The Rock Island City Council met for Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 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, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Ann L. Keefe and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, Finance Director Bill Scott, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Public Works Department Director Bob Hawes, Fire Chief Jerry Shirk, Police Chief Terry Dove, Building Inspector Tom Ayers, Municipal Services Superintendent George Seiz, Library Director Ava Ketter and Park and Recreation Director Bill Nelson.
City Manager John Phillips called attention to information distributed to Council – a copy of the Special Use Permit application and a letter from a neighbor regarding the Special Use Permit; information on the CAC allocations; and a letter from the District regarding a change in the time for closing Second Avenue.
Public Works Director Bob Hawes then pointed out the new signs that are being put up around the City. He noted that they would install these signs when they receive a call that a street sign is missing, and will be doing about a hundred intersections each year. The new street signs are larger, easy to read and have the city logo in the upper left corner. Alderman Bauersfeld asked if this is a good time to be doing this because of the cost and the current financial situation. Mr. Hawes stated that these are in the budget and if they get cut from the next budget, they will not put any more up.
Finance Director Bill Scott reviewed the budget information that was distributed to Council. He indicated that the Budget Team started reviewing budgets with staff earlier in the day, and this is expected to take about two weeks. He explained the General Fund, which is the major fund for basic operations. He noted that this fund also is the one that impacts taxpayers. He stated that the funds such as water, sewer, Marina, etc. are enterprise funds and are a type of business fund. He indicated that the assessments increase about 6% each year, and this projection is included in the budget.
Alderman Bauersfeld noted that the information received from staff regarding the contracts was not what he was requesting. He further explained that he was looking for contracts from the last five or ten years for things that are being contracted out that could be done by staff or have been done by staff in the past. He requested that the information include what these contracts are, how much we are paying, and what they are doing. One example he used is the Mailworks contract, which is used for the water billing as well as picking up and processing the daily outgoing mail.
Following discussion on this, Council started to review the Budget Options that are being recommended for consideration. The general consensus was to consider the 1% tax on retail sales of prepared food and liquor, and the possibility of increasing the sales tax to 7-¼%. Council members appeared to be opposed to a 5% “payment in lieu of taxes” charge equal to the Utility Tax to water, wastewater and stormwater. Council members expressed their thoughts about this option, many stating that they were not in favor of taxing our residents.
They voiced their consensus for the assignment of six MSD workers to Utility Maintenance during the winter. Public Works Director Bob Hawes explained that these six persons would be working shifts, so when there are water main breaks, staff would be available to fix them without having to call in others to work overtime. Consensus of Council was to defer the downtown tree-trimming contract for one year, and to eliminate the in-house concrete patching and increase the micro paving.
Fire Chief Jerry Shirk explained the increase in ambulance fees, noting that he is proposing to raise the fees to $500.00 for all users – both residents and non-residents. He also noted that they would like to begin charging for treatment at the scene where IV’s and medication are used, which is a frequent occurrence. Council did not agree to approve this option at this time, but asked for further information. They did agree to the establishment of a Hazardous Materials Registry, which will generate about $35,000, to keep the two firefighter positions vacant for another year, to increase the fines for minors/liquor city ordinance violations, the fine for Possession of Cannabis, add the DUI arrests to CORA and add a fine, add “Driving While Suspended” and “Unlicensed Driver” violations to CORA and add a fine, and change the adjunct witness overtime in Field Operations Bureau.
Council also discussed the leaf issue, and the various options for this. They noted that Moline has the vacuum system, and some other cities use a leaf-loader. Mr. Hawes indicated that the vacuum system works well when the leaves are dry, but not when they are wet. No consensus was reached on any of the options at this time.
Personnel Director John Thorson discussed the Early Retirement Incentive. He reviewed the features of ERI and noted that there are currently 49 employees who would meet the minimum requirements for this if it were offered. He stated that the analysis of this option should continue during the FY 04/05 budget, adding that it could be a vehicle for some savings. He also stated that it could result in some restructuring and reorganizing of departments, which could occur with or without ERI. He stated that it should not be done without careful consideration, because the potential departure of management level employees along with the associative “institutional memory” is relatively high and needs careful consideration.
Mr. Thorson then discussed the report on the Pay for Performance Review. Alderman Bauersfeld noted the increase in the annual cost of Merit Pay Increases in the last three years. Mr. Thorson stated that the program currently is fully funded, which means that an employee can receive from .5% to 3.0% in a merit increase. This does not include the step increases that some employees are eligible for. He noted that the City does not have to bargain over the PFP system with the unions, and there is no guarantee that this program would be fully funded every year. He stated that the percentages of the PFP can be reduced proportionately if the amount of funding for the program is reduced. He indicated that cutting the PFP program in half would decrease merit increases to approximately $109,140 during the next fiscal year.
City Manager
John Phillips noted that this discussion would be continued in two weeks at
Study Session, since there was more material to be reviewed. He suggested that he prepare the information
from this meeting and present it to Council to see where the budget stands with
these options
ADJOURNMENT
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe 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 6:40 p.m.
_____________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 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.
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 White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to approve the Minutes of the meeting of October 27 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
2735
9 AVENUE/SPECIAL USE PERMIT
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:55 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Estaban and Norma Munoz for a Special Use Permit to maintain a four-unit dwelling in an R-3 zone at 2735 9th Avenue.
Attorney Greg DePorter, representing MR. and Mrs. Munoz, spoke to Council regarding the request. He noted that the property was purchased as a four-plex with four efficiency/one-room units. He stated that the house has been used for some time in this way.
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a letter from Lisa Thompson who is a neighbor, and expressed concerns about the upholstered furniture on the front porch, the tires outside, the garbage stand and only two parking spaces on the property. Alderman White asked if these two parking spaces were on the boulevard, and Mr. Munoz responded that they were at the foot of the stairs. Alderman Forlini asked if the parking in the street is include in the parking spaces, and Alan Carmen responded that they are noted but not included. He stated that there has to be off-street parking for an apartment unit.
Alderman Brooks explained the problems identified by the pictures distributed to Council. Attorney DePorter stated that his client has made some improvements, and noted that there is only one person per unit and only one of these tenants has a vehicle at this time. He stated that there are two units on each floor. Alderman White stated that the outside of the house looks bad, and there are more things on the front porch now than before. She asked about the furniture outside. Alderman Forlini asked where it came from and when it would be disposed of. Mr. Munoz stated that one tenant left the furniture there, and it will be gone in the morning.
Charles Fisher, 2829 9th Avenue, spoke to Council regarding the pictures he has taken of this residence. He stated that the garbage is sitting out in front of the house seven days a week, and there are three parking spaces where there used to be two. He noted that he has not seen any improvements in the outside of the house, with the exception of some plantings. He stated that the previous owner took out the lawn on the side of the house to put in gravel, and this should be a pavement there if they will be using it for parking.
Alderman White asked Mr. Munoz what type of improvements he has made, and he responded that he put on a new roof along with other things. Alderman White noted that no building permits had been taken out for any work done at this address. Alderman Brooks stated that Mr. Munoz needs to bring the property up to code before giving him a Special Use Permit. Attorney DePorter stated that Mr. Munoz has made improvements in the yard, the roof and gutters on the house, and other improvements.
There were no other persons present to speak for or in opposition to the request.
Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:15 p.m. A motion was made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to deny the Special Use Permit as recommended. Alderman Conroy stated that he is sorry this is happening, and suggested that the person who sold this house as a four-plex misrepresented this to Mr. Munoz. Alderman Forlini expressed concern about the two tenants who would have to move to another location, noting that if they have an efficiency apartment, they probably don’t have a lot of money to try to relocate, either. Alderman Keefe stated that they must vacate two of the units, improve the parking, and clean up the property before coming back to request a Special Use Permit for a four-plex at this location.
A motion to amend, made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell, to direct staff to work with tenants and allow four months/120 days for Mr. Munoz to have two tenants vacate, CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Following further discussion, the main motion, to deny the Special Use Permit, as amended, CARRIED on a Voice vote. Alderman White asked if there is money available for rehabilitation, and staff responded that there is. Alderman White suggested that Mr. Munoz work with Inspections to find out what he needs to do with the house.
Agenda Item #7
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amendment limiting parking on the north and south sides of Second Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A motion was made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Keefe to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld, to amend by changing the time to 10:30 p.m. in response to a letter from the District, CARRIED on a Voice vote. Jennifer Fowler, Executive Director of the District, stated that this was a compromise reached by a group of business owners earlier in the day. Following discussion, the motion, as amended, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: Alderman Conroy.
Agenda Item #8
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a turn signal from 25th Avenue to 17th Street. Alderman Bauersfeld asked about the traffic signal at the high school, and Mr. Hawes stated that it could be reprogrammed when the street is completed.
A motion made by Alderman Forlini 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, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9a
The City Clerk read a statement from the City Attorney in the amount of $5,620.50 for legal services during the month of October.
Agenda Item #9b
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Valley Construction in the amount of $202,864.90 for work on the 22nd Avenue reconstruction.
Agenda Item #9c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Abonmarche in the amount of $21,600.00 for Sunset Marina Dredging Design Services.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell 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 #10
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of October 24 through 30 in the amount of $1,886,485.46. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Forlini to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of October 13 through 26 in the amount of $902,837.96.
|
GENERAL FUND |
$608,176.92 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #1 DOWNTOWN |
619.15 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #2 SOUTH 11 STREET |
182.92 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #3 NORTH 11 STREET |
182.91 |
|
KING CENTER |
3,686.25 |
|
FEDERAL COPS GRANT |
4,150.53 |
|
COMMUNITY DEV. BLOCK GRANT |
23,677.65 |
|
LIBRARY |
41,494.00 |
|
ELDERLY SERVICES CONTRIBUTION |
181.78 |
|
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS |
7,703.80 |
|
WATER |
53,336.17 |
|
SEWER |
41,500.78 |
|
COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT |
5,852.62 |
|
BRIDGE |
1,037.73 |
|
SUNSET MARINA |
8,109.05 |
|
PARK & RECREATION |
64,951.26 |
|
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE |
23,420.01 |
|
SELF-INSURANCE |
1,902.33 |
|
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE |
938.28 |
|
CAFETERIA PLAN |
3,308.25 |
|
MLK ACTIVITY FUND |
4,509.19 |
|
DRUG PREVENTION |
3,916.38 |
|
TOTAL |
$902,837.96 |
A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Brooks to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
BIDS/PURCHASES
Agenda Item #12
BONNELL
INDUSTRIES/SNOWPLOW PARTS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding quotations from vendors for the purchase of snowplow parts, recommending the bid of Bonnell Industries in the amount of $6,192.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to award the bid to Bonnell Industries as recommended and authorize purchase CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
SUNSET MARINA
500 DOCK EXPANSION/REJECT BIDS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Sunset Marina 500 Dock Expansion, recommending that both bids be rejected and direct the Public Works Department to prepare separate bid documents for materials and labor necessary to complete the project. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Forlini to reject both bids and direct staff to prepare separate bid documents for materials and labor as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
DUBUQUE BARGE
& FLEETING SERVICE/MARINA DREDGING
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Sunset Marina Dredging, recommending the bid of Dubuque Barge and Fleeting Service in the amount of $145,960.00. Alderman Bauersfeld asked what the completion date was for this, and Mr. Hawes stated that it is scheduled to be completed the first week in July – around the 3rd. 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, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
WALTER D.
LAUD, INC./5 STREET, 25 AVENUE STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENTS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 5th Street/25th Avenue Storm Sewer Improvements, recommending the bid of Walter D. Laud, Inc. in the amount of $71,616.00. A motion made by Alderman White 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, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
BRIDGES
CATERING SERVICE/EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding proposals for the Employee Holiday Luncheon, recommending the bid of Bridges Catering Service in the amount of $1,875.00. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to accept the proposal as recommended for Bridges Catering Service CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None. ABSTAIN: Alderman Rockwell.
Agenda Item #17
MUTUAL AID,
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT/CONTRACT
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding a Mutual Aid/ Intergovernmental Agreement with the area police and Sheriff’s Department. Alderman Keefe asked if the City Attorney had seen this agreement and approved it, and City Attorney John Konecky indicated that he had. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager, City Clerk and Police Chief to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
COPS HOMELAND
SECURITY/GRANT AWARD
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding the COPS Homeland Security Overtime Program grant award, recommending the acceptance of the grant award and authorization of payment for the 25% matching funding of $16,202.00 as required as part of the grant conditions.
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to accept the grant award and authorize the matching funding as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
2004 LOCAL
GOVERNMENT/GRANT APPLICATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding 2004 Certified Local Government Grant Application. Alderman Bauersfeld noted that the deadline is October 31, and today is November 3. Alan Carmen stated that it has been sent in to meet the deadline, subject to approval by Council. He noted that if Council did not approve this, they would withdraw it. He added that they were waiting for some information that they finally received last week, which lead to the time issue for this to go to Council. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Keefe to approve the grant application and authorize the City Manager to submit the application as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Agenda Item #20
CDBG/BLOCK
GRANT FUND ALLOCATIONS
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the allocation of the Community Development Block Grant Funds. A motion was made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to allocate the funds as recommended by the Citizens Advisory Committee, with the following amendments: decrease Project NOW Transportation by $5000.00 (0 remaining); decrease Rainbow Skip A Long by $1,900 ($8,100 remaining); keep $3,000 in Metro Youth, increase Martin Luther King Center to $193,300; maintain Illowa Boy Scouts at $800.00; decrease Youth Service Bureau by $1,900 ($8,100 remaining) and decrease Churches United by $1,000 (0 remaining); decrease Rock Island Parks by $2,500 (0 remaining) and decrease Family Resources by $2,000 (0 remaining).
This motion was amended by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to give RIHS Special Education $500.00, and decrease Youth Service Bureau by $500.00, leaving them with $7,600. Motion CARRIED on a Voice vote.
A motion to amend made by Alderman Brooks, to give Project NOW Transportation $1,000, taking the $1,000 from Youth Service Bureau, FAILED for lack of a Second to the motion.
A motion to amend was made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman White, to give Code Enforcement an additional $11,500.00, taking $9,500 from Project NOW Housing and $2,000 from Old Chicago. Alderman Keefe suggested that Old Chicago should be improved in other ways before they put up banners. Alderman Bauersfeld disagreed, noting that the Old Chicago neighborhood is different from Keystone where Alderman Keefe lives. Following discussion on Old Chicago, the motion FAILED on a Voice vote.
Gracie Hernandez, 1407 7th Avenue, stated that she is working with the Old Chicago Neighborhood, and they are trying to make the community look good. She indicated that they are hoping that these banners will encourage people to take pride in their neighborhood.
Ann Corbi, of Project NOW, spoke about the Project NOW housing program, stating that they have houses in three neighborhoods of Rock Island. She stated that they are asking to be funded at the $15,000 level, noting that they have created sixty homeowners in the last five years.
A motion to amend, made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld, to take $11,500 from Demolition and give it to Code Enforcement, CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Following discussion, the motion, with the amendments noted, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Planning
|
Request
|
CAC |
Council Approved |
|
CED Program Admin |
$89,000 |
$89,000 |
$89,000 |
|
Ec Dev. Admin |
148,362 |
148,362 |
148,362 |
|
Plann/Redev Admin |
138,870 |
138,870 |
138,870 |
|
|
$376,232.00 |
$376,232.00 |
$376,232.00 |
|
EC DEV Activity |
|
|
|
|
RIEGC/Ec Dev |
94,065 |
90,000 |
90,000 |
Neighborhood
|
|
|
|
|
Staff& Support |
118,148. |
118,148 |
118,148 |
|
City Housing |
322,500 |
266,885 |
266,885 |
|
Code Enforcement |
193,514.45 |
182,000 |
193,500 |
|
Demolition |
150,000 |
100,000 |
88,500 |
|
CCC |
5,000 |
2,500 |
2,500 |
|
St. Joseph Worker Hse. |
15,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
RIEGC – Housing |
60,935 |
55,935 |
55,935 |
|
Project NOW Hsg |
20,000 |
15,000 |
15,000 |
|
Christian Family CC |
100,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
RI Parks |
85,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
RI Parks |
120,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
Old Town Chicago |
2,503 |
2,000 |
2,000 |
|
Century Woods |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
1,192,600.45 |
742,468 |
742,468 |
Social Service
|
Request |
CAC Rec. |
Council Approved |
|
RIHS Spec Ed |
2,500 |
0 |
500 |
|
Project NOW Transp |
15,000 |
5,000 |
0 |
|
Boys & Girls Club |
10,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
Rainbow Skip A Long |
19,000 |
10,000 |
8,100 |
|
Metro Youth |
15,000 |
3,000 |
3,000 |
|
MLKC |
213,000 |
179,000 |
193,300 |
|
Illowa Boy Scouts |
3,000 |
800 |
800 |
|
Youth Service Bur. |
15,000 |
10,000 |
7,600 |
|
Marriage/Family |
1,241 |
0 |
0 |
|
Prairie State Legal |
12,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
Churches United |
6,278 |
1,000 |
0 |
|
RI Parks |
10,000 |
2,500 |
0 |
|
Family Resources |
10,800 |
2,000 |
0 |
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