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, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. Also present were City Manager John Phillips, Public Works Director Robert Hawes, Finance Director Bill Scott, Personnel Director John Thorson, Parks and Recreation Director Bill Nelson, Community Economic Development Director Greg Champagne, City Attorney Ted Kutsunis, Tax Manager Candi Owens from RSM McGladrey, Interim Executive Director Paul Knedler and Amy Jenkins from The Quad City Botanical Center.
FEDERAL
SPENDING
City Manager John Phillips opened the discussion by providing the Council with an update from the Ferguson Group regarding fiscal year 2007/2008 spending bills and the new plan on earmarks which was left out of the December 11th Study Session. City Manager Phillips explained that the incoming congressional leadership would be disposing of the Republican budget leftovers by passing a year-long joint resolution for fiscal year 2007 spending with no congressional earmarks and a moratorium on all earmarks until a reformed process is in place. City Manager Phillips stated that although there may be a short-term negative impact there would be appropriations earmarking in the future, beginning in the upcoming fiscal year 2008 process.
QUAD CITY
BOTANICAL CENTER UPDATE
City Manager John Phillips introduced Interim Executive Director Paul Knedler and Amy Jenkins from The Quad City Botanical Center to the Council. Interim Executive Director Paul Knedler addressed the Council thanking the City for their support and for the forgiveness of the final payment for the Quad City Botanical Center’s parking lot. Knedler explained that in the last three years, the Botanical Center’s long term growth and vision has been put on hold due to balancing the budget and past due debts. Knedler noted various strategies that will be used to combat these difficult financial challenges in The Quad City Botanical Center’s future. Knedler acknowledged that the Botanical Center would gain strong leadership, acquire new aggressive business plans, work towards better communication and marketing strategies, build membership and more community involvement with stronger fundraising.
Amy Jenkins provided the Council with an update on the Quad City Botanical Center. Ms. Jenkins explained that the Botanical Center is growing in every direction. And, Ms. Jenkins noted the future improvements surrounding the new Celebration Tent. The objective will be to extend the gardens around the celebration tent making the space a colorful, inviting and universally accessible space. Improvements are designated to begin in April 2007. Ms. Jenkins also stated that the building of the future Children’s Garden would be a long-term process.
Mayor Schwiebert noted that the Quad City Botanical Center is of considerable interest to the City. Although, the Botanical Center has not reached its full potential yet, it has the potential to become a major tourist draw with the planned improvements.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
A motion was made by Alderwoman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell at 5:50 p.m. to recess to Executive Session on matters of Litigation and Property Acquisition. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was recessed at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular session at 6:33 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Pauley to adjourn the meeting Carried on a voice vote. Those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 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 Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Margie Mejia-Caraballo, Joy Murphy, and Charles O. Austin III. City Manager John Phillips was also present.
Introductory Proceedings
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to order and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo gave the Invocation.
Agenda Item #5
Minutes
of the Meeting of December 11, 2006
A motion was made by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, to approve the Minutes of the meeting of December 11, 2006 as written. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #6
Special
Ordinance providing for the Levy, Assessment and Collection of Taxes for the
fiscal year April 1st, 2006 through March 31st, 2007.
Alderman Pauley moved and Alderman Austin seconded to pass the ordinance providing for the Levy, Assessment and Collection of Taxes for the fiscal year April 1st, 2006 through March 31st, 2007. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #7
Ordinance Amending Article
II Of Chapter 16 Section 2-1 of the Code Of Ordinances.
It was moved by Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderman Rockwell to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance to amend Article II of Chapter 16 section 2-1 of the Code of Ordinance. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #8
CLAIMS
It was moved by Alderman Pauley, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, to accept the following reports and authorize payments as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,779.74 to Rock island Electric motor repair for Number Three Lift Pump Motor Replacement. (366)
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $25,410.28 to Brandt Construction Co. for Emergency Storm Sewer Repair at 30th Street and 31st Avenue. (367)
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $42,803.53 to Alliance Concrete Construction Co. for Ninth Avenue Sanitary Sewer Repair: 12th to 14th Street. (374)
Agenda Item #9
Claims for the weeks of December 8 through December 14 in the amount of $452,725.54
Alderwoman Murphy moved and Alderman Pauley 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 Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item 10
Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of a Low Entry Rear Load Refuse Packer from R-Now Refuse Equipment Of Wisconsin in the amount of $155,779.48 (373)
It was moved by Alderman
Rockwell, seconded by Alderman Conroy, to approve the purchase of a Low Entry
Rear Load Refuse Packer as recommended.
The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman
Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo,
Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #11
Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of a Pump Impeller from Zimmer and Francescon, Inc. in the amount of $8,637.00. (372)
It was moved by
Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, seconded by Alderwoman Murphy, to approve the
purchase of a Pump Impeller as recommended.
The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye
being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell,
Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those
voting No, none.
Agenda Item #12
Report from Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Settlement Agreement to vacate portions of 24th Street South of Ninth Avenue.
A motion was made by
Alderman Rockwell, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to approve the
settlement agreement and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the
agreement as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote;
those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley,
Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman
Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item # 13
Report from Community and Economic Development Department requesting authorization for a service agreement with Joseph Architectural Group related to the reuse of property at 2324 Third Avenue.
A motion was made by
Alderman Austin, seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to authorize the City
Manager to execute the agreement as recommended. The motion carried by the
following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman
Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo,
Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #14
Report from Community and Economic Development Department regarding the Downtown TIF Housing Project Development Agreement at 1606 Second Avenue.
A motion was made by
Alderwoman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the development
agreement of downtown TIF funds as recommended. The motion carried by the
following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman
Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo,
Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #15
Report from Community and Economic Development Department requesting approval for an Ordinance to vacate a 10 foot wide/25 foot long segment of an East/West alley right-of-way between Fourth and Fifth Avenues and between 21st and 22nd Streets.
It was moved by Alderman
Pauley, seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the request and direct the
City Attorney to draft an ordinance vacating the segment of the East/West alley
between Fourth and Fifth Avenue and 21st and 22nd Streets
as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those
voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman
Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin;
those voting No, none.
Agenda Item # 16
Report from Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Express Housing 1, for Rezoning from R-3 district and I-1 district to PUD (Planned Unit Development) district for review of the preliminary plan for the Affordable Housing Community at 2821 and 2827 Fifth Street and 2738 and 2760 Ninth Street.
Steven Stanton 2730 9th
Street approached the podium and addressed the Council expressing concern that
the new driveway of the residential housing development be located 75 feet
further South from his residence. CED Planning and Redevelopment Administrator
Alan Carmen assured Mr. Stanton that everything would be worked out to
everyone’s satisfaction.
Melissa Scott of Scott
Ford Inc. located at of 2719 5th Street addressed the Council with
concerns about traffic flow and how the new residential housing development
would affect Scott Ford Inc. The Reverend Melvin Grimes Resident Service
Assistant Coordinator of the Rock Island Housing Authority addressed the
Council and responded to the concerns of Ms. Scott. Reverend Grimes stated that the residents that are being served
in this new development are mostly immobile and most of the residents do not
own cars. Reverend Grimes also noted that the residents who are mobile would be
using the City Bus services as well as other services.
Mayor Schwiebert thanked
Mr. Stanton, Ms. Scott and Reverend Grimes for addressing the Council.
It was moved by Alderman
Pauley and seconded by Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo to approve the request for
rezoning as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote;
those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley,
Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman
Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda item #17
Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to install two handicapped parking spaces in the alley at 22nd Street. (376)
A motion was made by
Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo and seconded by Alderwoman Murphy to approve the
request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance. The
motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being
Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman Pauley, Alderman Rockwell,
Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those
voting No, none.
Agenda Item #18
Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for the installation of Stop Signs at the intersections located at 45th Street and 22nd Avenue. (375)
It was moved by Alderman
Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the request for
installation of four way stop signs at the intersection of 45th
Street and 20th Avenue and refer to the City Attorney for an
ordinance and to deny installation of stop signs at the intersection of 46th
street and 22nd Avenue. The motion carried by the following Aye and
No vote; those voting Aye being Alderman Brooks, Alderman Conroy, Alderman
Pauley, Alderman Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo, Alderwoman Murphy, and
Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #19
Items from the City Manager’s
Memorandum Packet.
City Manager Phillips addressed the Council and stated that The City had followed up with a detail of the Property Tax Levy as proposed last week on December 11th, 2006. Mr. Phillips also stated that he would like to Congratulate Chief John Wright for his accomplishment of completing his Master’s Degree from Western Illinois University. City Manager John Phillips also congratulated, Captain Scott Harris for completing his Masters Degree. Phillips noted that these are major accomplishments considering how difficult and challenging it can be while also working a full time job.
Agenda Item #20
Andrew West Vice President of the I.A.F.F. Local 26, residing at 1313 Fifth Avenue, addressed the Council regarding Fire Fighter staffing issues. West requested to the Council that he would like to see staffing returned back to 63 instead of the current 61 employees. Mr. West explained there has been an increase in the workload but staffing has not increased. After further discussion, Mayor Schwiebert stated that the level of Fires has decreased and the Fire Department has done a great job. Mayor Schwiebert also noted that Public Safety which is a Fire-Fighter responsibility, and the cost of taxes are two of the more important issues related to this subject. Mayor Schwiebert offered that there would be further discussion on this Fire Fighter issue during the future budget session.
Mayor Schwiebert wished everyone to have a safe, and happy holiday season.
Agenda item #21
Recess
A motion made by Alderman
Brooks and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Monday, January 8th,
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 Rockwell, Alderwoman Mejia-Caraballo,
Alderwoman Murphy, and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting
recessed at 8:05 p. m.
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Aleisha L. Patchin City Clerk