The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 15, 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., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White and Charles "Chuck" O. Austin. Alderman Ann L. Keefe was absent. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Public Works Assistant Director Tim Ridder, Information Technical Services Director Claire Dubuisson and Information Technical Services Assistant Director Tim Bain. Also present were Stephen C. Bahls, President of Augustana College, along with members the Augustana College staff.
Following a welcome by City Manager John C. Phillips and Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, President Stephen Bahls reviewed briefly the Strategic Plan. He noted that the plan has not yet been adopted by the Board, and will not be adopted until January. Prior to that, there will be time to generate input from others that may call for some changes to the plan. He indicated that the purpose of the plan is to have Augustana College become a Premier Liberal Arts College. He noted that he is very pleased to be able to work with the City of Rock Island on this and other projects.
President Bahls stated that the plan is to have more students study abroad. He noted that a strong liberal arts college is good for the community and they plan to increase the number of students to 2,500. This will involve more student housing and they are looking at building additional housing as well as making improvements to the current student housing. He indicated that they have some serious structural problems, noting that Old Main is one of these issues that need to be addressed soon. He stated that Sorenson Hall was not built to be a classroom facility and they plan to build additional classroom space and will study the future use of Sorenson Hall.
President Bahls indicated that they would be creating an Augustana Partners Association to look at ways to put this strategic plan into place. He introduced the members of his team who accompanied his visit – Al DeSimone, Vice President of Development, Pastor Richard Priggie, Chaplain of the College, Paul Pearson, Chief Business and Financial Officer, and Kai Swanson, Director of Public Relations.
Mayor Schwiebert noted that the City looks at the Capital Improvement Plan every year, and the plans for Augustana College seem to fit right in with these plans. President Bahls stated that they plan to acquire the old Bowladrome building and property, and feel that the acquisition will be good for the community and for the college. He noted that they hope to finalize a contract next spring, and this is part of a master plan for the college. He noted that Mr. Phillips would be one of the members of the group to review the master plan. Alderman White suggested having more retail shops in the area of the college, and used SantAmour’s as an example of the type of shop that appeals to the college crowd. Alderman Conroy noted the idea of new jobs and support staff, and suggested that perhaps the City Marketing Director could work with the Marketing Plan to further both plans. President Bahls noted that they have recently hired a Marketing Director. He further suggested that comments on the plan be given to him before January, when it will be presented to the Board for approval. Alderman White noted that an art gallery was not included in the plans, and President Bahls responded that it is not a top priority at this time, but will be in the next ten years.
City Manager John Phillips noted that Augustana College is participating in the QCIC Area Plan. Mayor Schwiebert commented on the quality of Life that is apparent in the plan, and Terry Stimpson, resident and President of the Keystone Neighborhood Association, suggested that they look a the behavior challenges of the Junior and Senior Students in student housing throughout the neighborhood.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION PROJECT
Tim Bain, Information Technical Services Assistant Director, presented three media clips regarding the Wireless Communication System in Seattle, Washington. Seattle has made wireless communication available to the public and private sector. Wireless communication can have an impact on Economic Development and can be a magnet to new industry.
Following the presentations, Mr. Bain noted that this was a top priority of the City Council, and staff wants to make sure they are going in the direction Council is looking for them to go. Alderman Bauersfeld noted that is where he is looking for them to go, but using this as an Economic Development tool first, and then as a spin-off for safety and engineering users coming second.
City Manager John Phillips stated that they would be looking at the downtown area first, and maybe help ay the business for upgrading their own hot spot. Mr. Bain stated that the costs are not clear on the tapes shown, and they are checking with Spokane on further details regarding the cost, who paid for it upfront, and who paid for the fiber infrastructure backbone that would be needed to do this in the city. Alderman Conroy suggested partnering with Augustana College, Trinity and the downtown, and suggested that Mayor Schwiebert appoint a committee to work with this project. Mayor Schwiebert noted that he would first like to see the purpose established – as a public service or the owner of the utility, and asked what the future technology would be before investing a lot of money into it. He expressed concern for the security of it, if people on the street were able to access through the wireless system, could they have access to the same information as the Police Department? Alderman Bauersfeld suggested that staff find out the cost of the continued purchases and maintenance fees. Alderman Rockwell suggested looking at an incentive for businesses to provide this information for customers.
Following further discussion, staff was given direction to find out additional information concerning the Spokane wireless communication system – the ongoing costs, the partners identified, the reliability, whether the communication would be blocked by other buildings, the revenue stream, user fees, security issues and other issues of concern. Once this information is received and reported back to Council, a Task Force could be formed to further study the program. Alderman Bauersfeld also requested a geographic description of the area the Spokane 100 block area would cover in Rock Island. Terry Stimpson asked that they also discuss the accessibility for users with disabilities.
Alderman Conroy suggested looking at the possibility of not meeting the first four Mondays of each month. (“Alderman Conroy suggested looking at the possibility of not meeting the first four Mondays of each month.”– should read as “Alderman Conroy suggested the possibility of not meeting the fourth Monday of each month.” – Correction noted November 22 by Alderman Austin.) Alderman White further stated that staff could spend its time doing more creative things than preparing for the meeting each week, noting that they could always add a Special Meeting if necessary. City Manager John Phillips stated that staff would look at this and come back to Council with a report.
Alderman Rockwell suggested that Council review his memo to them regarding the selection of Site 1 by Buxton. Alderman Conroy stated that Buxton would be coming back with a list of people to go after, with the same information for all four or five sites. He suggested that these developers be able to look at all sites to determine which site best meets their needs. Alderman Rockwell expressed concern about the staff presentation of the other sites to a prospective retailer without knowing the status of the infrastructure and developer interest. Alderman Conroy stated that they should not be proposing the Southwest site but the infrastructure work should also be done. Alderman Rockwell stated that the Blackhawk Road site is a private development, and is a large site. Mayor Schwiebert noted that the information we get will be equally useful, noting that eh Blackhawk Road site could be situated to move forward at this time. He suggested that Council give staff direction at the end of the regular meeting. Alderman Bauersfeld stated that the goal is to have a success, and not a non-success. He stated that the success will depend on the company, and the lay out of several sites would be good.
Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne stated that Buxton would give the city a list of twenty to thirty retailers that would be applicable to any of the four sites. The site chosen will depend on the mix of retailers and all four sites will be shown. The population is about the same for all, and they would choose the site that would work best for them.
ADJOURNMENT
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.
______________________________ Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 15, 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., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White and Charles "Chuck" O. Austin. Alderman Ann L. Keefe was absent.
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 Brooks gave the invocation. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of November 8, 2004 CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
The Annual “Snow Roadeo” was held recently and Public Works Department Director Bob Hawes presented Quincy Steele with the award for 2004/2005. Mr. Hawes noted that this is the second year Mr. Steele has won the Snow Roadeo, and he is one of the reasons the snow plowing has been successful each year.
Agenda Item #7
2726 36 STREET/PROPERTY
ACQUISITION, TEMPORARY EASEMENT
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance authorizing acquisition of property at 2726 36th Street in the amount of $10,629.00, and the acquisition of a temporary construction easement in the amount of $466.13. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Austin 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
2101 16 AVENUE/REZONING
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amending a zoning district, changing the zoning at 2101 16th Avenue from R-4 district to a Planned Unit Development. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin 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 Personnel Department recommending payment to Jim Vainkos and Brian Schmidt in the amount of $34,864.88 as settlement of workers compensation claim.
Agenda Item #9b
RIPORTELLA/PROPERTY DAMAGE
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Fred Riportella in the amount of $1,424.24 for property damage.
Agenda Item #9c
HANSEN/PROPERTY ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to James M. and Catherine I. Hansen in the amount of $11,095.13 for the purchase of land and a temporary construction easement.
Agenda Item #9d
KELLY CONSTRUCTION/2004 MUDJACKING PROGRAM
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Kelly Construction in the amount of $27,760.00 for the 2004 Mudjacking Program.
Agenda Item #9e
WALTER D. LAUD/16 STREET COURT RECONSTRUCTION
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Walter D. Laud in the amount of $51,112.78 for the 16th Street Court Reconstruction.
Agenda Item #9d
PHOENIX CORPORATION/4 AVENUE, 24-27 STREETS STORM SEWER
IMPROVEMENTS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Phoenix Corporation in the amount of $42,995.90 for the 4th Avenue 24/27 Streets Storm Sewer Improvements.
Agenda Item #9e
WALTER D. LAUD/44 STREET RECONSTRUCTION
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Walter D. Laud in the amount of $46,293.39 for the 44th Street Reconstruction.
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 #10
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of November 5 through 11 in the amount of $397,123.33. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
PAYROLL
Agenda Item #11
OCTOBER 25 THROUGH NOVEMBER 7
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of October 25 through November 7 in the amount of $991,444.31.
|
GENERAL FUND |
$666,921.50 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #1 DOWNTOWN |
543.05 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #2 S 11 STREET |
192.18 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #3 N 11 STREET |
192.20 |
|
KING CENTER |
3,442.97 |
|
FEDERAL COPS GRANT |
2,525.56 |
|
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC BLOCK GRANT |
22,978.37 |
|
LIBRARY |
42,661.56 |
|
ELDERLY SERVICES |
322.15 |
|
WATER |
61,192.93 |
|
SEWER |
33,075.23 |
|
COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC DEV |
15,014.26 |
|
SUNSET MARINA |
8,210.36 |
|
PARK AND RECREATION |
66,446.65 |
|
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE |
26,543.32 |
|
ENGINEERING |
29,611.70 |
|
SELF INSURANCE |
1,751.24 |
|
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE |
845.35 |
|
MLK ACTIVITY FUND |
4,804.93 |
|
DRUG PREVENTION |
4,168.80 |
|
TOTAL |
$991,444.31 |
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Austin. NAYS: None.
ITEMS
FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
RENTAL RESIDENTIAL PROPEORTY
BROCHURE
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to the brochure from CED regarding the Rental Residential Property brochure. There will be a meeting at the Martin Luther King Community Center at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 17, regarding the new program
RENTAL PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT
INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Planning Administrator Alan Carmen reviewed the proposed program for Council. He discussed the incentives, and stated that the program would be jointly administered by Inspections and Planning. He suggested $20,000 to owner, and up to $5,000 per unit. Council suggested that $5,000 was reasonable for a house, but a unit such as the Cody Apartments could be a maximum of $3,000 per unit for four units. Alderman Bauersfeld suggested that the amount vary depending on the number of units, in order to cover more ground.
Alderman Conroy stated that few property owners would be able to use this. He suggested that he would like to see more landlords be able to use $5,000 each, noting that $20,000 is a large amount for a landlord to use.
Following discussion, it was decided that staff would look at modifying this incentive. Mr. Carmen responded to a question about the amount of time it takes to process one application, and he stated that the total time, including inspections, etc. would take about eight to ten hours per applicant. Mayor Schwiebert suggested that the Inspection Division do the inspections, and look at changing the incentive to $5,000 per landlord. Mr. Carmen noted that this is a repayable loan. Alderman Bauersfeld suggested a smaller amount to be able to give money to more owners, noting that the $5,000 was indicated because of the lead-based paint cost. He suggested a cap of $5,000 for one unit, $4,000 per unit for a duplex and $3,000 per unit for a four-plex. Alderman Brooks stated that he would like to see more property owners be able to spend money on more properties.
EQUALIZED ASSESSED VALUATION
Finance Director Bill Scott explained the new law that was recently passed by the State Legislators and signed in July. He stated that the property tax exemption for seniors was increased and what this means to the city. He noted that, if the city is not looking at increasing the Property Tax Rate, there would be a $200,000 decrease in funding available for General Operations. He noted that staff is currently looking at the budget and the Levy, and at the end of next week, should be able to determine if we will need to increase the tax levy. This will be placed on the December 6 meeting agenda.
Alderman Bauersfeld suggested looking at other positive revenue streams and using the potential excess balance. He stated that this is a challenge to the staff to prepare the budget without a property tax increase. City Manager stated that they are not planning to have a public hearing for the tax levy because they are not planning an increase to the tax levy of more than 5%. He stated that by December 6, there would be more information from departments and staff would have a better idea of the final proposed budget.
Mayor Schwiebert discussed the Federal and State Mandates, which are created without providing funding for the municipalities who are required to follow these mandates. Alderman Conroy discussed the lack of funding from the state for our schools, referring to a report in the Rock Island Argus recently. He stated that the schools should be funded out of income taxes and not property taxes. Mayor Schwiebert noted that the bill that was passed appeals to a couple of groups at the expense of the majority of persons in the state. Alderman Brooks suggested inviting our state legislators to a Study Session to discuss issues like this. Mayor Schwiebert noted that he meets monthly with the area Mayors and they meet with the legislators once or twice a year also.
QUAD CITY BOTANICAL CENTER
Mr.
Phillips noted that this information and direction would be included in the
discussion of the Capital Improvement Plan in December.
OTHER
BUSINESS
SIGN ORDINANCE
Alderman Conroy made a motion to reconsider the sign ordinance, which motion was seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld. Alderman Conroy suggested that the proposal had some good ideas, and not approving it was like “throwing out the baby with the bathwater.” He apologized that he did not notify the businesspersons before doing this, but stated that he feels a compromise can be reached. Alderman Conroy had made a motion November 8, regarding a change to the recommended size and height of signs, but Alderman Brooks stated that the suggestions made by local business owners have been made and listened to, and the decision has been made. Alderman Rockwell stated that the businesspersons will want to come back when this is discussed, and there is no reason this cannot wait. Mayor Schwiebert noted that the reason staff was asked to do this in the first place was to reduce the amount of signs around the city. He stated that it makes good sense to bring it back for reconsideration.
Following clarification by the City Attorney regarding the motion, the motion was rephrased. The motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to place on the Agenda of November 22 as an Agenda Item the motion whether or not to reconsider the Sign Ordinance from last week. The motion CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Bauersfeld, White and Austin. NAYS: Aldermen Brooks and Rockwell.
SHOP ROCK ISLAND
Alderman White encouraged people to shop Rock Island first for the holidays, noting a list of shops and businesses she has made her holiday purchases from already.
BUXTON STUDY
Alderman Rockwell encouraged the Council to review his memo to them regarding the Buxton Study and recommendation.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, November 22, 2004 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Voice vote.
The meeting was recessed at 7:45 p.m.
______________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk