The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:00 p.m. 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, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Public Works Director/Assistant to the City Manager Bob Hawes, Public Works Director/Assistant to the City Manager Bob Hawes, and Utilities Superintendent Dale Howard. Also present were Attorney Roy Harsch of Gardner, Carton and Douglas, and Brandon Koltz of Triad Engineering.
Public Works Director Bob Hawes introduced Attorney Roy Harsch and Brandon Koltz, along with members of the Water Resources Advisory Committee who were in the audience – Chairperson Mike Thoms, Norman Moline, Bob Schroeder, Mike Oberhaus and Chuck Oestreich. Other members of the committee are Vice-Chairperson Jim Hass, Lane Trefftzs, Bob Votroubek, Sharon Cramer, Mary Donnelly and Donna Goldberg.
Mr. Hawes then reviewed the consent decree that lead to the Combined Sewer Long Term Control Plan. He indicated that the US Environmental Protection Agency sued the City and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in August 2000. The lawsuit alleged that the City does not provide adequate treatment of combined sewer overflows. In June 2003, the conflict was resolved with a consent decree. The consent decree required the City to prepare a Long Term Control Plan for correcting combined sewer system deficiencies. The cost of preparing this plan is $1.9M, and the plan must be submitted to the US Environmental Protection Agency. All the combined sewer system improvements recommended by the Long Term Control Plan must be operational by March 31, 2018.
Mr. Hawes reviewed the Long Term Control Plan Goals, which include the elimination of the street flooding at the old “Farmall” viaduct and the elimination of combined sewer overflows into the Sylvan Slough and into Blackhawk Creek south of the Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center. The goals also include the reduction of untreated sewer overflow events from the Mill Street Sewage Treatment Plant into the Mississippi River to an average of four per year and no more than six in any year. A fifth goal is to provide disinfection and “primary treatment” for all other combined sewer overflows events from the Mill Street Sewage Treatment Plant.
Mr. Hawes stated that the construction program is divided into four projects. Reducing the annual discharge of pollutants from combined sewer overflows as quickly as possible maximizes environmental benefits. All the sewer improvements will be operational by the consent decree deadline of March 31, 2018.
Mr. Hawes then reviewed the four major projects. Project 1 is the Treatment Plant Improvements and the North-Slope Interceptor Enlargement. Project 2 is the South-Slope Interceptor Improvements. Project 3 is the North-Slope Conveyance and Sewer Separation. Project 4 is the “Farmall” Viaduct Flooding Elimination. The construction cost estimate, using 2005 dollars, is $53.6M. The projected construction cost based upon construction schedule is $66.9M, based on a 3% inflation rate.
Mr. Hawes and Council discussed the Financing Program for the Plan. This includes four bond issues totaling $44.0M 20-year term bonds based n 3.5% interest, and a 9-step increase in the sewer rate for customers. Mr. Hawes indicated that there would be no federal or state construction grants. He noted that they will and can pursue grants, but the plan cannot be dependent on grants when submitted to the USEPA.
Mayor Schwiebert expressed appreciation to the committee members and staff for their work on this plan. He asked if there is a possibility of getting an extension of time. Attorney Harsch responded that the rules are adamant but the consent decree does include some flexibility to ask for an extension if we can show cause. One example given was time needed to acquire additional property that would be used for part of the plan.
The plan also included a Tentative Timetable, which included a public information meeting in January 2006. Council will approve or modify and approve the recommendations on or before April 1, 2006. The design will begin April 2007, and construction begins December 2009.
Mayor Schwiebert discussed the lack of funding from the Federal Government despite their requirement that the City of Rock Island undertake this project. Mike Thoms stated that it would be important to educate the public about the fact that it is not our idea, but the Federal EPA. City Manager John Phillips stated that the local legislators might be able to help with the funding.
Council directed staff to move forward. Mr. Hawes noted that once the plan is submitted, the program would have to be done. He added that this is the least expensive way to comply. Mr. Harsch noted that, if government funding or grants were made available later, that would not affect the EPA. He stated that they will look at the completion dates and the projects, and will not be concerned if the methods of payment are changed at some point. He stated that the City has to be able to finance the project. Norm Moline added that this project would affect the environment in a positive way. Mr. Koltz noted that there are seventeen cities in Indiana that have been cited for the same problems, and several other cities in the Midwest.
A motion
made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to
Executive Session on Personnel CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley,
Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin.
NAYS: None. The meeting was
recessed at 6:20 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:35 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None. The meeting was adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, 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 A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to order and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman Murphy gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Minutes of November 7 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
725 19 STREET/SPECIAL USE
PERMIT
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:50 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Richard Hansen for a Special Use Permit to operate a part-time chiropractic office at 725 19th Street.
Richard Hansen, 725 19th Street, Rock Island, reviewed his request for the Special Use Permit. He noted that he moved to Rock Island with the intention of doing some chiropractic work in his home, and some house calls. He stated that he would have no employees, and no retail sales at this location. He explained why he wants to do limited work from his home instead of opening an office in another location. He noted that his treatments take about forty-five minutes so there would not be more than one or two patient vehicles parked there at the same time.
Mr. Hansen responded to questions from Council regarding the parking. He stated that there is a parking area behind the house but the area is covered with grass and crumbled concrete. Alan Carmen, Planning Administrator, stated that the requirement for a Special Use Permit is to have parking available for the customers. He suggested that, if the Special Use is approved, Mr. Hansen could be required to put in a hard surface parking area in the back of the house.
Paul Fessler, 727 19th Street and a neighbor of Mr. Hansen, stated that they were very pleased to see new neighbors move in. He noted that the business would have a low impact on the neighborhood, and he encouraged the Council to support this. He added a hairdresser down the street has a Special Use Permit. Several of the clients are from the Broadway neighborhood. He stated that there would not be a parking problem, because there are only a few residents along the street that utilize street parking. They currently utilize Residential Parking, and Mr. Hansen would need to obtain his Residential Parking permit and receive two guest tags that can be utilized by his guests and/or patients.
With no other persons 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 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Carmen stated that the hard surface parking area would need to be installed, but Mr. Hansen would not be able to do this until the weather was appropriate. An appropriate period for that to be completed would be included in the Ordinance stipulations.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell, to approve the Special Use Permit with the conditions referred to in the memo, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance, CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #7
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance declaring a Tire Machine as surplus property. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
CITY CLERK/WAGE CHANGE
The City Clerk read an Ordinance amending the wages for the new City Clerk to be effective January 30, 2006. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Brooks to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
CLAIMS
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Brooks to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The claims were as follows:
a. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Ted and Cosette Thoms in the amount of $22,760.00 through the Rain Gardens for Rock Island Program for their three rain gardens.
b. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $10,812.33 for professional services for the ongoing Water Treatment Evaluation.
c. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Active Thermal Concepts in the amount of $6,238.00 for the City Hall Asbestos Removal.
d. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Centennial Contractors in the amount of $106,263.35 for the 2005 Utility Patching Program.
e. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Crawford Company in the amount of $28,806.00 for the Parking Ramp Drainage Gutters.
f. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Treasurer of the State of Illinois in the amount of $36,556.00 for the City of Rock Island’s portion of the IL 92 Resurfacing.
g. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Peeters Sod Company in the amount of $1,754.03 for the 2005 Sod and Tree Program.
h. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Phoenix Corporation in the amount of $209,048.83 for the 5th and 7th Street Storm Sewer Improvements.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of November 4 through 10 in the amount of $784,124.03. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Murphy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
OCTOBER 24 THROUGH NOVEMBER 6
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of October 24 through November 6 in the amount of $1,011,238.54. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the purchase of electrical maintenance parts, recommending that the bids be awarded to Electrical Engineering and Equipment Company in the amount of $4,810.00, to Crescent Electric Supply in the amount of $4,148.28, and to Republic Electric in the amount of $1,100.50. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to award the bids as recommended and authorize purchases CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Fiber Optics Cable: Phase 2 Project, recommending the bid of Tri-City Electric in the amount of $232,648.59. City Manager John C. Phillips noted that the item had been deferred November 7 because only one bid was received. Upon further review, staff determined that it would be more costly to rebid the project. Claire Gordon, Information and Technical Services Department Director, reviewed the purchase. She indicated that this would help the employees provide better service to the customers by providing better communications between the facilities. Alderman White asked if there was government money available for this, and Ms. Gordon stated that she has applied for some money already.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell 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, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None. ABSTAIN: Alderman Pauley, due to conflict of interest.
Agenda Item #14
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding Lead Hazard Control Grant Agreements, recommending that the City Manager be authorized to execute the sub recipient grants agreements. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the agreements and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY/SALE OF
PROPERTY
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an agreement with Habitat for Humanity for the sale of city-owned property to allow the development of a seven-lot subdivision. Alderman White asked if the agreement contained language that indicated if the houses were not built by a specific time, the property would be returned to the City. Greg Champagne, Community and Economic Development Department Director, responded that it is not in there but could be added to the agreement. Alderman Brooks stated that this would fit in well with the new Old Chicago Neighborhood Plan. Alderman Conroy asked if there could be a covenant for the subdivision that would include not allowing outbuildings like metal sheds on the property. Mr. Champagne stated that they can discuss this with Habitat, and noted that this is the first subdivision Habitat is building. He stated that the houses would be owner-occupied, and be a quality addition to a neighborhood. Alderman Conroy asked to see the plans for the houses when they are done.
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the agreement, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
734 20 STREET/INFILL
DEVELOPMENT PROPERTY
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an Infill Development Opportunity at 734 20th Street, recommending that the property be sold to Bill Rowand pending stipulations stated. Bill Rowand, 536 23rd Street, spoke to Council about his proposed development. He discussed the odd lot sizes in this area, and noted that one house will face 20th Street with the other facing 8th Avenue. He stated that modifications would be made as recommended by the Preservation Commission, and he wants to put in some energy-efficient products. Jeff Dismer, architect, and resident of 817 23rd Street, stated that it is exciting to see two new houses being built in Broadway. He noted that they would both fit in with the other houses in the neighborhood.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the sale of property pending stipulations stated, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a letter from Community Marketing Director Jennifer Fowler requesting that the city accept the donation from Renaissance Rock Island, and that the Council authorize the placement of the two Blues Brothers Statues in Arts Alley. Ms. Fowler stated that the statues will be donated to the City, and Public Works will take care of removing them and placing them in Arts Alley for the summer season, as they do with the benches, etc. Mayor Schwiebert asked if the statues would be sitting on a bench so people can sit by them to have their picture taken. Ms. Fowler stated that she is not sure, but they came with chairs. She stated that they could look at this possibility.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to accept the donation, and approve the placement of the statues as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
BOARDS AND
COMMISSIONS
Agenda Item #18
LIBRARY BOARD/LUKASIK
The City Clerk read a memorandum from Mayor Schwiebert recommending the appointment of Cindy Lukasik to the Library Board. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the appointment as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
ITEMS FROM THE
CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM PACKET
SIDEWALKS
Public Works Director Bob Hawes discussed his report concerning the service walks leading from the curb to the sidewalk. He noted that they only put back what they remove when putting in sidewalks and/or streets. He added that this is not in the 50/50 sidewalk program. Alderman Rockwell asked if the City originally put in the ones that exist, and Mr. Hawes responded that, to his knowledge, they were not. Alderman Brooks stated that he drove around the two-block area, and he noted that having these service walks would add to the value of the neighborhood.
Alderman Conroy stated that putting them in one area would change the policy, and would be setting a precedent. He stated that other neighborhoods have them and it is noticeable where they are missing. Alderman Rockwell suggested having these be part of the 50/50 Sidewalk Program.
Mayor Schwiebert stated that the service sidewalk is a private benefit because it serves the house that is located there. It does not benefit the public at large.
Kathy Myatt, 806 15th Street, expressed her concern that the city was not willing to put the service walk in front of her house. She noted that it had been there but was removed by the former owner because it became a safety hazard when it broke up. She stated she put in some stones that helped, but the City did not put in the service walk when they worked on the street and sidewalk in her neighborhood. She noted that other neighbors who have them. Mr. Hawes stated that one neighbor paid to have it put in, and the others were done because they were already there. He noted that the city returns property back to the condition it was in. He added that, if the city is made aware of a tripping hazard, they would deal with it.
Ms. Myatt presented a letter to the Mayor and to the City Attorney and also presented a petition for the sidewalk to the Mayor.
ALLEY
Mr. Hawes reviewed the information regarding a request to improve the alley east of 10th Street, north of 25th Avenue. He stated that the southern third of the alley right-of-way is rock, and the northern two thirds of the alley is not open to the public. He indicated that it has been this way for a long time, judging by the garage and the fence that are shown in the pictures given to Council.
Rodney Reed, P O Box 1651, Milan, Illinois spoke to Council about the garage. He said that he purchased the building and was told by a staff member that this was an alley. He stated that he has not received a bill from the City, and there is trash sitting around the shed. Mayor Schwiebert asked Council if they wished to change their decision, and the response was negative.
Alderman White stated that Ms. Rink requested permission to keep the garage and fence on public right-of-way, and Council approved that last week. She said that Ms. Rink did nothing wrong, and the city gives permission for persons to keep items such as fences on public right of way often, as long as they provide the City with a Certificate of Insurance naming the City as additional insured. Mr. Reed said he has a state permit to trap wild animals. Mayor Schwiebert noted that the Council has made their decision and no changes were going to be made.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
City Manager John Phillips called attention to other items in the Memo Packet:
a. Information from the Community and Economic Development Department announcing the intent to apply for a Certified Local Government grant;
b. Information from Chief Wright regarding the Citizen Police Academy;
c. Letter to Nick Hartman thanking him for serving as the City’s United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator this year. Mr. Phillips noted that the amount collected this year was higher than other years.
d. Flier announcing the Chicago/Douglas Park redevelopment public input meeting to be held November 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the King Center;
e. Copy of the County Proposed Animal Ordinance. He noted that the Rock Island County Board would be meeting Tuesday evening to discuss this.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman White called attention to the face-lift being done at the Sav-A-Lot store. She stated that it will be an improvement to the neighborhood, and commended the owners for investing the money into the project. Mr. Phillips noted that staff worked with them on the Façade Program.
Alderman Rockwell called attention to the payment made earlier in the meeting for the rain gardens through the Rain Garden Program. He noted that this is a good program, and encouraged residents to call Public Works to learn more about it.
Karol Griffiths, 1001 12 Street, spoke to Council regarding the ordinance passed recently to close off streets before and after school hours to allow children to get to and from school without having to fight traffic. She stated that she lives on the street that is being closed off, and requested that the time be changed to 8:15 a.m. so she can take her own children to the school they attend. Mr. Hawes stated that staff would talk to the school officials about changing this, since they are the ones who requested this.
Ed Hammer, 2424 7th Avenue, spoke about the Community Caring Conference summit to be held Tuesday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the Township Hall.
Mr. Hammer also spoke to the alley by the school, stating that he is one of the guards there. He places the barricades there and puts them away two times a day, and noted that by 8:15 a.m., the vehicles are gone and the alley does not have to be blocked off any longer.
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Murphy to recess to Monday, November 21 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:12 p .m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk