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 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 Department Director/Assistant to the City Manager Bob Hawes, Personnel Director/ Assistant to the City Manager John Thorson, Finance Director Bill Scott, City Engineer Jim Johnson, and Utilities Superintendent Dale Howard, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne and Urban Planner Jill Doak. Also present was Jennifer Fowler, Community Marketing Director.
City Manager John C. Phillips noted that there were some items in the Capital Improvement Plan for review. He added that there is some additional information regarding the budget and the CIP being distributed at this meeting.
Mr. Phillips discussed the Spring Hills Estate Subdivision Paving. He noted that the project is included in the current CIP as a resurfacing project for 2006. When the CIP candidates were re-evaluated for the preparation of the new CIP, the Spring Hill Estates were found to have deteriorated beyond the point of resurfacing and the project is now estimated to be higher. This new CIP does not include the project. Mr. Phillips suggested that, if Council wished this project to be done, the other projects in the local street portion of the CIP would be deferred for one year. This would allow the Short Hills Estate project to be put back into the CIP for 2006.
Mr. Hawes then discussed the watermain breaks. He noted that when the initial report was done, there had not been a lot of watermain breaks, but the past weekend changed that. There were seventeen breaks - three Saturday and fourteen Sunday. He stated that most of them were between 18th and 31st Avenues, and east of 17th Street. He stated that the City Public Works workers worked forty-eight hours and then they called in two contractors to complete the work. He stated that a probable cause is the change in temperature of the water. He added that they were able to hold the tower levels, and the last break occurred at 6:30 Monday morning.
Mr. Hawes suggested a systematic replacement program for the watermains, noting that many of them are over fifty years old and subject to problems. He stated that the problems would continue to accelerate without the replacements. Alderman Conroy asked if the work could be done cheaper if done In-house, and Mr. Hawes responded that the state regulations allow only maintenance work to be done in-house. Licensed contractors will do the work.
Mr. Hawes stated that there are a number of meetings scheduled with residents to explain the program and the reason for the increase in the fees. He stated that there are three basic steps – one is for Council to approve the plan, second is talking to the people and educating them, and the third step will be the ordinance after the first of the year.
Public Works Director Bob Hawes discussed the Federal Funds for the 18th Avenue widening project. He noted that the next opportunity to apply for federal highway funds will be late String 2006, and the money would be available in 2008 if the grant is awarded.
Mr. Hawes indicated that the city could not get federal money if the project is not included in the CIP, and keeping it there would allow the City to apply for the funds. Mr. Phillips stated that we need to identify projects for Federal Aid, and staff can apply for funding for each of these projects. Alderman Rockwell asked how much of 30th Street from Blackhawk Road the state would go. He added that he preferred to see the money for the 18th Avenue project be used for the watermain project. Following discussion, consensus was to move the 18th Avenue Widening project to the end of the CIP.
The Gaming Policy was discussed next. Mr. Phillips noted that the Casino construction in expected to begin in the spring with Phase I completed in 2007. The first year for receiving the gaming funds would be fiscal year 2008/2009, and the first year for the budgeted revenues to be used from gaming would be 2009/2010. There were no recommendations to change the gaming policy at this time, but Council will continue to review this policy annually.
Alderman Conroy asked about the goals for the Marketing Plan. Jennifer Fowler, Community Marketing Director, stated that she could prepare a report for review, and it was suggested that this be a Study Session item.
Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne stated that this item ins on the Agenda for the regular meeting. He reviewed the grant, stating that the grant funds can only be used for heritage, tourism and economic development. He indicated that they are looking at the Bridge Office building for use by the Quad City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. They are considering putting a visitors center at that location. Mr. Champagne noted that the building will be made handicapped accessible, and restrooms and a ramp would be added. He stated that this is the first year the grant is available. Alderman Pauley asked if they could apply for the grant for use at the Armory building, and Jill Doak responded that it is not on the National Register. Mr. Champagne stated that the Bridge Office plan includes signage, and Ms. Doak is promoting this as one of the best places to view the Mississippi River.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Executive Session on a matter of 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 6:25 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 6:40 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman White 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 6:41 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 Austin gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the Minutes of the meeting of December 5 as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #6
Mayor Schwiebert called attention to a proclamation declaring the month of December as Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month.
Agenda Item #7
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance authorizing acquisition of property at Edgewater Place, Outlot F. A motion made by Alderman Pauley 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 #8
2522 15 AVENUE/BOULEVARD
PARKING
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing boulevard parking in front of 2522 15 Avenue. 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 #9
567 31 AVENUE/BOULEVARD
PARKING
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing boulevard parking along the north side of 31 Avenue at 567 31 Avenue. 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, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
1917 9 STREET/HANDICAPPED
PARKING
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space in front of 1917 9 Street. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy 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 #11
726 43 STREET/HANDICAPPED
PARKING
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space in front of 726 43 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 #12
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance amendment for temporary closing of 10th Avenue from 12th to 14th Street, changing the morning hours to 7:50 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. 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, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance declaring a 1983 John Deere 710B Backhoe and a 1981 Case 580C Backhoe as surplus for trade-in. A motion made by Alderman Pauley 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 #14
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance declaring property used at the Rock Island Animal Shelter as surplus property for distribution to Rock Island County and the Quad City Animal Shelter. Mayor Schwiebert noted that some residents were questioning the decision to give some of the items to the County. He stated that the Quad City Animal Shelter can use the items, and the County will be able to use them also since they will be taking care of the animals from Rock Island. 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, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance providing for the levy assessment and collection of taxes for the City of Rock Island for the fiscal year April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006. City Manager John C. Phillips stated that the budget goes into effect April 1, 2006. The Property Tax Levy Ordinance has to be passed in December, and it can be decreased once the budget review process is completed. It cannot be increased once this ordinance is passed. He indicated that some of the concerns are the Personnel Costs. He noted that some of these wages are arbitration-driven. He stated that this will be a challenging year, and the budget document will be presented to the City Council in February. There will be two budget-review sessions – February 25 and March 4.
Finance Director Bill Scott reviewed some of the details in the budget, noting that there is an increase of 3.17% over last year. He stated that the Police and Fire Pensions are part of the Tax Levy. He noted that the Fire Pension has increased 70% since 2001, and the Police Pension has increased 61% since 2001. He stated that the Library and Parks are also part of the Tax Levy. The Library portion has increased 39% and the Park and Recreation portion has increased 25%. These two entities make up 30% of the total tax levy.
Following discussion, 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 Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance establishing the public offense of aggressive panhandling. Mayor Schwiebert noted that this gives the Police Department another tool to deal with some of the problems we have with this in some areas of the City.
Penny Woolworth, 2401 13th Avenue, stated that women working in her building, the Starcrest Building, leave work at 5:00 p.m. and are often approached for money in the parking lot at that time. She noted that the hours the ordinance would be effective are from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Alderman White responded that they can call the Police and have these persons trespassed from the lot. Some of them are already trespassed from other areas of the city.
A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell 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.
CLAIMS
Agenda Item #17
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 Public Works Department recommending payment to Electric Pump in the amount of $3,660.09 for the rebuild of a Flyght pump.
b. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brandt Construction in the amount of $322,307.88 for payment #4 for the 24th Street Resurfacing Project.
c. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Missman Stanley & Associates in the amount of $1,726.30 for the 30th Street/Blackhawk Rd Development Project.
d. Report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Peeters Sod Company in the amount of $8,544.90 for the 2005 Sod and Tree Program.
Agenda Item #18
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of December 2 through December 8 in the amount of $534,241.17. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #19
NOVEMBER 21 THROUGH DECEMBER 4
The City Clerk read the Payroll for the weeks of November 21 through December 4 in the amount of $1,525,952.00. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to allow the payroll CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the replacement of a street light pole on the “on ramp” to the Centennial Bridge, recommending award of the bid to Springfield Electric Company in the amount of $6,210.00. Mr. Hawes stated that the city is seeking reimbursement through the insurance company of the person who hit the street light pole.
A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to award the bid as recommended and authorize purchase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #21
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding replacement of a Rapid Mix VFD Motor, recommending approval of the purchase and installation from Graybar Electric in the amount of $3,785.25. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to authorize the purchase and installation as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #22
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding purchase of an X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Machine from Thermo Electron Corporation in the amount of $20,000.00 to be used for the Lead Abatement Program. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Pauley to award the bid as recommended and authorize purchase as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #23
STREET RIGHT OF WAY
VACATION/24 STREET, 9 AVENUE
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for street right-of-way vacation for a segment of 24th Street south of 9th Avenue, recommending denial of the request. A motion was made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White to deny the request as recommended.
Attorney Dan Churchill, of 1610 5th Avenue, Moline, spoke as a representative of Juan and Ana Ferreyra who are requesting to vacate a segment of 24th Street south of 9th Avenue. He reviewed the background of the case, and explained that ordinance 99-32 had been changed from “north’ to “south” when it was recorded the second time. He stated that the documents were inconsistent.
Attorney Churchill then asked Cynthia Hurtado, 910 24th Street stated that she has lived next door since February 2005. She stated that she was born and raised in the house occupied by the Ferreyra’s. Osler Houston, 2324 9th Avenue, stated that he has lived at this address 31 years and has never seen a car or truck going up the hill in all that time.
Juan Ferreyra, stated that he wants to build a retaining wall. He indicated that the dirt keeps coming down from the hill, and he has no place to park his truck. He stated that he did get a building permit. Attorney Churchill stated that there is a lawsuit pending action by the City Council.
Attorney Tom Pasternak, 313 West 3rd Street, Davenport, stated that the property south of Lot 4 was vacated with the second Council Action. Beth Mahlo, 1825 30th Street, stated that she recalled the actions of the Council at that time because she was on the City Council as well as working for Ms. Woolworth. She stated that she is concerned about the permit for a six-foot wall when the hole in the hill is 17 feet high. She stated that a six-foot wall could not hold back a 17-foot hole.
Attorney Churchill stated that the document was recorded with two different document numbers on it. Following further discussion, Mayor Schwiebert asked staff to put together a complete report with copies of the Minutes, the ordinances and other documentation regarding this issue.
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Pauley to DEFER this for one week CARRIED on a Voice vote.
Agenda Item #24
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request by KJWW for a street right of way vacation at 26th Avenue from 5th to 7th Streets, recommending approval subject to stipulations listed.
Paul VanDuyne, President of KJWW, and Larry Pithan, Vice President of KJWW, spoke to Council regarding their request for the vacation of 26th Avenue. Mr. VanDuyne discussed the background of KJWW Engineering Consultants, stating that their corporate office has been located in Rock Island since 1963. They have offices in Chicago, Des Moines, St. Louis and Madison. With the addition, they are projecting an increase of fifteen new Rock Island employees. He noted that their current office space has room for seven new employees.
Mr. VanDuyne stated that their goals for the Rock Island office include becoming a national source for new Hospital Design, to maintain the Rock Island office as their national headquarters, to expand Rock Island with the Engineering and Project Management staff, and to develop the Rock Island location as their Corporate Educational Center. He stated that, in order to accomplish these goals, they have to increase the building square footage, the parking capabilities and the green space to keep the facility attractive for present and future staff.
Mr. VanDuyne explained the plans for the project, which will be done in three phases. He noted that they would not do the vacation until a building permit and development agreement have been acquired.
Tammy and Wayne Close, 2934 27 Avenue, stated that they have a business at 701 26th Avenue. Ms. Close stated that they have been there nine yeas, and they have some concerns about the vacation plans for 26th Avenue. She noted that the reconstruction of 25th Avenue from 5th to 9th Streets should be completed before vacating 26th Avenue. She also expressed concern about the Special Assessment to the homeowners and business owners along 25th Avenue. She stated that this would be a large financial burden on all of them. She asked who would be paying for this reconstruction. She stated that their customers are used to coming to their business from 26th Avenue, and she requested new signs be placed so the customers know that they need to take a different route. She also stated that KJWW has indicated that they will replace the gate, but she was unsure if that will include the blacktopping, etc. in conjunction with the gate replacement. She stated that they are not opposed to the proposal, but asked them to keep the other business owners and the homeowners in the neighborhoods in mind.
Mr. VanDuyne stated that the gate replacement would include the necessary blacktop surface. City Manager John Phillips stated that this is an unusual situation because it involves an assessment for the street reconstruction. He noted that the questions would be answered when the agreement is negotiated with KJWW. He stated that the construction of 25th Avenue could be made part of the package. He stated that staff would be meeting with KJWW to discuss the development agreement. He added that the city has worked with them on several projects in the past.
Assistant City Attorney Ted Kutsunis clarified the stipulations that must be met before the vacation becomes effective. These stipulations will be included in the ordinance and the development agreement. Stan Schmidt, 701 25th Avenue, stated that he has lived at this location for almost forty years. He asked about the width of the street and curbs and sidewalks being put in when 25th Avenue is reconstructed. He expressed concern about the traffic with the school being near by. He also stated that the larger trucks would have to come across 9th Street because they will not be able to make the turn on 11th Street. He also expressed concern about the streets being built to handle the truck traffic.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the request with stipulations listed, 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 #25
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the College Hill Residential Development Project, recommending payment to College Hill LLC in the amount of $123,333 for the final payment of the forgivable loan.
Alderman White asked for an update on the project, since this would be the final payment. Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne stated that the units are under construction, and a permit has been issued for the first duplex. They have sold six lots. Tom Dalton, 61 Barrington Circle, Hampton, the developer for the project, spoke about the project,. He noted some environmental concerns created a problem with the timing, but they now have a clean site. He stated that one unit is pre-sold and they expect to close on four more lots on December 21. They plan to break ground in January for the eight-plex along 30th Street.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Austin to authorize the payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #26
711 28 STREET/WATER SERVICE
SEPARATION
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for separation of water service at 711 28 Street, recommending that City Council grant a variance to allow the connection of water service using the City’s right-of-way as requested, and recommending the Public Works Department be authorized to issue a special permit to Mrs. Casillas for this work.
Alderman Brooks stated that he talked to the son of the property owner and asked if the City should pay for this. He stated that he did not think it was fair to make the property owner pay for this. Alderman White stated that they have been working with Mary Chappell in Community Development. Mr. Phillips noted that the connection has been an improper connection in violation of the city ordinance. Mr. Champagne stated that they are working with the homeowner to get funding to do this work. The building cannot be torn down until the water line is in.
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to grant the variance as requested and authorize the Public Works Department to issue the permit CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #27
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an amendment to the agreement for Prairie View Business Park. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the amendment 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 #28
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the purchase of property at 2324 Third Avenue. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the purchase of the property as recommended, 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 #29
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the purchase of six properties in the New/Old Chicago Neighborhood at a cost of $20,000. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to authorize the 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 #30
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department requesting approval for the submission of a grant for funding through the Preserve America program.
A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to approve the submission of the grant as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #31
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding changes to the Refuse Ordinance and Refuse Rules due to the new system. Public Works Director Bob Hawes reviewed the new Refuse System. He stated that cards were sent out months ago asking residents to respond with regard to the size of container they wish to have. Alderman Rockwell asked about those needing manual pick-up. Mr. Hawes stated that they should be contacting Public Works if they need this. He stated that the new system would start in one specific week. There will be postcards in the mail, and information will be on the cart regarding the use of the refuse system containers. He stated that they will also have information on Channel 9, the website and there will be a press release. He stated that they are making a two-minute video with Moline, so it will be generic and not Rock Island specific. Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Pauley to approve the changes to the ordinance and rules, 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 #32
The City Clerk read a report from the Finance Department requesting approval of the draft revisions to the City Financial Policies. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman White to approve draft revisions to the City Financial Policies as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Mr. Phillips called attention to the following items in the packet:
a. Information from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the deed to the Armory Property, as requested December 5th;
b. Information on the Stormwater Management Plan. Mr. Phillips asked that Council can let Mr. Phillips or Mr. Hawes know if they have any concerns;
c. Information regarding the Quad City Day in Springfield in February. He asked that they let him or Karen know if they wish to attend.
d. Copy of the Solid Waste Service Guide.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman White asked Mr. Hawes when they would be picking up the yard waste containers. Mr. Hawes responded that they would be sending letters to customers. It will be up to the customers if they wish to store the container themselves or not.
Alderman Brooks stated that he attended the National Cities conference in last week. He stated that he was amazed to see that Rock Island is so much ahead of other cities in some areas.
Alderman Austin stated that there have been a number of residential break-ins. He noted that the Community Caring Conference would be having a meeting at the Denkmann Library on Tuesday, December 20 at 6:30 p.m. He noted that the Police Department would have representatives there to speak on safety. Chief Wright stated that residents should lock their car doors, keep any packages locked in the trunk of the car, and not keep keys in the car. He suggested that they think about where they park their vehicles – in a well-lit lot. He stated that many of the car thefts are crimes of opportunity. He also suggested that people going away for the holidays should have a neighbor park a car in the driveway, and keep the sidewalks and driveway cleared off. He stated that a neighborhood watch group is very helpful.
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by
Alderman Murphy to recess to Executive Session on matters of Litigation CARRIED
on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen
Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 8:55 p.m.
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the meeting at 9:04 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Monday, December 19 at 5:00 p.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 9:05 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk