Rock Island Today

The Rock Island City Council met Jan. 23 to develop neighborhood organizations.

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 January 23, 2017 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers at Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Dennis E. Pauley presiding, and Aldermen Stephen L. Tollenaer, Charles O. Austin III, Ivory D. Clark and Virgil J. Mayberry. Also present were Interim City Manager Randy Tweet, Community and Economic Development Director Chandler Poole, Interim Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Ryan Berger, other City staff and City Attorney Dave Morrison. Alderman Kate Hotle arrived at 6:12 p.m. and Alderman Joshua Schipp arrived at 6:13 p.m. Aldermen P.J. Foley was absent.

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT: NEIGHBORHOOD RE-ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY

Chandler Poole, Community and Economic Development Director, presented the Community and Economic Development Department’s draft of how the department will start re-engaging the neighborhoods in the City and make the City more visible. They want to establish an engaged and informative relationship with representatives from neighborhoods within the city of Rock Island. They see this happening as information flowing from the public to the City such as crime hotspots, road repair, sidewalk issues and development ideas; and information flowing from the City to the public. Mr. Poole stated that the free flow of ideas is vital for a prosperous city of Rock Island.

The Community and Economic Development Department wants to foster the development of additional neighborhood organizations to have full geographic coverage of the city. The department would like to offer grants to improve public spaces within neighborhoods with signage, landscaping, sidewalk improvements, trees, streetscape and special events. This strategy has been very successful in many cities across the country. The City would allocate up to $10,000 in match. The City would work with groups like Neighborhood Partners to help find corporate sponsors to fund such improvements. The Community and Economic Development Department would create and distribute a bi-monthly neighborhood e-newsletter. Staff would review old neighborhood plans and evaluate them to find relevant information in order to move forward.

Mr. Poole stated that a partnership needs to be formed with Neighborhood Partners, a City- initiated and coordinated partnership that builds stronger working relationships among neighborhoods, city government, service agencies, schools, churches and businesses. Mr. Poole said Neighborhood Partners has quarterly meetings and has two major task forces: the Neighborhood Leadership Task Force and the School Community Task Force.

Mr. Poole showed a map of the city with neighborhoods that are active in Neighborhood Partners; currently, there are seven established neighborhoods. However, the majority of the city is not actively engaged in neighborhood organizations. Mr. Poole reviewed the membership of Neighborhood Partners and the representatives and missions of the two task forces. He presented another map from 2008 with a vision of what is possible in the neighborhoods throughout the city.

Mr. Poole reviewed some ideas for how to kick off neighborhood meetings: a meeting would be held in each ward to showcase Rock Island’s commitment to re-engaging neighborhoods; meetings would have a short presentation and question/answer session for residents; and the Mayor, Alderman and department directors would be introduced. Public Works could explain projects that are taking place in the ward; Police could discuss crime stats in the ward; Finance could present a “State of the Budget;” and the Community and Economic Development Department could discuss developments within the area. From these meetings, a contact list could be generated with people interested in receiving the e-newsletter, Neighborhood News. Paper copies of the first edition of the newsletter would also be distributed.

Mr. Poole presented proposed content, distribution and creation of the Neighborhood e- newsletter and showed a preliminary template. It would be produced by the Community and Economic Development Department, but provide brief highlights of news from all city departments.

Mr. Poole reviewed other ideas for building relationships between the neighborhoods and the City: “Cops and Freezer Pops,” a program already in place with police passing out popsicles during the hottest days; neighborhood block parties with police and fire vehicles provided for children to explore and games set up by the Parks Department; programming by the Library at neighborhood meetings; presentations by local neighborhood historians about their neighborhoods; Public Safety Day with the Police, Fire and Public Works Departments as a way to engage the community and children; and facility tours for schools and youth groups (Police, Fire and Public Works Departments and wastewater treatment plant). Mr. Poole said that being a part of neighborhood events is important. Mr. Poole stressed this is just a rough draft; they will find even more possibilities for re-engaging the neighborhoods when they involve the Council, department heads and the public in discussions.

Mr. Poole explained how the neighborhood grants he is proposing have been successful in other communities such as Bloomington, Illinois and West Lafayette, Indiana. The Neighborhood Improvement grants should require a 10% match from the neighborhood. They can be small and simple grants of less than $1,000 with a $1 to $1 match from the City. Many neighborhoods create an identity through logos and signage, emphasizing their uniqueness as a neighborhood.

Mr. Poole reviewed a timeline of various tasks to be completed and when they would be started. He stressed that the Neighborhood Re-Engagement Strategy is a living, breathing plan and it will take some time to implement. He said the next steps are to review the strategy at department meetings and work with each individual department; research, review and design the newsletter; and identify civic partners including religious and other organizations, non-profits and businesses who can help the City move forward with the strategy. The neighborhood re-engagement strategy is something the Community and Economic Development Department staff wants to do and Mr. Poole hopes it is something the City wants to do.

Alderman Austin asked what was already in place, what are the best practices, what needs re- working and if the strategy has been reviewed by anyone outside the department. Mr. Poole said the strategy has not been presented to anyone or any group outside of the City yet. He also said he liked the neighborhood plans that are already in place; some of the older plans are not fresh, but there are some elements that could be used.

Alderman Mayberry asked if they have been in touch with the Community Caring Conference (CCC). Mr. Poole said they have not reached out to any community organizations yet. They wanted to present to Council first, but Mr. Poole thinks the Community Caring Conference would be a great partner with the strategy.

Alderman Hotle asked if this was initiated by Mr. Poole when he came into the department. Mr. Poole replied that the Community and Economic Development Department staff worked together to create the plan. Alderman Hotle said she sits on the Neighborhood Partners task force and they would welcome more leadership from the City. She is pleased that there is now leadership at the City to marry community development and economic development together. Mr. Poole said it would be a lot of hard work and it won’t be easy.

Alderman Schipp said he wants to see capacity move into a neighborhood area; for example, if there is a water main break, the Community and Economic Development Department could bring bottled water into the community. Alderman Schipp stated it was possible to micro target crime with GIS software. He said the Community and Economic Development Department should work with the ward aldermen to identify what and where the issues are. Alderman Schipp said it was important to tell the story through data and GIS could help the department move quickly to address issues as they come up.

Mr. Poole reported that the Community and Economic Development Department met today with the Information Technology and Police Departments to see how to address issues in an area and move the strategy forward.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion made by Alderman Hotle and seconded by Alderman Schipp to adjourn the meeting carried by the following Aye and No vote. Those voting aye being: Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin; Alderman Clark and Alderman Mayberry; those voting No, none. The meeting was adjourned at 6:29 p.m.

_______________________________

Judith H. Gilbert, City Clerk

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

Introductory Proceedings

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

Agenda Item #5 Minutes of the meeting of January 16, 2017.

It was moved by Alderman Clark and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the Minutes of the meeting of January 16, 2017 as printed. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark and Alderman Mayberry; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #6 Update Rock Island by Mayor Dennis E. Pauley.

Student Recital – On Tuesday, January 24, 2017 there will be a General Student Recital done by Augustana College students at Wallenberg Hall in the Denkmann Memorial Building at the Augustana Campus. Concert starts at 8:00 pm and is free to the public. For more information, please call (309) 794-7323.

Chill Out and Listen – The Quad Cities Ukulele Club will put on a performance on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at the Main Library located at 401 19th Street. Come enjoy and kick back with your family at this free show from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

Tween and Teen Gaming Night – On Thursday, January 26, 2017 the Main Library will host a gaming night for youth between the ages of 8 - 12 and 12 - 18. This is a free event so join us and play Wii U, Xbox 360, board games and of course, snacks. Hope to see you there.

Builders & Remodelers Home Show – The Quad Cities Builders & Remodelers Association Annual Home Show is February 3, 4, & 5, 2017 at the QCCA Expo Center. Friday hours are noon to 8:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Ticket prices are $8.00 or pick up tickets at Hy-Vee and get $1 off each. Youth 16 years and under get in FREE. On Friday, Seniors 60+ get in for only $5. Visit www.qcbr.org for more information.

Rock Island Flood Risk Assessment Survey – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Water Resources is partnering with the Illinois State Water Survey, Rock Island District US Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Rock Island to examine flood risk in the Mississippi River watershed. This means that survey crews will be in the flood risk areas beginning in mid-January and continue through the spring. This work will require these crews to briefly come onto individual properties to collect elevation information to determine potential flood threats to homes and businesses in the community. No disruption to property is anticipated.

Agenda Item #7 Proclamation declaring January, 2017 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

Mayor Pauley read the proclamation. Maggie Tinsman, founder of Braking Traffik, accepted the proclamation. Ms. Tinsman recognized Cathy O’Keefe, Executive Director of Braking Traffik from Family Resources and Jane Hoffman from Rock Island, a Braking Traffik advisory council member. Ms. Tinsman thanked the City for the Proclamation. She said that trafficking or slavery is occurring in the Quad Cities. She asked everyone to learn about human trafficking and to become part of the solution. Ms. Tinsman would welcome a recommendation of someone from Rock Island to sit on their bi-state advisory council. She also said that drugs and human trafficking are closely connected; where there is human trafficking, there are always drugs involved. Ms. Tinsman said the Quad Cities should be free of the element that destroys basic human rights. Pictures were taken of the Mayor with Ms. Tinsman, Ms. Hoffman and Ms. O’Keefe.

Alderman Hotle thanked the women for their work on human trafficking. She praised Ms. Tinsman’s leadership on the issue.

Agenda Item #8 A Special Ordinance amending Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-17 of the Code of Ordinances by changing the number of members of the Rock Island Park and Recreation Board.

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

Agenda Item #9 A Special Ordinance amending a zoning district and zoning map at 909 3rd Avenue.

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

Agenda Item #10 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 Foley, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Hotle,

Alderman Schipp, Alderman Austin, Alderman Clark and Alderman Mayberry; those voting No, none.

a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $6,623.82 to Dave Morrison of Rock Island, IL for legal services rendered for the month of December.

b. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $11,000.00 to the Law Offices of Al Hofeld Jr., LLC, for General Liability claim.

c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #9 and final in the amount of $54,714.00 to Greenspace Associates of Davenport, IA for the 2015/2016 Sod Replacement Program for services provided from November 28, 2016 through December 31, 2016.

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

Agenda Item #11 Claims for the week of January 13 through January 19 in the amount of $1,001,384.02 and payroll for the weeks of January 2 through January 15 in the amount of 1,327,929.49.

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

Agenda Item #12 Purchase Card Claims for the month of December in the amount of $46,979.38.

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

Agenda Item #13 Report from the Executive Department regarding proposed amendments to Chapter 3, Section 3-11 and Chapter 8, Article III, Division 2, Section 8-97 of the Code of Ordinances as it relates to video gaming licenses.

It was moved by Alderman Foley and seconded by Alderman Hotle to approve the proposed amendments as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance.

Alderman Austin asked if this would impact anyone who currently has a video gaming license. Mayor Pauley replied that it will not.

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

Agenda Item #14 Report from the Fire Department regarding a proposed amendment to Chapter 6, Article II, Section 6-25 of the Code of Ordinances as it relates to electronic submission of all fire and life safety systems installation and inspection reports.

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

Agenda Item #15 Report from the Public Works Department regarding the emergency contractor rotation list.

It was moved by Alderman Tollenaer and seconded by Alderman Austin to approve the emergency contractor rotation list as recommended. The motion did not carry by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Tollenaer and Alderman Austin; those voting No being; Alderman Foley, Alderman Hotle, Alderman Clark and Alderman Mayberry; those abstaining; Alderman Schipp.

It was moved by Alderman Foley and seconded by Alderman Clark to amend the emergency contractor rotation list to those companies incorporated in and with corporate headquarters in the City of Rock Island, specifically Langman Construction and Valley Construction.

Discussion followed. Alderman Mayberry said it is for businesses in Rock Island. Mayor Pauley said the business being eliminated has done good work on repairs although one project did not go well. Attorney Morrison questioned the part of the motion “incorporated in the city of Rock Island” as there would not be any businesses actually incorporated within the city of Rock Island. Alderman Foley said he meant corporate headquarters in Rock Island. Alderman Clark said there are ongoing legal issues with one company. Alderman Hotle asked how often the list can be changed or updated. Mayor Pauley replied the list can be changed any time the City wants. Attorney Morrison said from a legal standpoint, it’s important to separate what this motion is and what it is not. He further said the Council can set whatever parameters it wishes for the emergency contractor list, but the Council needs to be careful that the parameters do not make the City susceptible to suit. Alderman Tollenaer asked if the City Attorney had a legal opinion on the matter now. Mr. Morrison replied he does not have personal knowledge about the proposed contractors and their headquarters. He said the parameters must be for a legitimate purpose, as opposed to punishing someone for another contract.

Aldermen Foley and Clark said they want their motion and second to be amended to contractors on the list who have their corporate headquarters in Rock Island.

Alderman Austin said the contractor who did the 6th Avenue project ran into some obstacles on the 24th Street end, but any contractor on that job would have run into the same issues. Alderman Austin said it’s an apples and oranges comparison. He views it as a punitive action and said the contractor has done excellent work for the City in the past. He asked if the company has been given any opportunity to respond or rectify any flaws. Further discussion followed.

Alderman Austin asked the Clerk to read the motion. The Clerk said “The motion is to amend the emergency contractor rotation list to firms that have their corporate headquarters in the city of Rock Island.”

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

Agenda Item #16 Report from the City Clerk regarding an activity application and Resolution for the Quad Cities River Bandits 5K Race on Saturday, April 8, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

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

Agenda Item #17 Other Business

Alderman Mayberry asked Jerry Jones, Director of the Martin Luther King Center to come forward. Alderman Mayberry offered the following criticisms of the event held at the King Center to honor Martin Luther King on January 16: former and current elected officials were not recognized or given an opportunity to speak; children’s essays featured in past years were eliminated; attendees were rushed to be out by noon and should have been allowed to stay longer; advertising in the event program featured one of the candidates for Mayor on the back of the program; the advertising for the program and how it was solicited; and the speaker was from Davenport and not from Rock Island. Alderman Mayberry said the King Center is Rock Island’s; it is not the Quad Cities’ or the regional Martin Luther King Center.

Mr. Jones addressed Alderman Mayberry’s issues: the program was structured to not recognize every elected official in attendance which is how it has been done for the past several years; the children’s essays were eliminated this year because of the difficulty in getting candidates for the contest especially with shorter notice this year and the need to streamline the event; the offering for the program was done by media release; no one was contacted personally or individually for the program; they are conservative in how they advertise so as not to show favoritism; former Alderman Brooks sits on the King Center board; the focus was on streamlining the event to ninety minutes so that people could get back to work; and historically, the event has had speakers from all across the nation, not just from Rock Island.

Alderman Mayberry stressed that he believes the birthday of Martin Luther King should be a City holiday for all employees. Alderman Mayberry said that people from outside of Rock Island should not be on the Martin Luther King Center Board. Mayor Pauley stated that the Mayor makes all appointments to the King Center Board and they must be Rock Island residents.

Alderman Hotle commented that she thought it was one of the best events held by the King Center in the four years that she has attended and it was very well received this year. Mayor Pauley said it was an excellent event and elected officials should be recognized differently in the future. More discussion followed.

Alderman Tollenaer said that all of the Council members are the most honorable and dedicated public servants. There is negativity being spread about one member and if you attack one; you attack all. It is not acceptable to be uncivil in this day and age. Alderman Tollenaer said it is okay to have disagreements about management of the City, but that is not personal.

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

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

No executive session was held.

Agenda Item #19 Recess

A motion was made by Alderman Foley and seconded by Alderman Clark to recess to 5:30 p.m., Monday, February 6, 2017. 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, none. The meeting was recessed at 7:21 p.m.

_______________________________

Judith H. Gilbert, City Clerk