The Rock Island City Council met in reconvened session on Friday, September 5, 2003, at 1:00 p.m. for Goal Setting Session. Present were Mayor Mark W. Schwiebert, and Aldermen Terry M. A. Brooks I, David A. Conroy, John E. Bauersfeld, Jr., Daniel Rockwell, Evelyn “Evie” R. White, Ann L. Keefe and Frank J. Forlini, Jr. Also present were City Manger John C. Phillips and Facilitator Lyle Sumek.
Lyle Sumek, facilitator for the Goal Setting Sessions, began the session by reviewing the Council/Manager form of government. They discussed some of the major challenges to governing, such as Community Based City Government, Transforming the City Organization to a Service Business, and Relations with Employees.
Following this discussion, Council Members and Mayor Schwiebert were asked “Where Do You Want To Be in 2020? – What is your vision? What is your plan?” Each of them responded to “My City 2020”; “Major Challenges”, “Areas Needing Work”, and “My Agenda 2004”. Upon completion of these responses, Council members discussed their responses. The majority of Council members stated they would like to see a major growth in population, more retail businesses and new homes in the inner city as well as along the Riverfronts. Some of the other visions included more Southwest Rock Island housing development; stronger educational programs, streets and sewers updated, revitalized, healthy and happy neighborhoods and financial independence.
Among the major challenges identified by Mayor Schwiebert and Council members were creative use of gaming funds, finding a source for additional revenues, the improvement or removal of problem housing, the budget, Police and Fire Department, stopping the population decline, finances, retail sales, employee benefits, state funding, retail food market, control of liquor sales, improvement of city/school relationships, neighborhood rentals, grandfather clauses for ordinance changes and continuing to provide services at the levels expected by residents.
Council then identified areas needing work, which included continued development of Southwest Rock Island, riverfront improvement, neighborhoods, recruitment of business, rental housing, better follow-up with businesses, shrinking population, regional cooperation and enforcement of service, Black Hawk Road Corridor and the continuation of fostering of retail and manufacturing opportunities. The areas needing work were summed up as the river, housing, image and cost of government.
“My Agenda For 2004” included issues such as an urban plan for 11th to 9th Streets, the elimination or better control of liquor sales at 11th Street convenience stores, marketing of the city, retail sales, making a major statement with the riverfronts with housing and clean-up, leaf disposal, rental clean-up/ mandatory inspections for rental, annexation of more land, improvement of neighborhood streets, exploration of specific infill areas, casino reality, tax base expansion, budget restraints, single-family/one-level housing availability, the elimination of leaf burning, and a balanced budget.
During discussions, Council member requested information and an update on the security issues, information on the amount of training for first responders, and an update to Council on the Riverfront consultant. City Manager John C. Phillips noted that the meeting scheduled with Moline City Council for Tuesday, September 9 has been cancelled.
Following further discussion, a motion made by Alderman Keefe and seconded by Alderman Rockwell to recess to Saturday, September 6 at 8:00 a.m. CARRIED on a Roll Call vote. AYES: Aldermen Brooks, Conroy, Bauersfeld, Rockwell, White, Keefe and Forlini. NAYS: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
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Jeanne F. Paggen, City Clerk