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 David A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Alderman Terry M. A. Brooks I was absent. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Public Works Department Director/Assistant to the City Manager Bob Hawes, Special Projects Coordinator Sally Heffernan, and Finance Director Bill Scott. Also present were Tim Weeden of Hendricks Development Group and Joe Stadelman of Angus Young.
City Manager John C. Phillips distributed photos of the areas noted in Agenda Items Numbered 27 and 28, regarding requests for boulevard parking. He noted that these pictures show the area on ground level better than the aerial photo that was attached to the report.
Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne presented a brief background of the Armory property. He noted that the Hendricks Development Group entered into a Memorandum of Understanding in July of 2005, under which we would initiate and direct a comprehensive analysis of the redevelopment potential of the Armory property. He stated that they were able to identify and evaluate the opportunities for adaptive reuse by working with the city staff, residents, various consultants and other stakeholders. He introduced Tim Weeden of Hendricks Development Group and Joe Stadelman of Angus Young.
Mr. Weeden discussed the process they used, and their work with Angus Young Associates and Corporate Contractors, Inc. who have analyzed the structure and probable costs associated with many alternative uses. He stated that they have also had talks with Schreiber/Anderson Associates and City staff during this analysis.
Mr. Weeden pointed out the alternatives they looked at, and stated that none of these possible uses meet the test of market feasibility because of cost or lack of market demand. He stated that a lack of parking at the site also presents a serious problem for many of these uses.
He discussed the four levels of rehab – the exterior shell, the interior rehab, residential and commercial/office. The first level would be improvements to the exterior shell. He stated that this would require approximately $1.2 million in roof and other exterior repairs to stabilize. He clarified that this cost would not include any interior or site work, and would not provide an opportunity for new uses of the building.
The second level would be interior upgrade that would include improvements to the building construction like the fire protection, mechanical, plumbing and electrical, and would include the exterior shell improvements. The third level would be the apartment project, and the fourth level would be office. He added that the costs include building related construction work only and do not include parking lots, roadways, landscaping or other exterior work.
Mr. Weeden noted that the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency will permit certain interior demolition, but will not permit modification of the existing building envelope. He added that demolition of the main seating levels would disqualify the rehab project for the receipt of the 20% historic tax credit. He noted that these restrictions present significant hurdles to economic development of the Armory property.
Mr. Stadelman stated that he has talked with Mike Jackson of the IHPA, who suggested that he building should be retained because it is a significant historical structure. Alderman White stated that the City has a moral obligation to not have derelict building by the Riverfront, and we have a moral obligation to follow through on the agreement with the State.
Mr. Weeden and Mr. Stadelman then discussed a new building that could be put up east of the armory that would include condos and some office or retail space in addition to parking on the lower levels. Council members indicated some apprehension of the use of the new building if the Armory is left standing there.
Following further discussion, direction was given to Mr. Weeden, Mr. Stadelman and staff to study further what would happen if the city would absorb the $1.2 million dollars of the up-front costs. They were also asked to look at a comprehensive package and look at a new building with a diminishing value if the Armory is maintained. A follow-up report will be presented to Council later.
Mr. Phillips noted the additional information given to Council regarding the CIP. He noted that there were parts of the plan to be discussed further – the 18th Avenue plan, the Water System and the street project in the Southwest area, and Alderman Conroy added that he would like to discuss the Gaming Policy further. Alderman Rockwell noted that the number of speeding tickets and accidents on 18th Avenue seemed to be decreasing. He asked about a traffic count, and Public Works Director Bob Hawes stated that the state does this every five years. He stated that they should be doing one this summer.
Mr. Phillips noted that this spring, the city would need to apply for the money for the project in late Spring 2006. Mr. Hawes added that it is included in the CIP because they cannot apply for the funding if it is not part of the plan. Keeping it in the plan does not mean that it has to be done.
Following a brief discussion, consensus was to continue the CIP discussion at the Study Session December 12. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 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 David A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. Alderman Terry M. A. Brooks I was absent.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to order and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman Austin gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the Minutes of the meeting of November 21 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert, City Manager John C. Phillips and Public Works Director Bob Hawes presented the award for the Snow Roadeo 2005 to Quincey Steele. Mr. Hawes noted that this is the third time in three years that Mr. Steele has won the award.
Agenda Item #7
City Manager John C. Phillips presented the Distinguished Budget Award to Finance Administrative Assistant Niki Fallon and Finance Director Bill Scott for the budget year 2005/2006. Mr. Phillips noted that this is the sixteenth year for the City to receive this award, and Rock Island is one of the few cities in Illinois to win this many times. He commended Ms. Fallon, Mr. Scott and Department Managers and staff for their contributions to the annual budget.
Agenda Item #8
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance declaring a 1990 Lowe Jon Boat as surplus for trade-in. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
1224 2 STREET/PROPERTY ACQUISITION
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance authorizing acquisition of property at 1224 2nd Street. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY/PROPERTY DISPOSITION
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance providing for the sale of property to Habitat for Humanity. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Conroy to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The claims were as follows:
a. Statement from the City Attorney in the amount of $6,302.00 for legal services during the month of November.
b. Report from the Personnel Department recommending payment to Sports Depot in the amount of $2,716.00 for 18 Service Award Jackets.
c. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to C. H. Langman & Son in the amount of $39,300.83 for the 9th Avenue Resurfacing Project.
d. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley & Associates in the amount of $1,817.00 for the American Discovery Trail.
e. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley & Associates in the amount of $3,567.64 for the 85th Avenue West Reconstruction.
f. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley & Associates in the amount of $729.10 for the 24th Street Resurfacing.
g. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $4,410.00 for the Rock Island/Moline Water Interconnection.
h. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $1,848.00 for the Raw Water Intake Study.
i. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Triad Engineering in the amount of $1,164.13 for the River Water Quality Monitoring project.
j. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Valley Construction in the amount of $129,090.79 for the Asphalt Street Milling and Patching Program.
Agenda Item #12
NOVEMBER 18 THROUGH DECEMBER 1
The City Clerk read the claims for the weeks of November 18 through December 1 in the amount of $922,773.96. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Murphy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
NOVEMBER 7 THROUGH 20
The City Clerk read the payroll for the weeks of November 7 through 20 in the amount of $1,026,970.60. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
BIDS/PURCHASES
Agenda Item #14
SICALCO LTD./LIQUID
CALCIUM CHLORIDE
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding quotes for the annual purchase of liquid calcium chloride for snow control, recommending the bid of Sicalco Ltd. at the unit price listed. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Conroy to accept the bid and authorize purchase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
LOW BIDS/WATER
TREATMENT CHEMICALS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for water treatment chemicals, recommending the low bid for each of the water treatment chemicals listed. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to award the bids as recommended and authorize purchase CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
ZIMMER &
FRANCESCON/SLUDGE PUMPS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding replacement of two sludge pumps at the Mill Street Wastewater Plant, recommending the purchase from Zimmer & Francescon in the amount of $4,800.00. Alderman White asked if this would impact the new program, and Mr. Hawes responded that these would have nothing to do with the Long Term Control System.
Alderman Austin noted that it might be a better deal to purchase two pumps at this time. Mr. Hawes stated that it would be, even though they would continue to use the second pump until it goes out. He added that they only budgeted for one pump.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to amend the motion to purchase two pumps CARRIED on a Voice vote. The main motion, made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell, with the amendment to approve the purchase of two pumps, and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
MARTIN EQUIPMENT
COMPANY/BACKHOES
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of two backhoes, recommending that the Council waive the bidding procedure and authorize purchase of two John Deere Backhoes from Martin Equipment Company in the amount of $192,470.00, and declare the two current backhoes as surplus property. Mr. Hawes responded to questions from Council, stating that the two backhoes are different, and they could have bid the second backhoe. He noted that the purchase of the two backhoes is $28,000 under budget.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to waive the bidding procedure, authorize purchase of new backhoes, declare the current backhoes as surplus property and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
LOVEWELL
FENCING/FENCE MATERIALS
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the fence materials for the new Police Impoundment Lot at Public Works, recommending the bid of Lovewell Fencing in the amount of $4,864.35. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
ANIMAL SHELTER/SURPLUS
PROPERTY
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding the disposition of surplus property from the Animal Shelter, recommending that the items be given to Rock Island County and the Milan Animal Shelter as listed. Council asked about the building, and City Manager John C. Phillips responded that they are expecting a proposal on the building. Alderman Rockwell noted that there are three sections of fencing, and asked if this fencing could be used in place of the fencing purchased for the impoundment lot. Mr. Hawes stated that they would be using this fencing in other areas. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White to declare the items listed as surplus property and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
ADOPT A HIGHWAY/Q C
PARROT HEAD CLUB
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding an Adopt-A-Highway contract with the Quad City Parrot Head Club to adopt Blackhawk Road between 11th and 38th Streets. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the contract and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
DONOHUE AND
ASSOCIATES/DEMOLITION AT QCIC
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an agreement with Donohue and Associates for preparation of demolition plans and specifications for the water tank building at the QCIC site. 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 Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
USEPA GRANT/APPROVAL
FOR SUBMISSION
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department requesting approval for the submission of an environmental assessment grant to USEPA seeking $200,000 for assessment of multiple properties. Sally Heffernan, Special Projects Coordinator, spoke to Council about the EPA funding and the purpose of the grant application. She noted that the City has used up the $240,000 from the Illinois EPA, and this new grant application will be for federal funding. She explained that this is a very competitive process, but added that few of the applicants have a program in place like Rock Island has. She also stated that the application would not be site specific, which makes it possible to use the funding for various projects.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the submission of the grant as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
QCREDA/CEDING OF
PRIVATE ACTIVITY VOLUME CAP
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority for approval to cede $1,623,600 of the city’s 2005 private activity Volume Cap for a project sponsored by the Upper Illinois River Valley Development Authority. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the ceding of the Private Activity Volume Cap as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
TRAFFIC
ENGINEERING/PARKING
Agenda Item #24
STREET CLOSING
AMENDED/PRIMARY ACADEMY
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding an amendment to the Ordinance for the blocking of 10th Avenue from 12th to 14th Street, recommending that the current ordinance be revised to reflect the new time for morning hour closing from 7:50 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #25
726 43
STREET/HANDICAPPED PARKING
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for a Handicapped Parking Space at 726 43rd Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #26
1917 9 STREET/HANDICAPPED
PARKING
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for a Handicapped Parking Space at 1917 9th Street. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #27
567 31 AVENUE/BOULEVARD
PARKING
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for a Boulevard Parking Space at 567 31st Avenue, recommending approval of the request for boulevard parking for licensed vehicles. Mr. Hawes stated that there are several other places that are being looked at for this violation, but added that these two locations (Agenda Item #28 also) have been in existence for several years and are hard-surfaced areas. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote, with Alderman White voting against the motion..
Agenda Item #28
2522 15 AVENUE/BOULEVARD
PARKING
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for a Boulevard Parking Space at 2522 15th Avenue, recommending approval of the request for boulevard parking for licensed vehicles. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote.
BUDGET/FUND BALANCE/TAX LEVY
INFORMATION
Mr. Phillips called attention to the information in the packet in response to the 2007 Budget Discussions. He noted that they would like to have the Property Tax Levy Ordinance on the agenda December 12, and stated that the Fund Balance Policy needs to be approved by Council as well. He asked Council if they had any questions on either at this time. Alderman Conroy asked for clarification on the time frame for the Fund Balance Policy to change. Mr. Phillips noted that the target was to reach the goal in five years.
Mr. Phillips noted the draft ordinance prepared by Assistant City Attorney Ted Kutsunis regarding panhandling. Council members stated that it seemed to include everything they had discussed at an earlier meeting. Mayor Schwiebert noted that it addressed the aggressive panhandler. Council asked if this would include the students collecting money on the streets for the Student Hunger Drive, and Attorney Kutsunis stated that his opinion is that is does include that. He added that it would not be a good idea to allow them to do it and not allow others. Council members suggested looking at issuing permits for panhandlers.
Finance Director Bill Scott reviewed the October 2003 Management report. He touched on some highlights, stating that it looks like the General Fund Revenue will exceed the budgeted amount, but some of that excess will be used for the wages to fulfill the contract that was recently approved for the FOP.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor Schwiebert noted that Alderman Brooks had asked him to announce that he (Alderman Brooks) was absent for this meeting because he was attending a National Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Alderman White reminded residents to shop Rock Island for the holidays.
Alderman Austin noted that the appointed City Clerk was at the table observing, and Mayor Schwiebert introduced Cindy Neiggemann. She has been appointed by the City Council to be the City Clerk January 30 upon the retirement of the current City Clerk.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Executive Session n matters of Property Acquisition and Litigation CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:50 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 8:25 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Austin to recess to Monday, December 12 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:26 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk