Rock Island City Council met May 21.
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.
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 May 14, 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 May 14, 2018.
Motion:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the Executive Session Minutes; 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.
7. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
Whitewater Junction Opening – Whitewater Junction Aquatic Center’s season opening is Saturday, May 26, 2018. Whitewater Junction is a zero-depth to 9 foot deep pool featuring slides and fun for the whole family. Grab your swim suit and head out Memorial Day weekend with your family and friends. Call (309) 732-SWIM for more information.
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!
Rockin’ Into Summer – May 31, 2018 is the last full day of school in Rock Island/Milan and the first day of our Rockin' Library Summer! Join us from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the Rock Island Downtown Library, for Libraries Rock summer registration. Prizes, water, popcorn, and treats from the Vibrant Credit Union ice cream truck will be offered, along with a performance by Riding Atlas from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This local teen band has played at the youth showcase for the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Happy Joe's and Scratch Cupcakery Curbside will be also on hand with goodies for purchase. Bring a lawn chair and stay for a while! The fun moves inside in the event of rain. Please call (309) 732-7323 for more information.
Laura's Legacy-ALS Benefit Concert – Laura’s Legacy is returning for its 7th annual event to Schwiebert Riverfront Park in downtown Rock Island on June 2, 2018. This event, hosted by the Rock Island’s Parks & Recreation Department in partnership with Lissie, has raised more than $73,000.00 over the last 6 years. Attendees of all ages will enjoy the live music from Lissie and 3 other artists. Come out and support this great cause with food and family fun right on the Mississippi River. Gates open at 3:00 p.m. and tickets are $10.00 – cash only - and free for children under the age of 12 with a paid adult. Food will be available for purchase and Bent River Brewing Company will be selling wine, beer and spirits. For more information please call (309) 732-7275.
Citizen of Year – As a reminder, time is running out to nominate that special person for the 2018 Citizen of the Year Awards, sponsored by the Mayor and City Council. 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.
8. Briefing on the 22nd Annual WHO News Radio Tractor Ride by QCCVB
Nicki Ellis, Sales Manager for the Quad Cities and Convention Visitors Bureau, informed Council that the 22nd Annual WHO News Tractor Ride will be coming to the Quad Cities from June 23 through June 27. Tractors come from all over the country for this annual event. This year, they will be coming to Iowa with some venturing into Illinois during their stay. On Wednesday, June 27, the tractors will be crossing the Centennial Bridge and the Arsenal Bridge into Rock Island.
The event brings 500 tractors and 1,000 visitors to the area and generates $240,000 to the region.
9. Presentation of the May Keep Rock Island Beautiful Award
Paul Hansen of Keep Rock Island Beautiful explained that KRIB quantifies litter and presents an annual award to the cleanest school. Mr. Hansen presented the May Keep Rock Island Beautiful Award to Thurgood Marshall Learning Center. The award was accepted by Yosava Robinson. Ms. Robinson thanked Keep Rock Island Beautiful for the award and acknowledging the work students to do keep their school clean.
10. Presentation of the 2017 Rock Island Historic Preservation Awards
Martin Bush, President of the Rock Island Historic Preservation Society, presented the 2017 Rock Island Historic Preservation Awards. He said the 2017 awards are to recognize and commend individuals and organizations who have worked to restore and preserve historic structures. The awards are primarily for exterior improvements that were completed in 2017. Mr. Bush and Mayor Thoms presented the awards.
A preservation award was given for the restoration of the red barn at 4005 38th Street by Fred Woller III. Mr. Woller completely rebuilt and restored the barn including rebuilding the roof structure to stabilize the structure.
A preservation award was given for the exterior restoration of the house at 930 20th Street by Josh and Kelly Breuggen including removing the siding, replacing damaged and missing trim, completely restoring the front porch, painting the exterior of the house utilizing period inspiration, and restoring the front driveway.
Carla Dacon received a preservation award in recognition of the restoration and rebuilding of the front porch at 832 19th Street including the addition of appropriate round columns and mortised railings. The porch was rebuilt to be more compatible with the original American Foursquare design of the home.
A certificate of recognition was presented to Ernie Cychosz of Davenport for extensive restoration and refinishing of the front and side doors at the Weischar Apartments at 735 20th Street. The doors have been brought back to their original appearance and new brass kickplates have been added to enhance their appearance.
A certificate of recognition was given to John and Kathy Ruckauf of 541 23rd Street for adding the final missing piece in the restoration of their home. A historic photo revealed an ornate iron roof crest at the highest ridge of the roof. The Ruckaufs had the iron roof crest custom made and installed.
Pictures were taken of the award winners. A reception for the award winners was held in the lobby immediately following the awards presentation.
11. Presentation of the Financial Management Report for the First Quarter 2018
Finance Director Stephanie Masson presented the financial management report for the first quarter of 2018 and stated the benchmark is 25% of revenues and expenditures. However, property tax revenues don't show up until June or July when the County begins distribution. Property tax makes up 23% of General Fund revenues, 33% of Parks revenues, and 82% of Library revenues. General Fund revenues are at 19% of budget and General Fund expenditures are 22% of budget. TIF revenues are made up of property tax increment and are received when property tax distribution begins. TIF expenditures are at 5% of budget due to the timing of rebate agreements. Debt service revenues and expenditures are less than 25% as debt service payments are made in June and December.
Ms. Masson explained the Waterworks fund is running below the 25% point due to timing of the IEPA loan funded water treatment facility project. Pension Funds revenues are impacted by the timing of property tax. Expenditures in the Pension Funds are running over due to some losses in the market, retirements, and disability claims in the Police and Fire Pension Funds. For the Government-wide financial statements (which includes all funds), the city is currently reporting 15% of budgeted revenues and 16% of expenditures for all of its funds. At this point in the fiscal year, expenditures exceed revenues by $4.6 million and cash available is $21.4 million. Ms. Masson next reviewed the General Fund expenditures by department which are at 22% of budget overall. All departments are with the 25% benchmark.
Ms. Masson reported on the nine different state and local taxes. A five-year average is provided for each of these key taxes. Income Tax for the first quarter is tracking well against the $3.7 million budget. The City continues to watch this carefully as last year's $4.1 million budget was impacted by changes in the distribution of Income Tax and then the State imposed a 10% Income Tax reduction for their 2018 fiscal year that began July 1, 2017. Ms. Masson said there are mixed opinions about whether Springfield will continue the 10% reduction to local governments. Replacement tax revenue is exceeding budget at the moment, but it is a revenue source that is not distributed monthly. The budgeted amount is $2.3 million; however last year, the budget amount was $2.6 million. The state reduced the amount distributed to municipalities by 23%.
Ms. Masson reported that Sales Tax and Local Option Sales are holding their own. While they are running below the 25% budget benchmark, that was the same scenario last year at this point. She noted that receipts are higher than last year's at this point, $667,000 and $496,000 were recorded in the first quarter of CY 2018. Use Tax exceeds the budget of $980,000 and is above the five-year average. It is at 28% of budget at the end of the first quarter. While the Municipal Utility Tax is above budget, the budget for this tax has been continually lowered. Telecommunications continues to decline as well and is tracking below budget. Overall, Food and Beverage Tax is lagging, but the budget was raised slightly for 2018 because it had been trending upward. Gaming Tax is running very close to the benchmark. 2017 receipts totaled $4.5 million. Ms. Masson is cautiously optimistic that overall the taxes will meet budget.
Ms. Masson noted the Capital and Major Project Expenditure Status Report. Public Works has the biggest section with $31.1 million of the $32 million of projects. Projects are 16% complete or have purchase orders issued for their completion.
Ms. Masson said the last report reviews the City's investments. In the bar graph, the high point of September 2017 was when new money was received from bond sales. December is typically the low point of the City's cash and investment balances in part due to the principal payments made on the City's bonds. Ms. Masson pointed out to Council that in the chart of where the City's investments are, there are two new banking institutions. Beginning with this fiscal year, several credit unions requested to be part of the City's competitive CD bidding process and were awarded the City's investment dollars for purchase of CDs. The City's deposits over the $250,000 insurance limit require the credit unions to collateralize the City's deposits; they are in compliance.
Alderman Parker requested staff draft a resolution as soon as possible calling on the State of Illinois to give the municipalities the money that is rightfully theirs.
12. Proclamation declaring May 21, 2018 as Roy Plasschaert Main Camera Day.
Mayor Thoms read the proclamation. Mr. Roy Plasschaert accepted the proclamation and said he was surprised and honored. He thanked the Mayor and Council.
13. Proclamation declaring June 2018 as Men's Health Month.
Mayor Thoms noted the proclamation for Men's Health Month and wished everyone good health.
14. Proclamation declaring June 1, 2018 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
Mayor Thoms read the proclamation. Sarah Lohse accepted the proclamation and thanked Mayor Thoms for it. She said she had information cards regarding gun violence and announced that on June 2, there will be a potluck at Lincoln Park to honor gun victims and survivors of gun violence; all are invited.
15. A Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 2024 33rd Street.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; 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.
16. A Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 2540 20th Avenue.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; 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.
17. A Resolution urging state and federal elected officials to enact comprehensive legislation for the regulation and taxation of recreational marijuana and the production of industrial hemp.
Alderman Joshua Schipp read the Resolution.
Motion:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to adopt the resolution; Alderman Clark seconded.
Discussion followed. Alderman Parker said there are positive benefits to the economics of legalization. He also wanted to recognize people of color who have been put in prison for nonviolent drug possession. Alderman Geenen said it is a social justice issue. He also stated the public policy should be focused on minimizing harm; this initiative is good for Rock Island.
Mayor Thoms said it was premature, but it was only a resolution, not an ordinance. He said input is needed from citizens and the state, along with more data on accidents and crime from states that have legalized recreational marijuana. He said there is more to be learned about the issue; he wished there had been a public forum before preparing a resolution. Alderman Mayberry said he agrees with Mayor Thoms. Alderman Mayberry said he is for regulation, but not additional taxes; he will be voting against it.
Alderman Schipp said the discussion on this matter had come up before. The industry is pushing for the production of hemp. There is revenue potential with the industry and new revenue for the state and municipalities. He wants young people to have the choice to stay in Illinois versus moving to western states. Alderman Spurgetis said he would like to have a public forum when it is appropriate. He said the taxation would provided benefits to Rock Island just as legalized gambling has. Mayor Thoms said you cannot put a price on lives; it is a slippery slope with addictions.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 5-1-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, and Spurgetis. Nay: Mayberry. Absent: Tollenaer.
18. Claims
a.Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,332.47 to Stuart Loftin of Rock Island, IL for General Liability claim.
Motion:
Alderman Mayberry moved to accept the report and authorize payment as recommended; 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.
19. Claims for the weeks of May 4 through May 10 in the amount of $1,078,231.53 and May 11 through May 17 in the amount of $2,265,426.17.
Motion:
Alderman Clark moved to allow the claims; 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. ACH Payments for the month of April in the amount of $824,680.02.
Motion:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the ACH payments; Alderman Schipp 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. Purchase Card Claims for the period from March 27 through April 26, 2018 in the amount of $72,517.57.
Motion:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the purchase card claims; 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.
22. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding the Self Insurance Program for 2018/2019, recommending approval of the self insurance package recommended by Arthur J. Gallagher and recommending approval of payment to Arthur J. Gallagher in the amount of $385,534.00.
Motion:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the self insurance package and approve payment for the insurance renewals as recommended; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderman Parker asked if the Arthur J. Gallagher services were bid out. City Manager Randy Tweet said Human Resources Director John Thorson was not present tonight. City Risk Manager Patrick Doherty explained the process of how different carriers were contacted for bids for the different insurance programs by Arthur J. Gallagher. Alderman Mayberry asked why the City was paying Arthur J. Gallagher. Mr. Doherty said the insurance renewals cover the marina, workers' compensation, equipment breakdown, public liability, and all of the components of self- insurance. Alderman Mayberry asked if Council was part of the insurance; Mr. Doherty replied yes.
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 the 2018 list of City-owned properties to be included in the H.O.M. E. Program and an Ordinance authorizing the sale of the 2018 City-owned parcels as identified in Exhibit A and waiving all real estate closing costs and all building permit fees.
Motion:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the list of properties for purchase through the City's H.O.M.E. program as recommended and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Geenen seconded.
Alderman Clark moved to approve the list of properties for purchase through the City's H.O.M.E. program as recommended and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Geenen seconded.
Discussion followed. Alderman Schipp said there are a lot of properties on the list and he is looking forward to the outcome of this program. Mayor Thoms announced twenty people had made inquiries about the program since it was announced last week. Alderman Mayberry asked how many lots are available; Mayor Thoms replied there are 27 lots. Alderman Mayberry was concerned because the three properties that were in the paper are not on the list.
Alderman Spurgetis asked about the Property Tax Rebate Program. Community and Economic Development Director Chandler Poole said there is a current City program for residential new construction with up to $10,000 in City property taxes rebated over ten years.
Alderman Mayberry asked what they will do if more than one person wants the same lot. Mr. Poole said they will have to figure that one out. On June 12, they will kick off the program with a housing fair for bankers and builders.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
24. Report from General Administration regarding an amendment to Chapter 9, Article 9, Section 9- 12(8) of the Code of Ordinances relating to Car Owner Responsibility Assignment (CORA) and the elimination of enforcement of possession of less than 10 grams of cannabis.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to approve the amendment to CORA as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Parker said this is positive as this item was discussed months ago; he wants further conversation on CORA. Although Alderman Parker wants law enforcement to have the tools they need to prevent criminal activity, his constituents hate CORA. Alderman Parker is encouraging staff need to think creatively, and find a way to not take away people's vehicles which they need to get to work or take children to child care and school.
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 Public Works Department regarding a joint grant application with Bi-State Regional Commission and the cities of East Moline, Moline, Rock Island, and Silvis for the IL 92 Joint Jurisdictional Corridor Study.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to commit to the IL 92 Joint Jurisdictional Corridor Study as recommended and authorize City staff to draft a letter of support for the proposed study; Alderman Clark seconded.
Discussion followed. Alderman Spurgetis said the memo states the exact amount of Rock Island's share is unknown, but is not expected to exceed $20,000. He wanted to know if the City's commitment details a monetary amount or not. Mr. Tweet said the monetary value is not being included at this point. Alderman Parker asked if the letter of support was directed to the other communities or to Bi-State Regional Commission. Both Mr. Tweet and Public Works Director Larry Cook said the other communities are on board; the letter is to the Commission. Alderman Parker asked what is the purpose of the study. Mr. Tweet said one of the proposals is to turn the entire IL 92 corridor into a two-way street; currently it is one-way in Rock Island. These are multi-lane roads with not much traffic on them. Mr. Tweet explained every community must be on board with the change.
Alderman Spurgetis wanted the public to know that 80% of the cost of the study is a Illinois Special Planning and Research grant with a 20% match by the communities. Alderman Schipp said a successful report drives policy with the Illinois Department of Transportation. He hopes it will include medians and tree boulevards; there are many single family homes along the corridor.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
26. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding terms of a development agreement with McLaughlin Body Company to assist with the purchase and improvements of their facility at 350 44th Street with an incentive package not to exceed $800,000.00.
Motion:
Alderman Schipp 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 Parker seconded.
Mr. Poole said this project has been in the works for a year. He is very proud of the efforts of Mayor Thoms, Mr. Tweet, Ms. Masson, and the CED staff in getting it done. He introduced Mr. Bob Anderson from McLaughlin. Mr. Anderson thanked Mayor Thoms, Mr. Tweet, Mr. Poole, and Ms. Masson for their efforts. He said the City had the foresight to see the long-term value of manufacturing jobs in Rock Island. McLaughlin Company has been in existence since 1902 and there is a third generation of the family running the company. McLaughlin has been in Rock Island since the 1980s, leasing the old Farmall plant. The decision was made one year ago to close the East Moline facility and to consolidate at the Rock Island facility. They are making a long-term commitment to stay in Rock Island with many benefits to the community. Mayor Thoms said they have a new facility in North Carolina where they could have gone; he commended their commitment to the retention of jobs and adding more jobs in the near future. Mr. Anderson said the Farmall plant dates back to the 1930s and is over 500,000 square feet and needs some updates. He hopes they will continue to keep good paying manufacturing jobs in the community. Mayor Thoms noted the McLaughlin family will be making a large financial investment too; the company is privately held. Mayor Thoms commends the family for their commitment. He also commended Scott Christiansen of LRC Real Estate, the developer in the Columbia Park area, who helped make the project possible.
Alderman Mayberry asked if $800,000 will be enough and how they came up with that figure. Mr. Poole explained that the amount is part of the negotiations and determining where the shortfall in financing the project was. Mayor Thoms said New Market Tax Credits are part of the deal with certain requirements of cash or equity at closing. The TIF will provide $387,000 up front with the remainder to be paid out in the future.
Alderman Mayberry asked Mr. Christiansen if he was happy with the deal; Mr. Christiansen replied yes; it's a great project for the community. He said it is mutually beneficial as the project helps both parties accomplish numerous goals. Alderman Schipp thanked both Mr. Anderson and Mr. Christiansen for making the commitment on behalf of the 6th Ward. Alderman Schipp said it has been on his goal setting list for years; it is good news. Alderman Clark told Mr. Christiansen the 1st Ward could use some investment. Mr. Christiansen said his family has been well supported in the area. He said nowadays, projects are challenging and need public- private partnerships and everyone working together.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
27. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding terms of a development agreement with Celebrate to assist with the redevelopment of vacant property at 323-325 18th Street with an incentive package not to exceed $15,000.00.
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 Schipp seconded.
Mr. Poole said small business is very important in Rock Island. Celebrate is a store that has been in The Shoppes on 2nd Avenue, but is now ready to move into a permanent facility. Sheleigh Klundt-Martin, owner, wants to expand the business. Ms. Klundt-Martin told Council she started the business as a hobby in Moline, but now she has 200 customers on Saturdays. She said the incubator shoppes have been great, but it is time for expansion. She thanked Mark Sikes from the Community and Economic Development Department. Ms. Klundt- Martin said she has experienced 300% growth. Mayor Thoms reported she is also the recipient of a CIRLF loan and he has committed to help her paint her new space.
Alderman Spurgetis asked if it was a women's clothing store. Ms. Klundt-Martin said she is the only tuxedo rental business in Rock Island. She sells new, used (consignment), and sample prom, homecoming, bridesmaid, and bridal gowns. Alderman Schipp thanked Ms. Klundt-Martin for sticking with Rock Island.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
28. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding terms of a lease agreement with Modern Woodmen for the construction of a dumpster enclosure with the first-year lease payment not to exceed $29,260.00.
Motion:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the terms as recommended, direct staff to work with legal counsel to draft a lease agreement subject to minor attorney modifications, and authorize the execution of the development agreement by the City Manager; Alderman Schipp seconded.
Alderman Schipp asked for clarification on the agenda item. Mr. Poole said this project has also taken a year to work out the deal. He said there are a lot of dumpsters around Arts Alley and it is not very inviting. The CED Department identified a spot for the dumpsters; it is owned by Modern Woodmen. The enclosure will be brick veneer on three sides with a gate. A number of dumpsters will be there. The City is paying for the cost of the enclosure in the first year; then it will be $1 per year for a fifteen-year lease. Mayor Thoms said a couple of business owners approached him about the problem. Alderman Spurgetis asked if several businesses and dumpsters are involved; and do they all use the same refuse hauler. Mr. Poole replied a number of businesses were contacted and are on board with the project; they are not required to have the same hauler. Mr. Poole said they wanted to clean up that area and make it more attractive. Mayor Thoms said some businesses were willing to share dumpsters and the cost.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
29. Report from the City Clerk regarding a Plaza event application from Othea Stevenson to hold De'Mar's Unity Day on Saturday, August 25, 2018 from noon to 5:00 p.m.; a request for the closure of 2nd Avenue between 17th Street and 19th Street; and a request for the waiver of application and permit fees.
Motion:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the event and requests as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
Vote:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Tollenaer.
Leann Quinn read a letter on behalf of Darwin Gray (son of Othea Stevenson and brother of De'Mar Bester). She asked that August 23 be named De'Mar Bester Day in Rock Island.
30. Report from the City Clerk regarding a sound amplification request from the Rock Island Public Library for their "Libraries Rock" Summer Reading Kickoff on Thursday, May 31, 2018 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in their downtown parking lot; and a request for a waiver of the sound amplification fee.
Motion:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the requests as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Geenen announced the library (Angela Campbell) has signs promoting the summer reading program if anyone wants one for their lawn.
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 request from the Friends of Hauberg Civic Center Foundation for the outdoor consumption of alcohol for three events on June 16, June 30, and July 14, 2018 at the Hauberg Estate.
Motion:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the requests for outdoor consumption of alcohol 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.
32. Street Closing and Sound Amplification Requests:
a. Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Jose Gutierrez for a street closing at 5th Avenue between his house at 908 5th Avenue and the alley east of 10th Street on Saturday, June 2, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for a family reunion.
b. Report from the City Clerk regarding requests from Teairra Wells for a street closing at 14 1/2 Street between 9th Avenue and 10th Avenue on Saturday, June 9, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and sound amplification for a block and graduation party.
Motion:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the requests as recommended for items a and b; 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.
33. Other Business
John Enright, U.S. Food King and a nighttime Plaza vendor, addressed Council regarding the requirement he stop selling food at 2:30 a.m. and vacate the Plaza by 2:45 p.m. Mr. Enright explained the young people aren't coming to the bars until 12:30 a.m. and when they come out of the bars at 2:30 a.m., they are looking for something to eat. He also said fifteen minutes is not enough time to pack everything up. He cannot make a profit if he is forced to stop selling at 2:30 a.m. He requested Council approve that vendors can stay open until 3:00 a.m. In response to a question by Alderman Geenen, Mr. Enright said he is asking for another half-hour to sell and longer than fifteen minutes to pack up. He hires two Rock Island residents to work the business. Mr. Tweet explained the code requires everyone to vacate the Plaza by 3:15 a.m. He said they will look at it. Mayor Thoms explained the review process for the request. Mr. Enright thanked Council for listening to his request. Alderman Schipp thanked Mr. Enright for bringing the matter to Council's attention. Mr. Enright said he is working on getting a food truck which would be more professional. He spoke about how other communities have a food truck spot which attracts visitors. Mayor Thoms directed him to the Parks Department for food vending at City concerts in the parks. Alderman Parker asked about other vendors at Parks events. Parks and concerts in the parks. Alderman Parker asked about other vendors at Parks events. Parks and Recreation Director John Gripp said Happy Joe's has an exclusive contract for selling pizza. Alderman Parker also said Wake Brewing is having a Food Truck night. Alderman Parker said he wants to see something regarding Mr. Enright's request on the June 11 agenda if possible.
Alderman Schipp congratulated the 158th graduating class of Augustana College.
34. Motion to Adjourn
Motion:
Alderman Schipp moved to adjourn; 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.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
http://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05212018-169
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