Rock Island City Council met October 2.
Here is the minutes as provided by the council:
1. Mayor Thoms will call the meeting to order.
Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.
Mayor Thoms announced he was pulling Item #17 from the agenda.
2. Roll Call.
Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderman Dylan Parker, Alderman Dave Geenen, Alderman Ivory
D. Clark, Alderman Virgil J. Mayberry, Alderman James Spurgetis, and Alderman Stephen L.
Tollenaer
Alderman Joshua Schipp arrived at 6:48 p.m.
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager Randy Tweet, City Attorney Dave Morrison, City Clerk Judith Gilbert, and
other City staff
3. Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Thoms led in the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Moment of Silence.
Mayor Thoms asked for a moment of silence for the victims in Las Vegas and other disasters
that have happened in the US.
5. Minutes of the meeting of September 18, 2017.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the Minutes as printed; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and
Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.
6. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms.
Free Leaf Bag Collection - The City of Rock Island is providing free leaf collection for its
residential refuse customers starting Monday, October 9 through Friday, December 1, 2017.
Customers must place the leaves in the approved paper yard waste bags and be placed at the
normal refuse collection locations and days. Free leaf bags may be picked up starting today at
various locations throughout the City. Please visit WWW.RIGOV.ORG for more information.
Groove Concert Series - The free "Thursday Night Groove" concert series continues at
Schwiebert Riverfront Park on Thursday, October 5, 2017. The Candymakers, a rock and soul
band, will take the stage. Event is open from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Rock Island Happy Joe's will
have pizza for sale and Bent River beer will be available for purchase. Weather permitting.
100th Birthday Celebration - Celebrate the legacy of the Longview Park Chalet. Join Rock Island
Preservation Society, Friends of Longview Park, Rock Island Parks and Recreation, and the
National Trust for Historic Preservation to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Longview Park
Chalet. The event will take place Sunday, October 8, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at
Longview Park, 18th Avenue and 17th Street, Rock Island. There will be children’s activities,
entertainment, free birthday cake and ice cream, and $3 brats/$2 hot dogs. For additional
information, please contact Friends of Longview Park at (309)762-1876 or (309)786-7917.
7. Presentation of "Tell On Your Neighbor" Awards by the Beautification Commission.
Mayor Thoms said it was the 43rd year of the "Tell On Your Neighbor" awards by the
Beautification Commission to recognize residents who take the extra effort to beautify their
yards. A slideshow was presented of photos of the award winning yards. The following people
were nominated and honored; Bob Towler presented winners with a certificate from the
Beautification Commission. A group photo was taken after the awards presentation.
Sandra Hickman - 1602 26th Street
William and Gene Burton - 560 22nd Avenue
Dennis and Jane Woodward Sr. - 3406 14th Street
Diane von Dresky - 1710 Lincoln Court
Kathy and Donald Healy - 2227 26th Street
Bill Anderson - 2221 20 1/2 Avenue
Molly Forslund - 1824 42nd Street
Gary Rowe - 1231 21st Street A
Robert and Nancy Graf - #14 Deer Run
Daine and John Breckle - 1628 21st Avenue
Brian Borzick - 2501 21st Avenue
Charles Muscovalley - 502 18th Avenue
Heledio Perez - 522 18th Avenue
Lizzie Nimmers - 724 10th Street
Westgate Condominiums (Perry and Linda Davis) - 1511 21st Avenue
Dave Hansen - 2005 46th Street
Debbie Wiedenhoeft - 3819 29th Avenue
Janice Berry - 2106 28th Street
Julie Daley - 1027 19th Street
Teresa and Julius Thornton - 1012 21st Avenue
Mike and Karen Hines - 2113 28th Street
Forrest and Kathy Belzer - 2611 34th Street
Glen and Ann Cook - 2619 30th Street
Dan and Eddie Pearson - 3921 18th Avenue
Charley and Mary Arnold - 3215 30th Street
Jeffrey and Amber Mortiz - 1507 35th Street
Arthur and Rosa Steinbaugh - 1515 24 1/2 Street
Mitchell and Donette Coopman - 1510 24 1/2 Street
8. A Special Ordinance authorizing the acquisition of nine tax auction properties in the city of Rock
Island in the amount of $7,276.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman
Schipp seconded.
Alderman Mayberry asked for the addresses of the properties. The list was shown on the
projection screen.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry,
Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: None.
9. Claims
Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 and final in the amount of
$215,651.71 to Langman Construction of Rock Island, IL for the 24th Street Water Main
Extension, RIFAC to Hodge/Loquist Condos Project for services provided from July 25,
2017 through September 15, 2017.
Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #21 in the amount of
$320,120.32 to Brandt Construction of Rock Island/Milan, IL for the 6th Avenue Relief
Sewer Project for sewer, water main, pavement, driveways, and sidewalk work.
MOTION:
Alderman Schipp moved to accept the reports and authorize payments for Claims items a
and b as recommended; Alderman Clark seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry,
Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: None.
10. Claims for the weeks of September 15 through September 21 in the amount of $471,762.03 and
September 22 through September 28 in the amount of $414,452.53; and payroll for the weeks of
September 11 through September 24 in the amount of $1,449,516.11.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to allow the claims and payroll; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry,
Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: None.
11. Report from the Finance Department regarding bids for Professional Auditing Services,
recommending the bid be awarded to Lauterbach and Amen, LLP of Warrenville, IL in the
amount of $307,650.00 for fiscal years ending December 31, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager
to execute the contract documents; Alderman Schipp seconded.
Discussion followed.
Alderman Schipp asked Finance Director Stephanie Masson what final reports does the City
receive; is it a statement that everything is lawful and in order; and do the reports provide input
on efficiency or use of funds in departments. Ms. Masson explained that the audit is completed
at a high level without getting into details; that the audited financial statements are reasonable in
nature and include CAFR. The auditors also prepare several mandatory reports such as TIF
reports and AFR reports that are sent to the Illinois Comptroller's office as well as prepare the
990 form for the Martin Luther King Center.
Alderman Schipp said he finds the reports to be helpful to a limited extent; he is looking for more
helpful suggestions to Council as policymakers for improving efficiency. He wanted to know if
the chosen firm has that level of expertise at a deeper level and could provide a more detailed
report. Ms. Masson said they do have that expertise with 95 employees and their sole business
is government-focused. They are being hired for an audit of the City's financial statements.
What Alderman Schipp is asking about would require another RFP/bid process for those
services. She further explained that testing of internal controls is a big part of the audit and that
report is included in the audit documents. It also addresses compliance and the auditors provide
suggestions in these areas.
Alderman Schipp said that with the transitions the City has undergone in the last couple of years
with new staff and Council members, he is looking for a more exhaustive comb-through and a
firsthand report. He would like staff to investigate what that would cost. Ms. Masson explained
that the high level audit done for the City costs $60,000 per year. A more in-depth review would
cost a lot more than $60,000. Her experience has been that the auditors can present more detail
to Council; for example, on a Saturday with a 3.5 hour review session and with more time for
feedback. A presentation and session such as she described is contained within the audit
engagement.
Alderman Geenen asked if the City had used this firm before. Ms. Masson said they have not
been used before by the City. Alderman Geenen said they would be a pair of fresh eyes. Ms.
Masson said yes and there is audit rotation with this contract.
Alderman Mayberry asked how many bids there were. Ms. Masson replied there were eight (8)
bids with one local bidder (the City's former auditor). They were not the low bidder.
Alderman Schipp commended Ms. Masson for the team effort and diligence to review the bid
submissions.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry,
Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: None.
12. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the 2017 Sidewalk Agreement with the
Rock Island/Milan School District recommending the school district reimburse the City of Rock
Island for the cost of materials not to exceed $7.000.00 and the Municipal Services Division
provide all labor for the project.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the agreement as recommended; Alderman Parker
seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis commented this was a very good partnership with the school district and
benefits the public.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and
Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: None. Alderman Clark abstained.
13. Report from the Police Department regarding a renewal of the current dry cleaning contract with
Burke Cleaners Inc. of Davenport, IA, recommending a one-year extension through December
31, 2018 with a 2% price increase for a total amount of $7,876.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the contract renewal with the price increase as
recommended; Alderman Schipp seconded.
Alderman Mayberry said there is a Burke Cleaners in Rock Island; he asked if their headquarters
is in Davenport, IA. City Clerk Judith Gilbert replied yes.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry,
Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: None.
14. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for the installation of a
handicapped parking space at 1836 7th Street.
Alderman Tollenaer moved to combine items #14, #15, and #16 and approve the requests as
recommended and refer to the City Attorney for ordinances.
Mayor Thoms asked why Alderman Tollenaer wanted to combine the three items. Alderman
Tollenaer responded they are all from Traffic Engineering. Alderman Parker said he had
comments he wanted to make about item #16. Alderman Tollenaer withdrew his motion.
MOTION:
Alderman Schipp moved to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney
for an ordinance for item #14; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis,
and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: None.
15. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Alderman Parker for
the installation of stop signs along 8th Avenue at 19th Street.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to deny the recommendation and approve the request for stop signs;
Alderman Schipp seconded.
Discussion followed.
Alderman Parker asked if this was the first time requests were mailed out to neighbors for input.
The staff report was very helpful showing the amount of support from local residents. A resident
asked Alderman Parker for the stop signs after an accident occurred at the intersection.
Alderman Schipp explained that a letter was sent to residents in the neighborhood regarding the
request; seventeen (17) residents supported the request; one opposed and one commented.
Typically, residents making similar requests have to walk the street with a petition. Alderman
Schipp thinks letters should be sent for all requests to be consistent. City Manager Randy Tweet
stated a requestor gathers signatures on a petition to show support for a request before staff
invests time into the request; letters are now being sent on all requests. Mr. Tweet said stop
signs are typically denied because they are looked at from a traffic point of view.
Alderman Mayberry asked for clarification on the motion. Mayor Thoms said the motion is to
approve the request for stop signs.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis,
and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: None.
16. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Alderman Parker for
the installation of stop signs along 15th Avenue at 28th Street.
Alderman Parker moved to not deny the request; Alderman Schipp seconded.
Discussion followed.
Alderman Parker said this request is more complicated. While he was campaigning, a resident
asked him for stop signs at the location. The staff report shows the majority of neighborhoods
residents approve, but Alderman Parker acknowledged there is a valid concern with the hill
during the winter months. Alderman Parker said he doesn't drive that route. He wonders if yield
signs would be more appropriate or should the request be tabled until more input is received
from the community.
Public Works Director Larry Cook said there is a concern because it is a T-intersection. There
already is a stop sign for northbound traffic; eastbound is the bottom of a hill. It may be difficult to
stop at the bottom of the hill in winter months under icy conditions. Besides the hill issue, there
are parking concerns which block the stop signs. Alderman Spurgetis said he travels the route
and agrees the bigger concern is the parking issue. He will not support the stop signs, but would
support a parking change. Alderman Schipp asked if there were children at play signs; maybe
the issue is to raise awareness. He thinks the matter should be reconsidered in a month.
Alderman Parker withdrew his motion. City Attorney Dave Morrison said it would be best to
postpone the matter to a date certain.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to postpone the matter until October 23; Alderman Schipp seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis,
and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: None.
17. Report from the Mayor regarding an Appointment to the Human Rights Commission and a
Reappointment to the Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District.
This item was pulled from the agenda by Mayor Thoms at the beginning of the Council meeting.
Alderman Mayberry asked Mayor Thoms why the agenda item was pulled. Mayor Thoms
responded that further things have come up.
No action was taken.
18. Report from the City Clerk regarding requests from Greater Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
for a street closing at 10th Avenue between 14th Street and 14 1/2 Street and sound
amplification for a community block party to be held on Saturday, October 21, 2017 from 8:30
a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
MOTION:
Alderman Mayberry moved to approve the requests as recommended; Alderman Geenen
seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis,
and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: None.
19. Other Business
Alderman Parker said he is co-hosting with Rock Island Township and the Illinois Comptroller's
Office a Personal Finances workshop on Friday, October 6 at 1:00 p.m. It is being held at the
township office on 7th Avenue. The workshop will cover basic finance skills and is open to
everyone.
Alderman Schipp said as Mayor Pro Tem he represented the Mayor and Council at a ribbon
cutting on September 27 for Rock Island Growth's Regional Housing and Education Center at
114 19th Street. The Center will offer a variety of educational programs assisting persons with
home ownership issues. Alderman Schipp thanked GROWTH for their long-term commitment
to the city.
Alderman Mayberry asked for an executive session next Council meeting on Personnel.
Mayor Thoms said the flags are flying at half-mast out of respect for the victims in Las Vegas
and we should keep everybody in our thoughts.
No one signed up to address Council to speak on a topic.
20. Motion to adjourn.
MOTION:
Alderman Schipp moved to adjourn; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis,
and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: None.
The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
http://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10022017-65
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