Rock Island City Council met October 23.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
1.Call to Order
Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order at 6:46 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderman Dylan Parker, Alderman Joshua Schipp, Alderman Ivory D. Clark, Alderman Virgil J. Mayberry, Alderman James Spurgetis, and Alderman Stephen L. Tollenaer
Absent: Alderman Dave Geenen
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.
5. Minutes of the October 16, 2017 meeting.
Motion:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the Minutes as printed; Alderman Clark seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
6. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
Meet the Unhuggables of the Forest - Looking for an environmentally friendly Halloween activity aimed at all ages? On Tuesday, October 24, 2017 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. the Black Hawk State Historic Site will celebrate Halloween with a short walk in the moonlight to meet some of the Site’s special critters, such as chipmunks, foxes, spiders, snakes, bats and more. Hear the animals played by Augustana drama students as they tell stories about living in forest. Inside Singing Bird Center will be a “show and tell” by Site naturalist Chuck Wester and refreshments. The event is free but for more information please call (309) 788-9536. Mayor Thoms said this is a wonderful event.
Trick or Treat Night – The official trick or treat night for the City of Rock Island will be Tuesday, October 31, 2017. The fun starts at 5:00 p.m. and goes until 8:00 p.m. Please be on the lookout for all the ghosts and goblins as they knock on doors.
Job Fair - The Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation in partnership with Rock Island – Milan School District, will host a job fair on Tuesday, November 1, 2017 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Connect with local businesses and apply for jobs. There will be food, drinks and raffle prizes. The job fair will be held at Frances Willard School at 2503 9th Street in Rock Island. For questions, please call (309) 794-6711.
Alderman Spurgetis reminded the audience that the 3rd Ward meeting will be held next Monday, October 30 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hauberg Civic Center on 24th Street. All are invited to attend.
7. Presentation of the 2017 Best Rain Garden and Community Garden Awards by the Beautification Commission.
Mayor Thoms said the Beautification Commission began the "Best Rain Garden" awards program twelve years ago to recognize the efforts made by citizens in creating and maintaining rain gardens through the City's "Rain Gardens for Rock Island" program. Rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with perennial plants that are near a downspout or an area that sheds noticeable amount of rainwater. Rain gardens provide beneficial functions that include reducing storm water runoff, flooding, absorption of pollutants, and sustaining native wildlife. Mr. Bob Towler presented certificates to the three Rain Garden award winners: Dan and Diann Gano (1st Place winners), Claire Kovacs, and Terrence Rodriguez.
Mayor Thoms said the City's Beautification Commission began the Community Garden awards program seven years ago to recognize the various community gardens throughout Rock Island. Community gardens are run by neighborhood groups, churches, schools, and community service organizations. They provide a place for citizens to grow vegetables and to learn about gardening while strengthening the community. Mr. Towler presented certificates to the 2017 Community Garden Award recipients: Allen Nyirantore, Father Samuel Lin, Stire Ndereyimana, Seraphine Avegnon, Reverend Jaquelyn Walls, Brian McMaster, Mary Kmoch, Greg Williams, Elisabeth Ndikumana, and Aphonsine Niyitegeka.
A group photo was taken of all of the award recipients.
8. Proclamation declaring November 1, 2017 as In From the Cold Day.
Mayor Thoms read the proclamation. Mark Holloway, Board President of In From the Cold of the Quad Cities Inc., accepted the proclamation.
9. A Special Ordinance amending a zoning district and zoning map at 1103 25th Street.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Parker seconded.
Vote:
Parker seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
10. A Special Ordinance vacating a segment of 42nd Avenue, a/k/a Shore Acres, public right-of-way at 67 Shore Acres.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Parker seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
11. Claims
a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $37,188.00 to Miles Chevrolet of Decatur, IL for General Liability claim.
b. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding payment in the amount of $32,995.00 to Azteca Systems Inc. of Sandy, UT for the Cityworks System software annual update and support maintenance for the year from December 18, 2017 through December 17, 2018.
c. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding payment in the amount of $18,100.00 to ESRI of Redlands, CA for the ArcGIS annual software maintenance for the period from January 15, 2018 through January 14, 2019.
d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $13,697.14 to Electric Pump of Des Moines, IA for additional costs related to the emergency repair of the 30th Street lift station.
e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #2 in the amount of $349,456.00 to General Constructors Inc. of Bettendorf, IA for the 007 Outfall Relocation Project for services provided from September 1, 2017 through September 30, 2017.
f. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 in the amount of $291,925.74 to Valley Construction Company of Rock Island, IL for the Old Mill Street Reconstruction South of 13th Avenue Project for services provided from August 14, 2017 through October 9, 2017.
Motion:
Alderman Clark moved to accept the reports and authorize payments for Claims items a through f as recommended; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
12. Claims for the week of October 13 through October 19 in the amount of $862,989.85.
Motion:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to allow the claims; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
13. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2017 Sewer Cleaning and Televising Program, recommending the bid be awarded to Michels Pipe Services of Brownsville, WI in the amount of $35,558.12.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to award the bids as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents for items #13 and #14; Alderman Clark seconded.
Discussion followed. Alderman Schipp noted his concern that Michels has a significant OSHA history. He thinks Public Works needs to have a proactive conversation with Michels about this. Alderman Schipp wanted to know if the Responsible Bidders Ordinance (RBO) has in its checklist a review of the company's OSHA history. Public Works Director Larry Cook said he could not say for certain the OSHA history was reviewed in this case, but it can be done in the future. Alderman Parker stated that with his experience working in the industry of maintaining and repairing heavy duty trucks, he is concerned when companies don't have a safety track record with their trucks. The City has the Responsible Bidders Ordinance for a reason. He thanked Mr. Cook for looking into the matter.
Alderman Mayberry asked if the televising program was being used in southwest Rock Island trying to identify problems in the water system. Mr. Cook replied the televising program is for the sanitary and storm systems. In southwest Rock Island, in-house staff identified a failed PRV system that was causing water pressure fluctuations. The problem was fixed without having to outsource the repairs.
Alderman Spurgetis asked for the Clerk to read item #14. The City Clerk read item #14.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
14. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2017 Sewer Lining Program, recommending the bid be awarded to Michels Pipe Services of Brownsville, WI in the amount of $245,507.38.
See Motion and Vote under item #13.
15. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a bid and modification to the current demolition contract with Valley Construction Company of Rock Island, IL, recommending adding one residential property at 1326 14th Street in the amount of $16,350.00.
Motion:
Alderman Clark moved to award the bid and approve the modification as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
16. Report from General Administration regarding a Special Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 2, Section 2-216 of the Code of Ordinances as it relates to appointments and removals to boards and commissions.
Alderman Tollenaer moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Discussion followed. Alderman Spurgetis said he had concerns about the section dealing with felony convictions and the state legislature. City Attorney Dave Morrison said he couldn't answer immediately about the state legislature; however, if convicted of a felony, a person cannot serve on boards or commissions unless a pardon was granted. Mr. Morrison asked Alderman Spurgetis if attorney Hector Lareau had answered all of his concerns. Alderman Spurgetis replied yes, but said it can be complicated with felony convictions. Mr. Morrison stated Mr. Lareau did the research for this ordinance. Alderman Spurgetis gave an example of a youthful conviction and said the person should not be penalized later in life. Mr. Morrison said the language states, "the Mayor may.," so it is within the Mayor's discretion to remove a person or not or to allow someone to serve.
Alderman Clark asked why this language was added. Mr. Morrison replied there was a request to revisit this issue. He explained further that the Mayor makes the nominations, but the Council votes on the appointments. City Manager Randy Tweet stated that the current ordinance would require a public hearing to remove someone for cause which could be embarrassing if someone had a debt or felony conviction. Discussion continued about the language in the proposed amendment. The issue of the meaning of "arrears" was also discussed. Mr. Tweet said they were following the Municipal Code as it applies to elected officials. The proposed ordinance amendment covers appointments to boards and commissions with similar language.
Alderman Spurgetis withdrew his second and Alderman Tollenaer withdrew his motion.
Motion:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to postpone the matter until the first meeting in November (November 6); Alderman Tollenaer seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
Report from the Public Works Department regarding a rate proposal for the 2018 Sunset Marina boating season, recommending a Marina slip and storage rate increase of 5%, implementation of the prelease agreement, implementation of the Buy One Get One Half Price referral program,
17. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a rate proposal for the 2018 Sunset Marina boating season, recommending a Marina slip and storage rate increase of 5%, implementation of the prelease agreement, implementation of the Buy One Get One Half Price referral program, implementation of the Summer Fun rental package, and a leaseholder drawing for one free annual contract for one season.
Motion:
Alderman Tollenaer moved to approve the Sunset Marina rate proposals as recommended; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
18. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Alderman Parker for the installation of stop signs along 15th Avenue at 28th Street.
Note: This item was deferred from the October 2, 2017 Council meeting.
Alderman Parker moved to not deny the request as recommended; Alderman Tollenaer seconded.
Discussion followed. Alderman Parker said the motion is to install stop signs. Alderman Clark asked if this was the one with the dangerous hill. Alderman Parker explained that he walked the neighborhood and spoke with the residents in the area. They want the stop signs and they also want the parking to be limited. The intersection is very congested. Limitation of parking is not included in this request, only stop signs. Alderman Parker said the parking limits would free up visibility at the intersection and the stop signs would slow traffic. Alderman Mayberry asked what the staff recommendation was. Mr. Tweet said it was to deny the request which is the typical response for traffic signs.
Alderman Spurgetis said he thinks parking is the main issue; he was not in favor of stop signs. He thinks the stop signs should be linked to parking restrictions. Alderman Spurgetis asked if Mr. Cook agrees with him that it should it be done as one package together. Mr. Cook responded that they can put stop signs in, but it doesn't relieve the parking situation; it is a very congested intersection. Mr. Cook believes the parking should be taken care of first. Alderman Tollenaer commented that parking on both sides of the street should slow traffic.
Mr. Morrison recommended postponing the matter until a date certain. Mr. Tweet said residents would have to be contacted again regarding parking restrictions, so the matter couldn't come up until probably December. There was further discussion about restricting parking on both sides of 15th Avenue in order to have visibility from all three directions.
Alderman Parker and Alderman Tollenaer withdrew their motion and second.
Motion:
Alderman Parker moved to postpone the matter until the final meeting in December (December 18); Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
19. Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Second Baptist Church for a street closing at 6th Avenue between 9th Street and 10th Street and a portion of 10th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue for their 6th Annual Trunk or Treat event to be held on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Motion:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the request as recommended; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
20. Other Business
No one signed up to address Council to speak on a topic.
21. Executive Session: 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.
Motion:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to go into Executive Session for the exception cited; Alderman Schipp seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
22. Motion to Adjourn
Motion:
Alderman Parker moved to adjourn; Alderman Schipp seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
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