The Rock Island City Council met Nov. 21 to present the YWCA's five year growth plan.
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 November 21, 2016 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 5:30 pm in City Council Chambers at Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Dennis E. Pauley presiding, and Aldermen Ivory D. Clark, Virgil J. Mayberry, Stephen L. Tollenaer, Kate Hotle and Charles O. Austin III. Also present were Interim City Manager Randy Tweet, other City staff, Assistant City Attorney Geoffrey Campbell, Brandy Donaldson, Director of Marketing and Communications at the Quad Cities Chamber, Julie Larson CEO of the YWCA and Amy Balensiefen, board member of the YWCA. Aldermen P.J. Foley and Joshua Schipp were absent. City Attorney Dave Morrison was absent.
QUAD CITIES CHAMBER PRESENTATION
Brandy Donaldson discussed the Chamber’s efforts in workforce retention and attraction. Ms. Donaldson stated that one of the cornerstones of the Q2030 Regional Action Plan is retaining talent that is in the Quad Cities and attracting new talent to the region. Ms. Donaldson indicated that the Chamber is really focusing on young adults between the ages of 20 and 40.
Ms. Donaldson pointed out that through the agency of the Young Professionals of the Quad Cities (YPQC), they have kicked-off a campaign called the Quad Citizen movement. Ms. Donaldson commented that the purpose of the campaign is to increase civic pride among young Quad Citizens. Ms. Donaldson noted that it is believed that if the Quad Cities can be made more attractive and if people can be encouraged to be proud to live in the Quad Cities then that in turn translates into more civic engagement and pride.
Ms. Donaldson advised that some of the ways to promote this Quad Citizen initiative is through programming and marketing efforts. Ms. Donaldson stated that they have also launched an online store where Quad Citizens can go and purchase items that display their Quad Citizen pride.
Ms. Donaldson then showed a video that promotes the Quad Cities as a great place to live, work and play. After the video, Ms. Donaldson stated that this is all with the goal of attracting and retaining more talented people in the community. Council discussed Ms. Donaldson’s presentation.
YWCA PRESENTATION
Ms. Amy Balensiefen, Board member and Ms. Julie Larson, CEO presented an update to Council on the YWCA and their Five Year Growth Plan. Ms. Balensiefen stated that the YWCA has been focusing efforts on their new growth plan. Ms. Balensiefen advised that their renewed focus is on birth to five years old as well as before and after school care and family and child well being. Ms. Balensiefen stated that the annex building is next door to their current building and they will be focusing efforts on expanding classrooms on the second floor of that building. Ms. Balensiefen offered that the reasoning behind this is due to the YWCA turning away about 50 kids a year from the program and the YWCA wants to make sure they have an opportunity to expand classrooms to meet the needs in the Quad Cities. It was noted that they will also focus on expanding their fitness membership.
Ms. Balensiefen discussed background history on the YWCA as well as the annex building. Ms. Balensiefen noted that the YWCA is one of the top largest charities in the United States. It was noted that the YWCA acquired the annex building about 10 years ago.
Ms. Balensiefen explained that they formed a committee to take a look at the needs in the community in which the United Way offered their assistance and provided data. Ms. Balensiefen indicated that the data showed that within a three to five mile radius from the YWCA in and near Downtown that there was a high area of need for learning opportunities especially for low income families as well as a very high number of unknown or unmet child care needs.
Ms. Balensiefen discussed their growth plan as it related to classroom expansion in the annex building. Ms. Balensiefen pointed out that they need to prepare the building for life safety renovations. Various renovations discussed included; new roof and ADA entrances and stairwells. Ms. Balensiefen offered that they applied for a Federal grant to establish the first early head start program on this side of the river. Ms. Balensiefen stated that they are at a capacity of 130 children and if four classrooms were added on the second floor of the annex building, it would serve 210 children. Ms. Balensiefen stated that they will also be focusing on the current building to improve the quality of the workout facility. In addition, Ms. Balensiefen discussed their marketing plan as it related to current and waiting list clients.
Next, Ms. Balensiefen discussed the funding source component at it related to the current building and the annex building. Ms. Balensiefen also discussed collaborating with Rock Island Parks and Recreation for youth basketball. In addition, Ms. Balensiefen discussed other collaboration possibilities such as a potential satellite location for RIFAC members, fitness classes and youth programming.
Ms. Balensiefen indicated that they have long term plans to connect the two buildings by way of a sky bridge. Ms. Balensiefen suggested to Council the possibility of closing off the alley between the two buildings for the safety of transporting the children between the buildings. Ms. Balensiefen also suggested the possibility of a bridge on the first level.
Council discussed Ms. Balensiefen’s presentation as it related to the possibility of closing the alley. Council and Ms. Balensiefen also discussed potential collaboration with RIFAC. Council and Ms. Larson discussed satellite locations as it related to youth as well as the Federal grant for the first early head start program.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion made by Alderman Tollenaer and seconded by Alderman Clark to adjourn the meeting carried by the following Aye and No vote. Those voting Aye being; Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was adjourned at 6:04 pm.
_______________________________ Aleisha L. Patchin, 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 Ivory D. Clark, Virgil J. Mayberry, P.J. Foley, Stephen L. Tollenaer, Kate Hotle, Joshua Schipp and Charles O. Austin III. Also present were Interim City Manager Randy Tweet and Assistant City Attorney Geoffrey Campbell. City Attorney Dave Morrison was absent.
Introductory Proceedings
Mayor Pauley called the meeting to order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Alderman Foley gave the Invocation.
Agenda Item #5 Minutes of the meeting of November 14, 2016.
A motion was made by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Foley to approve the Minutes of the meeting of November 14, 2016 as printed. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #6 Update Rock Island by Mayor Pauley.
Holiday Refuse and Collection - Mayor Pauley stated that Rock Island City Hall will be closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. The Mayor added that refuse collection and curbside recycling will be one day late on Thursday and Friday. All locations of the Rock Island Library will be closed on November 24 and 25 as well. The City wishes everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday!
27th Annual Quad City Christmas Arts & Crafts - Mayor Pauley advised that on November 25th, 26th and 27th, the QCCA Expo Center will hold their annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair. There will be 200 exhibitors showing off their hand crafted products. Mayor Pauley commented that on Friday and Saturday, the fair will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm with Sunday being 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Mayor Pauley stated that a new unwrapped toy gets free admission to the event with tickets being $5.00 a piece. For more information, please call (309) 647-0400.
Pearl Harbor History - 75th Anniversary - Mayor Pauley stated that on Monday, November 28, 2016, the Main Library will host Historian Jim Gibbons, who will give a special presentation of Pearl Harbor. As we approach the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, it is good to reflect on that day and join a special presentation on the history of what was Pearl Harbor. Mayor Pauley noted that the event is free and is from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information, please call (309) 732-7372.
Holiday Lighting Contest - Mayor Pauley advised that the City of Rock Island’s Beautification Commission is sponsoring the 31st Annual Holiday Lighting Contest. To nominate a residential or commercial light display, send the name and address of the display via e-mail to douglass.kathryn@rigov.org or call (309) 732-2905 by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, December 14th
. Mayor Pauley stated that judging will take place on the evening of December 19th, when all displays should be illuminated by 5:30 PM. Winners of the 2014 and 2015 Holiday Lighting Contest are not eligible.
Agenda Item #7 Presentation of the Calendar Year 2017 Budget.
Finance Director Stephanie Masson presented to Council an overview of the Calendar Year 2017 Budget.
Ms. Masson advised that this budget reflects no property tax rate increase for the sixth year; a balanced General Fund utilizing planned reserves from the current year; services maintained at the high level that citizens expect; the City’s continued financial strength; and continued progress towards accomplishing the strategic goals developed by Council.
Ms. Masson stated that for CY2017, the total expenditure budget for all funds is $133,665,932 and it captures total spending over nine departments and 44 active funds. Ms. Masson referred to the chart and stated that the largest fund budgets include the utility funds (water, sewer, stormwater and refuse) at $43.2 million dollars and the second largest portion is the General Fund. Ms. Masson further discussed this item.
Ms. Masson indicated that Personnel costs of $48.2 million dollars makes up about 36% of total expenditures followed by Services and Capital at 17.5% each. Ms. Masson indicated that the total budgeted revenue for all funds is $125,708.571. Ms. Masson commented that Charges for Services represent the largest category at $25.5 million dollars and accounts for 20% of revenue. Ms. Masson noted that the Debt Proceeds category reflects loan proceeds from the IL EPA loan program for the Water Treatment Filter Building rehabilitation costs. Ms. Masson commented that property taxes are $16.5 million dollars. Ms. Masson stated that total revenues are less than expenditures and the difference is being funded by current reserves, derived from carry over projects.
Ms. Masson advised that State and Local taxes represent $22.7 million dollars or almost 20% of total revenue and the largest portion is Income tax at $4.1 million dollars followed by Gaming. Ms. Masson further discussed this item.
Ms. Masson advised that total property tax revenue related to the levy is projected at $11,280,143 and 56% of this revenue is allocated to supporting Police and Fire pensions, which is up 10% from 2016. Ms. Masson noted that General Fund operations support receives 8% property tax, and this area has been decreasing over the years. Ms. Masson commented that Library and Parks and Recreation show an increase of 1.48% each.
Ms. Masson advised that the total General Fund budget is $36,808,672. Ms. Masson stated that by departments, Police constitutes the largest share at 38% followed by Fire at 30% and Public Works at 15%. It was noted that 83% of General Fund spending is on the core services of Police, Fire and Public Works. Ms. Masson indicated that 72% of the General Fund budget is for
Personnel expenses and the next largest category is Services at 17% of the budget. Ms. Masson further discussed this item.
Ms. Masson discussed various Enterprise Funds. Ms. Masson advised that the Water Fund is the largest of the Enterprise Funds with expenditures in CY2017 planned at $19,746,855 and Capital is just over $13 million dollars. Ms. Masson commented that Capital makes up the majority of this budget; this is for work that is scheduled to be done on the Water Treatment Filter Building.
Ms. Masson advised that the Wastewater Fund is at $19.26 million dollars in expenditures and about 23% is for Debt Service mostly related to low interest IEPA loans. Ms. Masson stated that Capital is at 50% and includes projects such as the Blackhawk Lift Station and Combined Sewer Separation. Ms. Masson commented that the Parks and Recreation Fund is also an Enterprise Fund; this fund also receives support from property taxes. Ms. Masson further discussed this fund.
Ms. Masson advised that overall, the tax rate has remained very level since 2011. Ms. Masson indicated that the decrease seen in recent years is the result of the equalized assessed value (EAV) coming in higher than originally expected; the rate has decreased slightly. Ms. Masson further discussed the tax rate and equalized assessed value (EAV). Ms. Masson noted that the levy to support CY2017 is estimated at a level tax rate at 2.4002.
Ms. Masson discussed the property tax levy. Ms. Masson commented that the total proposed levy equals $11,280,143. Ms. Masson added that Fire and Police pension costs have continued to grow. Ms. Masson indicated that the General Fund has shrunk considerably over the years. Ms. Masson advised that the 2016 proposed levy allocates $900,000 of support for General Fund operations. Ms. Masson further discussed the tax rate history, property tax and the equalized assessed value (EAV).
Ms. Masson concluded that the budget review sessions will be held on Monday, November 28th and Monday, December 5th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Ms. Masson added that the budget will be presented for approval on December 12th, and it will be adopted prior to the beginning of the budget year that starts on January 1, 2017.
Mayor Pauley stated that the budget will be reviewed the next two Monday nights and the budget sessions are open and anyone can attend. Mayor Pauley added that each department will be presenting their budget.
Council discussed Ms. Masson’s presentation.
Agenda Item #8 CLAIMS
It was moved by Alderman Austin and seconded by Alderman Foley 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 Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley,
Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
a. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding payment in the amount of $18,100.00 to ESRI Inc. of Redlands, CA for the ArcGIS Software Annual maintenance.
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 and final in the amount of $49,964.48 to Chicagoland Trenchless Rehabilitation of Niles, IL for services provided for the 2016 Sewer Cleaning and Televising Program project.
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #19 in the amount of $107,207.35 to Brandt Construction of Rock Island/Milan, IL for services provided for the 6th Avenue Relief Sewer project.
d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #3 in the amount of $46,368.45 to Otto Baum Company Inc. of Morton, IL for services provided for the Rock Island Pump Station Tuck Pointing project.
e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #4 in the amount of $40,866.53 to Otto Baum Company Inc. of Morton, IL for services provided for the Rock Island Pump Station Tuck Pointing project.
Agenda Item #9 Claims for the week of November 11 through November 17 in the amount of $1,052,435.14.
It was moved by Alderman Clark and seconded by Alderman Schipp to allow the claims. The motion then carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #10 Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of water meters from Badger Meters Inc. of Milwaukee, WI in the amount of $35,020.55.
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 Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #11 Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of replacement parts for the repair of the #2 secondary clarifier at the Mill Street Plant from Evoqua Water Technologies of Waukesha, WI in the amount of $19,952.00.
Alderman Hotle moved and Alderman Schipp seconded to approve the purchase as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #12 Report from General Administration regarding an Ordinance amending Chapter 13 of the Code of Ordinances by adding Article VI Responsible Bidder.
It was moved by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Foley to consider, suspend the rules and pass the ordinance.
Discussion followed. Alderman Mayberry commended Alderman Schipp and staff for the work that was put into this item.
Alderman Foley stated that there have been issues on certain Public Works projects. Alderman Foley commented that the last one was nine months overdue and it created issues for citizens and business along the construction area. Alderman Foley stated that the responsible bidder ordinance will help the City on future projects.
Alderman Schipp stated that this gives Council a strong set of tools to protect the taxpayer when it comes to City projects over $20,000.00. Alderman Schipp further discussed this item.
After discussion, the motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #13 Report from the Mayor regarding an appointment to the Housing Authority Board.
Alderman Austin moved and Alderman Hotle seconded to approve the appointment as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Susan Murray was appointed to the Housing Authority Board for a five year term expiring on October 10, 2021.
Agenda Item #14 Report from the City Clerk regarding requests from the businesses in the College Hill District for permission to place signage in the City's right-of-way and decorate street posts between 12th Avenue and 14th Avenue along 30th Street for their annual Holiday Walk to be held on Thursday, December 8, 2016 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
It was moved by Alderman Hotle and seconded by Alderman Schipp to approve the requests as recommended, subject to removing signage and decorations after the event. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none.
Agenda Item #15 Other Business
No one signed up to address Council to speak on a topic.
Alderman Mayberry inquired upon Martin Luther King Center Director Jerry Jones to say a few words about the Thanksgiving dinner event that was held this past weekend at the King Center.
Mr. Jones advised that in the past, the Martin Luther King Center has taken food to people that can’t come to the King Center on that day for Thanksgiving dinner. Mr. Jones added that this year, the King Center split the event into two days; on Saturday, the King Center reached out and delivered food to those in need and on Sunday, people were invited to the King Center for Thanksgiving dinner. Mr. Jones stated that this is the first year for the two day event and many volunteers were very pleased with it. Mr. Jones further discussed this item.
Alderman Schipp thanked St. John’s Lutheran Church, Rebuilding Together and the Keystone Neighborhood Association. Alderman Schipp advised that last week, they had a meeting to bring a coalition together and it was a good turnout. Alderman Schipp indicated that Rebuilding Together is a nonprofit organization that gave a $2,500.00 grant to the Keystone Neighborhood Association to help homeowners that want to do some basic repairs to their homes. Alderman Schipp further discussed this item.
Agenda Item #16 Executive Session on Personnel, Property Acquisition and Litigation.
An Executive Session was not held.
Agenda Item #17 Recess
A motion was made by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Foley to recess to 5:00 pm, Monday, November 28, 2016. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Clark, Alderman Mayberry, Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp and Alderman Austin; those voting No, none. The meeting was recessed at 7:24 pm.
_______________________________ Aleisha L. Patchin, City Clerk
Alerts Sign-up