The Rock Island City Council met for Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 17, 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, Fire Chief Jerry Shirk, Police Chief Terry Dove, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Park and Recreations Director Bill Nelson, Library Director Ava Ketter, Information Services Manager Claire Dubuisson, Street Maintenance Superintendent George Seiz and Planning Administrator Alan Carmen. Also present were MetroLink Executive Director Jeff Nelson, and Renaissance Rock Island Executive Director Dan Carmody.
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to information that was being distributed regarding a meeting today at the Four Points Sheraton regarding Racial Profiling, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Transportation. He noted that the notice of this meeting arrived late Friday after the Memo packet had been completed. He reminded Council members of the Employee Breakfast being held Tuesday morning at 7:00 a.m. at the Quad City Botanical Center, and invited Council members to attend as well. He also reminded Council members of the meeting with the Moline City Council next Tuesday at The Mark at 5:30 p.m. He then stated that Agenda Item #15 would be withdrawn, since Alderman Keefe will be meeting with the persons who requested the Residential Parking and with Augustana College representatives on Thursday to see if something can be worked out to accommodate all of them. Mr. Phillips distributed a revised list of the contracts, with those that affect the General Fund printed in red.
MetroLink Director Jeff Nelson spoke to Council regarding the expansion of the Channel Cat Service. He discussed the history of the Channel Cat that now runs between Moline and Bettendorf. He noted that Kathy Wine of River Action was instrumental in starting this program, and eventually asked MetroLink to take it over. He indicated that they agreed to take it over to see if it was profitable, but would not commit to running it if it was not profitable. He stated that it has been a profit-making venture over the past few years.
Mayor Schwiebert said that he and Davenport Mayor Charles Brooke had been discussing the possibility of running the Channel Cat between the two cities, and Mr. Nelson agreed to discuss this with the City Council. Mr. Nelson plans to discuss it with the Davenport City Council as well but no date has been set for this.
Mr. Nelson stated that there are some grants available, but if Rock Island and Davenport are interested, they would need to apply for the grant soon. He indicated that there is competition for a grant of this kind, but there are limited numbers of these operations in this area, which might make it a bit easier to obtain the grant. The grant would be 80/20, with the City of Rock Island being asked to contribute a 20% match.
Mr. Phillips stated that, if Council were interested in pursuing this, Mr. Nelson would apply for the grant. Following discussion, consensus of Council was to pursue the grant with the Channel Cat expansion for Rock Island and Davenport. Alderman Conroy suggested looking at a Channel Cat/Water Taxi between Sunset Marina and Credit Island. It was also suggested to look at a possibility of linking the Casino boats. Mr. Nelson noted that the boat is generally used as for tourists, but there is a possibility of using it for daily commuting. Following further discussion, consensus was to have the Riverfront Study Committee look at this project to determine the best location for the Water Taxi, and ask Mr. Nelson to apply for the grant. Mr. Nelson left the meeting at the end of the discussion.
(Alderman Forlini left the meeting at 6:00 p.m.)
City Manager John Phillips reviewed the reports from the Memo, and noted that Council should give staff some direction on the tax levy. He stated that, if a public hearing will be needed, a notice would have to be printed in the paper prior to the public hearing. Finance Director Bill Scott reviewed the change in the Library Levy increase, the Fire Salary adjustment and the Pay for Performance adjustment.
Council then discussed the Leaf Collection Proposal. Public Works Director Bob Hawes responded to questions from them. The option presented by staff was to reduce burn days to three, and have the City provide free paper bags. There would be curbside collection for seven weeks, beginning in mid October through the first week in December. The cost to provide the program would be $53,501, with the increase to the budget $18,968. Mr. Hawes discussed the process to distribute the bags, noting that they would be specially marked bags that would be available to Rock Island residents only. He noted that the person picking up the bags would need to provide identification and a maximum of 50 bags would be given per resident per pickup. Following discussion on this, Council consensus was to implement this program during the next fiscal year.
Alderman Bauersfeld discussed the list of contracts, and requested more specific costs and details regarding these contracts. He commended staff for the list, but asked for a breakdown of the costs, labor, etc. of these contracts. Aldermen Bauersfeld, Conroy and White stated that they are not in favor of the ¼ % sales tax. Alderman White stated that it would be the Rock Island citizens who would be paying this tax and the visitors to the area would be paying most of the food and beverage tax.
Alderman White stated that she would not be opposed to the elimination of the D.A.R.E. Program since the schools do not have the money to pay for it. Mayor Schwiebert disagreed with her, noting that this is an important program for the students. Following discussion, the D.A.R.E. Program was left in the budget with one officer as proposed.
A complete summary of the decisions by Council follows:
Revised projected shortfall:
Estimated shortfall 11/3/03 $935,000 1Library levy increase 24,481
Fire Salary Adjustment 90,000
Pay for Performance Adjustment 69,000
$1,118,841
Tax rate decrease $ 84,663
2Leaf Collection Proposal 18,968
$
103,631
Revised target $ 1,222,472
Note: 1 Library levy request was modified on 11/17 from $113,841 to $68,841
2 Prepared report included total program cost of $53,501. Net budget increase is $18,968.
Favored options identified by Mayor and City Council on
11/17/03:
Cost reductions:
Section I.11 Public
Works—Seasonal $104,000
I.13 Public
Works—Downtown Trimming 5,000
I.15 Public
Works—In-house Concrete 37,200
I.17 Finance—Budget
Supervisor 29,500
I.20 Fire—Vacancies $100,000
I.3 General—Employee
Event 1,800
II.7 Personnel—Pay
for Performance $ 69,000
$346,500
Revenue Increases:
Section I.1 General—1%
Food and Beverage Tax $400,000
I.4 CED—Building
Permit Fees 28,000
I.5 CED—Plumbing
Permit Fees 1,600
I.6 CED—Food
Service License Fees 6,400
I.16 Public
Works—Engineering from Gaming
10,000
I.18 Fire—Ambulance
Fees 84,000
I.19 Fire—Hazardous
Materials Registry 35,000
I.21 Parks and Library IT Service 110,450
I.23 Police—Fines-Minors Liquor 12,750
I.24 Police—Fines-Cannabis 9,400
I.25 Police—DUI-CORA 50,000
I.26 Police—Suspended/Unlicensed-CORA
160,000
III.1 City
Council Chambers Usage Fee 1,200
$ $909,200
$
1,255,700
Following discussion, 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 Keefe. 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 17, 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 and Ann L. Keefe. Alderman Frank J. Forlini, Jr. was absent.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to Order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman Conroy gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman White to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of November 10 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert read a proclamation declaring Rock Island as a “Great American Smokeout Community” on Thursday, November 20.
Agenda Item #7
REZONING/8700
14TH STREET WEST
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amending a zoning district and zoning map, changing the zoning at 8700 14th Street West from a Planned Unit Development District to R-1 District. Alderman Keefe called attention to a typo in the Ordinance (PUB should have been PUD – change noted.) A motion made by Alderman Conroy 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 and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance authorizing acquisition of real estate at 1000 5th Avenue, 622 9th Avenue, 922 6th Street, 1514 6th Street and 2200 1st Street. A motion made by Alderman White 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 Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9a
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Attorney William Laird and Ricky Schmidt in the amount of to close a Workers’ Compensation claim.
Agenda Item #9b
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Servpro in the amount of $4,637.55 for cleanup services following sewer main damage.
Agenda Item #9c
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Betty, Neuman, McMahon in the amount of 42,578.88 for legal services rendered by Attorney Mark Woollums.
Agenda Item #9d
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Paragon Constructors in the amount of $7,200.00 for the 16th Street and 3rd Avenue Parking Structure Restoration.
Agenda Item #9e
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Frank Peeters Sod Company in the amount of $2,016.00 for the 2003 Sod and Tree Program.
A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Conroy to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of November 7 through 13 in the amount of $697,750.16. A motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of October 27 through November 9 in the amount of $959,607.45.
