Rock Island City Council met May 14.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
1.Call to Order
Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. and welcomed everyone.
2.Roll Call
Mayor Thoms asked the City Clerk to call the roll.
Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderman Dylan Parker, Alderman Joshua Schipp, Alderman Dave Geenen, Alderman Ivory D. Clark, Alderman Virgil J. Mayberry, and Alderman James Spurgetis
Absent: Alderman Stephen L. Tollenaer
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. A moment of silence was observed.
5.Minutes of the April 23, 2018 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, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
6.Minutes of the Executive Session of April 23, 2018.
Motion:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the Executive Session Minutes; Alderman Parker seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
7.Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
City Clerk Judith Gilbert read the Update Rock Island items for Mayor Thoms.
Citizen of the Year - Do you know someone that deserves to be recognized for what they do for the community? If so, this is your opportunity to nominate them for the 2018 Citizen of the Year Awards, sponsored by the Mayor and City Council. There are seven categories for Rock Island Citizens; Business, Professional, Education, Individual, City Employee, Organization and Youth. There is a special category for someone that does not live in Rock Island, but has contributed to the good of the community. This person/organization is not eligible for the overall Citizen of the Year award, but may be nominated as the Honorary Citizen of the Year. To learn more and nominate someone go to WWW.RIGOV.ORG/COY. The deadline for receiving nominations is June 8, 2018. If you have questions, please call Committee Co-Chairpersons/Aldermen Dylan Parker at (309) 738-3416 or Dave Geenen at (309) 738-4569 or City Clerk Judith Gilbert at (309) 732-2010.
Community Crime Prevention Partnership Meeting – On Wednesday, May 16, 2018 the Police Department will continue their monthly informational meetings intended to strengthen existing partnerships with the citizens of Rock Island. This month’s topic will cover the K-9 Officers, Dustin Miles and Andrew Lawler and their canines. The meeting will take place at the Police Department Community Room at 1212 5th Avenue from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Holiday Observance Schedule – In observance of Memorial Day, City Hall will be closed Monday, May 28, 2018. The refuse, recycling and yard waste schedule will be one day late all week. The City of Rock Island wishes everyone a very happy and safe Memorial Day weekend!
Alderman Mayberry announced that the Rock Island High School held an ESPY Awards event at Jumer's Casino; it was very successful and put on by the Athletic Department.
8.Presentation of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Awards.
Finance Director Stephanie Masson informed Council and the public on the City's achievement of receiving the Government Finance Officers Association's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. She explained the purposes and the sets of criteria to receive the awards. She also reported that the awards will be incorporated into the City's audit and budget documents.
9.Proclamation declaring May 2018 as Building Safety Month.
City Clerk Gilbert read the proclamation. Community and Economic Development Director Chandler Poole accepted the proclamation; thanked Council; and said he was very proud of the nine men and women on his staff and the relationships his department has with other City departments.
10.Proclamation declaring May 2018 as Community Action Month.
City Clerk Gilbert read the proclamation. Maureen "Mo" Hart, Executive Director of Project Now, accepted the proclamation and explained Project Now's purpose is to strengthen Rock Island. They serve a three-county area and employ 130 people. Ms. Hart said Project Now is looking for volunteers who can assist with housing maintenance projects or who can deliver meals to seniors.
11.Proclamation declaring May 18, 2018 as Dr. Evelyn S. Campbell Day.
City Clerk Gilbert read the proclamation. Dr. Evelyn Campbell accepted the proclamation and said she was humbled by the honor. She said there is a unique partnership between Augustana College and the City of Rock Island which is tremendously strong. She acknowledged working with Police Chief Jeff VenHuizen and Deputy Chief Jason Foy and Fire Chief Jeff Yerkey on emergency planning and thanked them for their service. She said she was staying in Rock Island after retirement because there isn't any better place.
12.Proclamation declaring May 20 through May 26, 2018 as National Public Works Week.
City Clerk Gilbert read the proclamation. Public Works Director Larry Cook accepted the proclamation on behalf of the 100+ unsung heroes / public works employees and said they appreciate the recognition.
13.A Special Ordinance amending a zoning district and zoning map at 3500 9th Street and 3511 9th Street.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Geenen seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
14.A Special Ordinance amending a zoning district and zoning map at 608 and 616 20th Street.
Motion:
Alderman Clark moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Geenen seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
15.A Special Ordinance establishing two (2) handicapped parking spaces in front of the Rock Island County Jail at 1317 3rd Avenue with one (1) space located on each side of the existing ADA handicap ramp.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
16. Claims
a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $15,696.29 to David Morrison of Rock Island, IL for legal services rendered from March 20, 2018 through April 30, 2018.
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 and final in the amount of $32,617.80 to Michels Pipe Service of Brownsville, WI for the 2017/18 Sewer Cleaning and Televising Program for services provided from March 5, 2018 through March 9, 2018.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended for Claims items a and b; Alderman Clark seconded.
Alderman Parker asked if the Michels claim was part of the work done at Augustana College. Mr. Cook replied it was not part of the work done at Augustana. Alderman Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 5-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $24,276.09 to Valley Construction Company Inc. of Rock Island, IL for an emergency water main repair at 3000 17th Street.
d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $29,364.30 to Valley Construction Company Inc. of Rock Island, IL for an emergency water main repair on Valley View Drive.
e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 and final in the amount of $177,311.70 to Legacy Construction of East Moline, IL for the 2017/18 Stormwater Outfall Program for services provided from July 28, 2017 through April 13, 2018.
f. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #6 in the amount of $29,899.00 to Greenspace Associates of Davenport, IA for the 2017/18 Sod Replacement Program for services provided from October 20, 2017 through April 13, 2018.
g. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #8 in the amount of $463,852.82 to General Constructors Inc. of Bettendorf, IA for the 007 Outfall Relocation Project for services provided from March 1, 2018 through March 31, 2018.
h. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #4 in the amount of $28,720.58 to Langman Construction Inc. of Rock Island, IL for the 33rd Avenue Court Reconstruction, West of 17th Street Project for services provided from December 22, 2017 through April 30, 2018.
i. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #7 in the amount of $984,749.40 to Civil Constructors Inc. of East Moline, IL for the Water Filtration Facility Project for services provided from April 1, 2018 through April 26, 2018.
j. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #5 in the amount of $252,729.00 to Langman Construction Inc. of Rock Island, IL for the Outfall 006 Basin Separation Project for services provided from January 6, 2018 through April 27, 2018.
Motion:
Alderman Clark moved to accept the reports and authorize payments as recommended for Claims items c through j; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderman Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 5-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
17.Claims for the weeks of April 13 through April 19 in the amount of $323,960.72, April 20 through April 26 in the amount of $495,187.71, and April 27 through May 3 in the amount of $135,053.85; and payroll for the weeks of April 9 through April 22 in the amount of $1,451,072.51 and for the weeks of April 23 through May 6 in the amount of $1,505,723.62.
Motion:
Alderman Geenen moved to allow the claims and payroll; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
18.Report from General Administration regarding a Request for Proposals for Communications and Marketing Services, recommending the selection of J Wild Marketing, LLC of Rock Island, IL for a one-year agreement in an amount not to exceed $28,800.00.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to approve the selection of J Wild Marketing, LLC as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Mayberry said it was great that a Rock Island business got the contract. Alderman Parker asked City Manager Randy Tweet to talk about the agreement and explain what residents can expect from the contract. Mr. Tweet said it will be more communications than marketing; the purpose of the contract is to get the positive word out about Rock Island. It will also involve communications between residents and the City as well as marketing to the media and on social media. Mr. Tweet said Mr. Wild will often be imbedded in City departments as he works.
Jason Wild, owner of J Wild Marketing LLC, introduced himself. He said his company is a full service marketing agency in Rock Island. He has wanted to work with the City for quite some time as he recognized a need. This contract is very important to him and he is ready to get to work. Mr. Wild said he is from Rock Island, lives in Rock Island and has his business in Rock Island. He has great passion for Rock Island.
Mayor Thoms said Mr. Wild's business is located in McKesson Lofts and has been a partner with other Rock Island organizations and businesses such as Rock Island GROWTH and dPhilms.
Alderman Schipp acknowledged Mr. Tweet's leadership in getting this task accomplished as it had been discussed during the last two goal setting sessions. Alderman Clark said it had been discussed for five years and he was happy to see it get done.
Mayor Thoms said Mr. Wild will report to the City Manager and himself.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
19.Report from the Public Works Department regarding a contract renewal from Land Treatment Alternatives Inc. of Moline, IL for the land application of wastewater biosolids.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to approve the contract renewal as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
20.Reports from the City Clerk and Public Works Department regarding an Ordinance establishing handicapped parking spaces on the north side of 3rd Avenue, south of the current Rock Island County Courthouse at 210 15th Street, with one space located on each side of the fire hydrant.
Motion:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the request as recommended and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
21.Report from the Human Resources Department regarding Mediacom's move to state authorization for cable and video service and an Ordinance addressing the payment of cable television franchise fees in the City of Rock Island.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to accept Mediacom's move to state authorization as recommended and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Parker seconded.
Discussion followed. Alderman Spurgetis asked for clarification regarding there will no longer be a Mediacom person doing the actual broadcast on Council meeting nights. He wanted to know if there will be somebody taking over that role. Human Resources Director John Thorson said Mediacom will no longer provide a staff person for the Council meeting broadcast after the end of 2018; the City has not decided yet how that role will be filled. Alderman Geenen asked about costs. Mr. Thorson replied that if it is an exempt employee, there would be no additional costs; if it is a non-exempt employee, there would be additional costs.
In response to another question by Alderman Geenen, Mr. Thorson said the move was initiated by Mediacom and they have been providing the services for at least twenty years. City Attorney Dave Morrison said that no one will be getting those services anymore. Mr. Tweet explained that it will be a state contract versus individual city agreements for cable services. He also said they do not know yet who will man the broadcast.
Alderman Spurgetis asked about the 5% fee in the ordinance; is the fee the same as previous contracts. Mr. Morrison responded that the 5% fee is pursuant to state statute as to what the City can tax; he believes it is the same as before. Mr. Morrison said the ordinance includes all revenue sources. Alderman Mayberry asked if it shows up on Mediacom bills. Mr. Tweet replied yes.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 5-1-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: Geenen. Absent: Tollenaer.
22.Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Resolution accepting a grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority for Abandoned Residential Property and authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with IDHA.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to adopt the resolution as recommended, authorize the Mayor and City Manager to sign the Certificate of Incumbency, and authorize the City Manager to sign any future agreement subject to minor attorney modifications; Alderman Clark seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis asked what was meant by "any future agreement." Mr. Poole responded that the agreement references the agreement for this particular grant. Alderman Parker asked if it is authorizing the City to purse the grant and if they don't demolish the specific properties, does the City have to return the grant money. Mr. Poole explained the Council's action is allowing the City to go forward to receive the grant money; then they will identify and review properties for demolition. The grant money is for demolition.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
23.Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Jose and Alicia Gomez to apply for a Special Use Permit to operate a landscaping business at 1406, 1412, and 1416 6th Avenue.
Motion:
Alderman Clark moved to allow for the application of the special use permit as recommended; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
24.Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding terms of a development agreement with Crawford Company to purchase equipment for Crawford Brewery Equipment in the amount of $40,000.00.
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 execution of the development agreement by the City Manager; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Mr. Poole said Crawford Company was a success story of a homegrown company. The City will be assisting Crawford Company with the purchase of equipment.
Crawford Company owner Jim Maynard introduced himself and explained they are buying a building in Rock Island so they can expand. Mayor Thoms thanked Mr. Maynard for being in Rock Island. Mr. Maynard said he has lived in Rock Island his whole life and the business has been in Rock Island for thirty years. He reported they will be putting a new roof on and renovating the building. It will be a definite improvement as the building has been an eyesore for many years. Alderman Geenen asked if their brewery equipment was stainless steel and asked about tariffs; Mr. Maynard replied yes, but they have not seen any tariffs yet. Mayor Thoms said they have been renting space near the Central Fire Station. Crawford Company has 240 employees.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
25.Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding terms of a development agreement with Quad City Botanical Center to assist with atrium renovations and repairs in the amount of $45,000.00.
Motion:
Alderman Parker 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 execution of the development agreement by the City Manager; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Mr. Poole said the Quad City Botanical Center is a great cultural attraction in Rock Island. The project will assist them in the renovation of the atrium.
Alderman Geenen said he was abstaining from the vote due to the Doris and Victor Day Foundation's involvement with the Quad City Botanical Center.
Ami Jenkins, Quad City Botanical Center Executive Director, thanked Council and said she can't think of another city they would rather call home than Rock Island. They have been here twenty years and the City has been a great partner. Every year they teach 10,000 children about plants. Mayor Thoms thanked her for the great amenity of the Botanical Center and her creativity with events. Alderman Spurgetis asked about their annual attendance. Ms. Jenkins replied that with their nighttime events including private rentals, they have annual attendance of 43,000 to 45,000. She said attendance is increasing. They are now able to go out to schools with their programs for those schools unable to visit them due to financial restraints. Mayor Thoms thanked Ms. Jenkins for maintaining their building.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer. Abstain: Geenen.
26.Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for installation of a handicapped parking space at 2024 33rd Street.
Motion:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Schipp seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
27.Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for installation of a handicapped parking space at 2540 20th Avenue.
Motion:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Clark seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
28.Report from the Mayor regarding reappointments to the Preservation Commission.
Motion:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to the approve the reappointments as recommended; Alderman Clark seconded.
Mayor Thoms stated Elizabeth DeLong and Paul Fessler are being reappointed to the Preservation Commission.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
29.Report from the Mayor regarding reappointments and appointments to the Planning Commission.
Motion:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the reappointments and appointments as recommended; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Mayor Thoms stated Michael Creger, Bruce Harding, Ted Johnson, Jason Lopez, and Norm Moline are being reappointed to the Planning Commission; Bob Kelly, Kris Beardsley, Jared Moore, Sara Pressly, Kimberly Callaway-Thompson, and Ashli Seukunian are being appointed to the Planning Commission.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
30.Report from the City Clerk regarding an application and Resolution for the Quad Cities Marathon to be held on Sunday, September 23, 2018.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to approve the event as recommended and adopt the resolution; Alderman Clark seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
31.Report from the City Clerk regarding a Plaza event application from The District Inc. to partner with RIBCO Inc. to hold the 2018 Memorial Day Plaza Picnic on Saturday, May 26, 2018 from 7:00 p.m. to midnight; and a request for the consumption of alcohol in the fenced-in area.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to approve the event and request as recommended, subject to complying with all Plaza and liquor license regulations, and subject to being closed down early if complaints are received; Alderman Clark seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
32.Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from The District Inc. to partner with Wake Brewing for the 6th annual River's Edge Homebrew FestivAle event on Saturday, July 14, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to be held in the greenspace adjacent to the Wake Brewing facility at 2529 5th Avenue; and a request for the consumption of alcohol in the fenced-in area.
Motion:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the event and request as recommended, subject to complying with all liquor license regulations, and subject to being closed down early if complaints are received; Alderman Schipp seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
33.Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Wake Brewing to hold an outdoor event "Rocktoberfest" on Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in the greenspace adjacent to the Wake Brewing facility at 2529 5th Avenue; a request for sound amplification; a request for outdoor alcohol sales; and a request for the consumption of alcohol in the fenced-in area.
Motion:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the event and requests as recommended, subject to complying with all liquor license regulations, and subject to being closed down early if complaints are received; Alderman Clark seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
34. Street Closing and Sound Amplification Requests:
a. Report from the City Clerk regarding requests from LaVette Johnson for a street closing at 13th Avenue between 9th Street and 10th Street and sound amplification for a community awareness event to be held on Saturday, June 23, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
b. Report from the City Clerk regarding requests from Friendship Manor for a street closing at 21st Avenue between 11th Street and 12th Street and sound amplification for a block party and ribbon cutting ceremony to be held on Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Motion:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the street closing and sound amplification requests as recommended for items a and b; Alderman Clark seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
35.Other Business
Michael Williams, resident of Moline, asked Council to consider putting a flea market in the 11th Street (Watchtower) property. He believes it could be a revenue source for the City. Alderman Spurgetis said it was a great idea and he would like to discuss it at Goal Setting.
Alderman Schipp spoke about the safety violations and complaints of Michels Pipe Service on the OSHA website. With the City's Responsible Bidders Ordinance, Alderman Schipp feels that perhaps there needs to be a suspension of getting City contracts after problems have occurred with contracts. He asked Mr. Cook to review the situation and give a recommendation so as to how to avoid the situation in the future. It created problems with Augustana College, one of the City's partners, and Michels Pipe Service is banned from the campus. Mr. Cook said there had not been any issues previously, but Michels was critically wrong the way they handled the situation. Alderman Schipp said it is a specialized service, but there must be other companies out there. Mr. Cook said the City took responsibility for what happened with Michels.
Alderman Schipp commented on a news story on WQAD's website by the Illinois News Network regarding twenty Illinois cities (including Rock Island) whose pension debt may force them into bankruptcy. He feels it is part of a political agenda and took offense to the article. Alderman Schipp asked Finance Director Stephanie Masson if Rock Island needs to declare bankruptcy to meet its pension obligations now or in the future. Ms. Masson replied absolutely not; and she does not see that happening in the future. Alderman Parker agreed and said it was not beneficial to the community.
Alderman Parker announced that Pro Publica, a statewide news service, will be coming to Rock Island on Wednesday, June 6 at the Hauberg Civic Center to have a conversation on how the media represents Rock Island and how it affects real lives.
Alderman Clark agreed with his colleagues one hundred percent; it needed to be said. He announced a neighborhood clean-up organized by Community Caring Conference on Saturday, May 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Church of Peace on 12th Avenue. Alderman Clark said there will also be a ward clean-up at 9:00 a.m. on May 19; interested persons should meet at the Martin Luther King Center.
Mayor Thoms expressed condolences to Alderman Tollenaer and his family on the passing of Alderman Tollenaer's father-in-law. Mayor Thoms announced that in the last few weeks, six new police officers have been sworn in.
Alderman Schipp asked Police Chief VenHuizen about fireworks and the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. Chief VenHuizen said the Police Department will be starting a public information campaign on June 4. He stated exploding fireworks are illegal in the State of Illinois and subject to a fine. Response from the Police Department is complaint driven.
Alderman Spurgetis said it is the one-year anniversary of the current Council. He commended members for working well together; even when they don't agree, they find a way to move forward.
Alderman Parker congratulated the Broadway Historic District Association on their very successful Mother's Day Tour of Homes. He thanked the City staff that helped with the event.
36.Executive Session:
Motion:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to go into Executive Session for the exceptions cited; Alderman Clark seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
37.Motion to Adjourn
Motion:
Alderman Geenen moved to adjourn; Alderman Schipp seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
http://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05142018-161
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