The Rock Island City Council met for 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, Personnel Director/Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, Finance Director Bill Scott, Public Works Director/Assistant to the City Manager Bob Hawes, and Assistant Fire Chief Doug Vroman.
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to a revised Development Agreement for the property at 734 20th Street. The agreement was changed to reflect a name change for the developer, and a change in the time for beginning construction of the two houses.
Mr. Phillips stated that there were a number of things to be discussed – the tax levy, budget, policies on Fund Balance, CIP and Gaming. He noted that the only related action would be one item that is on the agenda, confirming that no public hearing will be needed because the proposed Tax Levy is less than 5%. He suggested that Council plan to lock in the first two years of the CIP so staff can begin the preliminary work on the larger projects.
Mr. Phillips indicated that all departments have prepared their draft budgets, and upon review by the Budget Team, additional cuts were made to narrow the budget down to what it is now. He stated that no cuts in service are included. He expressed a concern about the Personnel Costs, which continue to increase due to the Pension Costs, the Health Costs, and the other wage increases. He noted the arbitrator’s decisions regarding the FOP contract which is on the Agenda for approval at the regular meeting, which increased wages for the Police Department. He added that the fuel costs are a concern again this year as well as the cost of natural gas.
Finance Director Bill Scott stated that December 19 is the date for the approval of the Property Tax Levy. Once it is approved, the Council can lower it before the end of March. He noted that Council would be reviewing the budgets Saturday, February 25 and Saturday, March 4. He indicated that the budget process started out with a $400,000 deficit in the General Fund. He stated that the fuel costs are increasing, and there is a first-time cost for the Legislative Consultant. The proposed General Fund budget is balanced.
Alderman Conroy asked if they have documented what adding costs to Parks and Library for the IT services. Mr. Scott responded that they would do a chart and report for Council with this information. He noted that the Property Tax Rate has declined to $2.49. Mr. Scott reviewed the proposed schedule, stating that the Property Tax Levy is scheduled for adoption December 19, the budgets will be presented to Council February 20, Departmental Budget Reviews are scheduled for February 25 and March 4, and the Budget Ordinance will be presented to Council for adoption March 20. He noted that the Tax Levy could be reduced before the Budget is adopted. Mayor Schwiebert asked for a copy of the pi charts.
The next topic was the draft financial policies. Mr. Scott stated that they are proposing changing the balance on hand from a sixty-day balance to a ninety-day balance. He explained that it would strengthen the City’s bond rating, and there would be some savings resulting from that also. City Manager John Phillips stated that there would be some benefit to have the ninety-day balance as a goal and direction, even though it could not be accomplished in one or two years.
Mr. Scott discussed the new Enterprise Fund Policy. He stated that the business-type activities include waterworks, wastewater treatment, stormwater treatment, and Sunset Marina. He noted that the goal of the City is to set rates for enterprise operations at a level that will result in positive changes in net assets and provide positive unrestricted net assets each year. He noted that Parks and Library are combined at this time, but the Parks fund will now be classified as an enterprise fund.
Doug Vroman briefly discussed a report submitted to the City Council regarding the Fire Pension. He noted that there is concern about the unfunded liability. He stated that the trend in declining fund levels is causing considerable concern. He noted that the Fire Pension Board has worked diligently to maximize investment returns while remaining prudent and responsible as fiduciaries managing public funds. He stated that the fund has been unable to meet the stated objective of 8% investment return. He suggested that the actuarial recommended for this year be used, and then review it for next year’s budget. He suggested that the Actuary meet with the City Council members to discuss this.
Bob Hawes reviewed part of the Capital Improvement Plan. He stated that the plan does not include any capital improvements or transfers for the Marina because there is no money available. He stated that next summer will be the time for rate increases, and there are two major projects coming up for the Marina. One is the entrance relocation, adding that they are seeking Federal money for this project. The second project to be done in two or three years is the dredging.
The gaming allocations for the Capital Improvement Fund were discussed, and Council asked for a copy of the current Gaming Policy for further discussion. Council discussed the project for widening 18th Avenue, and Alderman Rockwell asked if this is necessary since most of the property along that avenue is schools and residences. Mr. Hawes stated that the project could be revisited, adding that the City could apply for two million dollars in Federal funds if they widen the Avenue. Council asked for a report on traffic counts, speeding violations and accidents since the change was made to 18th Avenue to eliminate parking and use the extra lane for a turn lane. Mr. Hawes reminded them that the work being done on Blackhawk Road could affect the traffic count, adding that Blackhawk Road will be open next year.
Alderman Conroy noted that residents in Southwest Rock Island had requested that a street be added to the CIP, and it was in last year’s CIP. He expressed concern that it was not included in this new CIP and he had not been notified that it was removed. Mr. Hawes noted that this is only a Draft CIP, and changes can be made. Mayor Schwiebert noted that there were a lot more things to be discussed, including concerns about the water utility increases, and asked that this be continued to December 5 Study Session. Mr. Phillips noted that the Armory discussion is scheduled for that session, but there may be additional time for discussion on the CIP. He added that it could be scheduled for December 12 if more time is needed.
Council requested copies of the Gaming Policy before the next meeting.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy 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 6:35 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 the meeting of November 14, 2005 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
725 19 STREET/SPECIAL USE
PERMIT
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to operate a chiropractic office at 725 19th Street. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White 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 #7
516, 509 9 AVENUE, 701 5
STREET/DONATION OF PROPERTY
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance providing for the donation of property at 516 9th Avenue, 509 9th Avenue and 701 5th Street to the Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation. 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, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
734 20 STREET/SALE OF
PROPERTY
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance and agreement regarding for the sale of property at 734 20th Street to Bill Rowand. A revised agreement had been distributed to Council before the regular meeting, with two changes made. The first change was - “Bill Rowand” – changed to “Broadway Custom Homes, a division of R.I.W. Inc. (Developer).” The second change was in Item #3 – “Developer hereby agrees that construction shall commence on one of the two homes not later than six months after the property closing and the second home no later than one year after the closing.” A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents with changes noted CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy 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 Personnel Department recommending payment to Califf and Harper in the amount of $3,318.11 for legal services for the month of October.
b. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to the Illinois Department of Transportation in the amount of $314,629.73 for the reimbursement of construction costs for the American Discovery Trail.
c. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Gardner Carton and Douglas in the amount of $7,573.94 for professional services for the Pretreatment Program.
d. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Peeters Sod Company in the amount of $1,474.20 for the 2005 Sod and Tree Program.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of November 11 through 17 in the amount of $810,042.14. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
BIDS/PURCHASES
Agenda Item #11
JON BOAT/TED’S BOATARAMA
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the purchase of an 18-foot Jon Boat, recommending the bid of Ted’s Boatarama in the amount of $4,142.00 for a 2005 Tracker Jon Boat and Trailer, and recommending that the 1990 Lowe Jon Boat be declared surplus. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to award the bid, authorize purchase of the new boat, declare the 1990 boat as surplus 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.
CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS
Agenda Item #12
SBC CONTRACTS/RENEWALS
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department regarding contract renewals for the SBC Centrex Agreement and the SBC DS-1 Circuits.
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve the contract renewals 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 (conflict of interest).
Agenda Item #13
FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE/ARBITRATOR’S AWARD, DECISION
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding the Fraternal Order of Police Arbitration, recommending that the City Council accept the arbitrator’s award and adopt the arbitrator’s decision. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to accept the arbitrator’s award and adopt the arbitrator’s decision as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
ENVIRONET/ASSESSMENT 401 8 STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an agreement with EnviroNET, Inc to perform a limited environmental assessment of 401 9th Street in the amount of $5,850.00. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the agreement 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
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY, DAVENPORT ELECTRIC/CONTRACTS
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding contracts with MidAmerican Energy and Davenport Electric Contract Company for the relocation and de-energizing of power lines as part of the powerhouse demolition project in the total amount of $25,435.00. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the contracts 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 #16
DOWNTOWN TIF/APARTMENTS 2nd
AVENUE
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a development agreement committing $80,000 of Downtown TIF funds for six apartments at 1809-1811-1813 2nd Avenue.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the agreement 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 #17
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the purchase of residential property in Sunset Business Park, recommending that Council approve the $62,000 to purchase the residential property at 1224 Second Street. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to authorize purchase, 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 #18
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding permission to build a driveway on an unimproved portion of public right-of-way on River Heights Road. Council asked if Mr. Burgess was aware of the recommendation, and staff indicated that he was. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to deny the request as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #19
The City Clerk read a report from the Finance Department stating that a Public Hearing will not be needed in December for the Property Tax because the levy increase will not exceed five percent. City Manager John C. Phillips noted that the tax levy will not be more than 5%, and it is at 3% with the draft budget. He stated that it can be decreased, but cannot be increased more than 5%. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Conroy to confirm that no Public Hearing will be needed for the Property Tax CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to information from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding residential sales prices by neighborhood, and also to the information regarding the intent of the Community and Economic Development Department to apply for a capacity grant.
Mr. Phillips expressed appreciation to the volunteers who worked at the Thanksgiving Dinner at the Martin Luther King Community Center on Sunday. He stated that there was a good turnout.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman White encouraged residents to shop in Rock Island for the holidays. She wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Alderman Pauley stated that the Alleman Pioneers would be playing in Champagne on Saturday for the State Championship.
Alderman Austin asked Mr. Hawes to discuss the free leaf bag program. Mr. Hawes stated that the City ran out of the free leaf bags, but residents can use any paper bags for their leaves. They have until Friday, December 2 to put the leaves out for pickup. Alderman White asked about the yard waste, and Mr. Hawes stated that it would be picked up on the assigned day for each resident. She asked if the City is going to pick up the large containers to store them for the residents and return them next spring. Mr. Hawes stated that he did not know the answer at this time. He suggested that residents call 732-2200 if they have questions about the garbage.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to recess to Executive Session on Property Acquisition CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:05 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 7:35 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Monday, December 5 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Voice vote.
The meeting was recessed at 7:36 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk