The Rock Island City Council met for Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 13, 2006 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, Dennis Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Margie Mejia-Caraballo and Chuck Austin. Alderman Joy Murphy was absent.  Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, Public Works Director Bob Hawes, Information Technology Services Department Director Claire Gordon, Greg Champagne, Alan Carmen, and Mary Chappell from the CED Department, Police Chief John Wright, Tim Ridder from Public Works and Community Marketing Director Jennifer Fowler.  Also present were Trent Lehman and Bob Schmidt representing the Ferguson Group and several representatives of Disciples United in the Quad Cities including Pastor Ken Kline, First Christian Church of Moline and Jerry Thompson, president of the organization.

 

Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular session at 5:13 p.m.

 

REPORT FROM THE FERGUSON GROUP

 

Trent Lehman and Bob Schmidt addressed the Council to provide an update on the process of determining the City’s needs for the coming year.  The recent election changed the dynamic of federal funding opportunities and it will take a while to sort things out.  Reporting on 2005 activities, the Ferguson Group was able to target 6 projects out of 20 identified by the City of Rock Island, three received funding (King Center programs, King Center renovation, and Sunset Marina dredging), three were unsuccessful (Wastewater plant, Mill Street reconstruction, and Sunset Marina harbor entrance).  Appropriation bills were unfunded before the election so it is unknown if the government will finish up these bills quickly.  The outlook is unclear at this time.

 

The Ferguson Group will follow the same process as last year in developing a list of appropriate projects to dovetail with federal funding opportunities.  In mid-December a report will be generated prioritizing these projects.

 

SOUTHWEST AREA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT UPDATE

 

Pastor Ken Kline introduced himself and the other members representing Disciples Uniting the Quad Cities (DUQC).  DUQC intends to develop 65 acres in Southwest Rock Island with diversified housing, commercial development and 10,000 square foot worship/retreat center.  Approximately 40 acres are intended to be included in the tax base of the city.

 

The project has four components:   40 units of independent living “villas” and 32 single family housing; 60 units of low income elderly housing (HUD 202 program) and 15 units of low income brain-impaired residential housing (HUD 811 program); a commercial building to house retail services for the residents (banking, hair salon, dry cleaners, etc.); and the Christian-based Life Center which would host religious services and retreats for the public.  Progress to date includes receiving federal funding for the HUD 202 program housing and the HUD 811 program housing.  Construction can begin in March 2007.   Preliminary designs of the buildings were shared. A developer has expressed interest in completing the single family housing and villa components of the development,

 

In order to proceed with the building of these two portions of the development, it is necessary for the City to agree to install water and sewer infrastructure to the project at a cost estimated to be $1 million.

 

 

The core issue of providing this infrastructure is that the location of the development is not contiguous to the City.  Greg Champagne stated a pre-annexation agreement could be drawn up stating the when the project was contiguous with the City, the development would be annexed into the City.  At that time, the City would receive approximately $160,212 in anticipated tax revenue annually from the single family homes and villa units of the development.

 

After discussion with Council members, it was the consensus of the group that Greg Champagne would meet with the party interested in developing the single family houses and villas for the development, that an updated market study be completed, and that Mr. Champagne prepare a report for Council prior to any decision being made concerning the 

extension of water and sewer services to the development.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Pauley to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo and Austin.  NAYS: None.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:32 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                                __________________________________

                                                                                                     Carol Gentry, Deputy City Clerk

 

The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall.  Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Joy Murphy, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, and Charles O. Austin III.  City Manager Phillips was also present.

 

Introductory Proceedings

 

Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to order and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.  Alderman Rockwell gave the Invocation. 

 

Agenda Item #5

Minutes of the Meeting of November 6, 2006

 

A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Mejia-Caraballo to approve the Minutes of the meeting of November 6, 2006 as written CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES:  Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, Austin.  NAYS:  None.

 

Agenda Item #6

Public Hearing on a request from the Rock Island County Children’s Advocacy Center for a Special Use Permit at 734 20th Street 

 

Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:50 p.m. and opened a public hearing on a request from the Children’s Advocacy Center for a Special Use Permit to conduct and operate an office in a R-3 (one and two family residence) district at 734 20 Street.

 

Cindy Fisher, Executive Director, addressed the Council and explained the reason the Center needed to move from its present location and why they selected the 734 20 Street location.  A priority was the safety and privacy the location provided.  Mayor Schwiebert questioned if the Center had looked at any other available sites nearby and she stated that this was the only location.  Alderman Austin commented that all locations are safe in the City.

 

The Mayor asked if those people in attendance who had signed up as interested parties had any questions for Ms. Fisher.  Jeff Wiatt asked how many incidents needing police intervention had occurred at the present location of the Center.  Ms. Fisher stated one case in eight years.

 

David Levin, area realtor, addressed the Council in support of the Center being allowed a Special Use Permit.

 

Bill Rowand, developer of the property and contractor for the project, addressed the Council in support of the Center being allowed a Special Use Permit.  Alderman Austin questioned the implication this special use permit would have on the second half of the lot in question.  According to the development agreement between Mr. Rowand and the City Council, if he is not able to find a purchaser for the other half of this lot, the lot reverts back to City ownership.  Mr. Rowand agreed that may happen as he is not inclined to build a spec home on the site.  Alan Carmen confirmed that a second home must begin construction by March 23, 2007.

 

Lt. Trevor Fisk of the Moline Police Department, formerly a Board Member of the Children’s Advocacy Center, addressed the Council in support of the Center being allowed a Special Use Permit.

 

           

 

Jessie Brockway, Assistant State’s Attorney, addressed the Council in support of the Center being allowed a Special Use Permit.

 

Mayor Schwiebert asked those in opposition to address the Council.

 

Jeff Wiatt of 1920 Eighth Avenue, addressed the Council stated his objection to the property not being used for the purpose originally determined in March, that the lot would contain tax paying market rate homes.

 

Macrina Feller of 804 20 Street, addressed the Council stating she would prefer the lot stay vacant as to having any houses on it and have it used for general neighborhood uses—such as having a gazebo placed on it, flowers, and benches for sitting.

 

Deb Holmes of 720 20 Street, addressed the Council stating that she had originally wanted to purchase the property for $4,000 but was denied due to the fact that City Council had wanted the property to be tax producing.  She requested the Council maintain its position.

           

Mayor Schwiebert closed the public hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:53 p.m.  A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the Special Use Permit subject to conditions as listed in the ordinance prepared by the City Attorney, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES:  Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, Austin.  NAYS:  None.

 
 
 

Agenda Item #7

Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 4527 9th Avenue

 

A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Pauley to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES:  Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, Austin.  NAYS:  None.

 

Agenda Item #8

Special Ordinance amending a special ordinance granting a special use permit for 1800/1806 First Street

 

A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES:  Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, Austin.  NAYS:  None.

 

Agenda Item #9

CLAIMS:

 

A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Mejia-Caraballo to accept the following reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES:  Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, Austin.  NAYS:  None.

 

 

 

 

a.       Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $1,047.40 to Dorothy Slentz for a general liability claim.

 

b.       Report from the Information Technology Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,540.00 to ACS Government Systems for the ACS Firehouse Solutions Annual Maintenance.

 

c.       Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $2,850.00 to Turkle’s Tree Service for an emergency tree removal at 621 39th Street. (338)

 

d.      Report from the Public Works Department regarding the final payment in the amount of $169,564.39 to Walter D Laud Inc. for Spring Hills Estates Reconstruction Special Assessment Project. (340)

 

e.      

 
 
Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the total amount of $178,574.67 payable as follows: $17,324.67 to State of Illinois; $86,250.00 to State of Iowa; and $75,000.00 to the City of Davenport for the Centennial Bridge. (341)

 

Agenda Item #10

Claims for the weeks of November 3 through November 9 in the amount of $590,625.01

 

A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Mejia-Caraballo to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES:  Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, Austin.  NAYS:  None.

 

Agenda Item #11

Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of four new exterior doors for the Martin Luther King Center from Doors Inc. in the amount of $11,197.00

 

A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Pauley to approve the purchase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES:  Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, Austin.  NAYS:  None.

 

Agenda Item #12

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the annual tree removal and trimming contracts, recommending the bids be awarded to Ace Tree Service for tree removal in the amount of $51,364.76, general tree trimming in the amount of $13,745.00 to Turkle’s Tree Service, and for the downtown tree trimming in the amount of $3,850.00 to Turkle’s Tree Service

 

A motion made by Alderman Mejia-Caraballo and seconded by Alderman Murphy to award the contracts as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, Austin.  NAYS:  None.

 

Agenda Item #13

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding rezoning from R-3 (one and two family residence) to R-4 (one to six family residence) at 2955 – 14th Avenue

 

 

A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the rezoning as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, Austin.  NAYS:  None.

 

Agenda Item #14

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding commercial sidewalk replacement at 7th Avenue and 30th Street, 18th Avenue and 38th Street, and 7th Avenue and 9th Street

 

A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the replacement of sidewalks as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, Austin.  NAYS:  None.

 

Agenda Item #15

Report from the Mayor’s Office regarding an appointment to the Airport Authority

 

A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the appointment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, Austin.  NAYS:  None.

 

Agenda Item #16

Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet

 

City Manager Phillips called the Council’s attention to the status report provided by Public Works on street projects currently underway.

 

Agenda Item #17

Other Business

 

None

 

Agenda Item #18

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to recess to Executive Session on matters of personnel CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, Austin; NAYS: none.

 

The meeting was recessed at 8:09 p.m.

 

Agenda Item #19

Recess

 

A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Pauley to reconvene the regular meeting at 8:21p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, Austin; NAYS: none. 

 

 

A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Murphy to recess to Monday, November 20th at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote.  AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, Mejia-Caraballo, Murphy, Austin; NAYS: none.

           

The meeting was recessed at 8:22 p.m.

 

           

           

 

                                                                                           ____________________________________

                                                                                                Carol Gentry, Deputy City Clerk