The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 8, 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, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Building Official Tom Ayers, Special Projects Coordinator Sally Heffernan, Land and Development Programs Coordinator Mary Chappell, Personnel Director John Thorson, Risk Manager Troy Larson, and Public Works Assistant Tim Ridder. Others present included Joe Fackel, who presented the Buxton Study.
City Manager John Philips noted that, following the presentation by Joe Fackel, Council would be recessing to an Executive Session on matters of Property Acquisition and Litigation.
Joe Fackel, of Buxton Company, reviewed the history of Buxton, noting that it was started in 1994. He stated that Buxton matches retail to specific areas in a community. He noted that Community/ID is a two-phase program that is designed specifically for use in community development initiatives. Phase I measured the City’s potential to recruit new retailers, including restaurants. They examined four sites – 92nd Avenue West and US 67, 30th Street and Blackhawk Road, 11th Street and 31st Avenue, and the area between 4th and 5th Avenue - 24th and 25th Streets. They identified the site with the greatest overall potential for success, and recommend that site for Phase II of the program. Phase II would provide a list of specific targeted retailers and provides comprehensive marketing packages that can be used to recruit them.
Mr. Fackel reviewed each of the sites, and noted that there were not a lot of differences between the four sites. He discussed the demographics of each site and responded to questions from Council. He noted that the site they are recommending is Site 1, which is 92nd Avenue West & US 67. He indicated that this site has the greatest degree of flexibility in terms of retail development. He stated that the trade area density from this site does not compare with the other three sites, but only because Davenport is excluded for the trade area. He stated that this profile is the most representative of the City of rock Island, and the density is sufficient for a retail location. He noted that this site has fewer restrictions to over all retail development and interstate access is very good. He added that residents of Rock Island and the surrounding communities would easily discover the right retailers. He stated that the development at this site is likely to spur growth in the southern portion of Rock Island.
Mr. Fackel reviewed the next step – Phase II. He stated that most retailers have already looked at sites for them in 2006. He encouraged staff and Council to attend and/or participate in the ICSC at the end of May. Greg Champagne noted that the City is already a member of this group. Mr. Fackel stated that they would provide the city with an initial match list in about thirty to forty days, with packages for specific sites. He stated that he hopes to have some information to share with Greg that he can take to the conference in January. It was noted that Phase II is included in the total amount of the contract with Buxton.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Executive Session on matters of Property Acquisition and Litigation CARRIED on a Voice vote. The meeting was recessed at 6:10 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:40 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White 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 6:41 p.m.
_____________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 8, 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.
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 Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the Minutes of the meeting of November 1 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:50 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing regarding the Proposed Parkway/I-280 Tax Increment Financing District for the proposed Casino site at Interstate 280 and Illinois 92.
Mike Weber, of PGAV, St. Louis Missouri, who is the City’s TIF Consultant, spoke to Council and reviewed the process for the TIF. He stated that the State Statute requires a Joint Review Board, made up of representatives of the major taxing bodies included in the TIF, to be established for the purpose of reviewing the TIF Redevelopment Plan and Project. The JRB reviews the plan and makes a recommendation to the City Council based on whether or not the proposed TIF meets the eligibility criteria contained in the Statute.
The Joint Review Board met October 12. The JRB acts as an advisory board to the City Council. They are charged with determining whether the proposed TIF District is eligible under the criteria set out in the Illinois TIF Statute. He stated that the project is approximately 177 acres, and the act requires a TIF to be at least one and one-half acres. He discussed the qualifications of the area as a blighted area, and stated that the quarry operations on the property ceased in the fall of 2003.
Mr. Weber reviewed the proposed development plan, and noted that TIF may not be used to finance construction of new private facilities. He noted that eligible TIF expenses would include site preparation, street work, public utilities and interest write-down. He indicated that the development plan refers to a 23-year plan, which is the maximum TIF life, but the city may dissolve the TIF prior to the end of 23 years. The city’s development agreement with the Casino Rock Island is for 13 years. There will be three ordinances that will be considered by the City Council at the meeting of November 22. Mr. Weber noted that the ordinances need to be considered no sooner than 14 days after the Public Hearing and approved no more than 90 days after the Public Hearing.
Barbara Wlaskolich, of 2528 58th Avenue West, Milan, read a letter to the City Council and asked questions of Mr. Weber. She asked if another Public Hearing would need to be held if additional money was needed. Mr. Weber stated that an amendment could be made to the TIF, predicated on the amount generated by the project.
Mr. Weber stated that a second Public Hearing would not be required as long as the amount was within the parameters of the agreement. Ms. Wlaskolich then asked if another Public Hearing would be held if the land area expands, and Mr. Weber stated that the entire process would need to done again if this occurred. Ms. Wlaskolich then finished reading the letter and commended the City for hiring Mr. Weber. She also commended Mr. Weber for providing a report that was easy to read and understand.
There being nobody else present to speak in favor of or against the TIF, Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:05 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to move forward with the process to adopt the TIF Redevelopment Plan and Project as recommended by the Joint Review Board, and refer to the City Attorney for the appropriate ordinances CARRIED on a Voice vote, with Alderman Rockwell Abstaining because of a conflict of interest.
Agenda Item #7
SURPLUS TRAILER/DONATION
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance declaring an air trailer belonging to the Fire Department as surplus for purposes of donating to the North Aurora Fire Department. 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.
Agenda Item #8
1006 THIRD AVENUE/SPECIAL USE
PERMIT
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to operate a learning/activity center with sales of packaged food at 1006 Third Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy 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 #9a
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to US Filter Zimpro, Inc. in the amount of $5,333.18 for the purchase of one pump shaft.
Agenda Item #9b
GARDNER, CARTON AND
DOUGLAS/PRETREATMENT PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Gardner, Carton and Douglas in the amount of $1,712.45 for professional services for the Pretreatment Program NPDES Permit.
Agenda Item #9c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman, Stanley and Associates in the amount of $32,224.75 for construction observation services the American Discovery Trail project.
Agenda Item #9d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors in the amount of $3,040.44 for emergency service on the floodwall.
Agenda Item #9e
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman, Stanley and Associates in the amount of $4,112.50 for the inspection of the Parking Garage project.
A motion made by Alderman Austin 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 and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of October 29 through November 4 in the amount of $326,331.47. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
NORTH AMERICAN SALT COMPANY/ROCK SALT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the State of Illinois Joint Purchase of rock salt for the 2004/2005 winter season, recommending the bid of North American Salt Company in the cost of $33.22 per ton. 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, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
COLEGE HILL
L.L.C./30 STREET INFILL PROJECT
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an agreement for the 30th Street Infill Project, recommending approval of the agreement with College Hill L.L.C., Inc.
Developer Tom Dalton, 5111 Utica Ridge Road, Davenport, discussed the site at on 30th Street, the former St. Mary of the Angels Convent and Huber Home site. He noted that the site is approximately 22 acres, and they plan to develop 74 units. He indicated that they have four high caliber builders, possibly five, with each one building a section of the area. The outside of the buildings will have a common theme, but they will have different interior floor plans. The covenants would restrict architectural control. He noted that they plan to preserve the trees that are already on the property, and will be adding a retention pond also.
He stated the development would have private streets and no curb and gutter, which they are discussing with staff. He stated that the buildings would be duplex style villas. He noted that they plan to begin building in the spring, and hope to have the underground utilities put in over the winter. He stated that there will be a mix of two story and single story buildings, and some will have walkout basements at the lower levels. The buildings on 30th Street will not have the walkout basement.
He discussed the cross-cultural ties with Augustana College, further stating that he was hoping to have some of the college students perform within the complex as well as have the tenants attend activities at Augustana College. He indicated that the target age would be 55 and older, but it would be age-suggested and not age restricted.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to approve the agreement 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 #13
SIGN ORDINANCE/PROPOSED
AMENDMENTS
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department with additional information regarding the proposed sign ordinance amendments, recommending that Council approve the changes as detailed in the report and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance.
Alderman Rockwell commented that the proposed changes were more consistent with neighboring cities than the initial proposal, and there was a definite drop in the number of non-conforming, freestanding signs. He recommended a change in the language regarding the enforcement of prohibited signs, suggesting that the statement “Staff will continue to enforce sign regulations mainly by a complaint basis, but will also continue to schedule concentrated efforts during the coming months, especially for temporary signs” be changed to “…Schedule regular concentrated enforcement efforts..”
Alderman Rockwell asked for the definition of freestanding and attached. Alan Carmen, Planning Administrator, stated that the revised ordinance would simplify them by freestanding signs being those that are freestanding while other would be attached to the building itself. In response to a question, Mr. Carmen noted that there was a typographical error on the memo – the maximum area for the B-3 district should be 160 square feet and not 60 as indicated in the memo.
Alderman Austin noted that our sign ordinance would be much more restrictive than Moline or Davenport in height. He discussed the sign at Hardee’s as one example, noting that if the sign were lower, it would create a traffic hazard for cars entering and exiting their lot. He stated that he would like to see business people be allowed to make independent decisions based on their business needs, and he was comfortable giving the business people the latitude to choose their own signs.
Mr. Carmen stated that the existing non-conforming signs would remain as long as they are maintained, and they can change the face of the signs without needing to come into compliance. He stated that, if the current non-conforming signs were damaged extensively, they would need to be brought into compliance with the new sign ordinance but could also ask for a variance.
Alderman Brooks stated that an increase in height or width costs more money, and advertising costs a lot of money. He stated that he was not sure that Council should be requiring a height and size as long as the sign is attractive. He added that what is attractive to some would not be attractive to all. He stated that if the less-costly method of advertising was taken away from the businesses, we could lose those businesses.
Joaquin Espejo, 3700 Blackhawk Road, read a letter to the Mayor and Council. He stated that they have come a long way from the first proposal, and they were now asking Council not to pass the revised ordinance. He stated that there are many non-conforming violations currently, and stricter enforcement of the current ordinance would make the City look better.
Alderman Rockwell noted that one of the things that the Buxton Study indicated was that a key component of attracting business is signage. Alderman Austin noted that staff has indicated that enforcement of the sign ordinance is a never-ending cycle, and suggested that a letter be sent out for the first violation with subsequent violations incurring penalties. Alderman Rockwell suggested scheduled enforcement throughout the year. He suggested that Council build in a tiered process and fine schedule. City Manager John Phillips noted that his would require another ordinance. Mr. Carmen stated that they use the Rock Island County Code Enforcement System, and an accelerated penalty system would require further action. Mr. Philips suggested that staff come back with the existing conditions and if interested in further penalties, Council could then direct staff to prepare an ordinance with the penalties.
Alderman Conroy made a motion that the square footage for B-4, I-1 and I-2 be changed to 30 feet, with the maximum of 200 square feet, and the square footage for B-3 be 25 feet, with the maximum at 180 square feet. The motion FAILED for lack of a second.
Following further discussion, a motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to approve the sign ordinance changes as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance FAILED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Bauersfeld and White. NAYS: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Rockwell and Austin.
Agenda Item #14
2101 16 AVENUE/SITE PLAN,
REZONING
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding final site plan review and rezoning from R-4 district to Planned Unit Development District at 2101 16th Avenue. Chris Ales, 801 34 Avenue, Moline4, developer for this project, spoke to Council and responded to questions. Alderman White stated that some of the neighbors are concerned that the age limit will not stay on the property and younger people will be moving in. Mr. Ales stated that the age should remain at 55 and older. He added that there would be restrictions as to how long a guest can stay, and extended visits will not be allowed. He stated that his other projects have installed security cameras where needed and this one would be no exception. He noted that the units would be located in the dormitory and classroom areas, and would be one and two bedroom units.
Mr. Ales stated that this would be for assisted living, and nursing care would not be provided. Staff would be trained to provide emergency services if needed. He described assisted living as that where seniors need assistance with one or two basic daily needs, such as a reminder when to take their medicine, or help preparing meals. He noted that the State Licensing defines the different levels of care. He stated that each apartment would be fully independent, but meal service would be available. There will be new landscaping put in, and it was noted that this is a $10 million dollar investment.
Mr. Ales discussed some of his other projects, such as the former St. Katherine’s School and Marycrest University campus. He stated that they plan to begin construction in the spring, with first occupancy in the spring of 2006. He noted that there would be no new construction on the property. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the site plan and rezoning as recommended, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #15
18 STREET, 4 AVENUE/TRAFFIC
SIGNAL
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from the City Manager to review the need for the traffic signal light at the intersection of 18th Street with 4th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Brooks to continue the installation of the signal as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #16
AUGUSTANA COLLEGE/SCHOOL ZONE,
SPEED BUMPS, SPEED ENFORCEMENT
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Tim Swann, Security Supervisor at Augustana College, for a portion of 7th Avenue to be designated as a School Zone, the installation of speed bumps, and the implementation of additional speed enforcement activities on 7th Avenue between 34th and 38th Streets, recommending that the request for school zone signing and speed bumps be denied, and the Police Department be directed to initiate additional speed enforcement activities along 7th Avenue.
Mayor Schwiebert stated that he could understand about the speed bumps, but asked why they could not take measures to reduce the speed in that area. Bob Hawes, Public Works Director, responded that the speed reduction signs are not warranted, noting that only one accident has occurred that he is aware of, and that was caused when the victims stepped out in front of an oncoming vehicle. He noted that the School Speed Zone does not apply to college areas.
Council noted that this is a major arterial, which was narrowed down, and there are more police officers there. Alderman Conroy stated that these are adults and they need to watch out for themselves. Alderman Brooks stated that the people tend to be courteous and allow the pedestrians to cross the street in this area. Alderman Bauersfeld stated that this is a public street and not a private street owned by the college. He stated that the street was narrowed from a four-lane to two-lanes, and the college has submitted other requests in trying to make this a street on campus. He stated that the responsibility should be on the adults walking across the street as well as those driving. Mayor Schwiebert noted that the City has taken measures to work with the college and make it a safer corridor. He noted that this is a reasonable request.
Following discussion, the motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Brooks to deny the school zone signing and speed bumps as recommended, and direct the Police Department to initiate the additional speed enforcement activities as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to the Request for Qualifications for the neighborhood Planning and Urban Design Services provided by CED. He asked that Council let him know if they have any questions.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Rockwell reminded the audience of the Deployment Ceremony for the National Guard Unit adopted by the City of Rock Island. The ceremony will take place Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m. at Rock Island High School in the Field House. He asked that anyone planning to attend be there prior to that time so they can be seated by then.
Alderman
Rockwell also noted information he received from the Department of Defense
asking that no unsolicited mail be sent to the troops in order for mail from
their families and friends reach them for the holidays.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Monday, November 15 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Voice vote.
The meeting was recessed at 8:30 p.m.
_______________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk