Rock Island Today

The Rock Island City Council met Dec. 19 to review the spring activity guide.

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

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 December 19, 2016 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

Rock Island City Council met in regular session at 6:45 p.m. 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 and led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Alderman Hotle gave the Invocation.

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

It was moved by Alderman Foley and seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to approve the Minutes of the meeting of December 12, 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.

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 and recycling schedule during the week of December 26, 2016, and January 2, 2017, will be one day late all week. The City of Rock Island wishes everyone a very happy and safe holiday season!

Quad City Arts Center – On Tuesday, December 20, 2016, the Quad City Arts Center is holding an art exhibit of works by R.A.T.S. or Retired Art Teachers. Each practicing artist was once a teacher and shares a lifelong history and love of learning and teaching in the Arts field. The event is free and the public is welcome from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm for viewing of the exhibit. For more information, please call (309) 793-1213.

Teen Gaming Night – On Tuesday, December 20, the Rock Island Main Library will hold teen gaming night from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Nintendo, Wii, Wii U, X-Box and board gaming will be available to those between the ages of 12 and 18. There will also be video game programming for those who want to learn how to write their own electronic game. The event is free and no registration is required. Please call (309) 732-7323 for more information.

Winter/Spring Activity Guide - The new Winter/Spring activity guide from Parks and Recreation Department is now out. Check out the many activities available including Dad and Daughter Date Night, Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt, bus trips including Hamilton in Chicago, cooking classes, and many other events and activities. To see the complete listing of the many opportunities available, go to www.rigov.org/.

Bald Eagle Days –Join thousands of residents and visitors as they turn out for Bald Eagle Days at the Quad City Expo Center on Friday, January 6, 2017 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, Saturday, January 7, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm and Sunday, January 8, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This year’s show includes Jim Nesci’s Cold Blooded Creatures and many other activities, booths and vendors. Tickets are $6 for adults, $1 for kids between ages 6 and 15 and kids under 6 are free. Great fun and value for the whole family.

Agenda Item #7 A Special Ordinance amending Chapter 16 of the Code of Ordinances by establishing a waste water rate increase of 3% effective January 1, 2017.

It was moved by Alderman Tollenaer 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 #8 An Ordinance authorizing the submission of applications to establish an enterprise zone encompassing contiguous portions of the Cities of Moline, East Moline and Silvis and the County of Rock Island and the Village of Milan pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement between the County of Rock Island and the Cities of Moline, East Moline and Silvis, the Village of Milan, Illinois and the City of Rock Island.

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

Discussion followed. Alderman Schipp requested as a procedural matter, that the vote on Agenda Item #8, the Ordinance, be done after the vote on the intergovernmental agreement, Agenda Item #12. Aldermen Clark and Tollenaer withdrew their motion and second. Please refer to Item #8 after Item #12 on the agenda.

Agenda Item #9 Claims

It was moved by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Schipp to accept the following reports and authorize payments 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.

a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #3 and final in the amount of $11,144.97 to Centennial Contractors of the Quad Cities Inc. of Moline, IL for the 45th Street Reconstruction: 23rd Avenue to 24th Avenue Project for services provided from July 10, 2016 through October 22, 2016.

b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 in the amount of $107,830.28 to Tri City Blacktop Inc. of Bettendorf, IA for Seal Coat Program for services provided from March 15, 2016 through December 9, 2016.

c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #7 and final in the amount of $31,964.68 to Valley Construction Company of Rock Island, IL for 11th Street Improvements at 47th Avenue for services provided from July 19, 2016 through December 5, 2016. This payment covers work on the entrance into Blackhawk Commons, landscaping and fencing.

d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #2 and final in the amount of $60,910.51 to Langman Construction Inc. of Rock Island, IL for the 2016 Catch Basin and Manhole Program for services provided from June 17, 2016 through December 8, 2016.

e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #5 in the amount of $12,616.58 to Otto Baum Company Inc. of Morton, IL for the Rock Island Pump Station Tuck Pointing Project for services provided through November 16, 2016.

f. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #13 and final in the amount of $200,523.72 to Centennial Contractors of the Quad Cities Inc. of Moline, IL for the 2015/2016 Sidewalk and Pavement Patching Program for services provided from September 29, 2016 through December 8, 2016.

g. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $13,281.33 to Valley Construction Company Inc. of Rock Island, IL for an emergency storm sewer repair at 111 20th Street.

Agenda Item #10 Claims for the week of December 9 through December 15 in the amount of $1,288,967.94.

It was moved by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to allow the claims. 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 #11 Report from the Police Department regarding a proposal from Taser International for 25 body worn cameras in the amount of $505,750.00 and the purchase of 25 tactical helmets from a vendor to be determined in an amount not to exceed $18,500.00.

It was moved by Alderman Foley and seconded by Alderman Hotle to approve the proposal and purchase as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents.

Discussion followed. Mayor Pauley asked Chief VenHuizen to speak about the proposed purchase, specifically the amount. Chief VenHuizen stated that in year 1, the payment would be $165,000 for the equipment and tactical equipment; not the entire amount of $505,750.00. He also said that in years 2 through 5, there would be a fee for maintenance and the ongoing contract. He emphasized that the contract is not being paid in full up front. Alderman Hotle asked the Chief if the City was not satisfied with the contracted services after the first year, can the City change the contract or is the City locked into the contract. Chief VenHuizen replied that it is a five year contract and the payments for years 2 through 5 cover the cloud storage and the Taser replacement plan. The Chief said he is very confident with the choice of Taser International for the contract. The department did its due diligence and looked at several vendors and different equipment. Chief VenHuizen stated that Taser International is the leader in body worn cameras and their equipment has ease of retrieval and cloud-based storage. The Chief clarified that the purchase is actually for 25 Axon Flex 2 cameras for the tactical team and 61 body worn cameras. Each patrol officer will have a body camera. Alderman Foley asked what other cities had body cameras. Chief VenHuizen replied that only Bettendorf and Hampton have purchased body cameras; it is a major expense. The Chief also said Rock Island will be in the forefront with body cameras. Council further discussed body worn cameras.

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 #12 A Quad City Enterprise Zone intergovernmental agreement between the jurisdictions of the Cities of East Moline, Moline, Rock Island, Silvis, and the Village of Milan and Rock Island County for designating the multi-jurisdictional Enterprise Zone.

It was moved by Alderman Hotle and seconded by Alderman Foley to approve the intergovernmental agreement as recommended and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement. 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 An Ordinance authorizing the submission of applications to establish an enterprise zone encompassing contiguous portions of the Cities of Moline, East Moline and Silvis and the County of Rock Island and the Village of Milan pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement between the County of Rock Island and the Cities of Moline, East Moline and Silvis, the Village of Milan, Illinois and the City of Rock Island.

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

Alderman Hotle had commented earlier in the meeting on the good regionalism and working together for the new enterprise zone since the City of Rock Island enterprise zone had expired.

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 #13 Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Special Ordinance amending a Special Ordinance amending Chapter 7, Article VI, Division IV, Section 7-184 of the Code of Ordinances by adding the residential districts R-3, R-4, R-5 and R-6 to permit urban chickens on all properties within those zones that contain only one (1) single family dwelling.

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

Alderman Schipp thanked the staff for fixing the errors with the ordinance.

The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin and Alderman Clark; those voting No, Alderman Mayberry.

Agenda Item #14 Report from the Finance Department regarding the reallocation of CY 2016 CIP funds in the amount of $5,641.42 for use by the Parks and Recreation Department to cover a portion of the cost of rebuilding the department's sprayer.

It was moved by Alderman Hotle and seconded by Alderman Foley to approve the reallocation of CY 2016 CIP funds 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 Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2016 Budget, recommending increasing the CIRLF Loan Fund (584) in the amount of $90,000.00.

It was moved by Alderman Tollenaer and seconded by Alderman Hotle 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 #16 Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a proposed amendment to Appendix A, Article V and Chapter IV, Article III of the Code of Ordinances as it relates to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

It was moved by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Hotle to table the item until there has been further 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.

City Clerk Aleisha Patchin read the following agenda item:

Agenda Item #17 Report from the Mayor regarding the appointment of Judith Gilbert as City Clerk to a four year term beginning December 31, 2016.

It was moved by Alderman Tollenaer and seconded by Alderman Hotle to approve the appointment 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 #18 Other Business

Alderman Hotle said this was City Clerk Aleisha Patchin’s last meeting. Ms. Patchin was Alderman Hotle’s first boss at City Hall when she became the assistant to the City Clerk after college. Alderman Hotle said Aleisha Patchin was one of the best bosses she has ever had and the hardest working woman. She further stated that Ms. Patchin has served the City of Rock Island very well for 10 years and she will be missed. Alderman Schipp commented that when he first ran for office, Aleisha was very kind and supportive and believed in him. He also said she does so much silent work behind the scenes and the Council is very appreciative of all of her work. Mayor Pauley said he was on the hiring committee ten years ago when Aleisha Patchin was hired. He stated she has done an outstanding job, always there, early in the morning and late at night getting everything accomplished. Mayor Pauley said he wished her nothing but the best for the future.

Alderman Austin asked for clarification about the job vacancy for Family Advocate Manager. Jerry Jones, Martin Luther King Center Director, stated in 2017, the Center will have a new Family Advocacy Center that is funded by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to provide support and guidance for families at risk of being separated from their children; the goal is for the family to remain intact. Human Resources Director John Thorson explained that there are two positions to be filled: a Family Advocacy Manager and a Family Advocate.

Alderman Schipp voiced his displeasure at the Dispatch’s reporting of last week’s Council meeting and felt the headline was misleading. He read a letter from Stephanie Masson, Finance Director, to clarify the tax levy and the tax rate. Highlights of the letter were: “The City has maintained a level tax rate the last five years and has again adopted a property tax levy that maintains the same tax rate of 2.4002. The total 2016 tax levy, to be collected in 2017 is $11,280,143 which is an increase of $324,293 over the prior year. This 2.96% increase, reflects the County’s estimate of the increase in total assessed valuation of properties in the City. The 2017 Budget Ordinance adopted by Council reflects $136,155,482 in spending across 44 funds. After eliminating the transactions that represent activity between City funds, the total is $109,731,419, which is a $2.9 million increase over the prior year’s original budget. Despite rising costs in providing the core services of police, fire and public works, the General Fund budget of $36,521,845 is less than the prior year’s budget of $37,070,234. Much of the increase year over year is related to the utility enterprise funds, water and wastewater, where capital spending is taking place to upgrade facilities and infrastructure. Some funds saw decreases in planned spending, including Fleet Services and Park & Recreation.”

Alderman Mayberry informed Council about the recent death of Rock Island musician Ellis Kell.

No one signed up to address Council to speak on a topic.

Agenda Item #19 Executive Session on Personnel, Property Acquisition and Litigation.

It was moved by Alderman Foley and seconded by Alderman Schipp at 7:11 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 #20 Recess

Mayor Pauley reconvened the regular meeting at 7:19 p.m. A motion was made by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to recess to 5:30 p.m., Monday, January 9, 2017. 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 7:20 p.m.

_______________________________ Judith H. Gilbert, Deputy City Clerk