The Rock Island City Council met for Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 20, 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, Ann L. Keefe and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. (Alderman Evelyn R. White arrived at approximately 6:20 p.m.)Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, Public Works Department Director Bob Hawes, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Finance Director Bill Scott, Information Management Services Director Claire Dubuisson, Fire Chief Jerry Shirk, RIPD Captain Don Reichert, Library Director Ava Ketter and Planning Administrator Alan Carmen.
City Manager John C. Phillips distributed additional information related to the CDBG Hearings that would be held during the regular meeting. The City Clerk distributed copies of Agenda Item #12e, which had an error in the original report, and also a clear copy of the attachments to Agenda Item #17.
City Manager John C. Phillips noted that staff has been preparing their budgets, and they anticipate that there will be a shortage of about $580,000 in revenues this year. He stated that everyone is in the same position – cities and governmental agencies all over the country are experiencing this. He noted that the City is in good financial position with the reserve policies in place. He noted that there were three lists of options for Council to review. The list on the green sheets are options being recommended for consideration; the list on the pink sheet contains includes options that need further study if Council is interested in considering them; and the list on the white sheet are those options that are not being recommended for consideration. He noted that some of the options would have an impact on city services.
Alderman Bauersfeld stated that he reviewed the information, and noted that the options pertain to significant increases in revenues and fees for the citizens, but they do not reflect cuts in spending by staff, which is what the public is looking for. Council reviewed the lists of options without making any final decisions, but did ask questions of staff. They also requested additional information on several of the options for future discussion and consideration. Alderman Conroy stated that the ambulance fee should take care of the ambulance costs. Council also suggested that the ambulance fee increases not wait until the budget gets passed for the change. They did ask for more information regarding the net fee, and also what other cities in the area charge. Fire Chief Jerry Shirk responded to questions, and noted that one fee they would like to implement is for medical calls when the patient is treated on site and not transported. An ordinance amendment will be needed to make the fee changes.
In regard to the option of establishing a Hazardous Materials Registry, Council requested more information such as the cost per business, what would be considered hazardous materials, etc. The Fire Department will provide that information.
The question about the Parks paying time and a half for the Police Officers was discussed. Captain Reichert stated Parks and Police are looking at the possibility of having an on-duty officer assigned to Parks who will be paid regular pay rather than overtime pay. Alderman White asked why they had to have overtime pay when they were working at another City facility. Mr. Phillips responded that the law requires anyone working more than forty hours to be paid overtime, and these officers were working their regular shift and then working off-duty hours for Parks.
Alderman Keefe noted that the Park and Library Boards would have to approve the options for these departments. Alderman White stated that the Library Board has already met earlier in the day and would be meeting again Tuesday to review these suggestions. Both Boards will prepare reports for Council. Alderman Keefe stated that something has to be done about the refuse and leaf collection. Mayor Schwiebert stated that he would like to see less hardship placed on the residents and businesses with increases in fees for services, but would not be opposed to increasing fines.
ILLINOIS 92 CORRIDOR PLAN
Greg Champagne, Community and Economic Development Department Director, and Bob Hawes, Public Works Department Director, reviewed the information regarding the Illinois 92 Corridor Study. Mr. Champagne noted that there are two alternatives, and went on to explain each of them. He noted that a meeting was held for Keystone residents, and they preferred the second option. That is for the continuation of the two-way street system to come into Rock Island at 38th Street from Moline. The intersection at 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue in Rock Island at 38th Street would be converted for two-lane traffic.
Mr. Champagne noted that there is a lot of work to be done on this plan by the City of Moline. The Moline Planning Commission will discuss it in December, and the Moline Council will discuss it in January. Alderman Bauersfeld and Mayor Schwiebert noted that it is important for both cities to work together on this project.
ADJOURNMENT
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 20, 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.
INTRODUCTORY PROCEEDINGS
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 Forlini and seconded by Alderman Keefe to approve the Minutes of the meeting of October 13 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
This presentation was deferred to October 27.
Agenda Item #7
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring October 20 as “Weatherization Day” in the City of Rock Island.
Agenda Item #8
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring October 25 as “Make a Difference Day” in the City of Rock Island.
Agenda Item #9
WORLD
POPULATION AWARENESS WEEK/OCTOBER 20 – 25
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring October 20 to 25 as “World Population Awareness Week” in the City of Rock Island.
PUBLIC
HEARING
Agenda Item #10
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:50 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing regarding the Community Development Block Grant fund allocations. He explained the process for this
hearing, noting that the Chair would review the decisions of the Citizens Advisory Committee, followed by input from the audience. He stated that the Council would be asking questions, but the decision would be made November 3 at the Council meeting.
Linda Dothard, Chairwoman of the CAC, along with Kevin Hird, Vice Chairman, presented the CAC decisions. Ms. Dothard commended the members of the CAC for their service and diligence in making these decisions. She also commended staff members Lisa Garrison and Alan Carmen. Ms. Dothard announced that she does not wish to be reappointed to this committee after serving seventeen years on it. She stated that she was going to retire last year, but decided to stay until her term expires this year. She stated that there are other people in Rock Island with an interest in this who should be given the opportunity to serve on the committee. Alderman Bauersfeld and Mayor Schwiebert both commended Ms. Dothard for her many years of service on this committee.
Ms. Dothard reviewed the funding decisions of the CAC. Mr. Hird explained the reasons the CAC did chose not to allocate funds to some organizations. Ms. Dothard stated that they tried to stay within the guidelines of the City Council, and allocate the 15% to Social Service agencies. She noted that, if they had given the King Center the amount they were requesting, there would only be $300.00 left for all the other agencies.
Ms. Dothard discussed the Metro Youth Program, pointing out that volunteers run this program without any paid staff. All funding goes to the youth of that program. Alan Carmen stated that the total for this year is the same as last year, and final confirmation on the amount will be received in January. Alderman Keefe asked if there were other sources of funding for the code enforcement and city housing programs. Mr. Carmen stated that there might be some in the General Fund. Alderman Keefe asked if the guidelines that have been adopted could be changed. Mr. Carmen responded that Social Services cannot exceed 15%, and that is a Federal regulation that cannot be changed.
Paul Guse, speaking for his wife, Sheila, who was unable to be present, discussed the Special Education Class at Rock Island High School. He asked that Council consider allocating some of the funds to this group because there are life skills and job skills taught here. He noted that it was suggested that they contact other organizations. Mr. Guse stated that letters have been sent out to these organizations but no responses have been received. He suggested that Council members call his wife at 793-5950, Extension 1118 if they have any questions.
Ann Curry, Project NOW Housing Director, spoke about their program, stating that they hope to be funded at the same level as last year so they can continue to expand. Sonita Oldfield-Carlson, 844 43rd Street, spoke about the WVIK Augustana Public Radio System. She discussed the number of persons who benefit from this station. She noted that they use volunteers to read newspapers and other various articles of interest over the radio to the disabled persons living in the area.
Ken Martin, Director of the Metro Youth Program, stated that they have been in service for nineteen years. He noted that some people think they only have a Drill Team. He stated that the Drill Team is what attracts the youth to the program. He suggested that the Council members be in the King Center Parade in August to show their support for the Center as well as for the Metro Youth. He spoke about the various drill team competitions they have entered and the emphasis that is put on the behavior of the youth at these events.
Mayor Schwiebert closed the public hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:40 p.m.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to Ron Day to operate a vehicle towing, repair and sales service business, to include outside storage, at 400 9th Street. A motion was made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Forlini to consider suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance. Alderman Conroy made a motion to amend the ordinance with Number 6 – that the Landscape Plan as submitted by the applicant, be completed within one year. Alderman Keefe seconded the motion.
Alderman White asked Mr. Day how he planned to keep the growth from coming up in the parking lot. Mr. Day stated that he plans to seal coat, tar and patch the parking lot area. He also noted that he would begin the landscaping plan, but was not sure how much he could have completed in one year. Alderman White asked how he would manage the fence around the house. George Henderson, 1318 14th Street, and uncle of Yolanda Atwood, spoke to Council about the fence. He stated that the plans did not include anything to fence off the house. He stated that there is a fence there, and Ms. Atwood stated that her children could climb over it. Ms. Atwood stated that something has to be done to keep her children in their yard.
Ray Berger, Attorney for Mr. Day, stated that they believe the fence is a divider between the two properties. Mr. Day stated that putting in a continuing fence on that side would cost more money, and it was suggested that perhaps the property owner would be willing to share the cost of that portion of the fence.
Mr. Day stated that he was not planning to make the neighborhood look worse, but rather to improve it. Mr. Berger added that the homeowner purchased the property as it was, next to a vacant lot. He also noted that the Special Use Permit was for R & K, Inc. rather than for Ron Day. City Attorney John Konecky read the ordinance with the suggested changes for clarification.
Following further discussion, the motion to amend CARRIED on a Voice vote. The motion to consider, suspend the rules and pass the ordinance, as amended, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12a
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department recommending payment to Visionary Systems in the amount of $2,601.00 for the Firehouse Computer Systems Annual Maintenance.
Agenda Item #12b
VALLEY
CONSTRUCTION/2003 ASPHALT STREET MILLING, PATCHING PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Valley Construction in the amount of $122,609.19 for the 2003 Asphalt Street Milling and Patching Program Project.
Agenda Item #12c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Abonmarche Consultants in the amount of $21,200.00 for design services as part of the Marina Master Plan Phase 1B.
Agenda Item #12d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brandt Construction in the amount of $226,507.95 for the 17th Street Resurfacing of 25th to 31st Avenues.
Agenda Item #12e
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors in the amount of $28,593.90 for the Franciscan & Saukie Excess Flow Basin Project.
Agenda Item #12f
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors in the amount of $3,612.20 for the removal of existing services at 20th Street and Third Avenue.
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell 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 #13
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of October 10 through 16 in the amount of $609,948.97. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the claims 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 payroll for the weeks of September 29 through October 12 in the amount of $905,616.26.
|
GENERAL FUND |
$613,137.31 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #1 DOWNTOWN |
3,345.45 |
|
TIF
DISTRICT #2 S 11 Street |
182.91 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #3 N 11 Street |
182.89 |
|
KING CENTER |
3,177.07 |
|
FEDERAL COPS GRANT |
4,133.54 |
|
COMMUNITY DEV. BLOCK GRANT |
20,262.87 |
|
LIBRARY |
40,572.40 |
|
ELDERLY SERVICES CONTRIBUTIONS |
451.25 |
|
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS |
8,512.65 |
|
WATER |
53,184.72 |
|
SEWER |
38,882.02 |
|
COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC DEV. |
6,600.53 |
|
BRIDGE |
1,263.36 |
|
SUSNET MARINA |
7,981.18 |
|
PARK AND RECREATION |
69,046.16 |
|
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE |
23,446.10 |
|
SELF INSURANCE |
1,905.94 |
|
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE |
972.73 |
|
MLK ACTIVITY FUND |
4,952.69 |
|
DRUG PREVENTION |
3,422.49 |
|
TOTAL |
$905,616.26 |
A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to allow the payroll 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 Public Works Department regarding state bids for the joint purchase of rock salt for the winter season, recommending the bid of North American Salt Company in the amount of $32.25 per ton. Alderman Rockwell asked how they arrived at the estimate of 2500 tons, and Public Works Director Bob Hawes responded and explained their process. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to authorize participation in the state bid for the purchase 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 Joint Purchasing Council bids for the purchase of water repair clamps, recommending the bid of Water Products of Aurora in the amount of $3,927.95. A motion was made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to authorize participation in the state bid for the purchase as recommended. Alderman Keefe stated that this was not a state bid, but rather a purchase. Following discussion, Alderman Forlini and Rockwell withdrew their motion and second. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to authorize purchase of water repair clamps form Water Products of Aurora in the amount of $3,927.95 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 Cost Recovery Corporation, recommending that Council authorize staff to negotiate a final contract with them for electricity and natural gas. Alderman Forlini and Alderman Bauersfeld stated that they became interested in this company at the Municipal League Conference last year and visited them again this year. They brought this information back to staff and were glad to see that it was being considered. Alderman Forlini asked how long the 50% goes on. Mr. Hawes stated that there are several areas they want to clarify and questions they have. He clarified that they will only be looking at the bills to determine whether or not the charges have been correct. Alderman Rockwell stated that he is familiar with this company and he supports it. He indicated that they have a knack for finding any discrepancies.
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to authorize staff to negotiate the final contract and bring back to Council for final approval as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
GOULET/VACATION
OF SEWER EASEMENT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a request from Dan Goulet for a vacation of a sewer easement. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to allow the vacation of 2.5 feet of the existing sewer easement as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #19
2803
25 AVENUE/ROOF DEFERRED PAYMENT LOAN
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment from Council in the amount of $3,388.00 for a Roof Deferred Payment Loan at 2803 25th Avenue.
A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to commit $3,388.00 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 #20
1836
7 STREET/PRL PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment from Council in the amount of $18,936.00 for an Emergency PRL Program at 1836 7th Street. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Keefe to commit $18,936.00 as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
LIBRARY
BOARD/APPOINTMENTS
The City Clerk read a memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending the new appointments of Kay Coin and Eudell Watts to the Library Board. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Forlini to approve the appointments as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ITEMS
FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
MANAGEMENT
REPORT
Finance Director Bill Scott reviewed the September 2003 Management Report. He stated that there are some challenges with the revenues, but the report noted that there have been fewer expenses than budgeted for, which might help offset the loss of revenues. He discussed some of the highlights of the report, and noted that there should be some new projections coming from the Illinois Municipal League soon.
Alderman Bauersfeld asked if the updated spreadsheet could be used on computer modeling during budget discussions. Mr. Scott indicated that it could. Alderman Bauersfeld also expressed his appreciation for the follow-up report on the Audit presentation.
MISCELLANEOUS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
Mr. Phillips called attention to the Council meeting with the Rock Island/Milan School Board at the Rock Island High School Library on November 10 at 5:00 p.m. He noted that the regular meeting would be held at Council Chambers at 6:45 p.m.
Mr. Phillips noted the information on the Animal Shelter, noting that the current Animal Control Officers would assist with the abandoned vehicles, which would increase the number of fines issued for abandoned vehicles.
Mr. Phillips also called attention to the information about the 2003 Project Status Report, and the letter from Maximus regarding the joint meeting (scheduled for October 21) that has been canceled with the City of Moline.
OTHER
BUSINESS - COUNCIL
Alderman White stated that a resident in her Ward called her with concerns about selling a house. She indicated that she could not get a loan because the City would not allow her to build that house on that property. Alan Carmen, Planning Administrator, responded and explained what he thought the person had been referring to. He noted that the standards have not changed, but the banks have shifted their standards. Alderman Bauersfeld asked for a report with clarification on this subject. Mayor Schwiebert suggested that perhaps some exceptions could be addressed in the ordinance.
Alderman White commended staff for putting the new business on Fourth Avenue as a Special Use. She stated that the Old Chicago area has some beautiful houses, and the houses around this business location have been renovated.
Alderman Rockwell asked about the burning on Sunday, noting that he received calls about people burning. He also stated that the number to call is 732-BURN (732-2876). Fire Chief Jerry Shirk stated that Sunday was not a burn day, but they had a number of calls. He stated that there were so many calls to 911 that the calls were then transferred to the Central Fire Station, and a firefighter in a city vehicle drove around with a fire extinguisher to respond to the calls.
Kathleen Connell, 2725 30th Avenue, stated that she placed about six or seven calls about leaf burning Sunday. She indicated that the enforcement is not strong enough, and one property she called about was burning for three hours. She stated that it is not a matter of education, because people know what the burn ordinance is. She stated that the grace period is up and fines should be issued. Chief Shirk stated that they give warnings, and allow the person to put out the fire once it has burned down rather than use water and create more smoke. He stated that they do not issue a lot of tickets, and the public education is important. Ms. Connell stated that they need to be diplomatic with the first burn and the second time, a ticket should be issued. She also indicated that something has to be done about the ashes left in the street, because some of them are there until the snow melts in the spring. She suggested that people be required to get a permit to burn and that they sign a document saying that they are aware of the rules.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, October 27 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 8:45 p.m.
____________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk