NOTE: There was no 5:00 Study Session preceding this meeting.

 

            The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, October 21, 2002, n the Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall.  Present were Mayor Pro-Tem/Terry M. A. Brooks I, presiding, and Aldermen David R. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Vern L. Winter, Beth Y. Mahlo and Frank J. Forlini, Jr.   Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert and Alderman Evelyn “Evie” White were absent. 

 

INTRODUCTORY PROCEEDINGS

 

            Mayor Pro-tem Brooks called the meeting to Order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.  Alderman Conroy gave the Invocation.  A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Forlini to approve the Minutes of the meeting of October 14, 2002, as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

PROCLAMATIONS

 

Agenda Item #6

“MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY”/OCTOBER 20

 

            Mayor Pro-tem Brooks called attention to a proclamation declaring October 20 as “Make A Difference Day.”

 

Agenda Item #7

“RED RIBBON WEEK”/OCTOBER 21 THROUGH 26

 

            Mayor Pro-tem Brooks called attention to a proclamation declaring October 21 through 26 as “Red Ribbon Week.”

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

Agenda Item #8

SPECIAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT/2035 9 STREET

 

            Mayor Pro-tem Brooks closed the regular meeting at 6:55 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Sidney Heard for an amendment to a Special Use Permit to add signs, a walk-in freezer addition and to allow an interior dine-in area.

 

            Sidney Heard, 2035 9th Street, reviewed her request and responded to questions from Council.  Alderman Bauersfeld questioned the number of signs on both the west and the south side of the business. Ms. Heard responded that the building is on a corner, and the signs will make it more visible from both approaches.  Alderman asked about the size of the eat-in portion of the business.  Ms. Heard clarified that the 10’ x 12’ area is the portion they are adding on, and will also be using part of the existing building for this.  Alderman Mahlo asked about the number of signs, and Ms. Heard explained that the signs were not all square signs, but rather the neon lettering is considered a separate sign although they will be just words on the building. 

 

There were no opponents to the request.

 

            Mayor Pro-tem Brooks closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:05  p.m.  A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Mahlo to approve the request for the Special Use Permit amendment as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #9

CDBG/FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS

 

            Mayor Pro-tem Brooks closed the regular meeting at 7:06 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on the recommendations by the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for the use of the CDBG funds for fiscal year 2003/2004.

 

            Linda Dotthard, Chairperson of the CAC, spoke to Council about the difficulty they had in making their decisions due to the shortage of funds and the additions in the requests.  She expressed appreciation to the Co-Chair Kevin Hird and other committee members as well as staff persons Alan Carmen and Glenda Simons of the Planning Division.  She stated that there was a total reduction in funding of $193,000.00. She explained the decisions made by the committee, noting that they did reduce some of the funding for the city requests.  She stated that they were equally concerned about cutting staff from the city as well as from the private sector because of the lack of funding, but felt that the cuts needed to be equally shared by all. 

 

            Alderman Mahlo stated that she and other Council members appreciated everything that the committee has done, recognizing the long hours they put in to make these decisions. Alderman Bauersfeld noted that one of the policy directives was to fund the King Center at their requested amount.  Ms. Dotthard responded that they recognized this, but also felt that everybody has to suffer with the reductions, and felt that everyone should have to absorb the cuts.  Alderman Winter noted that one of the priorities has been on youth, and asked about the funding levels of the SAFER Foundation and Project NOW.  Ms. Dotthard responded that they were trying to spread the money around, noting that Churches United, Rainbow and Youth Service Bureau all work with the youth.  She noted that the entire community was represented with the recommended allocations.

 

            Alderman Mahlo asked staff if there is a chance that there will be more money later.  Alan Carmen, Planning Administrator, responded that the Commerce Department might use two different census figures, which could change the funds. He added, however, that there is not much hope for additional money coming in for CDBG funds.

 

            Alderman Bauersfeld asked City Manager John Phillips if he would be taking $15,000 from the budget to fund the King Center with their requested amount, and Mr. Phillips stated that is a policy decision that Council will have to make.  He indicated that he would look  at the King Center budget again to see if there are any further cuts that can be made.  He also noted that the King Center has kept their request for CDBG funds fairly stable over the years, but the money is needed to maintain the programs and building for the multi-uses by the community.

 

            Ms. Dotthard announced that this is her last year serving on the Citizens Advisory Committee, as she has other responsibilities that will be require her to do more traveling out of town. 

 

            Ann Corbi, 629 Brown Street, Davenport, IA, of Project NOW, spoke in support of the complete funding of the Project NOW Request.  She reviewed the reason for the request, stating that they have brought in a lot of Federal money to the community, and Douglas Park neighborhood is one of their goals this coming year.  She noted that they plan to rehab the houses and also work with the families on budgeting and other issues.  She stated that they provide numerous programs for the residents of Rock Island with no help from the city.  She asked that Council consider funding Project NOW with the $20,000.00 as requested.

 

            Chris Kelly, 1911 Valley Vista Drive, of Family Resources, and Mary VandeVoorde, 1624 14 ˝ Street, Rock Island, and a Board Member of Family Resources, spoke to Council about their request for the mediations program.  Ms. Kelly noted that they have served more than their estimated number of clients and students each year.  She stated that they have made good use of their money, and spoke of the benefits of the mediation program among the students. 

 

Alderman Mahlo asked if the schools contribute anything for the program, and Ms. Kelly stated that the lower income schools do not contribute anything, but some of the other schools pay a fee for the service.  She noted that no schools have paid this year.  Mayor Pro-tem Brooks asked what they are doing at Rock Island High School.  Ms. Kelly responded that they have an assembly scheduled that will reach all students, and then they will be working with ten students for a six to eight week program one hour per week with the mediation person.  If needed, there will also be one on one counseling sessions for selected students.  She stated that they were not at Rock Island High School last year.

 

Don Wooten, 1034 23rd Street, representing WVIK Radio, requested that Council consider them for the requested $2000.00.  He noted that they operate primarily with volunteers, and the money is used for a part-time volunteer coordinator.  He stated that it is an Augustana College Public Radio Station, but noted that they pay all their own expenses.  He reviewed the services provided by the station and its volunteers, noting that he believes it to be a life-enhancing service for the community.

 

            As nobody else wished to speak at this time, Mayor Pro-tem Brooks closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:40 p.m.  He noted that the decision on this funding would be made at the November 4 Council Meeting.

 

ORDINANCES

 

Agenda Item #10

FLOODPLAIN AREA/BUILDING REGULATIONS

 

            The City Clerk read an Ordinance amending Chapter 11, regulating building in the floodplain areas.  A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Winter to pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #11

EASEMENT RESERVATION/VACATION

 

            The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance vacating an easement reservation at 2402 30th Street.  A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Winter to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

CLAIMS

 

Agenda Item #12a

WALKER PARKING CONSULTANTS/PARKING STRUCTURE RESTORATION

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Walker Parking Consultants in the amount of $7,280.19 for the 16th Street and Third Avenue Parking Structure Restoration.

 

Agenda Item #12b

MISSMAN, STANLEY AND ASSOCIATES/42 AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION

 

The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman, Stanley and Associates in the amount of $3,434.50 for the 42nd Avenue Reconstruction project.

 

Agenda Item #12c

MISSMAN, STANLEY AND ASSOCIATES/30 AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION

 

The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman, Stanley and Associates in the amount of $8,123.50 for the 30th Avenue Reconstruction West of 30th Street.

           

Agenda Item #12d

MISSMAN, STANLEY AND ASSOCIATES/43 STREET RECONSTRUCTION

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman, Stanley and Associates in the amount of $6,519.00 for the 43rd Street Reconstruction.

 

Agenda Item #12e

FRANK PEETERS SOD COMPANY/2002 SOD AND TREE PROGRAM.

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Frank Peeters Sod Company in the amount of $5,074.00 for the 2002 Sod and Tree Program.

 

Agenda Item #12f

BRANDT CONSTRUCTION/THIRD AVENUE RESURFACING PROJECT

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brandt Construction in the amount of $188,767.56 for the Third Avenue Resurfacing Project.

 

Agenda Item #12g

R. A. OLDEEN/ROCK ISLAND ARMORY ROOF REPAIR PROJECT

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to R. A. Oldeen in the amount of $36,000.00 for the Rock Island Armory Roof Repair Project.

 

            A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Forlini to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #13

OCTOBER 11 THROUGH 17

 

            The City Clerk read the claims for the week of October 11 through 17 in the amount of $1,242,225.75.  A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

PAYROLL

 

Agenda Item #14

SEPTEMBER 30 THROUGH OCTOBER 13

 

            The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of September 30 through October 13 in the amount of $854,774.69.

 

GENERAL FUND

$576,814.27

COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

40.90

KING CENTER

2,907.73

FEDERAL COPS GRANT

3,866.99

COMM. DEV. BLOCK GRANT

19,320.02

LIBRARY

38,618.60

ELDERLY SERVICE CONTRIBUTION

278.83

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

15,719.29

WATER

51,580.68

SEWER

36,140.37

BRIDGE

7,489.26

SUNSET MARINA

7,321.16

PARK AND RECREATION

60,472.11

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

21,804.50

SELF INSURANCE

1,552.99

EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE

561.79

CAFETERIA PLAN

2,441.82

MLK ACTIVITY FUND

4,583.91

DRUG PREVENTION

3,259.47

TOTAL

$854,774.69

 

            A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #15

ARTHUR GALLAGHER/INSURANCE

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Arthur Gallagher in the amount of $4,353.00 for excess garage liability and garage keeper insurance coverage.  A motion remained on the floor from September 23, made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Mahlo to deny the payment.

 

            Troy Larson, Personnel Assistant, responded to questions from Council.  He stated that the $4,353.00 would be for one year.  Alderman Winter clarified that the $100,000 obligation would not be a part of the insurance plan.  Alderman Bauersfeld noted that the $4,353.00 would be better than the hold harmless agreement, since that agreement would not be able to cover every potential “victim.”  At this time, Alderman Mahlo withdrew her second to the motion, but then decided to withhold the withdrawal since nobody else seconded the motion.  Alderman Bauersfeld suggested that the $4,353.00 option be accepted and then the cost split among the customers.  Bob Hawes, Public Works Director, stated that they had not yet contacted the clients, and they would not want to pay the premium unless they were assured that the clients are willing to share the additional cost.  Alderman Winter noted that the clients would be protected by their own workers comp insurance as well as general liability insurance. 

 

            Alderman Bauersfeld suggested that they purchase the Garage Liability insurance but not the Garage Keepers insurance.  Alderman Mahlo then withdrew her second to the original motion, and there was no other second.  Motion failed for lack of a second.

 

            A motion made by Alderman Mahlo and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to pay the $263.00 premium for the garage liability insurance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #16

BRIDGES CATERING/EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding bids for the Employee Holiday Luncheon, recommending the bid of Bridges Catering Service in the amount of $2,625.00, based on 350 people.  A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Mahlo to award the bid as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: Alderman Winter.

 

TRAFFIC ENGINEERING/PARKING

 

Agenda Item #17

2619 8 ˝ AVENUE/HANDICAPPED PARKING REMOVED

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Linda Verschoore for the removal of a handicapped parking space in front of 2619 8 ˝ Avenue.  A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Mahlo to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

Agenda Item #18

1445 41 STREET/HANDICAPPED PARKING REMOVED

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Robert Huffman for the removal of a handicapped parking space in front of 1445 41 Street.  A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Mahlo to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

LICENSES/PERMITS

 

Agenda Item #19

38 AVENUE COURT, 12 – 14 STREET/SOUND AMPLIFICATION, STREET CLOSING

 

            The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request to close off 38th Avenue Court from 12th to 14th Street and for a Sound Amplification for a neighborhood block party on October 25, with a rain date of October 26, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Winter to approve the Sound Amplification and street closing CARRIED on a Voice vote.  AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

ITEMS FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM

 

            City Manager John C. Phillips reminded residents that this is Clean Up Week, and also about the Marina Master Plan Study which will be discussed on Wednesday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Center Community Room.

 

OTHER BUSINESS

 

            There was no Other Business.

 

RECESS

 

            A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Mahlo to recess to Monday, October 28, 2002, at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, Mahlo and Forlini.  NAYS: None.

 

            The meeting was recessed at 8:00 p.m.

 

                        _________________________________

                        Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk