Rock Island Today

Rock Island City Council met Monday, Dec. 12.

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.

Here are the minutes as provided by Rock Island:

CITY OF ROCK ISLAND December 12, 2016 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 6:00 pm in City Council Chambers at Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Dennis E. Pauley presiding, and Aldermen Virgil J. Mayberry, Stephen L. Tollenaer, and Charles O. Austin III. Also present were Interim City Manager Randy Tweet, City Clerk Aleisha Patchin, Human Resources Director John Thorson, Community and Economic Development Director Chandler Poole, Information Technology Director Tim Bain, other City staff, and City Attorney Dave Morrison. Aldermen P.J. Foley, Kate Hotle, Joshua Schipp and Ivory D. Clark were absent.

TOUR OF REMODELED OFFICES IN CITY HALL

Interim City Manager Randy Tweet gave Council an overview of the remodeling project. The Inspections Division of CED needed additional offices for inspectors and space to review paper and electronic plans; Information Technology needed space to work on equipment; and Human Resources required private offices to meet with employees. The 2nd floor of the old Police Department was renovated to allow for expansion of the CED and IT Departments. The old IT offices on the 3rd floor were remodeled for the Human Resources Department. Mr. Tweet reported that the remodeling was done with in-house labor from the Public Works Department. The total cost of remodeling for the three spaces was $18,000. Funds left over from a tuck pointing project were used. Council proceeded to a tour of remodeled offices in City Hall, including the Human Resources Department on the third floor, and then to the second floor to view expanded offices for the Inspections/Plan Review Division of the Community and Economic Development Department and new offices for the Information Technology Department in the former police station offices.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Alderman Tollenaer and seconded by Alderman Austin to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote. Those voting Aye being; Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Tollenaer and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 pm.

Judith H. Gilbert, Deputy City Clerk

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 Virgil J. Mayberry, P.J. Foley, Stephen L. Tollenaer, Kate Hotle, Joshua Schipp, Charles O. Austin III, and Ivory D. Clark. Also present were Interim City Manager Randy Tweet, City Clerk Aleisha Patchin and City Attorney Dave Morrison.

Introductory Proceedings

Mayor Pauley called the meeting to order. He introduced Judith Gilbert, Deputy City Clerk, who will be taking over as City Clerk when City Clerk Aleisha Patchin retires on December 30.

Mayor Pauley led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Alderman Hotle gave the Invocation.

Agenda Item #5 Minutes of the meetings of November 21, 2016, November 28, 2016 and December 5, 2016.

It was moved by Alderman Foley and seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to approve the Minutes of the meetings of November 21, 2016, November 28, 2016 and December 5, 2016 as printed. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin and Alderman Clark; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #6 Update Rock Island by Mayor Pauley.

City of Rock Island Website – The City of Rock Island as of December 1, 2016 has a new website design. These changes were to make updates to the existing platform and make the website more responsive to today’s technology. For example, people will get the same content available to their search whether they are on a PC, laptop, tablet or smart phone.

New Recycling Center – The address of the new Drop-off Recycling Center for plastics and paper is located at 701 2nd Street or east of the Municipal Services building. Facility is open 24 hours each day, including holidays.

Rock Island Parks & Recreation Gift Ideas – As you are pondering what to buy your loved ones, do not forget the Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center has gift cards available. With many special interests, sports and fitness classes, it is a great opportunity to try something new. Maybe they would like to play some rounds of golf at Highland Springs or Saukie Golf Courses, splash down a slide at Whitewater Junction next summer, or take a relaxing soak in the RIFAC hot tub. To learn more about what is available, please call (309) 732-7275.

Snow Routes - As we enter the winter season, please note that parking is not allowed on designated snow routes when two or more inches of snow has fallen until the snow has been removed. Snow routes are marked by street signage. Vehicles in violation of this ordinance will receive a $35 parking ticket. Vehicles that remain in violation will be towed. In the event of snow, primary streets are plowed first and school areas are plowed second. Residential streets are plowed when the primary streets and school areas are complete.

Holiday Observance Schedule – In observance of the holidays, City Hall will be closed Friday, December 23; Monday, December 26; and Monday, January 2. The refuse schedule will be on normal schedule Monday through Thursday and the rest of the week one day late both the week of Christmas and New Years. The recycling will be on the normal schedule. The City of Rock Island wishes everyone a very happy and safe holiday season!

Agenda Item #7 Public Hearing on a request from Shawn Cirlos, owner of Spartan Pub, LLC, doing business as The Black Sheep for a waiver of the signature requirement to secure a liquor license at 1728 2nd Avenue.

Mayor Pauley closed the regular meeting at 6:48 p.m. and opened the public hearing on a request from Shawn Cirlos, owner of Spartan Pub, LLC, doing business as The Black Sheep for a waiver of the signature requirement to secure a liquor license at 1728 2nd Avenue.

Shawn Cirlos stepped forward. Mr. Cirlos informed Council that his business will be an arcade sports bar and Huckleberry’s will provide and deliver food to The Black Sheep. He has owned Spartan Pub in Davenport for two years. Alderman Hotle stated that in her conversation with Mr. Cirlos he has agreed to close his establishment at 2 a.m. Alderman Austin inquired whether the Liquor Commissioner was satisfied with Mr. Cirlos’ request. Mayor Pauley responded that Mr. Cirlos had met all of the requirements for a signature waiver. Alderman Foley commented the façade for his business in the Stern Center building will look nice on that corner and thanked Mr. Cirlos for investing in Rock Island.

Mayor Pauley inquired as to whether there was anyone who wished to speak in favor of the request. No one stepped forward.

Mayor Pauley then inquired as to whether there was anyone who wished to speak in opposition to the request. No one stepped forward.

With no persons present to speak in favor of or in opposition to the request, Mayor Pauley closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 6:51 p.m.

It was moved by Alderman Hotle and seconded by Alderman Foley to recommend to the Mayor/Liquor Commissioner to waive the signature requirement as requested and approve the liquor license. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin and Alderman Clark; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #8 Public Hearing regarding the Calendar Year 2017 Budget.

Mayor Pauley closed the regular meeting at 6:52 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing on the Calendar Year 2017 Budget.

Alderman Schipp stated the City’s budget is a living document and commended the City for its transparency with the budget. He also thanked City staff for the exceptional job they did in putting together the 2017 budget. Alderman Hotle stated the budget was balanced and there would be no property tax increase. She is looking forward to the budget digest that the Finance Department will put together to make the budget easier to understand. The Finance Department will present the budget digest at public meetings for the citizens of Rock Island. Alderman Austin said the tax rate remains the same with slight increases in water, sewer, solid waste and curbside recycling, which according to his calculations amount to 30 cents per day for his home.

Mayor Pauley then closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 6:56 p.m.

Agenda Item #9 An Ordinance providing for the levy, assessment and collection of taxes for the City of Rock Island for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016.

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

Agenda Item #10 An Ordinance adopting the budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2017 and ending December 31, 2017.

It was moved by Alderman Schipp 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 Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin and Alderman Clark; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #11 Tax Abatement Resolutions

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

a. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $542,797.50, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Tax Increment Financing, Hydropower, Wastewater and Gaming funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2008A and General Obligation Bonds, series 2008B.

b. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $265,200.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Downtown TIF fund to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2008D.

c. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $49,536.67, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Hydropower fund to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, series 2008C.

d. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $865,400.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Public Benefits, Park and Recreation and Tax Increment Financing funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2009A and General Obligation Bonds, series 2009B.

e. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $80,130.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Tax Increment Financing fund to pay principal and interest on Taxable General Obligation Bonds, series 2009C.

f. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $571,986.26, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Water fund and Wastewater fund to pay principal and interest on Taxable General Obligation Bonds, series 2010A BABs.

g. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $488,400.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Debt Services fund, Gaming and Water fund to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2010B.

h. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $237,050.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Debt Service fund and Sewer fund to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2011A.

i. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $316,587.52, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Debt Service fund, Gaming, Sunset Marina and Water funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2012A.

j. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $743,118.76, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Debt Service fund and Gaming to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2013A.

k. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $117,582.50, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Gaming fund to pay principal and interest on Taxable General Obligation Bonds, series 2013B.

l. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $668,762.50, such funds to be provided from revenues of Gaming to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2014A.

m. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $501,463.50, such funds to be provided from revenues of Tax Increment Financing and Sales Tax to pay principal and interest on Taxable General Obligation Bonds, series 2014B.

n. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $535,412.50, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Debt Service fund and Gaming to pay principal and interest on Taxable General Obligation Bonds, series 2015A.

o. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $499,400.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Debt Service, Gaming and Sewer funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Refunding Bonds, series 2015B.

p. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $258,286.39, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Gaming fund to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2016A.

q. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $82,926.91, such funds to be provided from revenues of Tax Increment Financing, Sales Tax and Gaming to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2016C.

Agenda Item #12 CLAIMS

It was moved by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Schipp to accept the following reports and authorize payments as recommended. The motion then carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin and Alderman Clark; those voting No, none.

a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $11,015.19 to Dave Morrison for legal services rendered for the month of November, 2016.

b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 and final in the amount of $456,732.10 to Gallagher Asphalt of Thornton, IL for services provided for the 2016 Hot In- Place Recycling Program project.

c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 in the amount of $81,947.00 to Valley Construction, Co. of Rock Island, IL for services provided for the GTI Wetland Mitigation project.

d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #8 in the amount of $64,764.00 to Greenspace Associates of Davenport, IA for services provided for the 2015/2016 Sod Replacement Program project.

e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $24,500.00 to Miller Trucking & Excavating of Silvis, IL for emergency sewer repairs on the sewer systems at the Farmall Viaduct.

Agenda Item #13 Claims for the week of November 18 through November 24 in the amount of $43,053.46, November 25 through December 1 in the amount of $680,483.97, and December 2 through December 8 in the amount of $1,421,664.48, and payroll for the weeks of November 7 through November 20 in the amount of $1,421,664.48 and November 21 through December 4 in the amount of $1,404,911.48.

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

Agenda Item #14 Report from the Police Department regarding the purchase and installation of additional indoor security cameras from Tri-City Electric Co. in the amount of $25,608.00.

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

Agenda Item #15 Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2016 Water Treatment Plant Electrical Transformer Upgrades, recommending the bid be awarded to Summit Electric of Moline, IL in the amount of $198,000.00.

It was moved by Alderman Hotle and seconded by Alderman Clark to award the bid 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 Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin and Alderman Clark; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #16 Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding bids for the demolition of four residential properties, recommending the bid be awarded to Valley Construction of Rock Island, IL in the amount of $82,357.00.

It was moved by Alderman Foley and seconded by Alderman Clark to award the bid 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 Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin and Alderman Clark; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #17 Report from the Public Works Department regarding an amended ordinance authorizing the City of Rock Island, IL to borrow funds from the Public Water Supply Loan Program in an amount not to exceed the debt limit (aggregate principal amount) of $30,000,000.00 for the Water Treatment Plant Filter Building Replacement project.

It was moved by Alderman Hotle and seconded by Alderman Schipp to consider, suspend the rules and pass the ordinance.

Discussion followed. Alderman Schipp stated the amendment is a result of the name change for the loan program. The ordinance had already been approved. Alderman Hotle commented that the Water Treatment Plant Filter Building needs upgrades due to its age of over 100 years.

After discussion, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin and Alderman Clark; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #18 Report from the Public Works Department regarding waste water rate increases, recommending a 3% increase for 2017.

It was moved by Alderman Hotle and seconded by Alderman Mayberry to approve the increase 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 Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin and Alderman Clark; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #19 Report from the Finance Department regarding draft revisions to the City’s financial policies.

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

Agenda Item #20 Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2016 Budget, recommending increasing the Federal Drug Prevention Fund in the amount of $4,200.00.

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

Agenda Item #21 Report from the Mayor regarding appointments to the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Board.

It was moved by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Foley to approve the appointments as recommended.

Alderman Mayberry asked Mayor Pauley to name his appointments. Mayor Pauley said he is appointing Alderman Hotle (after she leaves office) and Alexandra Clark to the Parks and Recreation Board.

The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin and Alderman Clark; those voting No, none; Alderman Hotle abstained.

Agenda Item #22 Other Business

Alderman Austin reported on the two electoral board hearings that were held earlier in the evening. Mr. Spurgetis withdrew his objections to both of his opponents in the 3rd Ward. Alderman Hotle said she was glad that Evie White would be on the ballot since she was the only woman who filed candidacy papers for the election. Alderman Hotle also informed Council that many City employees were honored for their years of service at the recent City holiday luncheon and she gave special note to Public Works employee Tammy Mendoza for her forty years of service to the City.

Ms. Diane Oestreich of Rock Island discussed concerns she has about unlicensed and unregistered cars on her street that have been there for at least a year, contributing to a junkyard appearance on the block. The current Police Department procedure appears to have little effect, so she asked Council to review the situation and develop an ordinance to address the situation. She could only find online that the town of Streator, IL had such an ordinance for this issue. Deputy Chief Foy spoke about the issue and said vehicles must be licensed and registered, but there is only one staff person to handle the entire city. He will check on the vehicles on her street tomorrow. City Attorney Dave Morrison said he would look into and review ordinances that address Ms. Oestreich’s issue. Alderman Schipp asked Interim City Manager Randall Tweet to work with Chief VenHuizen regarding this issue.

Agenda Item #23 Executive Session on Personnel, Property Acquisition and Litigation.

It was moved by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Hotle at 7:13 p.m. 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 Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin and Alderman Clark; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #24 Recess

Mayor Pauley reconvened the regular meeting at 7:18 p.m. A motion was made by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Clark to recess to 6:45 p.m., Monday, December 19, 2016. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin and Alderman Clark; those voting No, none. The meeting was recessed at 7:19 p.m.

Judith H. Gilbert, Deputy City Clerk