The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 23, 2002, 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 R. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Vern L. Winter, Evelyn “Evie” R. White and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. Alderman Beth Y. Mahlo was absent. Staff present included City Manager John C. Phillips, Public Works Department Director Bob Hawes, Community and Economic Development Department Director Greg Champagne, Planning Administrator Alan Carmen, Finance Director Bill Scott, Assistant Fire Chief Jerry Shirk, Building Inspector Tom Ayers, Chief of Police Terry Dove, Municipal Services Superintendent George Seiz, and Information Management Program Manager Randy Tweet. Others present included representatives of various city labor union organizations.
City Manager John C. Phillips stated that they would be resuming the budget discussion from last week. He stated that the entire document will be discussed in February and March at Saturday Budget Sessions, and the Tax levy Ordinance is on the Agenda for the regular meeting. He stated that the tax levy is 6.9%, and can be reduced up to the end of March. He suggested that they go through the list, and look at the other options that were included. He stated that this needs to be placed on the Agenda in order to take action on any of the items, but stated that he would like Council to indicate the items they were in agreement with as they review the list. Alderman White stated that she did not want the 20% taken out of the Brick Street Program, adding that they tried to get this into the budget. Greg Champagne discussed the possibility of charging some of the salaries or parts of them to the TIF District rather than the General Fund.
While reviewing the list, Council identified the following items as those that they agreed could be eliminated or changed as suggested: Court Officer – to be replaced with two part-time retired police officers; increase Police False Alarm Fees; add a charge for the off-duty police officers to help cover the time spent in the scheduling, etc.; eliminate the Fall Clean-up; increase the Parking Fees and fines (more detail was requested on the amount to be increased); increase construction permit fees; restructure the Assistant to the Public Works Director position; transfer one Maintenance Worker I position to Utilities Maintenance; eliminate city vehicles for some department managers, etc., and give them a monthly cost allowance instead; increase building permit fees (more discussion is needed to determine the increase). Council requested more discussion on the following items: elimination of the DARE Program; Yard Waste Collection changes; parking lot and Plaza snow removal; snow hauling downtown; the elimination of the Brick Street Maintenance Contract; the TIF Sales Taxes from downtown; the elimination of two vacant firefighter positions, and the uses of the Utility Tax for the General Fund.
With regard to the increase in the Building Permit fees, Alderman Winter suggested increasing by 50% rather than only 25%, since the fees of the other cities are about 60% more than ours. Alderman Conroy requested additional information on the Gaming Revenue and the commitments already made for it. He also noted that he, along with other Aldermen, had volunteered for the River Excursion Committees, but nobody heard from the leaders as yet, and he expressed concern that the City was contributing money but would not be allowed to have input into the celebrations.
Alderman Bauersfeld stated that he did not agree with No. 15 – Sales Tax from TIF downtown sales. He discussed the Pay for Performance, and stated that employees received other increases without this. Alderman Winter stated that it appears that the Pay for Performance is given to all employees rather than the good employees, and is needed to motivate the finest employees. He stated that it is spread too wide. City Manager John Phillips noted that there was a training session held for all supervisors regarding the application of the Pay for Performance system.
Alderman Winter stated that the city should be charging for services that are not paying for themselves. He also suggested looking at the possibility of contracting with a private contractor to pick up yard waste, and charge the residents the entire cost of the contractor. Alderman Conroy stated that they could pick up yard waste less often, and he went on to say that he would like to see less burning.
Mr. Phillips then reviewed the other options for consideration, noting that they are not recommending all of these at this time. He stated that there will be further discussion in the future on the options, as well as the item Council requested further information and discussion on. Bruce Rannow, President of AFSCME Local, presented Mr. Phillips and Council with a list of suggestions for budget cutting.
A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to adjourn the meeting CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
___________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk
The Rock Island City Council met in regular session on Monday, December 23, 2002, 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 R. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Vern L. Winter, Evelyn “Evie” R. White and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. Alderman Beth Y. Mahlo was absent.
Mayor Schwiebert called the meeting to Order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Alderman Winter gave the Invocation. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to approve the Minutes of the meeting of December 16 CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #6
1610 18
AVENUE/SPECIAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT
Mayor Schwiebert closed the regular meeting at 6:50 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on a request from Ed and Julie Dean for a Special Use Permit to open a dog and cat grooming business at 1610 18th Avenue.
Ed and Julie Dean, owners of ABC Grooming at 3141 11th Street, stated that they recently purchased a house at 1604 18th Avenue, and would like to move their business now to 1610 18th Avenue. Mr. Dean stated that they are aware of the stipulations recommended by staff and are in agreement with them.
There were no opponents to the Special Use Permit amendment.
Mayor Schwiebert closed the Public Hearing reconvened the regular meeting at 6:55 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Forlini to approve the Special Use Permit amendment, with stipulations stated, and refer to the City Attorney for an Ordinance CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #7
The City Clerk read a Special
Ordinance vacating a segment of the north/south alley between 4th
and 5th Avenues and 21st and 22nd
Streets. A motion made by Alderman
White and seconded by Alderman Winter to consider, suspend the rules and pass
the Ordinance FAILED on a Roll Call vote.
AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter and White. NAYS: Alderman Forlini. (Note: This item had been deferred December
9, with the motion, as stated, remaining on the floor.)
A second motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld an seconded by Alderman Winter to CONSIDER the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Alderman Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter and White. NAYS: Alderman Forlini.
Agenda Item #8
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance authorizing acquisition of real estate at 2209 Third Avenue. A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Forlini to consider, suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #9
The City Clerk read a Special Ordinance for the Proposed Tax Levy beginning April 2002 and ending the thirty-first day of March 2003. Alderman Winter stated that this ordinance is a necessary evil, and noted that it will be reviewed and can be modified before March 31. Alderman Conroy added that the Council would be reviewing the budget and attempting to decrease this amount by March 31. A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Brooks to pass the Ordinance CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #10a
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Walker Parking Consultants in the amount of $3,931.14 for the 16th Street and Third Avenue Parking Structure Restoration.
Agenda Item #10b
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to General Constructors in the amount of $116,114.89 for the Fifth Avenue Storm Sewer Repair Project.
Agenda Item #10c
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department recommending payment to Brent Anderson Associates in the amount of $127,304.68 for the 16th Street and Third Avenue Parking Structure Restoration.
Agenda Item #10d
The City Clerk read a report from General Administration recommending payment to the National League of Cities in the amount of $2,678.00 for membership dues for 2003.
Agenda Item #10e
The City Clerk read a report from the Finance Department recommending payment to Harris Computer System in the amount of $11,155.53 for the annual maintenance contracts.
Agenda Item #10f
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department recommending payment to Dr. Joseph Seng in the amount of $1,869.60 per agreement. (NOTE: This item was deferred December 9, with no motion on the floor.)
A motion was made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman White to separate Items #10 d and #10f.
A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to accept the reports and authorize payments of Items a, b, c and e, as recommended, CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Alderman Winter, referring to Item #10d, asked what the National League of Cities gives us, and if the support for the staff from them is sufficient to pay the annual dues amount. Alderman Brooks stated that he has attended some conferences sponsored by them and the information he has received has been beneficial. He stated that the national network is beneficial. Mayor Schwiebert stated that there is a need to be conscious of the costs, but membership in the NLC provides a means for cities and local governments to lobby at the National level. Alderman Winter stated that the Council and staff should look more aggressively at these kinds of expenses with the situation of the budget. Alderman Forlini stated that the information from the conferences, specifically the NLC, deals with the larger cities such as Detroit. Alderman Conroy disagreed, and Mayor Schwiebert noted that many of the issues of the larger cities are the same issues.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Brooks to accept the report and authorize payment of #10d CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter and White. NAYS: Alderman Forlini.
With regard to Item #10f, Alderman Forlini stated that he was not satisfied with the information received from staff on this issue. Alderman White stated that she has a concern about the northwest corner of the lot.
Dr. Joe Seng, 4804 Northwest Boulevard, Davenport, IA, and owner of the property at 2000 16th Avenue, responded to questions from Council. He indicated that the person renting the garage is a soundman for RIBCO and other events in the District, and he was not aware that this person is running a car repair shop there. He noted that the person has three cars there that belong to him, and Alderman White stated that someone has been working on the vehicles at 11:30 p.m. She stated that she has called the Villa to complain several times, and there are cars coming and going all hours of the day and night.
Alan Carmen, Planning Administrator, stated that the Special Use Permit specifies the types of businesses currently allowed on the property, and he was not aware of the use for the garage space. Mr. Seng stated that he intended to rent the garage for storage, and noted that someone has broken down the fence. He stated that there are people dumping trash there and the windows have been broken out in the boiler areas. He indicated that they will have to gate the area again, and they are trying to get that section in better condition.
Following discussion, a motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Conroy to accept the report from Item #10f and authorize payment as recommended CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #11
The City Clerk read the claims for the week of December 13 through 19 in the amount of $308,333.56. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Conroy to allow the claims CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #12
UNIFORM
DEN, PANTHER/UNIFORMS, ETC.
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding bids for uniforms and related equipment, recommending the bid for the uniforms, leather goods and accessories and civilian uniforms be awarded to the Uniform Den, and the bid for the badges, bars and patches be awarded to Panther Uniform. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Brooks to award the bids as recommended and authorize purchase CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #13
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding bids for the Command Officers Dry Cleaning Contract, recommending the bid of Burke Cleaners in the amount of $4,387.25. Alderman Bauersfeld noted that he prefers that all purchases be made locally, but in this instance, the bid from the Rock Island bidder was 11.2% higher. A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Brooks 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, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #14
The City Clerk read a report from the Police Department regarding bids for the Towing Contract, recommending the bid of Rick’s Towing Service at a total unit cost of $494.80, to begin January 1, 2003, and ending December 31, 2003. A motion made by Alderman White and seconded by Alderman Winter 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, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #15
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding a sewer surcharge agreement for Industrial Users. A motion made by Alderman Bauersfeld and seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #16
The City Clerk read a report from the Information Management Project Manager regarding the Storm Water Billing Setup, recommending that Harris Computer Systems be hired to do the training and setup during the week of March 3 at an estimated cost of $8,150.00. A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Conroy to approve the setup visit from Harris Computer Systems, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #17
McADAMS AND
ASSOCIATES/DEMOLITION
The City Clerk read a report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the demolition of a house at 630 11th Street, recommending a contract be awarded to McAdams and Associates in the amount of $8,370.00. Alderman Bauersfeld asked if this amount was in line with other demolitions, and Greg Champagne, Community and Economic Development Department, responded that it was. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White 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, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #18
SUNSET MARINA
APARTMENT LEASE/RENEWAL
The City Clerk read a report from the Public Works Department regarding the Sunset Marina Apartment Lease renewal for one year. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman White to approve the lease renewal and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
TRAFFIC
ENGINEERING/PARKING
Agenda Item #19
LANE USAGE
MODIFICATIONS/REQUEST
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Stanley Goldman for lane usage modifications on 15th Street between 4th and 5th Avenues, recommending denial of the request. Alderman Bauersfeld stated that he understands his point, and agrees that a merge needs to be made, but it should be made prior to the intersection. A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Bauersfeld to deny the request as recommended CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
Agenda Item #20
WARNING SIGNS,
LIGHTS/RIDGEWOOD ROAD AT 8110 14 STREET WEST
The City Clerk read a report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Rich Kearns, Director of Trinity Ambulance Service, for warning signs and lights on Ridgewood Road at 8110 14th Street West, recommending denial of the request. A motion made by Alderman Conroy and seconded by Alderman White to deny the request CARRIED on a Voice vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
ITEMS FROM THE
CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
John C. Phillips, City Manager, called attention to the following items:
a. “Leaf Burning Ordinance/Sunset” from the Fire Marshall Jeff Hindman;
b. “Illinois Department of Transportation Proposed Improvements” from City Engineer Jim Johnson;
c. “Public Water Supply Evaluation Report” from Public Works Department Director Bob Hawes.
OTHER
BUSINESS
BRIDGE OVER THE
ROCK RIVER
Alderman Winter discussed the Rock River Bridge, stating that he attended the public meeting regarding this plan and submitted a comment of objection. He suggested that the Mayor write a resolution objecting to a portion of the approach. He noted that an engineer based the plan on twenty-year traffic projections. He further stated that the destinations coming into Rock Island justify more than one lane for traffic.
Mayor Schwiebert agreed that the design appears to be rather bizarre with the overpass, and agreed to send a letter to the Department of Transportation to re-examine this. Alderman Conroy stated that the bike path that is planned for the area does not hook up with the Rock Island bike path, and this should be included in the Resolution also. Mayor Schwiebert noted that there is a bike path on the Moline section of the Rock River, but not on the Rock Island section. Consensus of the Council was that the letter and a Resolution for adoption by Council should be prepared for the January 5 Council Meeting. Mayor Schwiebert suggested that Assistant City Attorney Ted Kutsunis and City Manager John Phillip write the Resolution.
FIREFIGHTERS
Darrell Unzel, President of the Firefighters Union, spoke to Council regarding the proposal of “cutting two firefighter positions” for the budget. He indicated that they have been working for a period of time without these two positions being filled, and this means that it takes them longer to get their tasks done. He noted that there are two-man engines in Rock Island, where other areas have a minimum of four per engine. He stated that a five-man engine is even more efficient. He stated that they have accepted the low number of employees as a temporary measure, but making the cut permanently is a bad idea. He asked that Council not cut these two positions.
PEDESTRIANS/AUDIBLE
SIGNALS
William VanDyke, 1630 29 ˝ Street, spoke to Council regarding pedestrian safety. He suggested that they put in audible signals at all intersections and pedestrian crossings. He noted that there should be a light at the 29 ˝ Street on 18th Avenue because it is very difficult for pedestrians to cross the street at that intersection to go to and from Hy-Vee, especially the elderly and sight-impaired. He said that this is a safety issue, and he is concerned for all pedestrians. He distributed brochures to Council regarding an audible signal that is used by some other cities. He noted that the lights for crossing at the other intersections are brighter, and he is able to see them better than before.
HOLIDAY
GREETINGS
Mayor Schwiebert and Council members expressed holiday greetings to the members of the audience.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
A motion made by Alderman Winter and seconded by Alderman Conroy to recess to Executive Session on a matter of Litigation CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:40 p.m.
RECESS
Mayor Schwiebert reconvened the regular meeting at 7:55 p.m. A motion made by Alderman Forlini and seconded by Alderman Winter to recess to Monday, January 6, 2003 CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Winter, White and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was recessed at 7:56 p.m.
___________________________
Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk