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, Fire Chief Jerry Shirk, EMS Coordinator/Lt. Bob Graff, Assistant Fire Chief Doug Vroman, and Public Works Director/Assistant to the City Manager Bob Hawes.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
City Clerk Jean Paggen distributed a revised copy of the Agenda, with a correction made to the last item, changing the amount to be approved to $5,500.00. She called attention to two items in the packet – no. 14 and 16 on the agenda – that were reversed City Manager John Phillips noted that four items sent over from Public Works did not get on the Agenda. He requested that Council review the item recommending payment to Centennial Contractors, and asked if they would approve payment for this one. The item will be on the agenda for the next meeting. Following review of the item, Council consented to authorize payment No. 4 in the amount of $46,309.80 for the 2005 Utility Patching Program.
INCIDENT COMMAND TRAINING
Lt. Bob Graff, who is also the EMS Coordinator, and Assistant Fire Chief Doug Vroman presented training on the Incident Command Training. Chief Jerry Shirk introduced the topic, stating that FEMA requires this training to be done and it is mandated for Council. Lt. Graff has presented this training for new employees.
Lt. Graff noted that FEMA created this training series. The purpose of the training is to present a coordinated response to major incidents, using standardized resources, descriptions, inventories, mobilization, dispatch, tracking and recovery processes. Lt. Graff explained the importance of being able to communicate using common language as opposed to codes and slang sometimes used by various agencies. He explained that, when a major incident occurs, firefighters can respond because they have all gone through the same training and understand the same language.
Lt. Graff indicated that the titles of persons change when they participate in a major incident. They would be given a task to do and title that would be different from their day-to-day job title. He noted the value of accountability, stating that there is a need to account for all workers with an orderly chain of command. He added that only one supervisor per individual, with a max of five persons per supervisor. He stated that this is important that the supervisor is able to know where each individual is at all times and what they are doing.
Assistant Chief Vroman and Lt. Graff related their experiences working in New Orleans assisting with the Katrina aftermath. They discussed what they learned through the experience, and how this training is beneficial in case something like that occurs in Illinois. Assistant Chief Vroman noted that a building is being put up at the Arsenal that will be used for training of area firefighters, and the training equipment necessary for the training is being provided by the State of Illinois. He noted that the State of Illinois’ system is being used as a national model.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, presiding, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, Dennis E. Pauley, Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn "Evie" R. White, Joy Murphy and Charles O. Austin III.
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. Alderman Austin gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to approve the Minutes of the meeting as printed CARRIED on a Voice vote.
PRESENTATION
Agenda Item #6
MABAS, IFCA/KATRINA
ASSISTANCE
Fire Chief Jerry Shirk, along with Mayor Schwiebert presented certificates of appreciation from the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and medals from MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) Executive Board for the four people from the Rock Island Fire Department who helped during Katrina – Doug Vroman, Andy West, Terry Smith and Bob Graff. Chief Shirk stated that these four members of the Rock Island Fire Department went to New Orleans to help with the Katrina aftermath. He stated that they worked twenty-four hours on the job, and then helped in the neighborhoods on their days off.
ORDINANCES
Agenda Item #7
PROPERTY ACQUISITION/LEARNER
PROPERTIES
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance authorizing acquisition of properties for municipal services. The properties are 829 4th Avenue, 829 4th Avenue (rear), 901 4th Avenue, 422 8th Street, 429 8th Street, and 317 9th 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 Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #8
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance authorizing acquisition of property at 2324 3rd 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
STREET VACATION/26 AVENUE
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance vacating a portion of 26th Avenue. A motion was made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance. Alderman Conroy expressed concerns about the trucks that use 26th Avenue now. He also expressed concern about the two plating companies that have semis loading and unloading hazardous materials on the public street in front of their business.
Jim Davies, 2408 – 45th Street, Rock Island, owner of Ted’s Boatarama, stated that he was not in favor of, or opposed to, shutting off 26th Avenue. He stated that he did not learn about this until last Saturday, and had some questions. City Manager John Phillips responded to his questions and concerns, stating that KJWW approached the City about closing off 26th Avenue. He stated that the City will be negotiating a development agreement with them, and he does not intend to see the other people pay the cost of this. He stated that he will be recommending that KJWW and the city share the cost of the improvement. Mr. Davies stated that KJWW has been a good neighbor and have certainly improved the neighborhood. He stated that the trucks that are loading and unloading are not blocking the road.
Alderman White stated that the businesses using the streets as loading docks need to be brought into the discussion, and asked that staff contact these companies. Council discussed the use of 9th Street for the trucks, and indicated that the turns were not large enough for these trucks to be turning. Alderman White stated that there are a lot of places in Rock Island where trucks and buses cannot make the turn without going on the curb. Greg Champagne stated that Engineering will look at all that as part of the design of the new road.
Stan Schmidt, 701 25th Avenue, expressed concern about the hazardous materials in the semis going by the schools. He indicated that large trucks would have a difficult time making the turns from or onto 25th Avenue.
Mayor Schwiebert suggested adding to Section One, top of page two of the ordinance “…and upon the approval and completion of the conditions referenced above…” A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman Murphy to amend the motion CARRIED on a Voice vote. Following discussion, the main motion, as amended, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of December 9 through 15 in the amount of $877,988.97. A motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda item #11
TOWING CONTRACT/QUAD CITY
TOWING, INC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding bids for a towing contract dated January 1, 2006 through midnight December 31, 2006, recommending the low bid from Quad City Towing, Inc. in the amount of $910.00 per unit cost. Alderman Rockwell suggested that they include a description of each activity and use the number of occurrences from the previous year to give a better idea of the amount of work that could be involved. Following discussion, 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 Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Technology Services Department for annual update and support maintenance contract for the year December 19, 2005 through December 18, 2006 in the amount of $8,330.00. A motion made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to award the contract as recommended 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 #13
The City Clerk read a report from General Administration regarding the selection of The Ferguson Group to provide legislative consulting services for a 12-month period beginning January 1, 2006 at the rate of $8,500 per month plus expenses, with an option to extend the agreement for an additional 12-month period.
City Manager John Phillips discussed the process for hiring this group, and noted that the city has a number of financial needs for federal and /or state assistance. He stated that there were eight responses to RFP’s, and three of these were interviewed. Following the interviews and some follow-up, the selection group chose The Ferguson Group. He noted that he plans to have them attend a Study Session in January to give Council the opportunity to meet them and discuss their plans with them. He noted that staff will be meeting with them to come up with a broad list, and Council will decide on the specific needs. Mayor Schwiebert added that all three groups interviewed were good. He stated that he believes the city will get a good return on their investment in this group. Alderman White asked about their expenses, and Mr. Phillips stated that this includes cab fare, and other pre-approved expenses.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a modification to the electrical work for QCIC demolition at the added cost of $1,652.00. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the modification and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a proposal from EnviroNet, Inc. in the amount of $4,250.00 for testing, documentation and proper disposal of items creating environmental issues at the QCIC. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to accept the proposal and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
The City Clerk read a report from the Personnel Department regarding General Release Forms for settlement payments to be made to the City in the amount of $1,436.94. A motion made by Alderman Rockwell and seconded by Alderman Murphy to authorize the City Manager to execute the documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
RIGHT OF WAY/24 STREET SOUTH OF 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. (Note: Item was Deferred December 12 - A motion remains on the floor from December 12 – Motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White to deny the request as recommended.)
Alderman Rockwell stated that the additional information received by Council showed the intent of the Council at that time. Alderman Austin stated that the information showed that the correct documents were taken to the County at that time also. Mayor Schwiebert noted that the original ordinance had a map that indicated the error, and staff presented a note from the County calling attention to the error in the ordinance.
Attorney Dan Churchill stated that he was representing the advocate of the request, and the applicant cannot use his property this way. Alderman White stated that she drove there the other day and believes it would be easier to put the garage off the alley.
Attorney Churchill stated that he would not have access from the front of the house. Mayor Schwiebert stated that these requests are generally not approved if there are objections from neighbors, and Penny Woolworth is objecting. He indicated that, if nobody objects, they could be approved. Attorney Churchill stated that the City does not want to use the property. Alderman White stated that she would not want to vacate any roads leading to vacant land that can be developed. She stated that there could be some houses built on the vacant property and this road will be needed at that time.
Alderman Brooks stated that he was uncomfortable with the way the process evolved, but now that he has seen the information, he is more comfortable with it. He stated that the city should put together some type of strategy to make sure that this does not occur again. The person was given the building permit from the city, and he should not have to bear this expense on his own.
Following discussion, the motion made by Alderman Pauley and seconded by Alderman White to deny the request as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
ROOF STANDARD PAYMENT LOAN/1312 25 STREET
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request for a commitment from the City Council for a Roof Standard Payment Loan in the amount of $5,500 at 1312 25th Street. A motion made by Alderman Murphy and seconded by Alderman White to commit $5,500 for the Roof Standard Payment Loan as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Pauley, Rockwell, White, Murphy and Austin. NAYS: None.
ITEMS FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM PACKET
City Manager John C. Phillips called attention to the information from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the 7th Avenue Resurfacing Project. Greg Champagne, Community and Economic Development Department Director, stated that this two-year project is in the 2006 Capital Improvement Plan. Phase I is from 11th Street to 21st Street. Phase II is Mill Street to 11th Street, and is scheduled for the 2007 construction season. He stated that the bike lane would be on the south side of 7th Avenue from 11th Street to 21st Street. Parking would be banned on the south side if the bike path were put in.
Alderman Pauley stated that people park on both sides of 7th Avenue at the Elks location. Alderman White stated that the area includes two schools, and she likes the bike routes. She added that she would like to see all the bike paths more uniform in design, and more separation between the cars and bikes. Alderman Brooks stated that there is a lot of foot traffic in that area. City Manager Phillips noted that the bike path would be used for walking as well as bikes. It will be replacing a four-foot sidewalk with a ten-foot bike path. The other side of the street would keep the sidewalk. Alderman Conroy asked if it could be plowed in the winter. Public Works Department Director Bob Hawes responded that they do not do snow plowing on bike paths. The residents could shovel them the same as they do the sidewalks.
Council seemed to be comfortable with the general concept, and Alderman Brooks asked that staff talk to the Elks about parking in the area behind their building. There will be further discussion about this at a future Study Session. Alderman Austin stated that he did not want to give up lanes of traffic for a bike path, but could give up a lane of parking.
OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Austin noted that the Community Caring Conference is holding a meeting Tuesday evening at Denkmann School at 6:390 p.m. to discuss recent vehicle break-ins in the neighborhood. He indicated that the Police Department would have representatives present to discuss what residents can do to protect themselves from being vandalized. He noted that everyone is welcome to attend this meeting.
Alderman Brooks stated that he would not be attending the January 9 Council meeting, as he will be at a conference for the Housing Authority. Council members Pauley, Rockwell and Austin then noted that they would not be able to attend that meeting either. Following further discussion, Assistant City Attorney Ted Kutsunis was asked to see what the remaining Council members are authorized to do if they have a meeting.
RECESS
A motion made by Alderman Brooks and seconded by Alderman Murphy to recess to Monday, January 9, 2006 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 8:10 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk