Rock Island Today

The Rock Island City Council met Sept. 19 discuss annual bike auction.

Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the city:

The Rock Island City Council includes the mayor and seven alderman, each from one of the city’s seven wards. Council meetings are held at 6:45 p.m. each Monday.

CITY OF ROCK ISLAND September 19, 2016 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

No Study Session was held

Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 pm in Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Dennis E. Pauley presiding, and Aldermen Joshua Schipp, Charles O. Austin III, Ivory D. Clark, Virgil J. Mayberry, P.J. Foley, Stephen L. Tollenaer and Kate Hotle. Also present were City Manager Thomas Thomas, City Attorney Dave Morrison and Deputy City Clerk Linda Mohr. Absent was City Clerk Aleisha Patchin.

Introductory Proceedings:

Mayor Pauley called the meeting to order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Alderman Clark gave the Invocation.

Agenda Item #5 Minutes of the meeting of September 12, 2016.

It was moved by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Hotle to approve the minutes as written. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer and Alderman Hotle; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #6 Update Rock Island by Mayor Pauley.

Mayor Pauley started by apologizing to the citizens who watch the City Council meetings on tv. He stated that last week the system that replays the meeting on Wednesday evenings was not set up right. He said the issue has been corrected and that steps have been taken to insure this will not happen again.

History of the Arsenal’s Fort Armstrong – Mayor Pauley advised that in recognition of the 200th anniversary of the Army’s Fort Armstrong, the Main Library will host Historian George Eaton on September 21, 2016 from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Learn more about its place in history as the second in a chain of western frontier defenses for the Army.

Police & Community Crime Prevention – Mayor announced that the Police Department will be holding a community meeting to strengthen existing partnerships with the citizens of Rock Island. Join the discussion on September 21, 2016 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Police Department (1212 5th Ave) to look for ways to prevent crime and improve the department’s services to citizens.

Thursday Night GROOVE Series – Mayor Pauley stated that Schwiebert Riverfront Park will continue the GROOVE series on Thursday, September 22, 2016 with North of 40; an energetic country band playing top 40 songs and classic country songs. Presented by Rock Island Happy Joe’s and the Park and Recreation Department. Event is open from 6:00 pm to 8:30 with food and drink for purchase.

Fall Community Garage Sale – Mayor advised that there will be over 6,000 square feet of shopping for toys, trinkets, furniture, clothing, antiques and much more for this year’s Fall Community Garage Sale. Event will be held at Longview Park on September 24, 2016 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Vendor space is available by calling (309) 732-7275. Admission is free so come check it out!

Annual Bike Auction – Mayor Pauley said that on September 24, 2016 the Rock Island Police Department will hold their annual bike auction, rain or shine, at the new Rock Island Police Department at 1212 5th Avenue. Please enter on foot through the east gate located on 13th Street. The auction will include bicycles to electronics to office furniture and lots of miscellaneous items. Viewing will start at 8:00 am with bidding beginning at 9:00 am. For more information please call (309) 732-2677.

Agenda Item #7. Proclamation declaring Monday, September 19, 2016 as Preventing Lost Potential Day.

Mike Thoms and Marshall Porter accepted the proclamation and spoke about the history of the HAVlife Foundation and how they serve as an advocate for schools, nonprofit organizations, clubs, organizations, government programs and religious institutions that place emphasis on valuing and caring for youth.

Agenda Item #8 A Special Ordinance declaring certain personal property owned by the City of Rock Island as surplus property and providing for disposal of same.

A motion was made by Alderman Clark and seconded by Alderman Hotle to consider, suspend the rules and pass the ordinance. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer and Alderman Hotle; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #9 Claims a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $33,074.97 to Langman Construction Inc. for an emergency water main repair at the pumping station. (183)

b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #10 in the amount of $149,292.68 to Civil Constructors Inc. for the Farmall Storage Tank, Project 2687 for services provided through August 31, 2016. (182)

c. Report from the General Liability Committee regarding payment in the amount of $4,509.35 to William Nelson for an IMRF correction.

d. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $180,415.00 to Enyo DeWith for a Worker's Compensation Settlement.

It was moved by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Clark to allow the claims. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer and Alderman Hotle; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #10 Claims for the weeks of September 9 through September 15 in the amount of $1,425,554.64 and payroll for the weeks of August 29 through September 11 in the amount of $1,457,356.66.

It was moved by Alderman Hotle and seconded by Alderman Schipp to allow the claims and payroll. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer and Alderman Hotle; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #11 Report from the Police Department recommending authorizing the renewal of the towing contract with Quad City Towing Inc. for one year, expiring December 31, 2017, at the prices quoted in the existing contract.

It was moved by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Hotle to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer and Alderman Hotle; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #12 Report from the Information Technology Department recommending authorizing the agreements with CS Technologies of Eldridge IA for 3 PRI circuits and 18 analog business lines and pay the monthly fees as stated in the report.

It was moved by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Foley to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer and Alderman Hotle; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #13 Report from the Information Technology Department recommending authorizing the renewal agreement with Cloud Sherpas Inc. regarding Google Apps annual support maintenance.

It was moved by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Hotle to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer and Alderman Hotle; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #14 Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the proposed Heritage Resources Plan recommending adopting the plan and as a component of the City's Comprehensive Plan and approving the resolution.

Alderman Hotle thanked the staff and the members of the community that worked on getting this grant. She said the thought it was a great opportunity for the City of Rock Island and historic preservation is obviously important to the City and that this is a step in the right direction. It was moved by Alderman Tollenaer and seconded by Alderman Hotle to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer and Alderman Hotle; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #15 Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the proposed Millennia Housing Development TIFs.

Mayor Pauley tabled this item for additional information.

Agenda Item #16 Report from the Mayor's Office regarding the resignation of the City Manager.

Mayor Pauley asked Council if they wished to make any comments – hearing none, he then asked the members of the audience and several advised they wished to comment.

Svend Jakobsen – Rock Island resident spoke against offering Mr. Thomas the severance package, stating it was not something you normally receive when you leave a job. Alderman Tollenaer asked the City’s employment attorney, Matt Pappas if he would explain the details. Attorney Pappas advised that the contract is a matter of record and it speaks for itself and that he could not go into details. Mr. Jakobsen advised that he had not seen the contract, so Alderman Hotle provided him with a copy for him to read. Pappas also advised that the contract is also posted online with the agenda.

Kevin Matter Jr. – Rock Island resident spoke advising that he thought Mr. Thomas had helped him out before on some issues he had and his question was why was he the only one leaving? He was the only one that helped him out.

Larry Hunter – Rock Island resident advised Mayor and Council he was against Mr Thomas receiving a severance package. He stated that the elected officials should be held accountable for losing $15 million on the Wal-Mart deal.

Dennis Heggen – Rock Island resident stated that everyone in the City is discouraged that the Wal-Mart deal didn’t go through but that the City Council and the community need to work together. He said that the elected officials make decisions that affect everyone in the city, not just in their specific wards. Mr. Heggen stated that the City has not raised taxes in the last several years, but the debt has more than doubled during that time. He said he didn’t know how much of this was Mr. Thomas’ responsibility, but that he felt that he was taking the brunt of the load, that it only came up when Wal-Mart decided not to come. He stated he thought maybe he was just the scapegoat. Mr. Heggen suggested Mr. Thomas not accept the package.

With no one else wishing to speak, it was moved by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Clark to approve the resignation as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer and Alderman Hotle; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #17 Other Business

Alderman Hotle spoke about several of the items that were mentioned tonight. She stated that while the council doesn’t agree with each other on topics, that everyone on the council wants to do what is good for the City. She reiterated what Mr. Heggen said about working together with the community to get things done. She stated that is willing to meet with anyone to discuss an issue that they may have.

Alderman Mayberry advised that the Aldermen and City staff did everything in their power to bring Wal-Mart to Rock Island. He advised that we now need to move on and get something else in that site. He advised that he would love to get a grocery store on that side of town.

Alderman Schipp stated that Mr. Thomas came on staff in October 2011 and that any City Manager coming into a municipality will have a contract. Mr. Thomas’ contract is such that what he received tonight with our vote is what he is entitled to in writing and it’s not our right as a city to break our word. We have to abide by State and Federal laws in regards to employment issues. He said that when you are not in the alderman seat, you are not a part of the executive sessions, you are not getting the emails and you are not privy to all the information. We, as elected official are doing the jobs we were elected to do. We see the bigger picture in a different way, but that doesn’t give us the right to not understand and reflect on the things that are being said in the general public. He spoke some more on the Wal-Mart topic and emphasized how the money was spent to relocate several businesses, allowing them to improve and expand their business. He admitted that he was not supportive of the project in the beginning; he said in all honesty that he did not have full perspective of the project at that time. He stated, however, the City now has a site ready for development and the steps that were taken tonight were part of the transition to move the City forward.

Mayor Pauley asked Bret Gardella, Economic Development Manager, to come forward and present an update on the Jaded Gypsy project. Gardella said that a report had been sent to the City Manger, but there had not been an opportunity to discuss it prior to the council meeting. He said the proposal has been presented to the owner and his bank and that he hopes to have it ready to bring to Council on the October 3rd meeting.

Alderman Schipp asked Gardella about the Millenia Housing project that was pulled off the agenda earlier, specifically if this project had been discussed with the school district. Gardella stated that they had and that it was explained to them that because of the nature of the project, no additional families / children would be moving into that TIF area. Those living in the housing would be staying. Alderman Tollenaer stated that he had asked for additional information on the TIF district and had not received it yet. Mayor Pauley interjected, stating that this was the reason that this item was tabled tonight and Alderman Hotel asked that it be brought back in a study session at a later date.

Seven people signed up to speak:

Constance Bell, Milan resident (formerly RI resident). She wanted to talk about her property at 920-43rd Street. She said she was having a difficult time selling it because of two abandoned properties at 919-43rd Street and 926 – 43rd Street. She asked council’s assistance in getting these properties torn down. Alderman Schipp stated he knew about the condition of these properties in this neighborhood and Chief Building Official Tom Ayers assured council that these houses are on the Inspections radar and they will be in contact with Ms. Bell

Stephanie Thoms, Rock Island, stated that she currently lives in Rock Island and has chickens. She spoke in favor of the Council passing the chicken ordinance.

Jordan Stockwell, Rock Island, stated they were displeased with the City Manager’s severance package.

Michelle Ramsey-Moody, Rock Island, stated she also currently has chickens in Rock Island and again spoke in favor of passing the chicken ordinance.

Svend Jakobsen, Rock Island advised the Council that he was also in favor of the chicken ordinance.

Larry Hunter, Rock Island, addressed the council and spoke on how the citizens in the west end of Rock Island need to come together to end the violence and to make their neighborhood better. He said he wanted to apologize to the City Council if they took his earlier comments personal. He said he knew the difficult tasks the City Council and the police department have to do and that he hopes they won’t hate him for what he said.

Brianna Boswell, Rock Island, also spoke in favor of the chicken ordinance.

Alderman Schipp added that he appreciated everyone that has come out several weeks in a row supporting the chicken ordinance. He stated that at this time Alderman Clark, Foley, Hotle and he are in favor of the ordinance and the issue at this time is waiting for one more alderman to be in favor so they can put it back on the agenda.

Agenda Item #18 Executive Session on Personnel, Property Acquisition and Litigation.

A motion was made by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Mayberry at 7:56 pm to recess to Executive Session on matters of Personnel, Property Acquisition and Litigation. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer and Alderman Hotle; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #19 Recess

A motion was made by Alderman Hotle and seconded by Alderman Schipp to reconvene the regular meeting at 8:26 pm. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer and Alderman Hotle; those voting No, none.

A motion was made by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Hotle to recess to 5:30 pm, Monday, October 3, 2016. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer and Alderman Hotle; those voting No, none.

Meeting adjourned at 8:27 pm

_______________________________

Linda K Mohr, Deputy City Clerk