CITY OF ROCK ISLAND

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 Pro Tem Dennis E. Pauley, presiding, and Alderman Terry M.A. Brooks I, David Conroy, Stephen L. Tollenaer, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Also present were City Manager John Phillips, Public Works Director Bob Hawes and Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne. Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert was absent.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

City Manager John Phillips opened the discussion by inquiring upon Public Works Director Bob Hawes to highlight the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan. Mr. Hawes stated that one of the City’s most important and fundamental responsibilities is maintaining the integrity of the infrastructure, and to accomplish the task, significant investments need to be made in the infrastructure.

Mr. Hawes commented on several Gaming allocations that were included in the Capital Improvement Plan. Mr. Hawes indicated there are 66 project requests for fiscal year 2009 totaling approximately 19.3 million dollars. Mr. Hawes also stated that the gaming revenue recommendations assume that gaming will provide approximately $25.7 million dollars for capital improvements, contract maintenance and economic development activities in the next five (5) years. Nearly 63% (16.2 million dollars) of the anticipated revenue is committed in the Capital Improvement Plan, and the remainder (9.5 million dollars) has not yet been earmarked for specific projects.

Mr. Hawes then discussed the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan. Mr. Hawes noted that assuming the streets will last 25 years without needing to be resurfaced or replaced; the City will be spending 24 million dollars in the next five (5) years on the street system. That represents approximately 45% of what the City should be spending. Mr. Hawes commented that at that level of spending, the City is assuming that the streets will last 50 years without any major attention, which is optimistic. Mr. Hawes noted various 2008 projects, several of which include 24^th Street resurfacing of 18^th Avenue to 31^st Avenue and 18th Avenue resurfacing of Mill Street to 12^th Street.

Mr. Hawes stated that the Water Utility has four (4) long range goals, which include production quality of water that surpasses state and federal drinking water standards; production quality of water that will produce enough water to satisfy all customer and fire protection needs; water distribution quantity and reliability and fire protection. Mr. Hawes noted that the first two (2) goals have been satisfied, but the last two (2) have not. Mr. Hawes also discussed the Watermain Replacement Program noting that the CIP includes 2.7 million dollars worth of work for the Watermain Replacement Program. Mr. Hawes commented that in addition to the watermain replacements, the City maintains six (6) water towers in which the 1914 vintage tower at the intersection of 14th street and 42nd Avenue has exceeded it useful life and needs to be replaced. Included in the CIP is $1,645,000.00 for replacement of that tower in fiscal year 2010, and the painting of four of the other towers in subsequent years. Mr. Hawes stated that rates must be increased to continue day to day operation of the water system; the rate increase would be 6% in 2008 and 5% in the following years. It was noted that Rock Island has the lowest water rates in the Quad Cities, and will continue to be the lowest after implementation of the 6% increase in which the residential customizer would see an increase of $1.53 per month.

Mr. Hawes indicated that the federally mandated Long Term Control Plan dominates the Capital Improvement Plan for the Sewer Utility. It was noted that on Friday, December 7, 2007, the EPA approved all City improvements for the North Slope, but rejected improvements for the South Slope. Mr. Hawes commented that the largest project required by the Long Term Control Plan is the Mill Street Sewage Treatment Plant, which is scheduled for construction in 2010. In addition to the Long Term Control Plan, the City has 3.1 million dollars in the CIP for over the next five (5) years for the Sewer Replacement and Rehabilitation Program. Mr. Hawes pointed out that the initial sewer rate increase to a customer would be $5.08 a month. Mr. Hawes noted that Rock Island is the second highest in the Quad Cities, and after implementation of the 20% increase, the City will be the highest.

Mr. Hawes addressed Storm Water Utility in which he stated that the Capital Improvement Plan includes $519,000.00 to address stormwater problems. Mr. Hawes briefly discussed the Hydroelectric Plant stating that after completion of the acquisition, the City will double the rated capacity to 1,200kw. The output will provide almost two-thirds of the electricity used each year by City facilities.

Mr. Hawes stated there are no Capital Improvements set for Sunset Marina. However, Maintenance Dredging, Harbor Entrance Relocation and the 400 Dock Replacement are issues to be addressed. Mr. Hawes concluded that financing for the Capital Improvement Plan suggests the 78.6 million dollars worth of work is 35 million dollars of bonds.

Council discussion followed regarding upcoming street projects, sewer projects, financing of the CIP and the 50/50 Sidewalk Program.

Alderwoman Murphy inquired as to what other funds besides the $85,000.00 (that is not part of the 50/50 Sidewalk Repair Program) is spent on sidewalk repair. Mr. Hawes stated that unless it is part of a street project, no other money is spent on the repair of sidewalks. Alderwoman Murphy stated that she would like to see more funds spent to repair more of the worst sidewalks in the City. Alderwoman Murphy noted that some people will never be able to afford sharing in the cost of repairs and it doesn’t make sense to support bike paths and various other new things and not take care of what the City already has.

City Manager John Phillips stated that this is needed and could be a Policy question for Council; but, it is a question of where limited resources are put, and funds have been distributed to streets rather than to alleys or sidewalks.

Mr. Phillips then pointed out that there is a new initiative; there would be a $20,000.00 allocation from Gaming Funds to Renaissance Rock Island for assistance with the coordination of Special Events in the Downtown. Mr. Phillips indicated that there has been various issues (parking, fencing, garbage, business notifications, street closures etc…) concerning past events. Mr. Phillips also noted that if the City is going to allow events downtown, then the events need to be coordinated and planned to make sure that they are not going to interfere with other businesses.

Discussion followed with Council concerns’ regarding the cost of Not-For-Profit events verses the cost of For-Profit Events and possible fee adjustments. Council also had concerns regarding the new initiative. Council suggested that year end reports be submitted by the Downtown Events Coordinator and City Clerk regarding Events; and to evaluate whether or not another year of allocation of funds is warranted. City Manager Phillips noted that fees would be evaluated to determine whether or not fee adjustments are necessary.

ARTSPACE PROPOSAL

City Manager John Phillips inquired upon Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne to update Council on background information regarding Artspace.

Mr. Champagne stated that Community and Marketing Director Jennifer Fowler attended a conference last month, and one of the presenters was Artspace. Mr. Champagne noted that Artspace is the nation’s leading non-profit developer for the arts and arts community. Mr. Champagne commented that Artspace was founded in 1979; and the organization has completed over 20 projects generating more than $250 million dollars in investment. Artspace’s development projects usually involve conversion of historic buildings into livable and workable space for artists. Artspace also employs green building and sustainable principles in their projects.

Mr. Champagne indicated that Artspace acts in two (2) capacities, one of which being a consultant and the other a developer. Mr. Champagne commented that the City is looking at using Artspace in the first phase as a consultant. It was noted that Artspace uses a very detailed process when they evaluate whether or not to do a project. The first step as Mr. Champagne noted would be a prefeasibility visit or enhanced two (2) day visit. Artspace would meet with the arts community, financial community and other various organizations. They also evaluate three (3) to five (5) sites or buildings that may be proposed by the City, gather information, and evaluate whether or not a development project makes sense for the community. Mr. Champagne indicated that Artspace would then prepare an executive summary for the City, which would contain their impressions of the community, and whether or not a project would be warranted for the community.

Mr. Champagne stated that he is impressed with Artspace for several reasons, one of which being that they work with diverse community sizes; they will not do a project unless they feel it will be successful; and they are selective regarding the community that they go into.

Mr. Champagne indicated the City would be looked upon as a funding source for the prefeasibility visit. The fee for the analysis is $10,000.00. But, Artspace has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts that covers $2,500.00 of the amount. The City’s cost would be $7,500.00 Mr. Champagne concluded that if Artspace does come in to Rock Island and complete a prefeasibility study, the City would not be obligated to go any further. The City will have obtained valuable information. If Artspace did a development project in Rock Island, the expense would come out of TIF funds.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to adjourn the meeting carried on a roll call vote. Those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p. m.

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Aleisha L. Patchin, 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 Pro Tem Dennis E. Pauley, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M.A. Brooks I, David Conroy, Stephen L. Tollenaer, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III. City Manager John Phillips was also present. Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert was absent.

Introductory Proceedings

Mayor Pro Tem Pauley called the meeting to order and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Mayor Pro Tem Pauley gave the Invocation.

Agenda Item #5

Minutes of the Meeting of December 3, 2007.

A motion was made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of December 3, 2007 as written. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #6

A Special Ordinance providing for the levy, assessment and collection of taxes for the City of Rock Island for fiscal year April 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008.

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderwoman Murphy seconded to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Special Ordinance providing for the levy, assessment and collection of taxes for the City of Rock Island for fiscal year April 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008.

Discussion followed with City Manager Phillips discussing the process for the budget. Mr. Phillips stated that the budget is not totally completed. However, Mr. Phillips indicated that this is the time of year that a decision is to be made regarding the Property Tax Levy. Mr. Phillips noted that as part of the budget process, the City has already reduced a million dollars of spending from what was proposed or made adjustments to the revenues that brought the City an excess of a million dollars in adjustments. Mr. Phillips stated that the Property Tax rate that is proposed is $2.35, which is the same as the current rate; and the rate proposed is 43% less than what it was in 1990 ($4.13). Mr. Phillips pointed out that although the rate will stay the same, the Tax Levy or the amount that is collected will increase by 4.95% due to the projected increase in the assessed value. Mr. Phillips noted that this is the assumption the City received from Rock Island County as it relates to Rock Island’s assessed value.

Mr. Phillips stated that $220,000.00 of the increase in the Tax Levy will go to fund Police and Fire pensions, $100,000.00 additional for the General Fund, $100,000.00 for the Library and $80,000.00 for Parks and Recreation. Mr. Phillips concluded by stating that the City is optimistic that the Levy can be reduced before the budget is finalized in March.

After discussion, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #7

A Special Ordinance amending a Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit for 4543 18^th Avenue.

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Special Ordinance amending a Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit for 4543 18^th Avenue. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #8

A Special Ordinance establishing Type A residential permit parking only area on 37^th Street between 11^th and 12^th Avenues.

Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderman Conroy seconded to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Special Ordinance establishing Type A residential permit parking only area on 37^th Street between 11^th and 12^th Avenues. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #9

CLAIMS

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

a. Report from the Personnel Department regarding payment in the amount of $646.77 to Christy Allison for General Liability Claim.

Agenda Item #10

Claims for the weeks of November 30 through December 6 in the amount of $471,896.08.

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo moved and Alderman Conroy seconded to allow the claims. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #11

Payroll for the weeks of November 19 through December 2 in the amount of $1,090,528.40.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy 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 Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #12

Report from the Public Works Department regarding a State bid for purchase of 13,750 gallons of liquid calcium chloride at $.64 per gallon from Sicalco Ltd. In the amount of $8,800.00.

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

Agenda Item #13

Report from the Police Department regarding bids for Police uniforms and equipment, recommending the bids be awarded to Uniform Den in the amount of $856.50 (Uniform Pants and Shirts) and in the amount of $545.65 (Badges and Bars), also recommending the bids be awarded to Ray O’Herron Company in the amount of $1,877.50 (Outerwear), and in the amount of $501.85 (Leather Goods).

It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Conroy to award the bids as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #14

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding bids for plumbing and sheet metal work for the Centennial Bridge Visitor Center, recommending the bids be awarded to Mallard Plumbing in the amount of $6,490.00 and to Crawford Company in the amount of $3,950.00.

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo seconded to award the bids as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #15

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an agreement with Artspace for a prefeasibility visit.

It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve an agreement with Artspace as recommended, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract document. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #16

Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget.

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderman Austin seconded to approve the change to the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #17

Report from the Public Works Department regarding a storm water credit for Edgewood Baptist Church.

It was moved by Alderman Conroy, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to approve a 16.4% unique and special cases storm water credit for Edgewood Baptist Church as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #18

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an Ordinance, and the vacation and sale of City owned property behind 2106 4^th Avenue, recommending the approval of a Vacation Ordinance relating to alley segments vacated in February of 2007, and the transfer of alley segments and City owned property to Preston Land Company Inc.

a. A Special Ordinance vacating two (2) 10 foot wide segments of the East/West Alley Right-Of-Way between 4^th and 5^th Avenues and between 21^st and 22^nd Streets.

Alderman Conroy moved and Alderman Austin seconded to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Special Ordinance vacating two (2) 10 foot wide segments of the East/West Alley Right-Of-Way between 4^th and 5^th Avenues and between 21^st and 22^nd Streets. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

b. (Motion whether or not to transfer the alley segments and City owned property to Preston Land Company Inc. as recommended, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance.) It was moved by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderman Conroy to transfer the alley segments and City owned property to Preston Land Company Inc. 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 Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #19

Items from the City Manager’s Memorandum Packet.

City Manager John Phillips did not have any items to discuss.

Agenda Item #20

Other Business

No one signed in to speak for this item.

Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo commended the Police Department for their effort, volunteerism and participation in the Shop with the Cop Program, which was held on Thursday, December 6, 2007.

Alderman Brooks commended the Fire Department, the City and the Inspections Department for their effort with the extinguishment of the fire and demolition of the house that caught on fire last week on 17^th Street between 10^th and 11^th Avenue.

Agenda Item #21

No Executive Session

An Executive Session was not held.

Agenda Item #22

Recess

A motion was made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, December 17, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.

The meeting was recessed at 6:55 p.m.

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Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk