Rock Island City Council met January 8.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
1.Call to Order
Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Mayor Thoms asked the City Clerk to call the roll.
Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderman Ivory D. Clark, Alderman Virgil J. Mayberry, Alderman James Spurgetis, Alderman Stephen L. Tollenaer, Alderman Dylan Parker, Alderman Joshua Schipp, and Alderman Dave Geenen
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.
5. Minutes of the December 18, 2017 meeting and the December 28, 2017 Special meeting.
Motion:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the Minutes as printed; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 voice vote. Aye: Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: None.
6. Minutes of the Executive Session of December 18, 2017.
Motion:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the Executive Session minutes as amended; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 voice vote. Aye: Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: None.
7. State of the City Address by Mayor Mike Thoms
Mayor Thoms gave the State of the City address. He began by saying it has been his honor to serve the citizens of Rock Island as Mayor for the past 250 days. Mayor Thoms said that there is a diverse and strong-willed team of elected officials that have to make the difficult decisions in setting the direction of the City. He commended them and thanked them for the wonderful job they have done so far.
Mayor Thoms stated there have been a number of changes in personnel at City Hall beginning with Randy Tweet being appointed as the City Manager, Larry Cook being appointed as Public Works Director, and several other new staff members have started with the City within the last year-and-a-half including Chandler Poole and some CED staff, along with three new Council members and himself. This has created some challenges, but also some exciting times for the future. Mayor Thoms spoke about the unfortunate and untimely loss of former Alderman Chuck Austin who passed away last July. He had served as alderman of the 7th ward for over 13 years and was a tireless volunteer in the community. His commitment to Rock Island will be greatly missed. Mayor Thoms wished Alderman Austin's wife the best.
Mayor Thoms said he would next review and discuss the accomplishments from the different departments.
Police Department:
Mayor Thoms stated the Police Department implemented body cameras in 2017 which will assist in investigations and increase transparency. Rock Island is the first in the Quad Cities to have body cameras which will also help eliminate interpretation of issues. The Rock Island Police Department conducts monthly Crime Prevention Partnership meetings on different topics in the Community Room of the Police Department to strengthen the partnership with citizens as well as give citizens the opportunity to ask questions of the Police Department. Mayor Thoms emphasized that the theme of partnerships will be heard throughout his address. He stated crime in Rock Island is down by double digits for the second year in a row. Mayor Thoms announced that training has been completed to certify a detective to conduct forensic analysis of digital data, enabling in-house analysis of computer equipment. This will save time and money and is important with the prevalence of technology today. The Police Department has assigned an officer to the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force in 2017, which greatly enhanced the City's drug and violent crime fighting capabilities. This is a partnership done throughout the Quad Cities. Mayor Thoms said Officer Ryan DeRudder was honored as the 2017 Police Office of the Year at the annual Knights of Columbus Civic Awards ceremony in recognition of his service and commitment.
Fire Department:
Mayor Thoms spoke about the Fire Department conducting the Operation Prom program for both Rocky and Alleman High Schools ensuring a safe environment for students. It is another example of the City's many partnerships. Three members of the Fire Department completed training to be certified as Fire Investigators which will add depth to the department. Justin Welvaert was honored as the 2017 Firefighter of the Year at the annual Knights of Columbus Civic Awards ceremony in recognition of his commitment and service. Mayor Thoms said the Rock Island Fire Department received the 2017 EMS Bronze award from the American Heart Association. He spoke about how the department does more than fight fires with the example of the department's partnering with Red Cross Quad Cities for the “Sound the Alarm” campaign installing free smoke detectors. The Fire Department was designated as a Weather Ready Nation Ambassador for the National Weather Service Quad Cities Office. Mayor Thoms said the 2015 International Fire Code was adopted at the end of last year, upgraded from the 2009 code.
Parks Department:
Mayor Thoms spoke about the many partnerships established by the Rock Island Parks Department including entering into a public/private operational agreement between the Friends of Hauberg Civic Center and the City and bringing life back into the building. Alderman Geenen announced the Friends of Hauberg has just hired an Executive Director. The organization has completed a variety of projects on the estate including tuck pointing, landscaping, refinishing floors, painting, and plumbing. Work is beginning on the carriage house. The City did not have the money for these projects and countless volunteer hours accomplished the work that needed to be done. Mayor Thoms gave another example of a successful public/private partnership at Douglas Park. Completed projects include the total refurbishment of the large ball diamond with new turf and irrigation and a community playground which is a new attraction to this facility. A special baseball game was played at Douglas Park in the past year between Rocky and Alleman High Schools. Friends of Douglas Park, another volunteer organization, is driving the rehabilitation of the park where the first NFL game was played. They hope to turn the old fire station into a museum at Douglas Park.
Mayor Thoms said Hodge Park received new playground equipment, replacing the oldest in the inventory of the Parks Department, making it safe for the children of the community. Another example of a public-private partnership is Highland Springs Golf Course partnering with First Tee of the Quad Cities to develop a par 3 course for the youth in the community to play golf and keep them involved. The Parks Department partnered with the Martin Luther King Center, the Boys and Girls Club, and the day summer camp, to put approximately 300 kids through the First Tee program introducing them to golf. Mayor Thoms announced that Dan Gleason was hired as the new Special Events and Fundraiser Manager who has created new and exciting events and secured several new grants making the free music concerts at Lincoln Park possible. The Parks Department has also partnered with The District for several events at Schwiebert Park by sharing resources. RIFAC implemented energy upgrades which reduced energy expenses by 40%, an example of cost savings by the City. The Parks Department also partnered with the Moline Parks & Recreation Department for several programs & events.
Information Technology:
Mayor Thoms stated that the Information Technology Department is often working behind the scenes. They introduced a new website look that offers improvements for mobile users; enhanced the meeting agendas; introduced YouTube streaming of Council meetings; and added police arrest and incident report summaries to the City website. All of this was done with the goal of increasing transparency and providing easy access for the citizens of Rock Island. The IT Department also replaced cameras and added some additional cameras. Enhanced security remains a key focus of the department while spending tax dollars wisely.
Human Resources:
Mayor Thoms stated that the Human Resources Department held their 7th Annual Benefit and Wellness Fair, in partnership with Rock Island County, for the benefit of city and county employees. He stressed the work environment and benefits offered are essential for retention of of employees. The department also opened the Wellness Center, in partnership with Genesis, and saved the City $173,000. The Human Resources Department was successful in maintaining a flat rate for commercial insurance for the City. Mayor Thoms said controlling costs with taxpayer dollars is important to the departments.
Martin Luther King Jr. Center:
Mayor Thoms was proud to state the Martin Luther King Jr. Center received the Illinois Governor’s Hometown award this past fall. The King Center also added a Family Advocacy program helping children and keeping families together. The King Center held their first legislative breakfast in 2017 bringing together elected officials from the City and state to hear about what's happening at the different levels of government.
Library:
Continuing with the theme of partnerships, Mayor Thoms said the Rock Island Public Library developed a partnership with the Augustana College Thomas Tredway Library to share resources. The library renewed their partnership with the Milan-Blackhawk Area Public Library District. Mayor Thoms explained that the library has a branch in southwest Rock Island which is funded 100% by the Milan-Blackhawk Area Public Library District. There is no cost to Rock Island taxpayers for this library branch. He reported that library membership cards are trending upwards.
Finance Department:
Mayor Thoms announced the Finance Department received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awards for the 2016 Audit and the 2017 Budget. He also stated the City has a top quartile bond rating of A1 and the City has a stable financial status.
Public Works Department:
Mayor Thoms said the Public Works Department had four major street reconstruction projects in 2017. He discussed the decades-long project of separating the stormwater sewer system and the sanitary system (Long Term Control Plan) at a cost of over $70 million dollars which is almost complete.The Public Works Department also used two methods for extending the life of other streets by investing over $600,000 in concrete patching and over $353,000 in the Hot-in- Place recycling program for asphalt streets. The department implemented the new sidewalk program which the school district took advantage of by partnering with the City for the labor and the school district paying for materials. He said work has begun on the new Water Treatment Filtration Plant to replace the City's 100 year-old structure. This total replacement will cost the City $19 million, but also make operations more efficient which should result in some cost savings while continuing to offer good quality water to residents. The project has a completion date of August 2019. The Public Works Department also established working partnerships with several other City departments such as Parks and Community and Economic Development for multiple projects. Mayor Thoms gave another example of the City partnering with the City of Moline in Wildwood for a street repair project; half the street was in Moline and half the street was in Rock Island. By collaborating, both cities saved time and money on the project.
Community & Economic Development:
Mayor Thoms said the Inspection Division of the Community and Economic Development Department implemented the 2015 Building Codes along with the Fire Department adopting the 2015 Fire Code. The CED Department signed several agreements for commercial development and closed on several retail projects. The department has also worked on eliminating some blight in both commercial and residential areas which Mayor Thoms said will help with future development. This also encourages citizens to invest in their neighborhoods. The department worked with Public Works on several street projects; for example, on Old Mill Street which needed repairs and benefitted the businesses in that area. The departments are working together to establish an urban park at 14th Avenue and 30th Street after a fire which destroyed the building. Community and Economic Development staff have committed to more involvement with neighborhood engagement. The Inspection Division has conducted over 4,000 housing property management inspections and 2,300 building inspections in 2017 while also issuing over 2,900 building permits and conducting over 750 health inspections in 2017.
Mayor Thoms stated the City has had several unexpected setbacks these past years, but he said there will always be some of this; the question is how do we learn from the setbacks. He does not want to focus on the City's mistakes, but on the hard work by many staff in all departments, by Council, and by volunteers. Often work is done behind the scenes and not always seen by the public.
Mayor Thoms discussed the state's problems and how it affects the City. The City lost over a $1 million dollars in revenue from the state which made it very tough on the City's budget. Mayor Thoms said there was a $5 million budget gap of which they were able to cover $4 million through cuts and reduced spending, but the $1 million in funds that the state took left the City no choice but to raise taxes. He urged citizens to contact their state legislators that these state decisions hurt the cities. While City revenues have been flat, expenses have gone up. Police and fire pensions continue to rise which is a burden on the City's budget, but the obligations must be honored. Often this was negotiated by the state, but the City has to continue to pay the bill.
Mayor Thoms repeated the City has started work on the water filtration project replacing the 100- year old facility. Staff have worked hard to control expenses and controlling costs will continue in 2018. Mayor Thoms emphasized the City is financially stable; the City is paying its bills, has cash in the bank, and has a good bond rating. They are working to keep the City financially stable going forward.
Mayor Thoms said the City's focus now is on rebuilding relationships and partnerships with other cities. He stated the Quad Cities mayors meet on a monthly basis as do Quad Cities city managers and even department managers meet with their counterparts. Another example of partnership is the school district purchasing salt from the City to save money.
Before concluding his address, Mayor Thoms said he wanted to talk about 2018 and beyond and the vision the City has for the future. He said the focus will be on attracting small and medium size businesses. Mayor Thoms explained that Rock Island is not a big box city, but more of a local and regional community. The City has to work with its strengths and diversity. One of the City's goals is helping existing business grow as 80% of new growth comes from existing businesses. The City will be hiring someone to work on small business development such as assisting Rock Island businesses in growing and bringing new small businesses to town.
Mayor Thoms said the City needs to prepare for opportunities for new residential development both in Southwest Rock Island and in infill development. The City will be engaging existing and new committees, boards, and commissions and working to revitalize them. Mayor Thoms announced there will be two or three new entities: the Advanced Sustainability and Technology Task Force, the Multi-Modal Task Force (with a focus on walking, biking, and bus transportation), and the Small Business Committee/Task Force. He envisions them beginning their work in the next few months. Mayor Thoms said there are over 30 boards, commissions, and committees in Rock Island which means there is a lot of community involvement representing over 160 people volunteering their time to the City. This shows a strong commitment to Rock Island and the majority of these volunteers live in Rock Island. He stated the City needs to work more with private businesses to invest in Rock Island. Mayor Thoms said there is a new streetscape plan being developed for downtown with public input and community involvement in building this master plan.
Mayor Thoms closed his address with a call to action. He asked for citizens of Rock Island and the Quad Cities to do three things: help identify new businesses to bring in and help grow existing businesses; talk about all the positive things happening in Rock Island and the Quad Cities; and support local businesses that are here. Mayor Thoms stated there are a lot of things happening in Rock Island; these need to be talked about which will bring positive results. He said it is easier to talk negatively about things, but that does not help. In closing, Mayor Thoms said development does not happen overnight; development takes time. There is a lot of competition for retail and retail decisions take time. It will take patience and persistence. Mayor Thoms thanked everyone for their time and commitment and the role they play in Rock Island. The audience applauded the Mayor.
Alderman Geenen thanked the Mayor for his inspiring comments. Mayor Thoms showed an old newspaper from 1964 that had been found in the City Hall basement. He said the problems from 1964 such as blight and streets needing repair have not changed much since then. He encouraged everyone to think positive.
8. Proclamation declaring January 15, 2018 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Mayor Thoms read the proclamation. Martin Luther King J. Center Director Jerry Jones accepted the proclamation. Mr. Jones said the annual Dr. King memorial service is being held on Monday, January 15 at 10:30 a.m. He stated the entire community is invited to the free event.
Alderman Mayberry stated that Dr. King died fighting for sanitation workers. Alderman Mayberry said he is still working to get the day off for the City's sanitation workers.
9. Proclamation declaring January 2018 as National Mentoring Month.
Mayor Thoms read the proclamation. Victoria Blackmer from Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley accepted the proclamation along with her "little sister" Shermiya. Shermiya thanked Council for the proclamation and said it was an honor to meet Council and be in Council Chambers. She said it was a nice experience.
10. A Special Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 7, Section 2-289 of the Code of Ordinances changing the monthly meeting date of the Sunset Marina Boaters Advisory Committee.
Motion:
Alderman Geenen moved to pass the ordinance; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderman Mayberry asked why the meeting date was being changed. Public Works Director Larry Cook explained the meeting date has always been on Thursdays, but with budget cuts, the marina office is now closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Mr. Cook said it made more sense to utilize staff on Wednesdays for the meeting.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: None.
11. A Special Ordinance granting the re-establishment of a Special Use Permit at 4510 42nd Avenue.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Geenen seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: None.
12. A Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 1212 9th Street.
Motion:
Alderman Clark moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Schipp seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: None.
13. A Resolution urging the Governor to veto Senate Bill 1451 (Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act).
Motion:
Alderman Parker moved to adopt the resolution; Alderman Schipp seconded.
Discussion followed. Alderman Parker said he introduced the resolution to Council. Alderman Schipp read the resolution. Alderman Parker then read a synopsis of the Senate Bill 1451 from the General Assembly website: Creates the Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act. Provides for legislative intent for the Act and definitions. Provides that an authority (a unit of local government with control over rights-of-way) may not prohibit, regulate, or charge for the collocation of small wireless facilities (the installation, mounting, maintaining, modifying, operating, or replacement of small wireless facilities on or adjacent to a wireless support structure or utility pole). Provides that small wireless facilities shall be classified as permitted uses and not subject to zoning review and approval under specified circumstances. Provides requirements for applications, fees, application review, and issuance of permits for collocation of small wireless facilities. Provides that an authority may not require applications for routine maintenance or replacement of wireless facilities with wireless facilities that are substantially similar, of the same size, or smaller. Requires authorities to allow the collocation of small wireless facilities on authority utility poles under specified circumstances. Prohibits authorities from regulating the design, engineering, construction, installation, or operation of any small wireless facility in specified circumstances. Provides that a circuit court has jurisdiction to resolve all disputes arising under the Act. Prohibits an authority from requiring a wireless provider to indemnify the authority or its officers or employees and from naming the authority on a wireless provider's insurance policy. Limits home rule powers. Amends the Counties Code making conforming changes."
Alderman Parker said it was his belief that the bill is a direct undermining of the City's authority as a home rule community. He welcomes all development in the telecommunication industry in Rock Island, but it needs to be responsive to the way the City conducts business. Not requiring permits would be irresponsible. He wants the Governor to know that the Rock Island City Council object to this bill and that Council urges the Governor to veto the bill.
Alderman Geenen said he has talked with state legislators and former city managers; the bill is telling cities what to do; towers will be placed above utility poles. Alderman Geenen said the City is asking for some control over this matter and the opportunity to negotiate with vendors regarding this. He completely supports this resolution and Alderman Parker in his efforts. Alderman Geenen said other communities are in agreement with vetoing the bill such as Peoria.
Alderman Clark thanked Alderman Parker for bringing the issue forward and said one city is being exempted from the bill and the rest have to put up with this. Alderman Clark said he was in complete support of the resolution. Alderman Parker requested that the signed resolution be sent to the Governor's office. Alderman Mayberry asked if the City Attorney had any legal problem with the resolution. City Attorney Dave Morrison said he sees no problem with passing a resolution.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: None.
14. Claims
a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #3 in the amount of $60,597.20 to Langman Construction Inc. of Rock Island, IL for the 33rd Avenue Court Reconstruction, West of 17th Street Project for services provided from December 1, 2017 through December 21, 2017.
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #3 in the amount of $1,097,843.23 to Langman Construction Inc. of Rock Island, IL for the Outfall 006 Basin Separation Project for services provided from October 22, 2017 through December 1, 2017.
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #3 in the amount of $101,416.50 to Civil Constructors Inc. of East Moline, IL for the Water Filtration Facility Project for services provided from November 14, 2017 through December 11, 2017.
Motion:
Alderman Geenen moved to accept the reports and authorize payments for Claims items a through c as recommended; Alderman Schipp seconded. Alderman Parker stated he was abstaining due to his employment.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Schipp, and Geenen. Nay: None. Abstain: Parker. Absent: None.
15. Claims for the weeks of December 15 through December 21 in the amount of $1,230,996.95, December 22 through December 28 in the amount of $18,230.37, and December 29 through January 4 in the amount of $456,904.33; and payroll for the weeks of December 4 through December 17 in the amount of $1,445,267.85 and December 18 through December 31 in the amount of $1,532,311.34.
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: Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: None.
16. ACH payments for the month of November 2017 in the amount of $1,587,296.68.
Motion:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the ACH payments; Alderman Parker seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: None.
17. Purchase Card Claims for the period from October 27, 2017 through November 26, 2017 in the amount of $64,493.97.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to approve the purchase card claims; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: None.
18. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding an Ordinance prohibiting sexual harassment and recommending approval of the modified Sexual Harassment policy.
Motion:
Alderman Tollenaer moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; and approve the modified policy as recommended; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: None.
19. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding a 1.83% General Wage Increase to non-affiliated employees effective January 1, 2018.
Motion:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the general wage increase as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Geenen asked if the increase included the Library. City Manager Randy Tweet said yes; it will go back to the Library Board for them to reconsider the previous request. Alderman Spurgetis said the history chart included with the memo was informative and helpful. Alderman Parker stated the increase is less than the previous three years and shows that cuts are being made.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: None.
20. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Thomas Fitzpatrick (on behalf of Storage of America) to apply for a Special Use Permit to operate an interior self storage facility at 2832 5th Street.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to allow the application of the special use permit as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Parker clarified that Council is not granting a special use permit, but they are just allowing the application for one. Mr. Thomas Fitzpatrick, Vice President of Development for Storage of America, asked if it wasn't more appropriate that the corporation be the applicant. He wondered if the City requires a person be the applicant. Mr. Morrison stated that the process/form probably requests an authorized agent to make the application on behalf of the corporation. Mr. Tweet said Mr. Fitzpatrick should talk with Chandler Poole.
Alderman Spurgetis said the building where they are applying for the special use permit is also occupied by two other businesses. Alderman Schipp and Alderman Spurgetis thanked Mr. Fitzpatrick for choosing Rock Island.
Alderman Spurgetis asked Mr. Fitzpatrick about the hours clarifying the business would be open until 11:00 p.m.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-1-0 voice vote. Aye: Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Parker, Schipp, and Geenen. Nay: Tollenaer. Absent: None.
21. Report from the City Clerk regarding an activity application and Resolution for the American Heart Association Heart Walk on Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to approve the event as recommended and adopt the resolution; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: None.
22. Other Business
Alderman Parker said he also sent out a second resolution to Council members regarding the Supreme Court case involving AFSCME. He would like to hear from all members to deliberate the issue. Mayor Thoms said he has concerns about bringing that type of resolution forward since it is a political issue and not really City business.
Mayor Thoms said Alderman Geenen may have to leave as Alderman Geenen's wife is expecting a baby. Alderman Geenen left at 8:08 p.m.
Mayor Thoms announced there would be a streetscape meeting on Wednesday, January 10 at 6:00 p.m. at Theo's. Mayor Thoms reminded everyone the memorial service for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be held on Monday, January 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the King Center and all are invited.
Alderman Schipp asked Mr. Poole about set-aside matching funds for organized community groups and neighborhood associations; was the money ($10,000) put in the budget. Mr. Tweet said the money is in the CIP designated generally for neighborhood organizations. Alderman Schipp said Mr. Berger from the Community and Economic Development Department spoke at the Keystone Neighborhood Association meeting about these funds. Mr. Poole said it is a program they are trying to create for established neighborhoods in the city. Alderman Schipp announced he would be using his representation money to leverage that program in order to get banners, benches and signage for the neighborhood association. He was appreciative of the program.
No one signed up to address Council to speak on a topic.
23. Motion to Adjourn
Motion:
Alderman Parker moved to adjourn; Alderman Schipp seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, and Schipp. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
http://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01082018-97
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