The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:00 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room, City Hall.  Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M.A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III.  Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Community and Economic Development Director Greg Champagne, Finance Director Bill Scott, and Director of Public Works Robert Hawes.

 

HARD HAT AWARDS

 

Renaissance Rock Island President Mike Thoms distributed ballots for the Mayor/Council Trophy to be awarded at the Hard Hat Awards being held on December 6th from 5 to 7 pm at Zimmerman Cars.  Council members voted and returned the ballots to Mr. Thoms for tabulation.

 

PROPERTY TAX LEVY

 

City Manager Phillips opened the discussion by providing an overview of the proposed property tax levy, noting a three percent increase in the levy is being suggested at this time based on preliminary budget information.  The proposed minimum wage increase has not been included in this budget.  The City Council will vote on the tax levy at the December 18th meeting. 

 

Finance Director Scott stated that this evening he is seeking Council direction as to whether or not there is a desire to hold a public hearing on the tax levy increase, which is only required for increases in excess of five percent.  In response to questions from the Council, Finance Director Scott stated he is comfortable with the proposed three percent increase. 

 

Following a brief discussion, all Council members agreed there is no need to hold a public hearing on the proposed tax levy increase.

 

PROPOSED FY 07/08 TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT PROJECTS, PROGRAMS, AND ACTIVITIES

 

Community and Economic Development Director Champagne reviewed the list of proposed TIF projects, programs, and activities for FY 2007/2008.  Included in that list is the Children’s Garden, Downtown Façade Improvement Program, Property Tax Rebate Program, Loft Housing, RiverVision/Armory Park Plan Implementation, McKesson Building renovations, support for public art, implementation of the Downtown Strategic Plan, lighting of the BlackHawk Mural, downtown landscaping, replacement of downtown holiday lights and banners, South 11th Street Façade Improvement Program, 11th Street street improvements, installation of 11th Street gateway sign, design services for park at 7th Street/9th Avenue, demolition/acquisition of selected properties north of 11th Street, and north 11th Street Façade Improvement Program.  Anticipated cost of the proposed projects is $2.9 million. 

 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

 

Director of Public Works Hawes highlighted portions of the City’s Capital Improvement Plan, noting gaming revenue recommendations assume that gaming will provide $23.5 million for capital improvements, contract maintenance, and economic development activities in the next five years.  He

 

 

then pointed out that almost 43 percent of CIP expenditures will be used for street improvements.  Major projects for FY08 are resurfacing of 7th Avenue from Mill Street to 22nd Street and resurfacing of 5th Avenue from 24th Street to 28th Street.  Primary revenue sources for street improvement projects are gaming revenues, motor fuel taxes, general obligation bonds, and state and federal grants.  Other major

planned projects include improvements to the water utility – replacement of undersized and/or worn-out watermains; sanitary and combined sewer utility – replacement/renovation of sanitary/combined sewers; and the stormwater utility – address long-standing stormwater problems.

 

Alderman Austin requested that the non-petitioned 5th Street, 18th to 27th Avenues, resurfacing project be replaced with the neighborhood petitioned 47th Street Court resurfacing project.  He then complimented Director of Public Works Hawes on the format of the report, noting it was easy to read.

 

GAMING POLICY

 

Alderman Pauley noted that as CDBG funding is decreased, social service agencies are left with no monies to use to leverage additional funds to support their programs.  He suggested the City allocate $50,000 to be given to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee for distribution to social service agencies as they see fit. 

 

Alderman Austin responded that the City owes it to its taxpayers to work on issues facing the City, and taxpayers shouldn’t be obligated to support social service agencies.  He suggested encouraging private donations as an alternative.

 

Alderman Rockwell supported Alderman Pauley’s idea, stating this is a way for the City to support the Citizen’s Advisory Committee and social service agencies that help provide Rock Island residents with the services they require. 

 

Alderman Brooks stated his support for allocating $50,000 to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee, saying it is important to support the social fabric of the City. 

 

Mayor Schwiebert offered that while he is supportive of earmarking $50,000 per year for social service agency support, he would like that support to be subject to the following conditions:

 

            1.            The amount available be capped at $50,000.

            2.            The money be earmarked for use in Rock Island only.

            3.            The programs supported benefit youth of the city.

4.         All recommendations for funding are made by the Citizen’s Advisory Committee.          

5.         All agencies supported be subject to an annual review. 

 

Guidelines would need to be established for implementation, monitoring, and auditing of this program.

 

City Manager Phillips pointed out that significant staff time will be required to implement this program. 

 

Adjournment

 

Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderman Austin seconded to adjourn the meeting.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman

 

 

Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Murphy, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:32 p.m.

 

 

 

                        ___________________________________

                            Karen DeLathower, Acting 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, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. 

 

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 13, 2006

 

A motion was made by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Rockwell, to approve the Minutes of the meeting of November 13, 2006 as written.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #6

Proclamation declaring November 19th through November 25th as National Family Week

 

Mayor Schwiebert read the proclamation and presented it to Gary Rowe of Bethany for Children and Families. 

 

Agenda Item #7

Proclamation declaring November 28th as American Association of University Women Day

 

Mayor Schwiebert called the Council’s attention to the proclamation. 

 

Agenda Item #8

Special Ordinance amending a zoning district and zoning map for 2955 14th Avenue 

 

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance to amend the zoning district to R-4 and zoning map for 2955 14th Avenue.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. 

 

Agenda Item #9

Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit for 734 20th Street 

 

Alderman Pauley moved and Alderman Rockwell seconded to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance granting a special use permit for 734 20th Street.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agenda Item #10

CLAIMS

 

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, to accept the following reports and authorize payments as recommended.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

a.       Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $6,029.10 to Califf & Harper for legal services rendered for October 2006.

 

b.      Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,750.00 to Holmes-Murphy (Jeff Scarpinato) for health care consulting services.

 

c.        Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $17,006.00 to State of Illinois Treasurer for Blackhawk Road Widening Project from 24th Street to 38th Street. (322)

 

d.      Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $8,161.38 to Symbiont for professional services rendered for 07/06-09/06.  (334)

 

e.       Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $2,842.46 to Handy True Value Hardware for equipment rental.  (335)

 

f.        Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $5,092.10 to Carus Chemical for the delivery of phosphoric acid for water treatment. (336)

 

g.       Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,152.00 to Dennis Osborne Sr. for the rain garden reimbursement program. (337)

 

h.       Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $73,072.67 to C.H. Langman & Son, Inc. for the 2006 Sanitary Manhole Program. (344)

 

i.         Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $174,808.14 to General Constructors, Inc. for the Water Distribution Facility Renovations. (345)

 

j.        Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $5,000.00 to Don Peterson & Virginia Johnson for the rain garden reimbursement program. (348)

 

k.      Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $304,553.10 to Brandt Construction Company for 7th Avenue resurfacing between 11th and 21st Streets.  (350)

 

Agenda Item #11

Payroll for the weeks of October 23 through November 5 in the amount of $1,031,072.51

 

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderman Rockwell, to allow the payroll.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman

 

 

Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #12

Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of refuse carts from Toter, Inc. in the amount of $29,664.00

 

Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded to approve the purchase of refuse carts as recommended.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #13

Report from the Personnel Department regarding the appointment of Aleisha Patchin to the position of City Clerk at an annual wage of $30,000.00, beginning November 20, 2006

 

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Austin, to approve the appointment of Aleisha Patchin as City Clerk beginning Monday, November 20, 2006.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, to approve the base salary of $30,000 as recommended, becoming effective Monday, November 20, 2006 and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #14

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment in the amount of $5,500.00 for a Roof Deferred Payment Loan at 1400 5½ Avenue

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Austin, to commit $5,500.00 for a roof deferred payment loan at 1400 5 ½ Avenue as recommended.   The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #15

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a commitment in the amount of $5,500.00 for a Targeted Rehabilitation Loan at 1361 26th Avenue

 

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderman Rockwell seconded to commit $5,500.00 for a targeted rehabilitation loan at 1361 26th Avenue as recommended.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

 

Agenda Item #16

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding Quad City Dollarwi$e Partnership’s intent to apply for a capacity grant

 

Lisa Ahern, representing Quad City Dollarwi$e Partnership, stated this is an important opportunity for the organization to receive a capacity grant.  Application was made last year, but was denied because there was no coalition. A coalition has now been formed, so they are hoping for approval.  Their intent is to educate citizens on the fundamentals of financial literacy, particularly the identified key groups of those currently unbanked, low income individuals, and the Hispanic community. 

 

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Pauley, to approve the City as applicant as recommended and authorize the City Manager to submit the capacity grant application.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #17

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department recommending adoption of the 2007-2010 Downtown Strategic Plan

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderman Pauley, to adopt the Downtown Strategic Plan as an amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Plan as recommended.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #18

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Bill Bogart Jr. for a Special Use Permit to operate a firearm repair business out of his home in Lakeview Estates Mobile Home Park at 2300 79th Avenue West

 

Due to Mr. Bogart’s inability to attend this Council meeting, it was requested this item be deferred to a later date.  Alderman Conroy stated he feels there is no need to bring this item back before the City Council.

 

Agenda Item #19

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to install a 30-minute parking space at 2013 31st Street

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Rockwell, to approve the request to install a 30-minute parking space at 2013 31st Street as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

 

 

 

 

Agenda Item #20

Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to install a handicapped parking space at 3325 7½ Avenue

 

Alderman Austin moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to approve the request to install a handicapped parking space at 3325 7 ½ Avenue as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #21

Report from the Mayor’s Office regarding an appointment to the Liquor Control Commission

 

It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderman Rockwell, to appoint Paul Foley to the Liquor Control Commission as recommended.   The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

 

Agenda Item #22

Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet

 

City Manager Phillips called the Council’s attention to the letter dated November 15, 2006 from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency regarding the Rock Island Armory, which was a late submittal. 

 

He then referred to the letter from Paul Knedler, Interim Executive Director Quad City Botanical Center, saying a study session will be held in December to hear a presentation and consider the Botanical Center’s request to forgive the remaining payments due on the parking lot.

 

City Manager Phillips noted the Council received a copy of the memo from Community Marketing Director Fowler regarding Community Marketing Plans for 2007.

 

Agenda Item # 23

Other Business

 

Alderman Austin commented on the “Lights and Sirens, An Introduction to Public Safety” program that is being implemented at Rock Island High School to acquaint students with public safety careers, saying it is an exciting program and should prove very interesting for the students.

 

City Manager Phillips noted the curriculum is not yet finalized and needs to go to the Curriculum Board for final approval, but everyone is confident it will be accepted.

 

Carl Ferrel, 1637 12 Street, addressed the Council regarding property he owns at 19th Avenue and 4th Street, which he has offered to sell to the City.  Due to security concerns, he is planning to shut off all entrances and exits to this property, including the street and alley, unless the City moves forward to purchase this property. 

 

Timothy Dooling, 832 14 ½ Street, #4, commented on his displeasure with the Police Department’s handling of his recent hit and run accident.

 

 

Agenda Item #24

Executive Session

 

A motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to recess to Executive Session on a matter of property acquisition.   The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.  The meeting was recessed at 7:11 p.m.

 

Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular session at 7:29 p.m.

 

 

Agenda Item #25

Recess

 

It was moved by Alderwoman Murphy, seconded by Alderman Austin, to recess until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 4, 2006.  The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:  those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.  The meeting was recessed at 7:31 p.m.

 

 

           

           

 

                   ____________________________________

                        Karen DeLathower, Acting City Clerk