City of Rock Island City Council met Feb. 13.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
1. Call to Order .
Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. and welcomed everyone.
2. This meeting will also be conducted by audio and video conference without the requirement of a physically present quorum of the Rock Island City Council due to the disaster declaration issued by Governor Pritzker.
3. Roll Call
Mayor Thoms asked City Clerk Samantha Gange to call the roll.
Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderpersons Moses Robinson, Randy Hurt, Judith Gilbert, Jenni Swanson, Dylan Parker, Mark Poulos, and Bill Healy.
Absent: None.
Staff: City Manager Todd Thompson, City Attorney Dave Morrison, City Clerk Samantha Gange, and other City Staff.
4. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Thoms led in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.
5. Moment of Silence
Mayor Thoms requested a moment of silence. A moment of silence was observed.
6. Public Comment
Michael Prenevost approached the podium to address Council regarding the proposed demolition of Fire Station No. 5. He said as a retired professor from Black Hawk College, he would like Fire Station No. 5 to be saved for its historic significance in a troubled neighborhood. He provided examples of similarly sized firehouses and the impact on neighborhood revitalization upon restoration. He suggested a GoFundMe account be established to raise funds to prevent the structure from being demolished and said it would likely be a great success. He encouraged Council members to look at the firehouse in the East Village of Davenport and the firehouse in Elgin, Illinois as it is on the National Register. Mr. Prenevost said he was successful in helping to save the library in Geneseo, Illinois.
George Crouse approached the podium to address Council in support of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance. He opined this could be a catalyst for change in the downtown.
7. Update Rock Island
Attention First Ward residents: First Ward Alderman Moses Robinson will hold a town hall meeting on Thursday, February 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. This is a great opportunity to hear updates from Alderman Robinson, ask questions about your neighborhood or discuss concerns. A representative from Modern Woodmen will also be on hand to discuss life insurance.
Get your taxes done for free! From now until April 8, eligible taxpayers can have their tax returns done free of charge at the MLK Center. United Way has trained volunteers from the community to help prepare basic, current year tax returns for those with a household income of $60,000 or less. For more information, call the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program at 563-355-4310.
Calling all outdoor enthusiasts This weekend, February 16 – 19, is the annual Fishing, Hunter and Outdoor Adventure show at the QCCA Expo Center. And the following weekend, February 24 – 26, the RV and Camping show will also be held at the QCCA Expo Center, 2621 4th Avenue, Rock Island.
8. Minutes from the January 23, 2023 Study Session and City Council Meeting. 8.
MOTION:
Alderperson Hurt moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderperson Swanson seconded. VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
9. Minutes from the November 28, 2022 Closed Session.
MOTION:
Alderperson Gilbert moved to approve the minutes; Alderperson Swanson seconded.
DISCUSSION:
Alderperson Gilbert asked if the exceptions for the Closed Sessions were included in the minutes for items 9, 10, and 11. City Clerk Gange affirmed that they were included.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
Minutes from the December 19, 2022 Closed Session.
MOTION:
Alderperson Gilbert moved to approve the minutes; Alderperson Healy seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
Minutes from the January 9, 2023 Closed Session.
MOTION:
Alderperson Gilbert moved to approve the minutes; Alderperson Robinson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
Rock Island Police Department ILEAP Reaccreditation Presentation.
City of Moline Police Chief Darren Gault, on behalf of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) as the Regional Vice President, presented the Rock Island Police Department with reaccreditation of the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP). Chief Gault said Rock Island has been an accredited law enforcement agency since 2013 and has achieved reaccreditation at the Tier 2 Standard by meeting 181 standards. Chief Gault commended the achievement as it required hundreds of man hours, a significant investment of time and resources, and meticulous policy and procedure reviews. He acknowledged the work of Lieutenant James Morris and the leadership of Police Chief Richard Landi. This accreditation verifies practices, boosts public trust in law enforcement, and reduces municipal liability.
Chief Gault said elected officials and citizens should be proud and rest assured that Rock Island Police Department is policing the community in accordance with the best practices in modern policing standards. He said the Rock Island Police Department is joining only 56 other agencies in Illinois with this level of accreditation.
Police Chief Richard Landi addressed Council to thank Chief Gault and provide historical information of the Rock Island Police Department’s (RIPD) previous accreditations. Chief Landi said the RIPD has maintained this accreditation for nearly ten years and has been a part of the ILACP for 29 years. The citizens of Rock Island can take pride in knowing their Police Department continues to meet such high standards of law enforcement professionalism that this accreditation symbolizes.
13. Mohammed Arif, Two Brothers Smoke Shop d/b/a A & H Brothers, LLC for a waiver of the signature requirement to secure a Liquor License (Class "A" Liquor Store) at 2933 18th Avenue Suite C.
Mayor Thoms closed the regular meeting and opened the Public Hearing. He asked if anyone in the audience or virtually wished to speak for or against the request.
Mohammed Arif addressed City Council in support of changing his current smoke shop into a liquor store. Mayor Thoms clarified that vaping products would no longer be sold. Mr. Arif responded affirmatively. Alderperson Healy asked what assurances members of Council would have that it would not become a liquor store and smoke shop combined. Mr. Arif said only tobacco products and liquor would be available and no vape products would be available. Alderperson Hurt asked what the hours of operation would be. Mr. Arif said his hours would be 7:00 a.m. to midnight.
Mayor Thoms said Mr. Arif was unable to obtain one of the signatures as it is the policy of Wells Fargo to not sign license petitions.
Mayor Thoms closed the Public Hearing, reopened the regular meeting, and entertained a motion.
MOTION:
Alderperson Parker moved to recommend to the Mayor/Liquor Commissioner to waive the signature requirement as requested and approve the liquor license; Alderperson Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 5-2-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, and Robinson. Nay: Hurt and Gilbert. Absent: None.
14. Consent Agenda.
a. Claims for the week of January 13 through January 19, 2023 in the amount of $445,520.09; week of January 20 through January 25, 2023 in the amount of $670,010.98; week of January 27 through February 2, 2023; and payroll for the weeks of January 9 through January 22, 2023 in the amount of $1,712,805.88.
b. International City/County Management Association (ICMA) claims for January 20 through January 27, 2023 in the amount of $31,819.46.
c. ACH Report for the month of December 2022 in the amount of $2,093,214.56.
d. Purchase Card claims for the period November 29 through December 26, 2022 in the amount of $87,758.57.
e. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $14,790.63 for services rendered during the month of January 2023.
f. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding payment in the amount of $85,957.38 (15% increase) to Harris Computer System of Chicago, IL for the annual maintenance contract for GEMS financial and human resources software for the term April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024.
g. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding payment in the amount of $85,957.38 (15% increase) to Harris Computer System of Chicago, IL for the annual maintenance contract for GEMS financial and human resources software for the term April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024.
h. Report from the Fire Department regarding payment in the amount of $25,201.41 to Sandry Fire Supply, LLC of DeWitt, IA for the purchase of structural firefighting protective gear.
i. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2023 Municipal Tree Contract recommending the bid be awarded to Advantage Tree Services an Arbor Masters Company of Davenport, IA in the amount of $39,032.50.
j. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Public Works Exterior Painting Contract recommending the bid be awarded to Scott Painting and Decorating of Rock Island, IL in the amount of $18,800.00.
k. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the purchase of 160,000 paper yard waste bags recommending the bid be awarded to Pabco Industries, Inc. of Newark, NJ in the amount of $74,400.00.
l. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $16,124.21 to Brandt Construction Co. of Milan, IL for an emergency water main repair at 21st Street and 4th Avenue.
MOTION:
Alderperson Healy moved to approve consent agenda items a through l; Alderperson Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
15. Claims
a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $14,254.35 to McClintock Trucking & Excavating Inc. of Silvis, IL for an emergency sewer main repair at 933 10th Avenue.
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $53,540.21 to McClintock Trucking & Excavating Inc. of Silvis, IL for the Water Service Repair and Sewer Lateral Repair Programs.
MOTION:
Alderperson Swanson moved to allow the claims; Alderperson Robinson seconded.
DISCUSSION:
Alderperson Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 6-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, and Gilbert. Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: None.
16. Report from the Public Works Department regarding an emergency purchase of a replacement Rodder Pump Assembly from Coe Equipment Inc. of Rochester, IL in the amount of $36,636.72.
MOTION:
Alderperson Hurt moved to approve the request as recommended; Alderperson Robinson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
17. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the authorization of ARPA funds to purchase three (3) ambulances from Macqueen Emergency of St. Paul, MN in the amount of $869,199.00.
MOTION:
Alderperson Hurt moved to approve the purchase as recommended; Alderperson Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
18. Report from the Community & Economic Development Department regarding a Downtown Place Management Services Agreement with the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce.
MOTION:
Alderperson Parker moved to approve the downtown place management services agreement and authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the documents; Alderperson Swanson seconded.
DISCUSSION:
Alderperson Healy thanked individuals involved and wished everyone within the downtown the best of luck.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, and Hurt. Nay: Gilbert. Absent: None.
Quad Cities Chamber Downtown Rock Island Director Jack Cullen addressed Council. He said this is a really exciting time for downtown Rock Island with a substantial increase in private investment, increased interest from private property developers and entrepreneurs, and finalizing plans to transform private and public spaces in the downtown with funding awarded from local and state levels. He said a sustainable funding mechanism through the establishment of an SSA and the Downtown Alliance will ensure the downtown receives the proper resources to be maintained, programed and celebrated at a higher level. Mr. Cullen thanked downtown business leaders, property owners, residents, City Officials for their commitment, leadership, and collaboration to reach this achievement and said he is looking forward to building a more vibrant, prosperous, and welcoming downtown Rock Island that all can be proud of.
Mayor Thoms acknowledged the hard work that led up to this and the work yet to be done and thanked Mr. Cullen.
19. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding bids for the demolition of Firehouse No. 5 recommending the demolition contract be awarded to Valley Construction of Rock Island, IL not to exceed $79,750.00.
MOTION:
Alderperson Poulos moved to table the request until the May 22, 2023 meeting; Alderperson Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
20. Report from the Public Works Department recommending a contract extension through 2023 with Corrective Asphalt Materials LLC of South Roxana, IL for the 2022 Asphalt Rejuvenation Program in the amount of $70,000.00.
MOTION:
Alderperson Swanson moved to approve the contract extension as recommended; Alderperson Gilbert seconded.
DISCUSSION:
Alderperson Gilbert asked if the Asphalt Rejuvenation Program was for resurfacing asphalt. Public Works Director Mike Bartels replied no and explained that it is a product that is applied to deteriorated asphalt to extend the life of the pavement by seven to ten years. Alderperson Parker said that it essentially seals the pavement.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
21. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a contract for a three (3) year lease agreement for employee uniforms recommending the contract be awarded to Phelps Uniform Service Company of Muscatine, IA.
MOTION:
Alderperson Parker moved to approve the contract for three (3) years as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract; Alderperson Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
22. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a Resolution declaring support for the submittal of a RAISE Grant application for the US 67 (11th Street) Infrastructure Improvement, 31st Avenue to 45th Avenue Project.
MOTION:
Alderperson Hurt moved to adopt the resolution as recommended; Alderperson Healy seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
23. Report from the Finance Department regarding a budget adjustment for the Health Insurance Fund in the amount of $488,305.00 for health insurance claims.
MOTION:
Alderperson Gilbert moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderperson Healy seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
24. Report from the Finance Department regarding budget adjustments in the General Fund (101) by $746,220.97 and the Downtown TIF Fund (201) by $81,085.13 for a total amount of $827,306.10 to cover expenses for the Schwiebert Park Boat Dock.
MOTION:
Alderperson Parker moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderperson Poulos seconded.
DISCUSSION:
Alderperson Hurt asked Mr. Bartels to share the projected completion date of the project. Mr. Bartels said the work is paused at this time and the contractor is waiting for a hinge point that attaches to the landside which allows the gangway to be installed from landside to the dock that is currently being manufactured. He said once the weather changes and the part has been received, the contractor will complete it along with electrical work for lighting and the fire suppression system is needed. Mr. Bartels said work that has been completed included installation of the piers, installation of the new docks, modifications of the layout, installations of the tough boom and debris boom, and the installation of the new fastening point on the landside. He said the remaining three items should be completed by Memorial Day.
Alderperson Healy asked if these were the last of the projected expenses. Mr. Bartels responded affirmatively.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
25. Report from the Finance Department regarding a budget adjustment increasing the Parks Department expenses by $333,051.46 in Parks Fund (555).
MOTION:
Alderperson Healy moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderperson Robinson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
26. Report from the Community & Economic Development Department recommending the release of all Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) housing rehabilitation loans older than five years.
MOTION:
Alderperson Swanson moved to approve the request as recommended; Alderperson Parker seconded.
DISCUSSION:
Alderperson Gilbert asked if the program term has always been five years. Community and Economic Development Director Miles Brainard said the term has been five years since 2018 and before that there were variations of the program that were completely non-forgivable. He explained that ideally, loans would be structured so that payments could be made in small amounts over time. He said previous loans were structured with small payments made over time, but there was a gigantic balloon payment for the amount of the principal due all at once at the time of the sale of the house. Mr. Brainard explained that staff have spent three years logging more than 400 loans that were made prior to 2018 to be released. He said the CDBG funds are not intended to be paid back, rather to be productively utilized by low-to-moderate income citizens to assist without burdening them with a cost.
Mr. Brainard said staff are seeking support in releasing these loans and declaring the former loan structure fundamentally illogical as they may be requesting funds be paid back for something beyond its useful life. He provided a real example of assistance provided for a roof that has since been replaced and collecting funds for this would be unethical. He said the City Manager formerly asked if these projects increase the value of the house and thus should pay the funds back. Mr. Brainard said due to the number of years passed and inflation, property value would not have been substantially impacted. He said the goal of housing rehabilitation programs are to stabilize housing, address significant code deficiencies and allow someone to remain in a place they desire for no more than five years.
Mr. Brainard explained that the Community Development Commission (CDC) would be discussing finalizing new policies and procedures, including whether to evaluate the five-year period differently. He said current loans would ask the owner to pay back the entire amount if they vacated the home within the five-year period. The CDC would discuss the possibility of prorating the payback amount by 20 percent per year. He said the current request is to release the former loans which will take quite a bit of time due to the paperwork associated with each of the more than 400 loans.
City Attorney Dave Morrison added that there is an issue with collectability due to the length of time passed. He speculated that it would be difficult to demonstrate enforceability and may not be legal. Mr. Brainard said the City no longer has original documentation for some of the older loans and staff are made aware of them as the surviving spouse or child is attempting to inherit the property from the parent who received assistance. He said staff do not have information regarding the work completed due to the lack of documentation, lack of storage space, and unsecure storage locations. Once older loans have been released, staff will be able to appropriately and systemically destroy older records that contain personal information. Alderperson Gilbert confirmed that the destruction of records would occur with permission from the state. Mr. Brainard responded affirmatively and said this process would take a number of years.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
27. Report from the Community & Economic Development Department recommending the transfer of responsibility for the Continuum of Care (CoC) Program from the City to Project Now.
MOTION:
Alderperson Swanson moved to approve the request as recommended; Alderperson Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
28. Report from the Mayor's Office regarding appointments to the Community Development Commission and Police Community Relations Commission.
MOTION:
Alderperson Parker moved to approve the appointments as recommended; Alderperson Healy seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
29. Report from the City Clerk's office regarding an Activity Permit application for the Cornbelt Running Club to hold their annual Quad Cities Distance Classic Half Marathon and 5K Run Road Races on Sunday, May 14, 2023 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
MOTION:
Alderperson Gilbert moved to approve the event as recommended; Alderperson Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
30. Report from the City Clerk's office regarding a request from Kavanaugh's Hilltop Tavern for an outdoor tented (heated) event with live music for the Saint Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
MOTION:
Alderperson Parker moved to approve the event and request as recommended, subject to complying with all liquor license regulations, contacting the Fire Department for fire and safety considerations, and subject to being closed down early if complaints are received; Alderperson Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
31, Report from the City Clerk's office regarding a request from Steve's Old Time Tap to hold an outdoor event with music for the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with street closures on 17th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, and 3rd Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets; a request for the outdoor consumption of alcohol in the fenced-in area in the adjacent parking lots; and a request for sound amplification.
MOTION:
Alderperson Parker moved to approve the event and request as recommended, subject to complying with all Plaza and liquor license regulations and subject to being shut down early if complaints are received; Alderperson Hurt seconded.
DISCUSSION:
Alderperson Healy recused himself from the vote due to his property being leased for the event.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 6-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
32. Other Business
Alderperson Swanson announced a Ward 4 meeting will be held on March 7, 2023, from 6:00 p.m.to 7:30 p.m. at the Watts-Midtown Library branch in the auditorium and encouraged Ward 4 residents and other citizens to come see the auditorium and ask questions.
Alderperson Robinson requested an update regarding City software. City Clerk Gange said the City Software team met with a consulting team two weeks ago to get started with assessing the City’s software and training needs.
Alderperson Poulos remarked about the expansion of MetroNet services along the Northeast portion of the City and that issues were identified with obtaining poles for running wires. City Manager Thompson said that he did not have information regarding the issues presented. He said that he did receive additional information from MetroNet that he will share with Council regarding the number of people that are signed up for services that have not received services yet. Alderperson Gilbert asked if the City had received a copy of Moline’s contract with MetroNet. Clerk Gange said an MOU was recently passed for Moline and a copy would be available once it had been signed. Alderperson Robinson said Moline and East Moline are experiencing the same issue with MetroNet backing out of supporting the entire City specifically the areas in which the population is less able to pay for services. Mayor Thoms said the City of Davenport is also experiencing the same issue.
33. Closed Session.
MOTION:
Alderperson Poulos moved to go into Closed Session for the exceptions cited; Alderperson Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
34. Motion to Adjourn.
MOTION:
Alderperson Healy moved to adjourn until March 13, 2023; Alderperson Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Gilbert. Nay: None. Absent: None.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02132023-1103
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