The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 18, 2004, 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, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Dan Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White and Charles "Chuck" O. Austin. Alderman Ann Keefe was absent. Staff present included Public Works Director/Acting City Manager Bob Hawes, Finance Director Bill Scott, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, and Urban Planner Alan Fries. Others present included John Miller of R. V. Norene & Associates, and Dave Cahill of Eide Bailly.
John Miller, of R. V. Norene & Associates, discussed the Bond Sale that was completed at 11:00 a.m. on October 18. He noted that there were seven bids from all over the United States, and the bid was awarded to Harris Trust and Savings Bank of Chicago, with a Net Interest Rate of 3.193229%. He noted that the recent upgrade by Moody’s Investors from an A2 rating to A1 rating had a positive impact on the bidding. He reviewed the bids and responded to questions from Council.
Dave Cahill, of Eide Bailly, noted that this is the third year for them to be doing the audit for the City of Rock Island. He reviewed the format of the audit report, and explained the various sections of the report to Council. He noted that the comments made in the 2003 audit report have been addressed and most have been completely resolved. He stated that very few comments remain from previous years.
Alderman White noted a concern about City staff overseeing Parks and Library’s grants, and Alderman Bauersfeld asked what the purpose is of centralizing the grants. Mr. Cahill responded that the grants need to be recorded accurately, and the reporting is very important. He indicated that the Finance Department should be tracking the grants, noting that if the papers were not completed correctly, the grantor could require that the money be returned. He stated that the purpose of reporting the grants to Finance would be for record keeping. He added that this did not mean that Finance has to approve the grants, but should be given the information about them.
Alderman Bauersfeld asked how they could oversee the Library when it was actually under the state, and Mayor Schwiebert noted that the City has financial oversight. Mr. Cahill added that the City Manager does not have to approve the grants in some situations, but he should be made aware of them.
Public Works Director Bob Hawes responded to a question regarding the Wastewater Treatment Fund, noting that the Capital Improvement Plan proposal will be coming to Council in November, which shows a five-year projection of all utility funds. Alderman Bauersfeld asked about the note about the compensated absences. Mr. Hawes noted that this is being addressed in some instances with a maximum of time that can be saved from one year to the next, such as a maximum of 1.5 times accrued vacation time can remain at the end of any fiscal year.
An exchange of services was discussed as it regards the Parks Program. Bill Nelson, Park and Recreation Director, noted that, when they went out for proposals for moving soil, they had traded golf passes for services, and gave the company a letter of donation. He noted that this way they were able to accept a lower bid. Mr. Cahill stated that he would not encourage that type of transaction because it could be done off the books. He added that the golf passes need to be documented as an expense, and all transactions of this nature should be on the books.
NON-CONFORMING MULTI-FAMILY UNITS
Alan Carmen, Planning Administrator, and Alan Fries, Urban Planner, reviewed the report on the non-conforming multi-family units. Mr. Carmen indicated that Council requested this information after John Westmoreland requested a change in zoning for his building multi-family house. He stated that they rarely received requests such as this, and when they do, there are options such as rezoning, a Special Use Permit, or a variance if damage occurs that exceeds 50% of the fair market value.
He noted that Moline’s ordinance indicates that, if the footprint remains the same, it was legal when it was originally built, there is no increase in density, it meets the zoning setback and parking requirements, it is okay to rebuild.
Alderman Bauersfeld expressed concern about the financial ability of some people to build a single family house where a multi-family unit was if they were dependent on the rent from one or more of the units. Mr. Carmen responded that there are areas where multi-family units can be built without a problem – depending on the zoning, lot size and parking availability. It was indicated that fazing out some of the multi-family dwelling units would also increase the value of a neighborhood. Mr. Carmen noted that zoning fluctuates, and identified the Westmoreland situation as one example of this. Alderman Brooks stated that not every neighborhood is going to be single-family. Mr. Carmen stated that rezoning is an option for them and there are other options available.
Mayor Schwiebert summarized the report, stating that there is a mechanism in place already for multi-family dwellings, and Mr. Carmen noted that, if the trend changes to more requests of this nature, they will come back to Council with some options for change.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
_______________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 18, 2004, 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, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Dan Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White and Charles "Chuck" O. Austin. Alderman Ann Keefe was absent.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman Austin gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of October 11 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PUBLIC
HEARING
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:46 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on the Citizens Advisory Committee recommendations for fiscal year 2005-2006 Community Development Block Grant Funds.
Kevin Hird, Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee, reviewed the report and recommendations. He introduced the members of the committee, and commended staff for their assistance. He noted that the requests exceeded the amount of money they had to work with. He noted that they did deviate from Council direction regarding the King Center, adding that if they gave the King Cetner the full amount, there would be $8,100 left for all the other Social Service Agency requests. Jerry Jones, King Center Director, indicated the changes they would need to make if they were to receive only the amount being recommended. He noted they would have to cut some programs as well as the Maintenance Technician who oversees the evening and weekend events. When asked if a member of the group utilizing the King Center after hours could be responsible for locking up, etc. Mr. Jones stated that this has not been very successful, because they are not familiar with their alarm system, etc. He stated that they would need to cut their services, and added that these agencies generally are not charged for using the King Center during the week. Mayor Schwiebert commented that these agencies probably have the same struggles financially as the city does now. Mr. Jones noted that the rent paid by the agencies utilizing office space is not competitive, and they are looking at increasing this again. He stated that this money is to be used for future expansion of the facility.
Ann Corbi, Project NOW, spoke to Council regarding their housing programs. She indicated that they do housing rehabilitation, homeowner counseling and provide skill classes for homeowners. They also provide roofs and furnaces for other houses.
Rosalyn Sleet, 2221 11th Street, of the Project NOW Transportation Program, noted that they transport seniors to and from doctors and for grocery shopping. She indicated that this money is needed to keep the program going.
Gina Howell, St. Joseph Worker House, spoke about the work that they do in providing temporary shelter for a family or single mother who needs the shelter. She stated that there is one single lady living there now who is the hostess.
Gary Rowe, Bethany Program, discussed the program through which they provide supervised exchanges of children from a custodial parent to the non-custodial parent. He stated that this is better for all involved than the exchange occurring in the Police Station, or in the home when battery may be involved. He discussed the support they receive from the Justice System, and Mayor Schwiebert noted that he is familiar with it and it is a good program. He also noted that this is more of a Court Services function than the city’s function, and asked if the 14th Judicial Circuit Court has provided any monetary support. Mr. Rowe responded that they have not provided support as yet.
Sheila Rind, representing the Old town Chicago Neighborhood, asked for some consideration for the Old Chicago Neighborhood. She stated that new homes are being built in other neighborhoods and not in this one. She stated that the 11th Street entrance is a blighted area, and needs to be improved. Alderman Brooks stated that he is working with the Housing Authority and Economic Development to do some infill housing in this area.
There being nobody else who wished to speak at this time, Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:20 p.m. He noted that the Council will make their decision November 1.
Agenda Item #7
2407 6 AVENUE/HANDICAPPED
PARKING ELIMINATED
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance eliminating a Handicapped Parking Space in front of 2407 6th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amending a zoning district, changing the zoning of Highland Park Addition from an R-3 district to an R-2 district. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
The City Clerk read an Ordinance authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2004, of the City of Rock Island. Mayor Schwiebert discussed the new rating for the City, going from an A2 bond rating to an A1 bond rating. Following discussion, motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10a
FIREHOUSE COMPUTER
SYSTEMS/ANNUAL MAINTENANCE
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department recommending payment to Visionary Systems, Ltd. in the amount of $2,610.00 for the Firehouse Computer Systems Annual Maintenance.
Agenda Item #10b
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors in the amount of $23,536.25 for the Rock Island WTP Sludge Dechlorination.
Agenda Item #10c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors in the amount of $13,585.00 for the Parking garage Bracket Installation.
Agenda Item #10d
VALLEY CONSTRUCTION/2004 ASPHALT STREET MILLNG AND
PATCHING PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Valley Construction in the amount of $113,088.84 for the 2004 Asphalt Street Milling and Patching Program.
Agenda Item #10e
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Peeters Sod Company in the amount of $5,050.40 for the 2004 Sod and Tree Program.
Agenda Item #10f
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Ryan & Associates in the amount of $2,688.00 for emergency air conditioner repairs.
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White 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 #11
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of October 8 through 14 in the amount of $292,735.66. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman White to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
(Note: Alderman Conroy
returned to the meeting.)
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of September 27 through October 10 in the amount of $951,166.17. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
CHRISTY REFRACTORIES
COMPANY/FILTER PLATES, CONTOUR GASKETS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of filter plates and contour gaskets from Christy Refractories Company in the amount of $29,537.50. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the purchase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding the purchase of computer equipment for the Rental Housing Inspection Program, recommending the purchase of equipment from Hewlett Packard in the amount of $6,909, and from Varion Systems in the amount of $4,000. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the purchases and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
BRANDT CONSTRUCTION/4TH
AVENUE RESURFACING
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a bid for 4th Avenue Resurfacing, recommending the bid of Brandt Construction in the amount of $50,273.40. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld 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, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMUNITY
CENTER/ALCOHOL SERVICE ELIMINATED
The City Clerk read a report from the Martin Luther King Center regarding the alcohol service at the King Center, which was being done on a trial basis, recommending that the alcohol service be discontinued and the ordinance be repealed. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #17
824 9TH AVENUE/ROOF
DEFERRED PAYMENT 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 Roof Deferred Payment Loan in the amount of $5,599 at 824 9th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to commit $5,599 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
321 8TH STREET/ROOF
STANDARD PAYMENT LOAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for a commitment form the City Council for a Roof Standard Payment Loan in the amount of $5,269 at 321 8th Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to commit $5,269 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Public Works Director/Acting City Manager Bob Hawes indicated that free leaf bags are again available. He stated that they are available Monday through Friday in the Finance Department of City Hall and at Public Works, 1309 Mill Street from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They are also available on Saturdays only at the Yard Waste Collection area – 1301 Mill Street from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. He noted that they should not tape the bags, but should leave them open, because some tape is not biodegradable. He stated that Monday (today) was the first day of Leaf Collection, and added that any paper bags can be used.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Brooks stated that some people have been questioning the Liquor Policy requiring Convenience Stores to stop selling alcohol at 1:00 a.m. He stated that it applied to all convenience stores and not just those in specific areas.
Alderman Rockwell discussed the Adopt A Unit program, noting that the public is invited to attend a reception for forty of the members of National Guard Unit 2-123 who will be leaving October 26. This event begins at 7:30 and is being held at the VFW Post 1303 on 9th Street. He encouraged attendance to support these young men and women who will be fighting for our country.
Alderman Rockwell noted that a larger event is being planned for early November for the remainder of this group who will be leaving in November. He added that there are pocket prayers and pocket flags available in the Office of the City Clerk, and encouraged people to stop by and write their name and address o n these. They will then be given to one of the unit members to keep in their uniform pocket to know that someone is thinking about them.
Mr. Hawes noted that Saturday, October 23 is the Public Works Open House and reviewed some of the activities that will be occurring there from 9:30 a.m. to Noon.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Monday, October 25 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Voice vote. The meeting was recessed at 7:35 p.m.
__________________________________ Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk