Center Director Jerry Jones
provided a brief history and status update on expansion plans for the
Center. This project calls for the
renovation of 8,500 square feet and a 10,000 square foot addition. The MLK Center Board chose five areas to be
addressed with this renovation and expansion:
after-school programming, job training and workforce development,
mentoring, substance abuse, and special events. Money to fund this project will come from City contributions,
Foundation fundraising, Federal support, and a capital campaign. The addition and renovation will provide
increased space for youth activities, computer rooms, a conference center,
which can be divided into three smaller meeting rooms, an enlarged kitchen
area, and tenant spaces. It is
envisioned that the MLK Center will be more widely utilized by the entire Quad
City area, rather than just folks from Rock Island.
It
was moved by Alderman Rockwell, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to adjourn the
meeting. The motion carried by the
following Aye and No vote: those voting
Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman
Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
___________________________________
Karen DeLathower, Acting 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, Dennis E. Pauley,
Daniel Rockwell, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Alderman Dave Conroy and Alderwoman Margie
Mejia-Caraballo were 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 Pauley gave
the Invocation.
Agenda Item #5
Minutes of the Meeting of October 9, 2006
It was moved by Alderman
Rockwell, seconded by Alderman Austin, to approve the Minutes of the meeting of
October 9, 2006 as written. The motion
carried by the following Aye and No vote:
those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Pauley, Alderman
Rockwell, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #6
Public Hearing on a request from Nathan Morehart for
an alley right-of-way vacation and conveyance of unused right-of-way located
adjacent to 319 8th Street
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting and
opened the Public Hearing. Mr. Nathan
Morehart, 319 8th Street, stated he is renovating the old fire
station and plans to build a garage, which will face west, on the vacated
property. Mr. Morehart responded to a
question from Alderman Rockwell by saying he plans to build the garage north of
the sewer line.
Mayor Schwiebert then closed the Public Hearing and
reconvened the regular meeting. It was
then moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, to approve the
vacation request 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 Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Murphy, and
Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Alderman Austin moved, and Alderwoman Murphy
seconded, to approve the sale of the property and refer to the City Attorney to
draft a contract for deed. This motion
carried by the following Aye and No vote:
those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell,
Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin.
Agenda Item #7
Public Hearing on the Citizen’s Advisory Committee
recommendations for FY 2007-2008 CDBG Funds
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting and
opened the Public Hearing. Mr. Kevin
Hird, Chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee, thanked members of the
Committee and City staff for their hard work during this process. It is anticipated FY2007-2008 Community
Development Block Grant monies will be reduced five percent from the current
year’s allocation. If funding is
reduced below the estimated $1,135,911, the Citizen’s Advisory Committee
recommends that City of Rock Island programs should be cut proportionally, with
no cuts being made to outside agencies.
If more money is received, the Committee recommends the additional funds
should be given to housing-related programs, up to their requested
amounts.
Mr. Hird announced that the Committee was unable to
recommend fully funding any of the City’s requests for neighborhood activities
and administrative costs. Rock Island
Economic Growth Corporation and Project NOW were recommended for support, but
at a much lower level than requested.
The Iowa/Illinois Center for Independent Living, Rebuilding Together
Quad Cities, and St. Joseph the Worker House are also recommended
for funding but, again, at an amount less than
requested. The Committee funded the
Martin Luther King Center at the maximum level allowed under HUD
guidelines.
Mr. Hird relayed to the Council some thoughts from
the Citizens Advisory Committee, including their concern with the direction the
process is heading, which seems to be toward the elimination of all non-City
funding and questioned if CDBG monies should be used to fund City
programs. The Committee believes
reduced funding to outside social service agencies will jeopardize their
ability to leverage outside support.
The CAC would like to see a shift of support to general fund dollars to
bridge the gap for City administrative costs.
Mr. Hird closed by encouraging City Council members to get feedback on
this issue from their constituents.
Following a brief discussion, Mr. Rod Jennings,
Rebuilding Together Quad Cities’ Executive Director, stated they have been able
to leverage four to five times the amount of money they receive. Other funding sources for their program
include a block grant from the City of Davenport, with most of their monies
coming from various foundations and corporations. They also rely heavily on their volunteers to help keep their
costs down. Rebuilding Together Quad
Cities serves a section of the community that come to them as a last resort.
Ms. Marilyn Crow, Housing Director of Project NOW,
noted they will use their funds to streamline their inspection program, which
is their greatest need, and to purchase a PDA to cut down inspection time. The IA/IL Center for Independent Living is
forming a partnership with Project NOW for home alterations, such as
ramps. Alderman Austin questioned if
they would be duplicating the services of the Rock Island Economic Growth
Corporation.
Ms. Crystal Honeycutt, 623 East Laurel Street,
Davenport and former resident of the Worker House, asked the Council to fund
St. Joseph the Worker House so they can repair their roof. She stated her appreciation for the services
the Worker House provides to those in need.
Mayor Schwiebert reminded those in attendance that
the City Council will make their final decisions on November 6, 2006. Mayor Schwiebert then closed the Public
Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting.
Agenda Item #8
Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking
space at 509 6th Street
Alderman Austin moved and Alderman Pauley seconded
to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance establishing a
handicapped parking space at 509 6th Street. The motion carried by the following Aye and
No vote: those voting Aye being
Alderman Brooks, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Murphy, and
Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #9
Special Ordinance annexing certain territory at 3020
47th Avenue
It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by
Alderman Rockwell, to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance
authorizing annexation of certain territory at 3020 47th
Avenue. The motion carried by the
following Aye and No vote: those voting
Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman
Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #10
Special Ordinance amending a zoning district from an
R-1 district to an R-2 district at 3020 47th Avenue
It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by
Alderwoman Murphy, to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance
amending the zoning district to R-2 at 3020 47th Avenue. The motion carried by the following Aye and
No vote: those voting Aye being
Alderman Brooks, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Murphy, and
Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #11
Special Ordinance establishing one metered parking
space at 313 18th Street
Alderman Rockwell moved and Alderwoman Murphy
seconded to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance establishing
one metered parking space at 313 18th Street. The motion carried by the following Aye and
No vote: those voting Aye being
Alderman Brooks, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Murphy, and
Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #12
Special Ordinance declaring the current Police
Department patrol fleet as surplus and allowing the purchase of 20 2007 Ford
Crown Victoria police vehicles through the State contract purchase with
Landmark Ford, Inc.
It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by
Alderman Rockwell, to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance
declaring the current Police Department patrol fleet as surplus and allowing
the purchase of 20 2007 Ford Crown Victoria police vehicles through the State
contract purchase with Landmark Ford, Inc. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks,
Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin;
those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #13
Special Ordinance
establishing a no-parking zone on the west side of 36th Street
between 28th and 30th Avenues
It was moved by Alderwoman
Murphy, seconded by Alderman Austin, to consider, suspend the rules, and pass
the ordinance establishing a no-parking zone on the west side of 36th
Street between 28th and 30th Avenues. The motion carried
by the following Aye and No vote: those
voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell,
Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #14
Special Ordinance amending a special ordinance for
removal of a handicapped parking space at 1007 15th Street
It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman
Rockwell, to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance removing a
handicapped parking space at 1007 15th Street. The motion carried by the following Aye
and No vote: those voting Aye being
Alderman Brooks, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Murphy, and
Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #15
CLAIMS
It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by
Alderman Brooks, to accept the following reports and authorize payments as
recommended. The motion carried by the
following Aye and No vote: those voting
Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman
Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
a.
Report
from the Information Technology Services Department regarding payment in the
amount of $10,740.00 to Azteca Systems, Inc. for the Cityworks System annual
upgrade and support maintenance.
b.
Report
from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,659.50
to Symbiont for professional services provided during July 2006. (301)
c.
Report
from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $2,660.00
to Jack Ullemeyer for the Rain Garden Reimbursement Program. (303)
d.
Report
from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $9,434.00
to Active Thermal Concepts for the Water Distribution Facility Asbestos
Abatement project. (306)
e.
Report
from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $282,659.25
to Walter D. Laud, Inc. for Spring Hills Estates Reconstruction special
assessment project. (307)
f.
Report
from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $4,562.25
to Hometown Heating & Plumbing for an emergency water main repair at 2218 6th
Avenue. (287)
g.
Report
from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $9,658.44
to United Systems & Software, Inc. for two new handheld meter reading units
and $4,155.00 to Northrop Grumman for three versa probe units. (315)
h.
Report
from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $14,675.00
to Dixon Engineering for water tower maintenance inspections. (316)
Agenda Item #16
Claims for the week of October 6 through October 12
in the amount of $416,071.48
Alderman Rockwell 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 Pauley, Alderman
Rockwell, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #17
Payroll for the weeks of September 25 through
October 8 in the amount of $1,062,197.52
It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by
Alderman Rockwell, to allow the payroll. The motion carried by the following
Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being
Alderman Brooks, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Murphy, and
Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #18
Report from the Public Works Department regarding
the bid from Valley Construction for the 2006 Pavement Grinding Program.
It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by
Alderwoman Murphy, to approve the 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 Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin;
those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #19
Report from the Community and Economic Development
Department amending the development agreement between the City and William
Rowand for property at the northwest corner of 8th Avenue and 20th
Street
It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by
Alderman Rockwell, to approve the development agreement amendment between the
City and William Rowand as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye
and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman
Brooks, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman
Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #20
Report from the Community and Economic Development
Department regarding a property acquisition at 1014 8th Avenue
It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by
Alderwoman Murphy, to approve the acquisition of property at 1014 8th Avenue 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 Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin;
those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #21
Report from the Community and Economic Development
Department regarding the sale of City- owned property at 413 21st Street.
It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by
Alderman Austin, to approve the sale of property at 413 21st Street
as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance, 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 Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin;
those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #22
Report from the Community and Economic Development
Department regarding a request for Special Use Permit at 734 20th
Street for the Rock Island County Children’s Advocacy Center
It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by
Alderman Rockwell, to allow for application of a Special Use Permit as recommended.
The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Pauley, Alderman
Rockwell, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #23
Report from the Community and Economic Development
Department regarding the Rental Rehabilitation VI Grant Application in
partnership with Project NOW
Alderman Rockwell moved and Alderman Austin seconded
to approve the application and authorize the City Manager to execute the grant
documents. The motion carried by the
following Aye and No vote: those voting
Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman
Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #24
Report from the Acting City Clerk regarding a plaza
activity permit for a concert/fundraiser for Travis Hearn that is being
sponsored by The Arena in The District on Saturday, October 21, from 2:00 p.m.
to 12:30 a.m.
It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by
Alderman Austin, to approve the plaza activity permit as recommended. The
motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Pauley, Alderman
Rockwell, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #25
Items
from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet
City
Manager Phillips offered that he and members of the City Council had been
involved in the goal-setting process on Friday and Saturday, with Lyle Sumek
serving as facilitator. Mayor
Schwiebert then reviewed the highlights of the two-day session, noting the
Council had set five-year goals and twelve-month action strategies to work
toward achieving those goals. He then
thanked Council members and staff for their input into this process.
Agenda
Item #26
Other
Business
Alderman
Austin asked Executive Director of Parks Nelson to provide an update on the
National Trails Symposium taking place next week in Davenport. Director Nelson stated the Symposium begins
on Thursday, October 19th and continues to Sunday, October 22nd. The Trails Symposium is held every two
years, and this year there are over 500 delegates pre-registered to
attend. Rock Island is fortunate to
have two cross-country trails that cross here.
The Parks Department will be conducting an on-site program on Thursday,
which includes a tour of the City’s trail amenities, the Kiwanis Trail, the
Rock River Trail, the cart paths at Saukie Golf Course, and concluding the tour
at BlackHawk State Park for a discussion on trolley parks.
Alderman
Dan Rockwell announced his intention to not seek re-election to serve as the 4th
Ward alderman. He cited increasing work
responsibilities and the possibility of a job relocation as the reasons. He thanked the voters of the 4th
Ward and others who have supported him.
Ametra
Carrol, Community Caring Conference, read a letter written to Officer Ibraham
Ramirez into the public record. The
letter was written on behalf of the Community Caring Conference, Longview
residents, and Alderman Terry Brooks.
In it they expressed their thanks for the work police officers do and
the dangers they face to keep the citizens safe. They noted their prayers are with Officer Ramirez and his family
and they are thankful he did not sustain any life-threatening injuries.
Agenda Item #34
Recess
It was moved by Alderman Brooks, seconded by
Alderwoman Murphy, to recess until 5:00 p.m. Monday, October 23rd. The motion carried by the following Aye and
No vote: those voting Aye being
Alderman Brooks, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Murphy, and
Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
The meeting was recessed at 7:45 p.m.
____________________________________
Karen
DeLathower, Acting City Clerk