The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 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, r., Daniel Rockwell and Ann L. Keefe. Aldermen John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Evelyn "Evie" R. White and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. were absent. Staff members present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Finance Director Bill Scott, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, Police Chief Terry Dove, Fire Chief Jerry Shirk, along with representatives of the Police and Fire Pension Boards. Also present were Tim Sharpe, Actuary, and Don Stanforth, Pension Board Investment Counselor.
City Manager John Phillips reminded Council members about the meeting Thursday evening at the Rock Island Arsenal regarding the Bridge Update. He distributed a memo from Chief Dove regarding the proposal from the District to have Second Avenue closed at 10:00 each night throughout the year. He noted that there were two items scheduled for discussion, along with an Executive Session if time allowed.
Finance Director Bill Scott introduced Actuary Tim Sharpe. Mr. Sharpe discussed the two pension funds – Police and Fire – and noted that they are 60% funded. He stated that this has been a bad year, but he commended the city for funding these pension funds as they have. He indicated that they have 12 years of funds on hand, and the cost to the city last year was about two million dollars for both funds. He expects a 15% to 20% increase in pension funds. He noted that the pension funds have both gone up since September, and reached 8% as predicted so things may be turning around.
Mr. Sharpe explained the thirty
years that is allowed to pay off the unfounded liability. He stated that the State Statute requires
this, and they typically change it as the time gets closer. Mr. Phillips noted that these fund costs
will be added into the Tax Levy and budget for the coming year.
HOMELAND
SECURITY
Chief of Police Terry Dove updated the City Council on the Homeland Security training and preparation by the Police Department and other area groups. He stated that Illinois is one of the top three states in response preparation for acts of terrorism. He stated that Rock Island is very fortunate to have General Wade McManus at the Arsenal and he has started having bi-weekly intelligence meetings. He stated that he receives e-mails providing a daily military update and agency-wide information is shared regularly.
Chief Dove noted that terrorism-related training has been ongoing from November 2001 to present. He stated that the training and education is practical, focused and effective, and is given to the line officer as well as the Chief. He discussed the training that has already taken place for the Rock Island Police Department, noting that a total of 1048 hours of terrorism-related training has been completed from November 1 to present.
He discussed the Illinois Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Governing Board, which has the responsibility for drafting the strategy for the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System for the Illinois Terrorism Task Force. He explained the alarm system that has been created and is currently in the implementation process. He indicated that the ILEAS is statewide and provides immediate extra law enforcement manpower and equipment at the scene of law enforcement emergencies.
Chief Dove noted that the ILEMA Governing Board has authorized Personal Protective Equipment for every law enforcement officer throughout the state. This is a respirator mask and filter to be used as a means of
Chief Dove discussed the Statewide Terrorism Intelligence Center and the communications. He noted that there is currently a problem of interoperability since the currently systems will not allow communication with other public safety agencies in the event of an emergency. There is a Communications Bus that has been built through donations and funding from cities in the Illinois Quad Cities. This bus contains equipment that will communicate with each police and fire agency in the area and has the capacity for multiple dispatchers to work form the bus. This bus is housed at the Moline Public Works Department and is available to any agency when needed or requested.
Chief Dove noted that there has been a lot of training taking place as well as other areas being addressed like the information sharing, communications, equipment acquisition, and participation in and leadership roles in State Terrorism Task Forces, but more remains to be done. He also stated that the communication system has passed its life expectancy. He stated that they are looking at options, and new technology, and will be preparing a report with various options and recommendations for Council.
Fire Chief Jerry Shirk reviewed the training the Fire Department has had. He talked about the Hazardous Materials Team, noting that they now have sixteen to twenty people trained. Previously, the Arsenal Team had to be called for Hazardous Material problems, and the Fire Department did what they could to assist them. He stated that the cooperation between the area departments is good. He noted that the area departments are sharing resources as well as information. He added that the Fire Department and Police Department personnel in Rock Island work together well also.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Executive Session on a matter of Litigation CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS: None. The meeting was recessed at 6:35 p.m.
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Keefe to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
_________________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met for regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 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, r., Daniel Rockwell and Ann L. Keefe. Aldermen John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Evelyn (Evie) R. White and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. were absent.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to Order, led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the Minutes of the meeting of October 20 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert and City Manager John C. Phillips presented the Employee Recognition Award to Barb Jerrett of the Community and Economic Development Department.
Agenda Item #7
5103
11 STREET/WAIVER OF SIGNATURE FOR LIQUOR LICENSE
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:50 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from the Fraternal Order of Eagles for a waiver of the signature requirement for a Liquor License at 5103 11th Street.
Lyle Braun, 1808 Elm Street, Davenport, Iowa, Past President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, along with Robert Shipp, 2519 4th Street, Moline, Current President, spoke to Council regarding their request. Mr. Shipp noted that they moved from their previous location at 3030 7th Avenue to 5103 11th Street, and need a liquor license at this location for their members as well as the public. He stated that they have been in Rock Island for ninety-eight years, and are a not-for-profit organization. He indicated that they hold fund-raisers, rent out their facility for receptions and currently do not have food preparation. He added that they hope to be able to expand at this location and have food preparation later.
Alderman White arrived at 7:00
p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:03 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recommend to the Liquor Commissioner that he approve the Liquor License CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ORDINANCE
Agenda Item #8
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance vacating a sewer easement at 1426 31st Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Keefe to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9a
The City Clerk read a report from the Finance Department recommending payment to Moody’s Investor Service in the amount of $4,000.00 for professional services in connection with the sale of the General Obligation Bonds.
Agenda Item #9b
The City Clerk read a report from the Finance Department recommending payment to KMZ Rosenman in the amount of $8,580.00 for legal services in connection with the sale of the General Obligation Bonds.
Agenda Item #9c
GENERAL
CONSTRUCTORS/BACKWASH TANK OVERFLOW SEWER EXTENSIONS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors in the amount of $5,241.62 for the Backwash Tank Overflow Sewer Extensions.
Agenda Item #9d
GENERAL
CONSTRUCTORS/SUNSET MARINA UPLAND IMPROVEMENTS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors in the amount of $159,085.32 for the Sunset Marina Upland Improvements.
Agenda Item #9e
LANGMAN
CONSTRUCTION/
SUNSET
MARINA DREDGE MATERIAL PIT PREPARATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Langman Construction in the amount of $28,293.24 for work done on the Sunset Marina Dredge Material Pit Preparation.
Alderman White asked where the dredge materials would be placed, and Public Works Director Bob Hawes responded that they would be placed in the pit, adding that it is good black dirt that can be used for planting. Alderman Rockwell asked about the time line for this project, and Mr. Hawes stated that they would be opening the bids next week, with the bids to come to Council for contract approval.
A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
OCTOBER
17 THROUGH 23
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of October 17 through 23 in the amount of $644,840.89. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
BIDS/PURCHASES
Agenda Item #11
MIDWEST
BREATHING AIR SYSTEMS/BREATHING AIR COMPRESSOR
The City Clerk read a report from the Fire Department regarding the bid opening for one Breathing Air Compressor, recommending the bid of Midwest Breathing Air Systems in the amount of $21,697.00. Alderman White asked what these would be used for, and Fire Chief Jerry Shirk responded that they would be used to fill the air tanks. He noted that they have one now and this will be a replacement for that one. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to award the bid as recommended and authorize purchase CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS
Agenda Item #12
DAVENPORT
ELECTRIC CONTRACT COMPANY/TRAFFIC SIGNALS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Traffic Signals at 20th Street and 7th Avenue, recommending the bid of Davenport Electric Contract Company in the amount of $62,505.81. Alderman Conroy asked what is to be done at this intersection. Mr. Hawes responded that the new lights will be LED, and these traffic signals need to be replaced because they are falling down. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe 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, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
PHOENIX
CORPORATION/4 AVENUE COMBINED SEWER MANHOLES
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 4th Avenue Combined Sewer manholes, recommending the bid of Phoenix Corporation in the amount of $58,835.25. . A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White 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, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
MISSMAN
STANLEY/
SYLVAN
SLOUGH NATURAL AREA TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a topographical survey of the Sylvan Slough Natural Area, recommending that Missman Stanley be hired to perform this work at a cost not to exceed $7,000.00. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to approve Missman Stanley to perform the topographical survey of the Sylvan Slough Natural Area as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
KONECKY,
KOENIG, KUTSUNIS AND WENG/CONTRACT
The City Clerk read a report from the General Administration regarding an agreement with Konecky, Koenig, Kutsunis and Weng to extend the term for three years beginning April 1, 2004, with no increase in fees for two years, a 10% increase in the hourly rates and retainer for the third year, with an option to extend the contract for two additional years at three percent increases each year. Alderman White asked if this could be negotiated again after two years, and City Manager John Phillips stated that there is a ninety-day clause that can be used to terminate the contract by either side. He noted that they have worked for the past three years without an increase, so this will make it five years at the same rate of pay. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to amend the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
TRISM/SETTLEMENT
AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
The City Clerk read a Settlement Agreement and Release with Trism, Inc. in the amount of $20,000.00. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the agreement subject to court approval, and authorize the City Attorney to execute the agreement and attending documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
PARKING/TRAFFIC
Agenda Item #17
SECOND
AVENUE/PARKING
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request from the District to have Second Avenue closed between 17th and 18th Streets on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. throughout the year.
Mayor Schwiebert questioned why this was being proposed, stating that the Plaza area was still to be treated as a pedestrian plaza in the evening and at night. He asked how the public was to know when they could park there and when they could not park there. Dan Carmody stated that for most special events, the Plaza would be closed at Noon or 5:00 p.m., as it has been in the past.
Jennifer Fowler, Executive Director of the District, responded that they generally close the Plaza at 7:00 a.m. for events like Summer Fest, and Ya Maka My Weekend, the Plaza is closed the night before. She stated that the set up takes a lot of time, so they cannot leave it open until the events begin. She stated that they would use advertising, a weekly FAX, word of mouth, as well as District representatives going to the various businesses to remind them of the closing times. Mayor Schwiebert suggested sending a summer schedule to the businesses so they know what is occurring on each of the weekends and can plan their schedule also.
Alderman Conroy stated that he does not see anything gained by this, and would not support it. He indicated that the Police Department would get a bad rap because they will be the ones enforcing it by issuing tickets and towing vehicles. He stated that he does not agree with towing at all.
Chief Terry Dove addressed some issues he has with the proposal. He noted that Thursday nights have been very busy, and they have had problems with cruisers on Second Avenue. He stated that they are not stopping at businesses, but rather are cruising and stopping anywhere in the middle of the street. He stated that the curfew on the Plaza is difficult to enforce when the street is open.
Alderman Rockwell asked if there was a consensus at the meeting held by the District, and Mr. Carmody stated that there was some disagreement with closing at 10:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. Eventually, they arrived at a consensus of closing at 10:00 p.m. Mayor Schwiebert asked where the gates are, and Mr. Carmody stated that they should be here, and he will call this week to see where they are and when they will be put in.
Alderman Conroy suggested not closing the street in the winter, but only in the summer. Mayor Schwiebert suggested a warning, followed by a ticket for second offenses, and towing after that. Chief Dove suggested that the District hire one off-duty officer to work from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. to work solely with the traffic and parking in this area. He noted that the officer would work for two months with the intent to mitigate, and not tow the vehicles.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: Alderman Conroy.
PERMITS/LICENSES
Agenda Item #18
OCTOBER
31/HALLOWEEN PARTY
The City Clerk read a report from the City Clerk regarding a request from the Longview Community Mobilization Association to have 14th Street closed from 9th Avenue to 10th Avenue, and 10th Avenue between 12th Street and 14 ˝ Street on Friday, October 31 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman White to approve the street closing CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ITEMS
FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
City Manager John Phillips called attention to a letter appointing Chief Terry Dove to the IACP Civil Law Enforcement/Military Cooperation Committee for a three year term ending at annual conference in 2006. Council congratulated Chief Dove on this appointment.
OTHER
BUSINESS
Alderman Conroy asked when the street study would be done, and Mr. Hawes responded that the preliminary report showed that there are about a dozen streets to be done yet. He noted that they expect to have it completed by mid-November.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, November 3 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:45 p .m.
_______________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk