The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 1, 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 City Manager John C. Phillips, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen and Building Official Tom Ayers. Others present included other Department Managers and Dan Carmody of Renaissance Rock Island, Community Marketing Director Jennifer Fowler, Housing Authority Director Susan Anderson, Brian Hollenback of Economic Growth Corporation, and Steve Moeller and Ollie Johnson, Development Coordinators for the Rock Island Housing Authority.
City Manager John C. Phillips noted that here were a number of housing project updates. Dan Carmody reviewed the Map of the housing projects downtown and on Seventh Avenue. He discussed the Murphy Lofts Project, noting that they are ready to proceed if Council approves the $50,000 as requested. Brian Hollenback noted that there will be some changes made to the plans and they will be going back to the Preservation Commission for these changes. They will be using wood railings and steps rather than the iron railings and steps as originally approved.
Alderman Bauersfeld asked what they would do if the city does not approve the request, and Mr. Hollenback stated that they would have to look at other options. He noted also that this is time sensitive, and there is a tight window of opportunity. He stated that, if the deal does not go through, the building could be sold at auction, and it is unlikely that the City would be participating in any foreclosure. He added that, if the $50,000 was given to the project without the tax credits, it might be difficult to get persons to qualify for the purchase. A definite advantage for potential owners would be fixed property tax with a 3% increase for the next seven years.
Council discussed the advantages to the city if this is approved, noting that the taxes being paid on the building now are $1,500 per year for the four units, but with the new proposal, the taxes would be $2,000 per unit each year plus the 3% increase each year. Since the building is in a TIF area, all the taxes come back to the city and can be used to fund another project. Council discussed the project, and decided that it seemed to make sense to do this. Mayor Schwiebert expressed concern about the neighboring problem properties, noting that these are one of the reasons the owners have had a difficult time selling these units. He stated that the failure of neighboring property owners to fix up or don something to recycle their property has created problems for this project.
The next project discussed was the Douglas Park Place Project, which consists of the property across Seventh Avenue from the King Center. The bank is willing to donate the property. The project proposes to help the neighborhood by offering temporary housing for single mothers while they are attempting to put their families back together while recuperating from drug problems. The program will offer them temporary housing, while also providing them with opportunities to seek employment and/or to learn new skills including parenting skills.
The Martin Luther King Community Center, along with the Robert Young Center will work with the residents and families in this facility, and the Housing Authority will be the landlord of the building. The Robert Young Center will provide staff for the facility, although there will not be live-in staff on site. Jerry Jones, Director of the Martin Luther King Center, stated that they will use existing programs such as the Workforce Development Program and others. Ms. Anderson noted that the Robert Young Center would sign a renewable lease. If they find that their funding no longer allows them to continue the program, the building will remain under the Housing Authority and be used for rental units.
Mr. Hollenback noted that they recognize the need for additional security, and will be providing fencing and other security measures to avoid problems that may occur. He stated that this comes under one of the strategies from the Governor’s Task Force, and falls under the category of “Special Needs Housing.” He stated that this was one of the top six priorities for development and they are pursuing the funding for the project, as it has been ranked as a priority. He noted that the plan is subject to financing and the ability to apply.
Dan Carmody reviewed a number of newer projects that have been completed or are being completed in the downtown area and surrounding areas. The downtown owner/occupied projects included the Clipper Condos, the Bowlby Condos and the McKesson Lofts, and the downtown rental units included the Sala Flats and the Voss Brothers Lofts. The neighborhood projects included the owner/occupied Murphy Lofts, In-fill new construction I and II in New Chicago. The rental units included the Douglas Park Place, the New Multi-Family Development in New Chicago. Mr. Hollenback noted that there have been 216 homebuyers through the Home Ownership Program, and the Live and Work in Rock Island program is working well. He noted there has been a wide variety of interest in this program.
Jennifer Fowler, Community Marketing Director, spoke of two Landlord Seminars that are planned for November. The first will be held Thursday, November 11 at the Martin Luther King Center from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. John Versypt of the Quad Cities Rental Properties Association will be presenting the program “Finding Excellent Tenants – The Application and Screening Process”. November 18, a second seminar will be held at the King Center from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. regarding the Rental Residential Property Ordinance, which will be presented by Rock Island Building Official Tom Ayers, and the Rock Island Police Department.
Susan Anderson, Executive Director of the Housing Authority, distributed some information regarding Valley Homes. She noted that they have hired Reverend Melvin Grimes to assist the residents and coordinate the program. He is located in the Community Center. She noted that they have received a variety of responses from the tenants. She stated that their goal is to find single-family homes for the tenants, with the demolition not expected to occur until 2006. She discussed the location of some of the houses they plant to build, and Alderman Bauersfeld commented that he was not in favor of interjecting public housing into the Southwest, noting that this could stop the sale of the high-market range homes.
Dan Carmody invited Council members to attend the Hard Hat Reception that will be held at Band-All on December 9 beginning at 4:30 p.m.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell 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.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, November 1, 2004 in the Council Chambers 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, lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the Minutes of the meeting of October 25 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
RICAB Executive Director Greg Moroni reviewed the Extreme Clean Up that took place earlier this year. He shared some facts and figures from the event and commended the City of Rock Island – Police Department and Public Works specifically – for their work and assistance with the project.
Agenda Item #7
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:55 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Ivory Clark for a Special Use Permit to operate a learning/activity center that will also sell prepackaged food items at 1006 3rrd Avenue. The City Clerk indicated that no one had completed a Statement of Interested Party.
Ivory Clark, 1006 3rd Avenue, spoke to Council regarding his request. He indicated that he is a teacher in the Moline School District, and he intends to assist students who have problems with Math and Reading. Mayor Schwiebert read the stipulations of staff, and Mr. Clark stated that he is aware of them and agrees with them.
He stated that he plans to talk to Augustana College to recruit some volunteers to help tutor the students, and stated that he also has other persons who have volunteered to assist. He stated that he has been teaching in the Rock Island School District and Kewanee School District for five years. In response to a question from Mayor Schwiebert regarding how he was going to pay the five to ten employees he plans to hire, Mr. Clark stated that the parents would be paying for the tutoring. Alderman White noted that there are already a lot of mentoring programs available, such as the one at the King Center. Mr. Clark responded that apparently these students are being missed, because he has received requests to tutor a number of students.
In response to questions from Mayor Schwiebert concerning the sales of pre-packaged food items, Mr. Clark stated that he plans to have the students selling these items to give them a job. He stated that the goods will be available to the community and further indicated that he may be adding other items for sale also, depending on the needs of the customers. He stated that the food items will be available only during the times the facility is open – from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Noon to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
Mayor Schwiebert noted that it sounded like a convenience store, and Alan Carmen, Planning Administrator, noted that this was not included in the application initially. He added that Sheila Rind noted that numerous sales of items could turn into a litter problem, like the areas around many of the convenience stores. Mayor Schwiebert stated that the packaged goods should be sold only to students and not to the public, adding that Mr. Clark would need to come back to Council if additional sales were being planned, since this information was not included initially. Alderman Brooks suggested that Mr. Clark begin the program subject to the stipulations, and with the sales of food items sold to students only.
Alderman Austin asked if there was a state license required to do this, and asked that Mr. Clark have this in place before beginning the program. He stated that there might be other legal requirements to be complied with, including fingerprinting of all volunteers and employees who would be working with the students.
There was no one present to speak in favor of or in opposition to the Special Use Permit.
Mayor Schwiebert closed the public hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:15 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the Special Use Permit with stipulations stated, including that the sales of prepackaged food be made only to students, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #8
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a NO PARKING, STANDING or STOPPING zone on both sides of 35th Street south of 38th Avenue for 30 feet during schools hours. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
4600 46 AVENUE/PRIVATE PARKING
LOT
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance regulating parking at 4600 46th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
2626 7TH
AVENUE/SPECIAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amending a Special Use Permit at 2626 7th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None. Mayor Schwiebert noted that Alderman Keefe had sent a letter expressing her support for this Ordinance, even though she was unable to be present at the meeting.
Agenda Item #11a
The City Clerk read a statement from the City Attorney in the amount of $4,634.00 for legal services during the month of October.
Agenda Item #11b
The City Clerk read a report from General Administration recommending payment to the National League of Cities in the amount of $2,785.00 for membership dues for calendar year 2005.
Agenda Item #11c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Shive-Hattery in the amount of $5,228.52 for consulting services related to the Saukie Baseball Field Detention Pond Project.
Agenda Item #11d
CENTENNIAL CONTRACTORS/2004
UTILITY PATCHING PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Centennial Contractors in the amount of $37,205.10 for the 2004 Utility Patching Program.
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, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of October 22 through 28 in the amount of $873,579.73.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
OCTOBER 11 THROUGH 24
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of October 11 through 24 in the amount of $962,934.46. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
PURCHASES/BIDS
Agenda Item #14
E ENTERPRISE LLC/DIGITAL VIDEO EQUIPMENT
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding the purchase and installation of digital video equipment, recommending the bid of E. Enterprise LLC in the amount of $3,999.00. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to authorize the purchase and installation as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
BERT M. LAFFERTY/CHLORINE
BUILDING TUCKPOINTING
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Chlorine Building Tuckpointing, recommending the bid of Bert M. Lafferty in the amount of $5,971.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to award the bid 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
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 20th Street Overlook Enhancements, recommending that the contract with Phoenix Corporation be terminated, and the Public Works Department be instructed to negotiate the purchase of the shelter from Phoenix Construction and also to rebid the project with the necessary changes made to the bid document. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to terminate the contract with Phoenix Corporation, and instruct the Public Works Department to negotiate the purchase of the shelter and rebid the project with the adjusted bid document CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
The City Clerk read a report from the Fire Department regarding budget adjustments, with purchases to be made fro the Foreign Fire Tax Fund. Alderman White asked who makes the decision for these purchases, and Fire Chief Jerry Shirk responded that there is a committee, and if a firefighter thinks something is needed, they simply suggest that to a committee the committee discusses member and it. The committee members are elected by the firefighters. Following discussion, a motion made by alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to approve the budget adjustments and authorize purchases as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
The City Clerk read a report from the Fire Department regarding an air trailer, recommending that the trailer be declared surplus and given to the North Aurora Fire Department. Mayor Schwiebert asked Fire Chief Jerry Shirk why this was not being sold to North Aurora Fire Department rather than just given to them for nothing. Chief Shirk responded that all the other area Fire Departments received the same type of trailer from the Arsenal, and they did not need one. He noted that he had heard that the North Aurora Fire Department was looking for a trailer. He added that the air cylinders have already been removed from the trailer, and there is very little value to it at this time. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to declare the trailer surplus for purposes of giving to the North Aurora Fire Department, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #19
IBM RS6000/END OF LEASE PURCHASE
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding an “End of Lease” purchase of the IBM RS6000 at a cost of $4,260.00 from IBM. Alderman Rockwell asked what this is, and Claire Dubuisson, Information Technical Services Department Manager, responded. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to authorize the purchase and payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
MURPHY LOFTS/PARTICIPATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department recommending participation in the Murphy Lofts project to include a $50,000 contribution of tax increment finance funds and a rebate of the property taxes in excess of an annual increase of 3% for a period of seven years. Mayor Schwiebert noted that some concern has been expressed by the public regarding investing more money in this project.
Planning Administrator Alan Carmen and Brian Hollenback of Renaissance Rock Island, spoke to Council regarding this investment. They noted that the current taxes on the building are $1,500 total for the four units per year, and with the investment, the taxes generated will be $8,000 per year plus a 3% increase each year. Alderman Conroy noted that it is in the TIF area and the taxes will be returned to the City. Alan Carmen noted that there have been some problems in finishing this project. He stated that if someone else purchases the property , they could apply for the Historic Property Tax Freeze Program, which would freeze the tax rate at $1,500 for eight years.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to authorize participation in the Murphy Lofts project as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the Douglas Park Place project, recommending that Council authorize the use of North 11th Street Tax Increment Finance Funds for the site clearance of the property at 720 9th Street in support of the project. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to authorize the use of TIF as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding recommendations for the use of CDBG funds. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy not to approve the recommendations from the CAC CARRIED on a Roll call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the allocations for the Planning and Administration, Economic Development and Neighborhood Activities as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin to fund the Martin Luther King Center at 100% of their requested amount CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Alderman White suggested giving $2000 of the remaining $8,183 to Project Safe Passage – Bethany Home, $2000 to Rainbow Skip Along, and $750 to Family Resources. Alderman Austin suggested funding each of the agencies with a portion of the funding. Alderman Bauersfeld stated that he would like to see Rainbow Skip Along, the Boy Scouts and Youth Service Bureau funded. He noted that the Rainbow Skip Along, Youth Service Bureau and the Boy Scouts have received funding in the past, and should continue to receive funding from CDBG, while many of the others are new agencies.
Council discussed the other agencies that applied for funding, and indicated that all these agencies were worthy of receiving funding, but there was not a lot of money to work with.
Council discussed the policy of funding the Martin Luther King Center with CDBG funding, and Mayor Schwiebert noted that policies can be revisited, and it would be up to the Council if they wanted to do this. He suggested that the Council not take lightly the hard work and time of the members of the Citizens Advisory Committee. Alderman Conroy stated that it would be irresponsible to change the policy at this time, suggesting that Council take a look at this policy as well as the gaming policy and the Capital Improvement Plan. Mayor Schwiebert noted that circumstances have changed over the years.
Alderman Bauersfeld stated that the King Center was built with the premise that ti not be funded with City tax dollars, and he further stated that he did not believe that social service agencies should be funded with tax dollars. Alderman Austin stated that the agencies put a lot of time into writhing their grants, and we need a policy where we’re going to be up front and honest. Alderman Conroy stated that the CAC did not follow the policy of the Council regarding the King Center. Alderman Bauersfeld suggested a Study Session regarding this policy, and City Manager John Phillips stated that the Gaming Policy would be discussed in about thirty days. Alderman Rockwell noted that the CDBG funds are shrinking, and hopefully the gaming funds will begin to grow, noting that this needs to be considered when looking at the policies.
Following further discussion, a motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to give $700 to the Illowa Boy Scouts, $500 to Project Safe Passage, and the remainder split between Rainbow Skip Along and Youth Service Bureau – which would give each of these two agencies $3,491.50. The motion CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
911 44 STREET/PROJECT FACELIFT PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment in the amount of $8,030.00 from City Council for the Project Facelift Program at 911 44 Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to commit $8,030.00 for the Project Facelift Program as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
City Manager John Phillips called attention to the “Rental Residential Property Ordinance” provided by CED, and also to the “Armory Property” information from CED. He asked Jennifer Fowler to review the Update on the Community Marketing Plan, and she spoke of the plans for collateral items and a print campaign. She stated that the committee will be reviewing the Marketing Plan and they plan to present it to Council in December.
Alan Carmen, Planning Administrator, reviewed the information regarding the “Broadway Local Historic District Nomination.” He noted that he is property owner in the Broadway District and as such, cannot be a participant in the process. He added that Alderman White cannot participate either, but the City Manager, Jill Doak and Greg Champagne can participate. He stated that they are waiting for final Broadway approval. He stated that each owner of the property has to sign yes or no, and indicated that the owner of multiple properties can sign for each property they own, while multiple owners of one property get only one vote. He explained the process, stating that the appeal to the City Council is scheduled for early 2005. Alderman Bauersfeld suggested that property owners receive ample information and also be informed that they need to return the form regardless of their decision.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Conroy reminded everyone to go to the polls and vote Tuesday. Alderman Austin reminded the public that they have a few weeks left to pick up their leaves.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, November 8 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Voice vote. The meeting was recessed at 8:30 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk