The Rock Island City Council met Sept. 19 to purchase anti-icing equipment.
Here is the meeting's agenda, as provided by the council:
CITY OF ROCK ISLAND October 3, 2016
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 pm in Council Chambers of Rock Island
City Hall. Present were Mayor Pro Tem Kate Hotle presiding, and Aldermen Charles O. Austin
III, Ivory D. Clark, Virgil J. Mayberry, P.J. Foley, Stephen L. Tollenaer and Joshua Schipp. Also
present were Interim City Manager Randy Tweet and City Attorney Dave Morrison. Mayor
Dennis E. Pauley was absent.
Introductory Proceedings
Mayor Pro Tem Hotle called the meeting to order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Alderman
Mayberry gave the Invocation.
Agenda Item #5
Minutes of the meeting of September 19, 2016.
A motion was made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Foley to approve the
Minutes of the meeting of September 19, 2016 as printed. The motion carried by the following
Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman
Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle and Alderman Schipp; those
voting No, none.
Agenda Item #6
Update Rock Island by Mayor Pro Tem Hotle.
Thursday Night GROOVE Series – Mayor Pro Tem Hotle stated that Schwiebert Riverfront
Park will continue the GROOVE series on Thursday, October 6, 2016 with Jason Carl & The
Whole Damn Band with a music style that shares influences from rock, folk and blues. Presented
by Rock Island Happy Joe’s and the Park and Recreation Department. Event is free admission
and open from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm with food and drink for purchase.
Jens Jensen Day – Mayor Pro Tem Hotle advised that on Saturday, October 8, 2016, the
Hauberg Center will hold Jens Jensen Day in which attendees can tour the grounds of Hauberg
and learn about the original designs by the landscape architect. Mayor Pro Tem Hotle added that
a film of his life and work will be shown at intervals throughout the day from 10:00 am to 6:00
pm. The event is free but donations are welcome. For more information, please contact (563)
508-2063.
Free Leaf Collection Program – Mayor Pro Tem Hotle stated that the City of Rock Island is
providing free leaf collection for its residential refuse customers starting October 10 through
Friday, December 2, 2016. Customers must place the leaves in the approved paper yard waste
bags and be placed at the normal refuse collection locations and days. Free leaf bags may be
picked up starting today at various locations throughout the City. Please visit www.rigov.org for
more information.
QC Botanical Center Halloween Hike – Mayor Pro Tem Hotle offered that on Sunday,
October 9, 2016 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, the QC Botanical Center will have a Halloween
Hike in the Gardens. Celebrate the Monster Pollinators and enjoy Spooky Story time. Mayor Pro
CITY OF ROCK ISLAND October 3, 2016
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tem Hotle commented that there will be crafts set up, monster and carnivorous plants and bat
themed origami. Ticket prices are $6.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors, $4.00 for youth, $2.00 for
children ages 2 through 5 and children under 2 get in free. For more details, contact (309) 794-
0991.
Agenda Item #7
CLAIMS
It was moved by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Mayberry to accept the following
report and authorize payment as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No
vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry,
Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle and Alderman Schipp; those voting No,
none.
a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of
$16,603.72 to Dave Morrison for legal services rendered for the month of September.
Agenda Item #8
Claims for the weeks of September 16 through September 22 in the amount of $475,475.46
and September 23 through September 29 in the amount of $886,777.38 and payroll for the
weeks of September 12 through September 25 in the amount of $1,405,165.51.
It was moved by Alderman Clark and seconded by Alderman Austin to allow the claims and
payroll. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being;
Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer,
Alderman Hotle and Alderman Schipp; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #9
Report from the Public Works Department regarding the early purchase of a new 2016 15
inch Brush Chipper from Vermeer Corporation of Goodfield, IL in the amount of
$55,938.00.
Alderman Tollenaer moved and Alderman Foley seconded to approve the purchase as
recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being;
Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer,
Alderman Hotle and Alderman Schipp; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #10
Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the purchase of truck
mounted anti-icing equipment, recommending the bid be awarded to Bonnell Industries,
Inc. of Dixon, IL in the amount of $12,835.09.
It was moved by Alderman Tollenaer and seconded by Alderman Schipp to award the bid as
recommended and authorize purchase. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote;
those voting Aye being; Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman
Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle and Alderman Schipp; those voting No, none.
CITY OF ROCK ISLAND October 3, 2016
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Agenda Item #11
Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2016 Seal Coat Street
Program project, recommending the bid be awarded to Tri City Blacktop of Bettendorf, IA
in the amount of $119,622.67.
Alderman Clark moved and Alderman Austin seconded to award the bid as recommended and
authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the contract documents. The motion carried by the
following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark,
Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle and Alderman
Schipp; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #12
Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for 31st Street West ditch
cleaning, recommending the bid be awarded to Coopman Trucking and Excavating of
Moline, IL in the amount of $12,800.00.
It was moved by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Clark to award the bid as
recommended and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the contract documents. The
motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Austin,
Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle
and Alderman Schipp; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #13
Report from the Police Department regarding the current agreement with Wag's Auto
Center for the rental of undercover vehicles, recommending that Quad Cities Auto Auction
take over the terms and conditions of the present agreement with Wag's Auto Center for
the rental of undercover vehicles at $400.00 per month per vehicle beginning on or about
October 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016.
Alderman Schipp moved and Alderman Clark seconded to approve the request as recommended
and authorize that the monthly cost will be prorated accordingly between Wag's Auto Center and
Quad Cities Auto Auction depending upon the actual date that Quad Cities Auto Auction takes
over the agreement. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye
being; Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman
Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle and Alderman Schipp; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #14
Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding terms of a
proposed agreement with Dan Bonowski (Jaded Gypsy) for financial assistance for the
redevelopment project at 309, 311 and 313 20th Street.
It was moved by Alderman Foley and seconded by Alderman Clark to approve the terms of a
proposed agreement as recommended, authorize staff to work with legal counsel to draft a
development agreement subject to minor attorney modifications and authorize the Interim City
Manager to execute the contract documents.
CITY OF ROCK ISLAND October 3, 2016
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Discussion followed. Mayor Pro Tem Hotle thanked Dan Bonowski for his patience and staff for
all of their hard work. Mayor Pro Tem Hotle added that the City is very happy to help Mr.
Bonowski; the City is excited and can’t wait to see the finished project. Mayor Pro Tem Hotle
wished Mr. Bonowski the best of luck.
Alderman Foley thanked Mr. Bonowski. Alderman Foley also thanked staff for working with
Mr. Bonowski on this project. Alderman Foley stated that this project can get done and the block
will be cleaned up and it will look good.
After discussion, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being;
Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer,
Alderman Hotle and Alderman Schipp; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #15
Report from the Human Resources Department regarding an adjustment to the CY2016
Budget, recommending increasing the Self-Insurance Fund in the amount of $275,000.00.
Alderman Schipp moved and Alderman Tollenaer seconded to approve the budget adjustment as
recommended.
Discussion followed. Alderman Schipp inquired upon Human Resources Director John Thorson
to explain this item.
Mr. Thorson advised that the reason for the request for extra funding is because the City had a
poor claims year. Mr. Thorson explained that there are three areas the City is struggling with in
regards to self-insurance. Mr. Thorson indicated that there are TTD claims, which are Worker’s
Compensation claims and wages that the City pays when people are injured. Mr. Thorson added
that there are a lot of Worker’s Compensation settlements as well as insurance claims. Mr.
Thorson further discussed the three areas in detail.
After discussion, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being;
Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer,
Alderman Hotle and Alderman Schipp; those voting No, none.
Agenda Items #16 and #17
It was moved by Alderman Foley to allow for the application of the special use permit as
recommended for items 16 and 17, Alderman Mayberry seconded. The motion carried by the
following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark,
Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle and Alderman
Schipp; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #16
Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request
from People's Missionary Baptist Church to apply for a Special Use Permit to construct a
five stall accessory parking lot at an undeveloped parcel at 547 23rd Street.
CITY OF ROCK ISLAND October 3, 2016
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Agenda Item #17
Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request
from People's Missionary Baptist Church to apply for a Special Use Permit to construct a
ten stall accessory parking lot at an undeveloped parcel at 2317 6th Avenue.
Agenda Item #18
Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Roland
McCorkle for City Ordinance (section 9-42) control of his parking lot at 1625 11th Street.
It was moved by Alderman Clark and seconded by Alderman Mayberry to approve the request as
recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance. The motion carried by the
following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark,
Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle and Alderman
Schipp; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #19
Report from the Mayor regarding the appointment of Randy Tweet to serve as Interim
City Manager until further notice.
Alderman Schipp moved and Alderman Clark seconded to approve the appointment as
recommended.
Discussion followed. Alderman Schipp stated that he is very excited that Randy Tweet has
agreed to step into this position. Alderman Schipp added that Randy has demonstrated his
capacity and commitment to the City many times over as the Public Works Director and now as
the Interim City Manager. Alderman Schipp commented that the City has a lot of things to look
forward to with Mr. Tweet’s leadership.
Mayor Pro Tem Hotle thanked Mr. Tweet for stepping into the position as Interim City Manager.
Mayor Pro Tem Hotle indicated that the City has had a rough couple of weeks and it hasn’t been
easy on anybody. Mayor Pro Tem Hotle commented that Mr. Tweet is a long time loyal
employee and resident of Rock Island, and we are excited about Mr. Tweet’s eagerness to step
up and lead the City in this difficult time. Mayor Pro Tem Hotle stated that she is happy to have
Mr. Tweet appointed to this position.
Alderman Tollenaer inquired as to why the designation is Interim City Manager.
Human Resources Director John Thorson stated that the Mayor prepared the memo in regards to
the appointment. Mr. Thorson added that typically, the City has an interim step into the position
when there is a vacancy. Mr. Thorson advised that ultimately, Council will have to decide
whether or not to recruit for this position or appoint Mr. Tweet to the position.
Mayor Pro Tem Hotle inquired to Alderman Tollenaer as to whether his question was why the
City is not appointing Mr. Tweet as City Manager. Alderman Tollenaer stated exactly.
CITY OF ROCK ISLAND October 3, 2016
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Mayor Pro Tem Hotle advised that the interim signifies that Mr. Tweet is covering for the
position for the time being; the City has not opened the position up for application in which the
City would have to do and make it public. Mayor Pro Tem Hotle further stated that interim
signifies that the position has not been permanently appointed.
Alderman Tollenaer inquired as to whether this is something that Council is prepared to do now
and give staff permission to start the search process.
Alderman Foley stated that Council has not gotten to that point; the Mayor is out of town and
Mr. Tweet is being appointed as Interim City Manager tonight; there will be discussions in the
future publicly as to whether or not to start the search.
Alderman Clark stated that it has been wonderful working with Mr. Tweet. Alderman Clark
advised that since he has been on Council, one of the number one goals has been customer
service. Alderman Clark stated that Randy Tweet has always done that to perfection; he has been
responsive and looking out for the citizens. Alderman Clark added that he is happy to have Mr.
Tweet in this position.
After discussion, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being;
Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer,
Alderman Hotle and Alderman Schipp; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #20
Other Business.
Alderman Austin stated that even though Election Day is five weeks away; nobody has an
excuse not to vote; they can vote tomorrow. Alderman Austin advised that voting is open at the
County office building and other sites moving forward.
Alderman Austin stated that he will be hosting his annual 7th Ward meeting on Tuesday, October
18th at 6:30 pm in the community room at the police station. Alderman Austin advised that he
has been working with the Police Chief to offer tours of the police station before and after the
ward meeting. Alderman Austin added that there will be more information to follow.
Alderman Mayberry stated that he recently attended the annual Illinois Municipal League
Conference in Chicago, IL. Alderman Mayberry commented that one of the main things for him
that came out of that meeting was that Rock Island does not have any branding. Alderman
Mayberry indicated that the City has five water towers and that is where the main branding
should be. Alderman Mayberry suggested that the water tower closest to Alleman High School
should have their insignia on it with Rock Island and the water tower closest to Rock Island High
School should have Rocky’s insignia on it with Rock Island. Alderman Mayberry added that the
other water towers should have Rock Island on them too. Alderman Mayberry commented that
we need to brand the City.
CITY OF ROCK ISLAND October 3, 2016
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Alderman Mayberry advised that Council needs to be reached by the general public; we should
be listed in the phone directories; the directories are free. Alderman Mayberry requested that
staff look into it.
Alderman Foley stated that he participated in the 20th running of the Quad Cities Marathon a
week ago Sunday. Alderman Foley discussed his participation in the race. Alderman Foley
thanked everyone for cheering him on and all of the police officers for making sure that it was a
safe event.
Michelle Ramsey-Moody of 8201 Ridgewood Road, Rock Island, IL stepped forward. Ms.
Ramsey-Moody stated that she has heard there are a lot of people opposing backyard chickens,
but she has only seen pro-supporters coming to the meetings. Ms. Ramsey-Moody added that she
has been stalking online articles and there is very minimal negativity. Ms. Ramsey-Moody
indicated that a couple of people that spoke at the August 22nd meeting that had negative
opinions were not very educated on the issue. Ms. Ramsey-Moody commented that she invited
those people along with the Mayor and Council to her home to see her chicken coop but no one
has come by to see the chickens. Ms. Ramsey-Moody stated that she has kept chickens for four
years, and if Council needed more information to help this issue move forward then she was
open to that.
Mayor Pro Tem Hotle advised that there were four Council members that supported the
ordinance and three Council members opposed it. Mayor Pro Tem Hotle advised that the best
thing for Ms. Ramsey-Moody to do is to try and convince those three aldermen to rethink their
position on the ordinance.
Alderman Schipp stated that the majority of Council is ready to make the right decision on this
issue. Alderman Schipp commented that he didn’t want this item to come back to Council and
see it vetoed. Alderman Schipp stated that he believes there is a compromise somewhere.
Alderman Schipp explained that the same ordinance cannot be voted on again; the item has to be
changed to some degree. Alderman Schipp commented that the cities that have a policy in place
and have been quoted in the papers on this issue, say that they have had no complaints and no
issues. Alderman Schipp further discussed this item. Alderman Schipp noted that there are some
issues internally that have to be worked out as a Council, and once a compromise is reached, this
item will be brought back. Alderman Schipp further discussed this item.
Agenda Item #21
Executive Session on Personnel, Property Acquisition and Litigation.
A motion was made by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Foley at 7:14 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 Austin, Alderman
Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle and
Alderman Schipp; those voting No, none.
CITY OF ROCK ISLAND October 3, 2016
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Agenda Item #22
Recess
Mayor Pro Tem Hotle reconvened the regular meeting at 7:20 pm. A motion was made by
Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Mayberry to recess to 5:30 pm, Monday, October
10, 2016. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being;
Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer,
Alderman Hotle and Alderman Schipp; those voting No, none. The meeting was recessed at 7:21
pm.
_______________________________
Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk
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