Rock Island Today

Rock Island City Council met June 5.

Here is the minutes as provided by the council:

The Rock Island City Council met in Study Session at 6:00 p.m. in the Human Resources

Conference Room of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mike Thoms presiding, and

Aldermen Ivory D. Clark, James Spurgetis, Dylan Parker, and Dave Geenen. Also present were

Interim City Manager Randy Tweet, Interim Public Works Director Larry Cook, Community and

Economic Development Director Chandler Poole, other City staff, and City Attorney Dave

Morrison. Alderman Virgil J. Mayberry, Stephen L. Tollenaer, and Joshua Schipp were absent.

Public Works and Community and Economic Development: Old Mill

Street Reconstruction

Interim Public Works Director Larry Cook stated the reconstruction of Old Mill Street is a joint

project with the Community and Economic Development Department. The project had been

anticipated to be completed in 2019, but due to the growth of PakSource and Crawford Company

at the location, the need to re-do the street became a greater priority. Mr. Cook stated that none

of the infrastructure (storm water, water or sanitary) will be affected; it is a total street

reconstruction and storm water project-over surface. From PakSource’s entrance, there will be a

complete reconstruction south-southwest to Crawford Company. The very southern part of

Crawford’s parking lot will be re-done to add for additional drainage. The intent is to capture the

flow of storm water through curbing, bring it through the southern end of the parking lot and

recreate the natural drainage, rather than adding an additional catch basin. Mr. Cook stated the

City is well within the ordinance not to need another new catch basin. The project will take

approximately four to six weeks, dependent upon the weather. Mr. Cook said that Community

and Economic Development Director Chandler Poole has spoken with all the businesses that

would be affected. There is an Iowa Interstate railroad crossing which will be an addendum to

the bid package and which will be completed later; probably four to six months after the

completion of the project; and after the railroad gives permission. The railroad crossing is not an

active spur; it is disconnected. Interim City Manager Randy Tweet said the railroad will not give

up the right-of-way even though the modern railroad cars can’t make the curved turn.

Community and Economic Development Director Chandler Poole said the project will be paid

for with HUD-CDBG funds. The location is in a HUD zone. One of the businesses, PakSource

recently got three contracts which will double their workforce, adding fifty jobs. Mr. Poole said

Old Mill Street used to constantly flood; the goal is to create a street that doesn’t flood. Another

company, Crawford Company, is outgrowing their current location and needs to expand. It is

hoped that one of Crawford’s many divisions will relocate to the south of the current business

location. Alderman Geenen asked if there were issues with flooding this year. Mr. Cook said

there has not been a major flood this year. Mr. Poole said the project meets national HUD

objectives of job creation and retention benefitting low to moderate income population. The

estimated cost of the project is $500,000. The funds for the project have not been programmed

for other projects; they are left-over funds and monies rolled over that have been accumulating. In other words, they are not taking funds from any other projects to pay for this project.

Mr. Poole also explained that HUD has a requirement that funds are spent in a timely manner.

The City will need to spend the funds to meet the timeliness test of HUD. Alderman Geenen

asked about the impact; what is the benefit for low to moderate income persons. Mr. Poole

replied it is through the job creation at PakSource which is in a HUD zone. The funds must be

spent by December 31, 2017. The funding speeds up a project to help another company grow and

possibly keep another division of Crawford Company in Rock Island. 

Mr. Tweet said the project was not budgeted; therefore, a budget adjustment will be required by

the Council; and it will be for the exact amount of the project. Mr. Cook said the bid opening for

the project is Wednesday, June 7 at 9:00 a.m. After the bid opening, then the City will have a

better idea of the time frame and cost for the project. Mr. Cook said he expects the cost to be less

than the estimate of $500,000. Mr. Tweet said Cobham, an engineering firm, is also looking to

expand; but the road is so rough they can’t bring their sensitive instruments from their location in

Davenport. Mr. Poole said that area will see tremendous growth in the future. He also said the

City is accountable to HUD for the funds and will monitor the job creation at PakSource and

Crawford Company for the next couple of years. Alderman Geenen asked about job training

funds; Mr. Poole said there are no job training funds with HUD.

In another matter, Mr. Cook reported on the weekend situation with the slough emptying that

impacted Augustana College. There was a critical failure in the slough that drained the entire

slough, resulting in flooding on campus and a collapse of part of the roadway north of 7th

Avenue. The Public Works Department has been onsite and will continue to be as the

investigation is ongoing trying to determine the reason why the slough failed. They need to

determine if it was an infrastructure failure or if there was some other cause. Mr. Cook stated it

was a total ecological loss and two and a half years of research by Augustana professors is gone.

Some flooding occurred on the football field during the Senior Olympics on Saturday. ServPro

decontaminated the area.

Mr. Cook said the Waste Water Treatment Plant showed a spike of 600,000 gallons for several

hours on Saturday which would have indicated there was a problem somewhere. Mr. Cook said

they need to have improved communications between the departments during these occurrences.

Langman Construction will be onsite tomorrow. Mayor Thoms reported that Augustana College

President Steve Bahls was very happy with the communication between the City and the college.

In response to a question from Alderman Geenen about refilling the slough, Mr. Cook said it

would be refilled naturally with rainwater.

Adjournment

There being no other business, the Study Session adjourned at 6:20 p.m Rock Island City Council met in 

regular  session at 6:45 p.m. in Council Chambers of Rock Island City Hall. Present were Mayor Mike Thoms 

presiding, and Aldermen Ivory D. Clark, James Spurgetis,  Stephen L. Tollenaer, Dylan Parker, Joshua Schipp, 

and Dave Geenen. Also present were Interim City Manager Randy Tweet and City Attorney Dave Morrison. 

Alderman Virgil J. Mayberry was absent.

Introductory Proceedings

Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of

silence was held instead of the usual invocation.

Agenda Item #5

Minutes of the meeting of May 22, 2017 and Minutes of the special meeting of May 26,

2017.

It was moved by Alderman Clark and seconded by Alderman Spurgetis to approve both sets of

Minutes as printed. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye

being; Alderman Clark, Alderman Spurgetis, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Parker, Alderman

Schipp, and Alderman Geenen; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item#6

Minutes of the Executive Session of May 22, 2017.

It was moved by Alderman Spurgetis and seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to approve the

Executive Session Minutes. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting

Aye being; Alderman Clark, Alderman Spurgetis, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Parker,

Alderman Schipp, and Alderman Geenen; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #7

Update Rock Island by Mayor Mike Thoms. Downtown Streetscapes – DIY Downtown is a new series of events 

that will kick off this Wednesday, June 7th from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. The first topic for discussion will be about

downtown’s streetscapes and how they can be improved. Alderman Dylan Parker will be a part

of the conversation and will work towards realistic solutions. Over the next several months, other

topics for discussion will include downtown housing, food, health, entrepreneurship, education,

arts, and much more. This series was created by Erik Reader, the new Downtown Partnership

Executive Director, and will be held in his office at 1821 2nd Avenue.

2017 Citizen of the Year – Do you have your nominations in for Rock Island’s Citizen of the

Year? If not, you will have until Friday, June 9 to nominate someone that you think deserves to

be recognized for what they do for the community. You can nominate businesses, professionals, education, 

individuals, city employees and other categories. We now have an easy to use online

nomination form, which can be submitted by visiting www.rigov.org under the Popular Links

section of the City’s homepage. If you have any questions, please contact the City Clerk, Judith

Gilbert, at 732-2010.

Walk for Freedom & Cultural Festival – The Walk for Freedom celebrating World Refugee Day

will take place Saturday, June 17, from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon at Black Hawk State Historic

Site, 1510 46th Avenue. The start of the walk will be at the Singing Bird Center and will wind its

way through 1 mile of the Black Hawk Forest trail. Following the walk, there will be a Cultural

Festival from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm with food, games and a chance to learn about other

cultures. For more information please call (309) 764-2279.

Ward Meeting – Virgil Mayberry, 2nd Ward Alderman, will hold a meeting this Thursday, June

8, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Jumer’s Casino and Hotel, 777 Jumers Drive. The focus of the

meeting will be on senior scams and fraud and Bernice Martinez, Community Outreach Liaison,

Attorney General’s Office will be attending, along with City staff members. The meeting is open

to the public. If you have additional questions, please contact Alderman Mayberry at 309-230- 8081.

Mayor Thoms announced Habitat for Humanity will be dedicating its 102nd home and 24th home

in Rock Island on Saturday, June 10 at 10:00 a.m. The home is at 1004 24th Avenue.

Agenda Item #8

Presentation of the Financial Management Report for the First Quarter 2017.

Finance Director Stephanie Masson started her presentation with a review of CY 2016 financials.

The audit presentation by the auditors will be on June 19. The City collected $21.3 million or

98.2% of the budgeted tax revenues or $395,000 less than what was budgeted. Both the Income

tax and Replacement tax (PPRT) missed the budget targets. Last April, The City was notified

that the state had overpaid the PPRT by $330,000; $170 million statewide. These two tax

revenues will need to be monitored closely as well as the Illinois Municipal League projections

which have been lowered from previous estimates issued.

Ms. Masson said Sales tax came in well over budget, but that was due to a one-time event of a

large distribution in July. The Sales tax budget for CY 2017 was set conservatively flat due to the

closing of Kmart in 2016. The Use tax came in better than the budgeted amount. This is a form

of sales tax designed to distribute the tax burden fairly and equalize taxes among the states. The

State of Illinois has been more aggressive and proactive about collection of the Use tax.

Ms. Masson reported that the Municipal Utility Tax came in at $373,000 less than the budget. It

is at the statutory limit of 6%, but it has been declining. In 2008, the Municipal Utility Tax was

$2.3 million and has since declined 23%. The Telecom and Food and Beverage tax revenues

have also declined. Gaming tax revenues were short $96,000 from the budget. The CY 2016

Gaming tax revenues were $4.8 million and are used to fund the CY 2018 Capital Improvement

Plan (CIP).

Ms. Masson explained revenues, expenditures, and net position for the first quarter of 2017

(ending March 31, 2017). A benchmark would be 25% of revenues and expenditures. The City is

reporting 14% of budgeted revenues and 14% of expenditures for all of its funds. Expenditures

exceeded budgeted revenues by $2.7 million and cash available is $25.3 million. This is similar

to where the City was at this point last year. General Fund revenues are at 14% of budget and

General Fund expenditures are 22% of budget. Ms. Masson stated that in general, Governmental

Fund revenues are below 25% at this time as property tax distributions do not begin until after

June and Debt Service payments are scheduled in June and December. Proprietary Funds of

Waterworks and Wastewater Treatment both have IEPA funded capital projects budgeted this

year. Parks is at 9% of revenues and 14% of expenditures due to the timing of their seasonal

operations.

Ms. Masson presented a State and Local Tax Revenue analysis for CY 2017 through the first

quarter. A total of 26.6% of revenues were collected although it is early in the year and Ms.

Masson remains concerned about the trends. Income tax revenues are running behind budget and

in line with Illinois Municipal League revised projections. The state has a new accounting

system and there was a 2014 legislative change that removed the $100,000 cap for realizing

corporate operating losses; so carry forwards were recognized and the cap was removed. The

Replacement tax is ahead of last year’s, but this tax is not distributed monthly. Ms Masson is

optimistic that this tax is on track to exceed the budget.

Ms. Masson explained that since Sales and Local Option Sales taxes are running below budget

and below last year’s distributions, those will need to be monitored. The Use tax budget was

raised and the first quarter distributions are more than the same period last year. She also said the

Utility tax budget was lowered to be conservative and the first quarter distributions are more than

the same period as last year. The City is at the statutory limit for the Telecom tax, but it

continues to decline as well. The Gaming budget was reduced, but the current year’s

distributions are not far off from last year’s.

Ms. Masson gave a Capital and Major Project report for CY 2017. Twelve percent (12%) of the

projects are complete. Public Works has the largest share with $35.8 million of the $38.7 million

in projects. Water and Long Term Control Plan projects are a big portion of Public Works. Street

and Street Maintenance projects total $5.9 million. Ms. Masson said the monthly investment total

(cash balances) has been relatively even over the last few months at $25 million. There were no

questions from Council.

Agenda Item #9

Claims

a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of

$21,718.54 to Dave Morrison of Rock Island, IL for legal services rendered for the month of

May.

It was moved by Alderman Tollenaer and seconded by Alderman Clark to accept the report and

authorize the payment as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote;

those voting Aye being; Alderman Clark, Alderman Spurgetis, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman

Parker, Alderman Schipp, and Alderman Geenen; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #10

Claims for the weeks of May 19 through May 25 in the amount of $564,720.43 and May 26

through June 1 in the amount of $232,939.44 and payroll for the weeks of May 8 through

May 21, 2017 in the amount of $1,466,867.85.

It was moved by Alderman Clark and seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to allow the claims and

payroll. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being;

Alderman Clark, Alderman Spurgetis, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Parker, Alderman Schipp,

and Alderman Geenen; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #11

Purchase Card Claims for the period from March 28 through April 27, 2017 in the amount

of $51,943.59.

It was moved by Alderman Spurgetis and seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to approve the

purchase card claims. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye

being; Alderman Clark, Alderman Spurgetis, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Parker, Alderman

Schipp, and Alderman Geenen; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #12

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a

Programmatic Agreement with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the Advisory

Council on Historic Preservation.

It was moved by Alderman Parker and seconded by Alderman Geenen to approve the agreement

as recommended and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement. Alderman Parker asked what role the City’s Preservation Commission has in this agreement.

Community and Economic Development Director Chandler Poole responded that this agreement

allows the department to do Section 106 reviews when HUD funds are used or for any HUD

programs. He said the Preservation Commission does not get involved with these projects.

The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Clark,

Alderman Spurgetis, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Parker, Alderman Schipp, and Alderman

Geenen; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #13

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a

Memorandum of Agreement between the Community and Economic Development

Department and the Martin Luther King Center for the Program Year 2017 HUD - CDBG

allocation.

It was moved by Alderman Clark and seconded by Alderman Schipp to approve the

Memorandum of Agreement as recommended and authorize the Mayor to sign the Memorandum

of Agreement. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being;

Alderman Clark, Alderman Spurgetis, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Parker, Alderman Schipp, and Alderman Geenen; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #14

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a multi- year funding agreement 

with the Development Association of Rock Island (DARI) to assist

with the promotion and expansion of commercial businesses.

It was moved by Alderman Spurgetis and seconded by Alderman Parker to approve the terms of

the agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the funding

agreement. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being;,

Alderman Clark, Alderman Spurgetis, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Parker, Alderman Schipp, and Alderman 

Geenen; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #15

Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a lease

agreement with Christopher Rudsell for farming on City-owned property on Big Island for

a total of $6,400.00 for 2017.

It was moved by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to approve the lease

terms as recommended, direct CED staff to work with legal counsel to create the lease subject to

minor attorney modifications, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents.

City Attorney Dave Morrison asked Community and Economic Development Director Chandler

Poole to update Council on the latest developments with the lease. Alderman Geenen asked if the

lease amount was the same as previous farming leases. Mr. Morrison said it was. Mr. Poole said

Mr. Morrison has put together a standard lease agreement with indemnification clauses. Mr.

Rudsell’s insurance company has declined to provide insurance for indemnification to the City.

The insurance company is the same as for the previous farmer. Mr. Morrison said

indemnification was customary for these leases if case of an accident or a spill. Mr. Rudsell did

not want to take on the indemnification obligation. Mr. Morrison was asked to look for

alternatives; however, this is a standard clause and professionally, he could not recommend to

the City to enter into the lease without the indemnification language due to the risk exposure. Mr.

Rudsell has said he cannot assume the indemnification obligation if there was an accident; so

that is where it stands.

Aldermen Schipp and Tollenaer withdrew their motion and second. Alderman Geenen

commented that it is late in the growing season. Mr. Poole said this is the second or third farmer

who had an issue with the indemnification clause. Alderman Tollenaer asked who is the farmer

farming the Ridgewood office park property. Interim City Manager Randy Tweet said it is not

being farmed this year; the City is expanding the wetlands.

It was moved by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to postpone

consideration of the matter until June 12.

The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Clark,

Alderman Spurgetis, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Parker, Alderman Schipp, and Alderman

Geenen; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #16

Report from the Public Works Department regarding a request from the Coast Guard

Auxiliary to use the parking lot at Sunset Marina from 8:00 a.m. to noon on June 18, July

16, and August 20, 2017 for their annual fundraising breakfasts and a request to hang a

banner at the marina entrance.

It was moved by Alderman Spurgetis and seconded by Alderman Tollenaer to approve the

requests as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting

Aye being; Alderman Clark, Alderman Spurgetis, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Parker, Alderman Schipp, and 

Alderman Geenen; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #17

Report from the Mayor regarding the appointment of Randall Tweet as City Manager.

It was moved by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Clark to approve the appointment

as recommended and authorize the Mayor to execute the contract documents.

Discussion followed. Alderman Schipp said Mr. Tweet is a straightforward, honest man of

integrity and a native of Rock Island. Mr. Tweet worked his way up through the ranks and

Alderman Schipp thinks the City is in very capable hands with Mr. Tweet. Alderman Schipp is

grateful to Mr. Tweet for taking the job in the interim status and believes the City is now in a

better spot than previously. Alderman Tollenaer said Alderman Schipp’s comments were well

said. Mayor Thoms said Mr. Tweet is an outstanding employee and is very committed to the

City. Mayor Thoms believes Mr. Tweet will do a very good job; he has done a good job so far.

Mayor Thoms also said the City staff is very excited to be working with Mr. Tweet; the trust and

respect they have for Mr. Tweet has been outstanding. Mayor Thoms thanked Mr. Tweet.

The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Clark,

Alderman Spurgetis, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Parker, Alderman Schipp, and Alderman

Geenen; those voting No, none.

Mr. Tweet was applauded by Council and the audience. Agenda Item #18

Report from the Mayor regarding appointments to the Preservation Commission.

It was moved by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Clark to approve the

appointments as recommended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote; those

voting Aye being; Alderman Clark, Alderman Spurgetis, Alderman Tollenaer, Alderman Parker,

Alderman Schipp, and Alderman Geenen; those voting No, none.

John Daley was appointed to the Preservation Commission with a term to expire March 31,

2020.

Margaret Morse was appointed to the Preservation Commission with a term to expire March 31,

2020.

Linda Anderson was appointed to the Preservation Commission with a term to expire March 31,

2020.

Robert Braun was appointed to the Preservation Commission with a term to expire March 31,

2020.

Agenda Item #19

Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Junior’s Tap (aka Dee’s Place) for

outdoor entertainment with sound amplification and the consumption of alcohol outside on

Saturday, June 17, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at 2536 5th Avenue.

It was moved by Alderman Tollenaer and seconded by Alderman Clark to approve the event and

request as recommended, subject to complying with all liquor license regulations, and subject to

being closed down early if noise complaints are received. The motion carried by the following

Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Clark, Alderman Spurgetis, Alderman

Tollenaer, Alderman Parker, Alderman Schipp, and Alderman Geenen; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #20

Report from the City Clerk regarding a Plaza Activity/Event Application from Steve’s Old

Time Tap for the 6th Annual CCKMA Car & Bike Show fundraiser on Sunday, August 20,

2017 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with street closures of 17th Street between 2nd Avenue and

3

rd Avenue and 3rd Avenue between 17th Street and 18th Street; with the consumption of

alcohol in the enclosed area including the Stern Center parking lot; with sound

amplification of music; and a waiver of the permit fee.

It was moved by Alderman Parker and seconded by Alderman Schipp to approve the event and

requests as recommended, subject to complying with all liquor license regulations, and subject to

being closed down early if noise complaints are received. The motion carried by the following

Aye and No vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Clark, Alderman Spurgetis, Alderman

Tollenaer, Alderman Parker, Alderman Schipp, and Alderman Geenen; those voting No, none.

Agenda Item #21

Other Business

Alderman Schipp acknowledged Interim Public Works Director Larry Cook and City Manager

Randy Tweet for acting so quickly with the situation at Augustana College with the draining of

the slough.

Alderman Spurgetis has had a few phone calls with requests for street repairs.

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

Agenda Item #22

Adjourn

A motion was made by Alderman Schipp and seconded by Alderman Spurgetis to adjourn the

meeting to 6:45 p.m., Monday, June 12, 2017. The motion carried by the following Aye and No

vote; those voting Aye being; Alderman Clark, Alderman Spurgetis, Alderman Tollenaer,

Alderman Parker, Alderman Schipp, and Alderman Geenen; those voting No, none. The meeting

was adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

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