Rock Island City Council met February 26.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
1.Call to Order
Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order at 6:46 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. Roll Call
Mayor Thoms asked the City Clerk to call the roll.
Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderman Virgil J. Mayberry, Alderman James Spurgetis, Alderman Stephen L. Tollenaer, Alderman Dylan Parker, Alderman Joshua Schipp, Alderman Dave Geenen, and Alderman Ivory D. Clark
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 and asked everyone to keep in their thoughts the people of Parkland.
5. Minutes of the February 12, 2018 meeting.
Motion:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the Minutes as printed; Alderman Schipp seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 voice vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
6. Minutes of the Executive Session of February 12, 2018.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to approve the Executive Session minutes; Alderman Parker seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 voice vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
7. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
St. Patrick’s Day Parade - The 2018 St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. starting at 23rd Street and 4th Avenue in Rock Island. Parade floats, bands, vehicles, and walkers will head through downtown Rock Island, across Centennial Bridge and continue its course through Davenport. The Grand Parade is the only bi-state St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the U.S. Visit HTTP://DOWNTOWNROCKISLAND.ORG for updates and after parties.
Underwater Egg Hunt – The City of Rock Island’s Parks & Recreation Department will hold an underwater egg hunt on Sunday, March 18, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at RIFAC. There will be age groups with children 4 and under accompanied by an adult starting at 1:15 p.m., 5–7 year olds at 1:45 p.m., 8-10 year olds at 2:15 p.m. and the deep-end dive at 2:45 p.m. In addition to the hunt, there will be other games, coloring contests and a photo booth. The fee is $5.00 per child for the event. For more information please call (309) 732-7275.
Police Applicant Workshop - The City of Rock Island Police Department will have its second of two Police Officer applicant informational workshops on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. The workshop will include an overview of the department as well as information related to the police applicant testing process. The Police Department is located at 1212 5th Avenue. If you have questions, please call (309) 732-2677.
Mayor Thoms announced he is pulling item #22 from tonight's agenda.
8. Proclamation declaring the week of March 4 through March 10, 2018 as Women in Construction Week.
Mayor Thoms read the proclamation. Julia Meyer with her daughter Londyn and Cathy Mason with her daughters Megan and Michelle accepted the proclamation. Pictures were taken with Mayor Thoms. Julia Meyer spoke on behalf of Chapter 50 and thanked the Mayor and Council for the proclamation and their support. The Quad Cities chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction gives back to the community through its scholarship program and partnering with local agencies Humility of Mary, Dress for Success, and Winnie's Place.
9. Proclamation declaring the safety of our children and youth as a high priority.
Mayor Thoms read the proclamation. He passed out red bracelets in support of Parkland.
10. A Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit at 2832 5th Street.
Motion:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman
Motion:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
Alderman Geenen stated the building was the headquarters of Bear Manufacturing run by Victor and Doris Day. Alderman Geenen is glad that the building is being repurposed.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
11. A Resolution approving an amended employment agreement with the City Manager and authorizing the Mayor to execute the contract documents.
Motion:
Alderman Clark moved to adopt the resolution; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
12. Claims
a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $21,901.06 to HCC-SIR of Detroit, MI for General Liability claim.
b. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding payment in the amount of $11,309.00 to DLT Solutions Inc. of Hernden, VA for the Autodesk annual subscription.
c. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding payment in the amount of $28,079.14 to Harris Govern of Chicago, IL for the annual maintenance contract for business licenses, permits, and inspection system software.
Motion:
Alderman Clark moved to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended for Claims items a through c; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #4 in the amount of $240,516.64 to Langman Construction Inc. of Rock Island, IL for the Outfall 006 Basin Separation Project for services provided from December 2, 2017 through January 5, 2018.
e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #6 in the amount of $339,736.49 to General Constructors Inc. of Bettendorf, IA for the 007 Outfall Relocation Project for services provided from January 1, 2018 through January 31, 2018.
Motion:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended for Claims items d and e; Alderman Clark seconded.
Alderman Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
13. Claims for the weeks of February 9 through February 15 in the amount of $786,607.05, February 20 in the amount of $144.27, and February 16 through February 22 in the amount of $393,878.57; and payroll for the weeks of January 29 through February 11 in the amount of $1,500,185.27.
Motion:
Alderman Tollenaer moved to allow the claims and payroll; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
14. ACH Payments for the month of January 2018 in the amount of $4,595,068.79.
Motion:
Alderman Mayberry moved to approve the ACH payments; Alderman Parker seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
15. Purchase Card Claims for the period from December 27, 2017 through January 26, 2018 in the amount of $62,382.04.
Motion:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the purchase card claims; Alderman Schipp seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
16. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of thirty (30) permanent and temporary right-of-way parcels for the 38th Street Resurfacing Project in the total amount of $16,896.00.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to approve the purchase as recommended based on the terms as stated in the report and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Clark seconded.
Alderman Schipp said 38th Street is in need of resurfacing. He said that although it is on the IDOT budget and schedule for this year, it may not happen until 2019. Alderman Schipp urged residents to call their state legislators and tell them that this project is a priority and needs to be done this year.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
17. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the purchase of 160,000 paper yard waste bags for the 2018 Free Leaf Pickup Program, recommending the bid be awarded to Pabco Industries Inc. of Newark, NJ in the amount of $54,240.00.
Motion:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to award the bid as recommended and authorize the purchase; Alderman Clark seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis asked if the Public Works Department has tried to sell advertising on the bags to defer the cost; he has suggested the idea before. Public Works Director Larry Cook said they have not pursued that yet. Alderman Spurgetis said the City needs to cut costs where possible; perhaps a local or national business would like their name on the bags. Mr. Cook said they will look into it.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
18. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the 2018 Sod Replacement and Tree Program, recommending extension of the 2017 Sod Replacement and Tree Program maintenance contract with Greenspace Associates Inc. of Bettendorf, IA in order to perform the required maintenance through 2018.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to approve the contract extension as recommended; Alderman Clark seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
19. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding terms of a proposed development agreement with Matt Stern for financial assistance for the redevelopment of 309, 311, and 313 20th Street.
Motion:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the terms as recommended, direct staff to work with legal counsel to draft a development agreement subject to minor attorney modifications, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis said it is good news that a local person is continuing to develop downtown Rock Island. Alderman Parker asked if it is the same redevelopment agreement offered to the previous owner, Mr. Bonowski. Community and Economic Development Director Chandler Poole said it is. Alderman Parker asked if Mr. Stern would be pursuing National Register historic preservation designation. Mr. Poole replied it has not been part of their conversation. Alderman Parker said if all of downtown Rock Island had the historic district designation, Mr. Stern would be able to take advantage of the tax credits.
Alderman Geenen asked what is the time frame for the project. Mr. Poole said that as soon as the agreement is worked out, Mr. Stern wants to start right away. Mr. Poole stressed that Mr. Stern would not get any funds until he receives a Certificate of Occupancy for the buildings. Mr. Poole also said Mr. Stern would have to apply for the facade improvement funds and for CIRLF funds for his project. Those funds are not guaranteed to him. Mr. Poole said the contractor for the project, Midwest Complete Construction, is present at the meeting. Alderman Geenen asked what if Mr. Stern didn't receive the facade and CIRLF funds. Mr. Poole responded Mr. Stern would need a plan b. Mayor Thoms said the construction company is a Rock Island company. Mr. Poole said it is a good start to revive a failed project.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
20. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding proposed changes to the Commercial Industrial Revolving Loan Fund Program (CIRLF).
Motion:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the proposed changes to CIRLF policies and procedures as recommended; Alderman Tollenaer seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis said he was favorably impressed with the changes made in the program.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
21. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding proposed policies for the Community Garden Program.
Motion:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the proposed community garden program policies as recommended; Alderman Clark seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-1-0 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: Mayberry. Absent: None.
22. Report from the Mayor recommending reappointments to the Martin Luther King Jr. Board, the Health Code Board of Appeals, and the Fire and Police Commission.
This item was pulled from the agenda earlier in the meeting by Mayor Thoms.
23. Report from the City Clerk regarding Plaza events for the upcoming 2018 season, requesting a waiver of permit fees for The Smoking Dog's Gamma Alpha Beta Camp Kesem fundraiser on Saturday, March 24, 2018 and Gilda's Club Quad Cities Gilda's Run for Laughs 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run on Saturday, April 28, 2018.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to approve the events and waiver of fees as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis said he is opposed to waiving fees, but he will support the motion. He would like to discuss fees and waivers in Goal Setting this year. Mayor Thoms commented that it is a good thing that Rock Island has so many events and there are a lot activities going on in the city and they should be supported. Alderman Parker said it is appropriate to waive fees for fundraisers.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 voice vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
24. Report from the City Clerk regarding Plaza events for the upcoming 2018 season from RIBCO Inc., Steve's Old Time Tap, The Daiquiri Factory, and The District.
Motion:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the submitted Plaza events for 2018 as recommended, subject to complying with all liquor license regulations, and subject to being closed down early if complaints are received; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
Mayor Thoms said it is good to see events happening throughout the community; they are positive things.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 voice vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
25. Report from the City Clerk regarding an application and Resolution for the Cornbelt Running Club to hold their Quad Cities Distance Classic Half Marathon and 5K Road Races on Sunday, May 13, 2018 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Motion:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the event as recommended and adopt the resolution; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis asked why the section on barricades on the application was not completed; he also asked about the Police Department involvement with the event and what it was costing the City. Police Chief VenHuizen said there is no cost to the Police Department or to the City. The off-duty rate is charged to the sponsor of the event for the police officers needed for traffic control. City Manager Randy Tweet said he will check on the barricades for the event.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
26. Other Business
Alderman Spurgetis reported that he had a conversation with a young man who is interested in buying a house in Rock Island when his job moves to Davenport. The young man told Alderman Spurgetis that he can get more house for the money in Rock Island.
Alderman Mayberry would like to commend the young people on the boys and girls basketball teams at Rock Island High School, in particular senior Chrislyn Carr, and the basketball teams at Alleman High School and Augustana College. He said the students are excellent athletes. He would like them recognized at the next meeting, especially Ms. Carr as her season is over.
Alderman Schipp said in follow-up to the discussion with the realtors at the last Council meeting, he would like to see an honest conversation begin soon about choice and buying homes and building homes in Rock Island. He suggested the City consider rebating the cost of sprinklers in new home construction and market Rock Island as having the safest homes in the Quad Cities. Alderman Schipp said Rock Island has approximately 1,700 real estate transactions per year according to Zillow which is comparable to other communities.
No one signed up to address Council to speak on a topic.
27. Executive Session: 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(2) Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives.
Motion:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to go into Executive Session for the exception cited; Alderman Clark seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Schipp, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
28. Motion to Adjourn
Motion:
Alderman Geenen moved to adjourn; Alderman Tollenaer seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, Parker, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.
The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
http://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02262018-110
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