|
GENERAL FUND |
$668,457.80 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #1 DOWNTOWN |
602.16 |
|
TIF DISTRICT #2 S 11 STREET |
182.91 |
|
TID DISTRICT #3 N 11 STREET |
182.90 |
|
COMM/ECON DEVELOPMENT |
42.85 |
|
KING CENTER |
3,686.41 |
|
FEDERAL COPS GRANT |
4,187.85 |
|
COMM. DEV. BLOCK GRANT |
22,309.19 |
|
LIBRARY |
40,163.62 |
|
ELDERLY SERVICES CONTRIBUTION |
37.50 |
|
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS |
6,749.94 |
|
WATER |
54,467.96 |
|
SEWER |
40,046.68 |
|
COMMUNITY/ECONOMIC DEV. |
6,244.98 |
|
BRIDGE |
668.93 |
|
SUNSET MARINA |
8,308.76 |
|
PARK & RECREATION |
60,853.45 |
|
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE |
24,309.18 |
|
SELF INSURANCE |
1,898.94 |
|
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE |
8,221.72 |
|
MLK ACTIVITY FUND |
4,511.86 |
|
DRUG PREVENTION |
3,471.86 |
|
|
$959,607.45 |
A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
Agenda Item #12
SPECIAL
USE PERMIT/REQUEST TO APPLY
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Deb Kuntzi of Loud Thunder Medical Billing and Consulting for permission to apply for a Special Use Permit to operate an upstairs office and first floor personal guest room/house at 1929 9th Avenue. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow Mr. Kuntzi to apply for a Special Use Permit CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #13
1800
78 AVENUE WEST/BACK TAXES WAIVER REQUEST
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request to waive the city’s portion of back taxes on property at 1800 78th Avenue West. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to authorize the waiver to the city’s portion of the back taxes due on property at 1800 78th Avenue West CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell and Keefe. NAYS: Alderman White.
Agenda Item #14
NEW
HOME PROPERTY TAX REBATE PROGRAM RENEWAL
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a renewal of a citywide New Home Property Tax Rebate Program for 2004 to 2007.
Alderman Bauersfeld asked if this could be expanded to include condos. Planning Administrator Alan Carmen stated that they are included as a single-family occupancy. Alderman Bauersfeld asked if this included larger rental units. Mr. Carmen stated that staff went by Council priority of single-family owned homes, but added that they can look at this being included. He noted that many of the large developers would be in an enterprise or TIF area. Alderman Bauersfeld indicated that he was looking more in the future of Southwest area where people might want to rent as opposed to owning. Alderman Conroy stated that he would like to see this type of development coming to Council. Mr. Carmen stated that the guidelines for this program are fairly basic and relatively easy for the property owners to obtain. Mayor Schwiebert cautioned that we need to be careful in giving tax breaks, and suggested that they be given to newly constructed homes. Alderman Bauersfeld noted that he was referring to rental projects of 900 to 1000 square feet.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to renew the Construction Property Tax Rebate Program for three years, through June 30, 2007 CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
TRAFFIC
ENGINEERING
Agenda Item #15
RESIDENTIAL
PARKING/10 AVENUE, 32 – 34 STREETS
This item was withdrawn from the Agenda at this time.
ITEMS
FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
City Manager John Phillips called attention to the meeting with the Moline City Council, to be held Tuesday, November 25 at 5:30 p.m. at The Mark in Moline, regarding the Regional Services Study. Alan Carmen reviewed the report regarding the “Zoning Ordinance Revisions Related to Nonconforming Uses.” He also noted a meeting to be held Wednesday, November 19 at 3:00 p.m. at Huckleberry’s regarding the District Uses, which is being conducted by District Executive Director Jennifer Fowler, District Events Coordinator Erica Smith and City Clerk Jeanne Paggen.
Alderman Bauersfeld, referring to the memo regarding the Eagle’s Reception Hall application for a Youth Dance License, asked if staff could work with the owners to see if there was some assistance that could be provided to do the necessary improvements to the building. Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne responded that staff would meet with the owner and see what programs are available. He also noted that the building is in the TIF District.
Alderman Keefe asked when the Leaf Burning Ordinance would be enforced. Fire Chief Jerry Shirk responded that it goes into effect November 21. The Police Department is currently issuing the tickets for violations. He added that they usually get about 200 calls of illegal burning per year, and this year, they have already had 148 calls this season. He attributed this to more information being available to the public.
Mayor Schwiebert noted that Council discussed some additional cuts and fee increases in the budget during the Study Session, and they are trying to plug the holes in the budget. Alderman Bauersfeld commended City Manager John Phillips and staff for the adjustments that were done before coming to Council, as well as for the options for others that have been given to Council to review.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman White to recess to Monday, November 24 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White and Keefe. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:20 p.m.
______________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk