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Monday, April 28, 2025

Rock Island City Council met June 11.

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Rock Island City Council met June 11.

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 Dave Geenen, Alderman Ivory D. Clark, Alderman Virgil J. Mayberry, Alderman James Spurgetis, Alderman Stephen L. Tollenaer, and Alderman Dylan Parker

Absent: Alderman Joshua Schipp

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 21, 2018 meeting.

Motion:

Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the Minutes as printed; Alderman Parker seconded.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

6. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms

Tell on your Neighbor Awards - Each year, residents of Rock Island are encouraged to “Tell on Your Neighbor” by nominating the yards in their neighborhood that they find to be the most appealing or the most improved. The City of Rock Island’s Beautification Commission will review all entries and awards will be presented at the August 27, 2018 City Council meeting. Nominations can be made through August 9, 2018. Digital photos of the nominated yards are required. Please do not go on private property. Send the photo and address of the nominated property to the Community & Economic Development Department via e-mail at Planning@Rigov.Org. For questions call (309) 732-2905.

H.O.M.E. Program – Join us on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 for an informational meeting on how to acquire land lots for $5.00 for new home construction. This meeting will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. Meet with city staff, lenders and homebuilders to learn more. Please call (309) 732-2900 for more information.

Starlight Revue Summer Concerts – The Parks and Recreation Department free concerts at Lincoln Park series returns for its 62nd year. Concerts are every Tuesday Night throughout the summer. Tomorrow night, the Tailfins will perform at 7:00 p.m. along with a dance lesson in Single Swing starting at 6:30 p.m. Make a night of it and enjoy food and drink for purchase from Hy-Vee Grill starting at 5:00 p.m. Call the rain line at (309) 732-7246 after 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday to check status of event and inclement weather.

Community Crime Prevention Partnership Meeting – Please join the City of Rock Island Police Department on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 for their monthly crime prevention meeting. This month’s topic will focus on 911 Communication Center and its use. These educational meetings are intended to strengthen the partnerships with the citizens of Rock Island and the Police Department. Meeting is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Room of the Police Department at 1212 5th Avenue in Rock Island.

Mayor Thoms welcomed and congratulated the Rock Island High School Girls Softball State Championship team and their coaches. Coach Chris Allison told the journey of the team's road to the championship. The audience gave them a standing ovation. Pictures were taken of the team with Mayor Thoms and Council.

7. Proclamation declaring the week of June 17 - 23, 2018 as Bonus Fund Giving Week.

Mayor Thoms read the proclamation. Ashley Hansen and Jennifer Kress from the John Deere Classic accepted the proclamation. They presented Mayor Thoms with a t-shirt. They thanked Council and everyone for their support. Ms. Hansen said the John Deere Classic is truly a community event. The John Deere Classic is a 501c3 non-profit; the Bonus Fund is the charitable arm of the tournament. Over 500 local and regional charities benefit from the "Birdies for Charity" fundraiser. During the past four years, John Deere has matched an extra 10% although they only promise 5%. There are several events for the Bonus Fund Week on the tournament website. Mayor Thoms noted that John Deere funds all administrative costs of the charity. Ms. Kress said 100% of the dollars raised goes back to the charities. Pictures were taken with Mayor Thoms.

8. Proclamation declaring June 23, 2018 as Rock Island County NAACP Day.

Mayor Thoms read the proclamation. Berlinda Tyler-Jamison, President of the Rock Island County NAACP, accepted and thanked the Mayor and Council for the proclamation. She said she does not take the proclamation for granted, but sees it as an affirmation of the work that they do in the community for all people and which benefits everyone. She also stated that the Rock Island County NAACP branch is the most diverse one in the state. There are still tickets available for their Freedom Fund banquet on Saturday, June 23. Photos were taken with Mayor Thoms.

9. Proclamation declaring June 2018 as Pride Month.

Mayor Thoms read the proclamation. Michelle King, business owner in Rock Island, accepted the proclamation. She shared the story of how the first QC Pride Parade came to be. She thanked the City, City Council, the City Clerk, and Mayor Thoms for the help they provided for the parade. She said their group will make it a better place to live in. Pictures were taken with Mayor Thoms.

10. Mayor Thoms will close the regular meeting and open a Public Hearing to consider a redevelopment plan and project designation of the Century Woods Redevelopment Project Area and the adoption of tax increment allocation financing.

Mayor Thoms closed the regular meeting and opened the Public Hearing at 7:10 p.m. Community and Economic Development Director Chandler Poole explained there is a process to establishing a TIF. They are nearing the end of the process with the public hearing. He reviewed the findings of the TIF study conducted by Kane McKenna on the Century Woods property. Mr. Poole emphasized that "but for" the TIF, the project would not happen. Century Woods has six qualifying factors; only three are needed. A Joint Review Board meeting was also held to explain how the money would be spent. The ordinance approving the Century Woods TIF can be approved 14-90 days after the public hearing.

Alderman Spurgetis asked Mr. Poole to review the two buckets illustration in the presentation. Mr. Poole explained the larger bucket represents the frozen EAV and the property taxes that are currently going to all taxing bodies. The smaller bucket represents any increment that is generated as the EAV increases. This increment is used to reimburse the developer for TIF eligible expenses related to the project.

Alderman Parker said interior improvements do not increase the EAV; he wanted to know what the assessable improvements would be. Mr. Poole responded that interior improvements do have an effect on the EAV along with exterior improvements; it is difficult to predict the amount of increment. The purchase price of the property is a factor in the EAV and is critical. Discussion continued regarding this topic. Mayor Thoms emphasized that the developer can only receive reimbursement if there is increment generated; there is no negative spending out of the TIF. Alderman Clark questioned what is the alternative, to leave the property as is. He said the City should be welcoming the developer with open arms. Discussion continued.

Mark Ciepiel from Millennia Housing addressed Council. He stated they have been working on this project for over two years. They are trying to improve the homes of low income residents. There are 230 households in 43 buildings at Century Woods which was built in 1941. He stated all of the rentals will remain 100% affordable housing and restricted under Section 8 long after the project is completed. They are trying to bring up the standard of living with the transformation of the properties. Mr. Ciepiel reviewed in detail the improvements that will be made. They will also be offering social services for the tenants. Mr. Ciepiel stated the projects will not happen without the TIFs. They have overcome so many hurdles to get to this point. He asked for Council's consideration of the TIFs.

Alderman Parker thanked Mr. Ciepiel for his interest in Rock Island, but he is concerned about the property remaining Section 8 housing after the developer is no longer eligible for reimbursement. Alderman Parker wanted that assurance in the TIF ordinance. Mr. Ciepiel said they are an affordable housing developer for the long term. Discussion continued. City Attorney Dave Morrison will check with the TIF attorney Kathi Orr to see what is possible. Alderman Parker suggested Millennia Housing investigate the opportunity zone; Century Woods is located in one of the newly designated opportunity zones. Alderman Parker asked about Millennia's procurement practices. Mr. Ciepiel said they have their own affiliate general contractor, American Preservation Builders; local hiring will be prioritized.

Mayor Thoms asked twice if there was anyone present who wished to speak in opposition to the project. No one responded. Mayor Thoms asked twice if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor of the project. No one responded.

An audience member asked if any families will be displaced because of the project; Mr. Ciepiel responded no.

Mayor Thoms closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:42 p.m.

11. Mayor Thoms will close the regular meeting and open a Public Hearing to consider a redevelopment plan and project designation of the Heather Ridge Redevelopment Project Area and the adoption of tax increment allocation financing.

Mayor Thoms closed the regular meeting and opened the Public Hearing at 7:43 p.m. Mr. Poole explained that the Heather Ridge project has five qualifying factors for a TIF; three are required. Alderman Parker questioned why one of the factors was a lack of community planning; why isn't the Planning Commission doing more planning. Mr. Poole explained that the Heather Ridge development occurred prior to the community plan. He also stated there are no sidewalks on the west side of the street and the school is across the street. Mr. Poole said the Planning Commission does not review established developments, but reviews planning issues related to new development. Mayor Thoms said the Heather Ridge streets are private property; the City has no control over them.

Mr. Ciepiel said the Heather Ridge improvements are similar to the ones he described for Century Woods with some differences.

Mayor Thoms asked twice if there was anyone present who wished to speak against the project. No one responded. Mayor Thoms asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor of the project. Wendy MacDonald, resident of Heather Ridge and employee of South Rock Island Township, addressed Council. She said the tenants are very excited about the project. Heather Ridge was built in the early 1970s and has not been updated since. Ms. MacDonald said that although Heather Ridge is subsidized housing, the majority of tenants work full-time and deserve a quality home. She asked Council to please consider the TIF. Ms. MacDonald also stated that part of the assessment value is the depreciation factor which can be huge when no property updates are made over time. The EAV will increase to where it should be.

Mayor Thoms asked again if there was anyone present who wished to speak in favor of the project.

Alderman Mayberry said that the two projects combined represent $66 million investment ($44 million for Century Woods and $22 million for Heather Ridge). He said it is a great opportunity for the city. A new community building will be constructed at Heather Ridge. Alderman Mayberry said people are excited and happy about the renovations.

Mayor Thoms closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 7:55 p.m.

12. Mayor Thoms will close the regular meeting and open a Public Hearing on a request from Richard Lopez for an amendment to an approved Special Use Permit to allow a new lighted attached sign, two unlit freestanding pennant signs, four unlit freestanding yard signs, and/or a lighted manual message board sign; all to be located in the west front yard.

Richard Lopez for an amendment to an approved Special Use Permit to allow a new lighted attached sign, two unlit freestanding pennant signs, four unlit freestanding yard signs, and/or a lighted manual message board sign; all to be located in the west front yard.

Mayor Thoms closed the regular meeting and opened the Public Hearing at 7:56 p.m. Mr. Lopez explained why he has all the signs in the yard of his business; he needs to let people know he is a restaurant. Alderman Mayberry asked for the location; the business is next to Saukie Golf Course and was formerly Ganson's. Alderman Parker asked for more clarification from Mr. Lopez what he was seeking. Mr. Lopez would like an LED sign. There was discussion regarding if an LED sign was part of the amendment application or not.

Ryan Berger, Planning and Development Administrator, explained the background on the application for the amendment to the special use permit. In 2016, Mr. Lopez was granted one sign in the yard. The property is zoned Office-1. The staff recommendation is for one additional lighted attached sign only. Mr. Berger explained why the property was not re-zoned in response to a question from Alderman Parker. It is surrounded by residential and recreational uses and does match up with the land use plan. A change in zoning would not change what or how many signs he could have in his yard. Mr. Lopez said he wanted a lighted LED freestanding sign, but they are expensive ($15,000).

Alderman Spurgetis said he has received emails from residents distressed about all of the signs. He said they can't be read when driving by and it is visual pollution. Alderman Parker asked if a sign could be part of the facade rebate program or if Mr. Lopez could get a CIRLF loan. Mr. Poole responded only if funds are still available in the facade program. Discussion continued.

Mayor Thoms asked if there was anyone who was in opposition who wished to speak. Gary Snyder, neighborhood resident, said he was opposed to a scrolling sign and that all of the signs in the yard are overpowering and can't be read when driving by. Alderman Spurgetis asked for clarification of Mr. Lopez' hours of operation. Mr. Lopez said he closes now at 9:00 p.m. due to lack of business from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Mr. Berger explained that the rate for a lighted scrolling sign would be set based on traffic safety standards; the sign hours would be set by a variance.

Mayor Thoms asked again if there was anyone who was in opposition who wished to speak. Fred Dasso, neighborhood resident, addressed Council. His objection to the signs are that it creates visibility issues at the intersection.

Mayor Thoms asked again if there was anyone who was in opposition who wished to speak. No one came forward. Mayor Thoms asked if there was anyone who was in favor who wished to speak. No one came forward.

Alderman Geenen asked for clarification on what they were voting. City Manager Randy Tweet said Council needed to provide direction on what signage they would allow. Mr. Berger repeated the staff recommendation was for just one lighted attached sign on the building. The Igor's Bistro yard sign was the amendment to the special use permit in 2016. Discussion continued.

Mayor Thoms asked if there was anyone for or against who wished to speak. Joy Dasso, neighborhood resident, said she is against all of the signs; there should only be one sign. She also believes Mr. Lopez is promoting satanistic things with his exterior decorations in a residential neighborhood. She finds it all offensive. Gwen Patton, neighborhood resident, said the decor is disturbing with the coffins and skeletons. She wants to see less and agrees with Mrs. Dasso's comments; the decorations are disturbing. Mr. Lopez said his place is different.

Mayor Thoms asked if there was anyone for or against who wished to speak. No one came forward.

Mayor Thoms closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting at 8:38 p.m. He entertained a motion.

Motion:

Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve an amendment to the special use permit for an attached lighted sign as recommended, subject to the stipulations in the report, and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Tollenaer seconded.

Alderman Parker reviewed which signs would remain with the motion and which ones would be removed. Mr. Morrison pointed out that the sign granted to the special use permit in 2016 has lights for illumination. Alderman Geenen asked that if they approve the motion, that means the flags and yard signs will come down tomorrow. Alderman Geenen asked Mr. Lopez if he understood that's what the motion means. Alderman Parker asked if Council wanted to amend the motion with adding the lighted scrolling sign; Alderman Spurgetis said it's not in the motion.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

13. An Ordinance amending Chapter 9, Article 1, Section 9-12(a)(8) of the Code of Ordinances relating to CORA and the possession of cannabis up to 10 grams.

Motion:

Alderman Parker 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: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

14. Claims

a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $13,860.56 to David Morrison of Rock Island, IL for legal services rendered from April 30, 2018 through May 31, 2018.

b. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $26,000.00 to William Griffin III and VanDerGinst Law of Moline, IL for General Liability settlement.

Motion:

Alderman Parker moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommended for Claims items a and b; Alderman Tollenaer seconded.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #6 in the amount of $215,683.20 to Centennial Contractors of the Quad Cities Inc. of Moline, IL for the 2017- 2018 Sidewalk and Pavement Patching Program for services provided from January 1, 2018 through May 22, 2018.

Motion:

Alderman Clark moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommended for Claims items c; Alderman Mayberry 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: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

15. Claims for the weeks of May 18 through May 24 in the amount of $513,976.53, May 25 through May 31 in the amount of $591,966.46, and June 1 through June 7 in the amount of $321,089.82; and payroll for the weeks of May 7 through May 20 in the amount of $1,481,403.60 and for the weeks of May 21 through June 3 in the amount of $1,530,060.43.

Motion:

Alderman Tollenaer moved to allow the claims and payroll; Alderman Clark seconded.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

16. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the purchase of activated carbon, recommending the bid be awarded to Cabot Norit of Marshall, TX in the amount of $26,650.00 for 41,000 pounds of Hydrodarco S activated carbon.

Motion:

Alderman Spurgetis moved to award the bid as recommended and authorize the purchase; Alderman Tollenaer seconded.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

17. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a lease extension with T-Mobile Central LLC (successor in interest to Iowa Wireless Services, LP) for leasing cellular antenna space on the City's Water Tower at 24th Street and 31st Avenue.

Motion:

Alderman Geenen moved to approve the lease extension as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement; Alderman Tollenaer seconded.

City Attorney Dave Morrison reported there was a scrivener's error on the second page; the effective date of the agreement is July 1, 2018. He explained this was an example of a minor attorney modification and wanted Council to be aware of this.

Alderman Parker asked if the Small Cell Tower bill that passed in Springfield regulates this agreement. Mr. Tweet responded no; that bill was for small cellular antennas on the City right-of- way.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

18. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a request from the Coast Guard Auxiliary to use the parking lot at Sunset Marina from 8:00 a.m. to noon on June 17, July 15, and August 19, 2018 for their annual fundraising breakfasts; and a request to hang a banner at the marina entrance.

Motion:

Alderman Mayberry moved to approve the requests as recommended; Alderman Clark seconded.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

19. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an application from Barbara Bernauer to purchase City-owned property at 2200 1st Street.

Motion:

Alderman Mayberry moved to approve selling the City-owned property as recommended, authorize staff to negotiate a sale price with the applicant, and prepare a purchase agreement for Council approval; Alderman Tollenaer seconded.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

20. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an application from Joshua Schipp to purchase City-owned property at 4506 5th Avenue.

Motion:

Alderman Clark moved to approve selling the City-owned property as recommended, authorize staff to negotiate a sale price with the applicant, and prepare a purchase agreement for Council approval; Alderman Parker seconded.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

21. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Lance Clark, Principal of Frances Willard Elementary School, to turn 25th Avenue between 9th and 11th Streets into a one-way for eastbound traffic on school days between the hours of 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This item was delayed from the April 23, 2018 Council meeting.

Motion:

Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Clark seconded.

Alderman Mayberry asked if staff had sent out letters to the neighbors. Public Works Director Larry Cook replied yes; five had originally been left off the mail list. Those five letters were sent out; only two responses were received. Alderman Mayberry wanted to know why the 9th Street neighbors weren't surveyed; they are in the 2nd Ward. He also said there have been no accidents on 25th Avenue so he saw no reason for the change. Mr. Cook explained the purpose was to assist children getting in and out of cars as a safety precaution, similar to the Center for Math and Science. Mr. Cook said only residents and businesses directly affected on 25th Avenue were polled.

Principal Lance Clark, requester, stated it was a safety precaution to make it a one-way for car traffic for picking up and dropping off on the same side. The school does not want any accidents. Alderman Mayberry objected to Alderman Clark voting on the issue since he works for the school district. Mr. Morrison said it would be wise to err on the side of caution; Alderman Clark's vote is a judgment call. Alderman Clark said the school district (his employer) did not make the request. Mr. Lance Clark said it is not a permanent one-way; it is only for arrival and dismissal times at the school.

Vote:

A voice vote was taken. The City Clerk was asked to conduct a roll call. Motion passed on a 4-2- 1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Spurgetis, and Parker. Nay: Mayberry and Tollenaer. Absent: Schipp.

Alderman Mayberry objected to Alderman Clark voting on the issue. Mayor Thoms said if Alderman Clark had abstained, the vote would have been three Ayes and two Nays and the motion would have still passed.

22. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Jason Tanamor to install 3-way stop signs on 21st Street at its intersection with 16th Avenue.

Motion:

Alderman Parker moved to approve the request; Alderman Geenen seconded.

Alderman Clark asked where the stop signs are going. Mr. Cook said they are asking for two signs to be added on the east and west sides of 16th Avenue. The school has its own stop sign and the Manual Uniform Traffic Control did not warrant additional stop signs. Alderman Spurgetis was concerned about the top of the hill during the winter. Mr. Cook said he was not concerned about that issue; the guidelines do not recommend the additional stop signs. Alderman Clark asked if there was any opposition. Alderman Parker said ten households responded in favor.

Lisa Martin, neighborhood resident, addressed Council. She said there are 580 students at the school and they can't cross on the northeast side. Over 100 children cross before the crossing guard comes. Ms. Martin said there is no stop sign coming out of the school property and cars do not slow down; some do not even stop.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

23. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Jason Tanamor to install 3-way stop signs on 22nd Street at its intersection with 17th Avenue.

Motion:

Alderman Parker moved to approve the request; Alderman Clark seconded.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

24. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for the removal of a handicapped parking space at 617 32nd Street.

Motion:

Alderman Tollenaer 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: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

25. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Two Rivers United Methodist Church for the removal of their parking lot from being under City ordinance control (Section 9-42).

Motion:

Alderman Parker moved to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Clark seconded.

Alderman Mayberry asked why the request was for removal. Mr. Cook responded the church did not have any issues with their parking lot and vehicles needing to be towed; there is an annual $150.00 fee for a parking lot to be under City ordinance control.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

26. Report from the Mayor regarding reappointments and appointments to the Board of Zoning Appeals and an appointment to the Fire Pension Board of Trustees.

Motion:

Alderman Clark moved to approve the reappointments and appointments as recommended; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.

Mayor Thoms said Kevin Day and David McAdam are being reappointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals; Donald Mewes, Nicole Finnie, Bill Sowards, and Jeff Wright are being appointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Mayor Thoms said Shellee Showalter is being appointed to the Fire Pension Board of Trustees.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

27. Report from the City Clerk regarding a Street Closing request from the IL/IA Center for Independent Living for their ADA Celebration Annual Block Party on Friday, July 20, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; a Resolution authorizing the temporary closure of 5th Avenue (US 67) between 11th Street and 12th Street; a request for sound amplification; and a request for utilization of the City-owned lot on the north side of 5th Avenue.

Motion:

Alderman Clark moved to approve the requests as recommended and adopt the resolution; Alderman Mayberry seconded.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

28. Report from the City Clerk regarding a Plaza Event application from Alpha Sigma Xi to hold a fundraiser "Flip the District" on Saturday, September 29, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with sound amplification; a request for consumption of alcohol in the fenced-in area; and a request for the waiver of application and event fees.

Motion:

Alderman Parker moved to approve the event and requests as recommended, subject to complying with all Plaza and liquor license regulations, and subject to being closed down early if there are complaints; Alderman Clark seconded.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

29. Report from the City Clerk regarding a Plaza Event application for the Rock Island Grand Prix to be held on Saturday, September 1, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday, September 2, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; a request to close 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Avenues between 17th and 20th Streets, close 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th Streets north of 5th Avenue and south of 1st Avenue, and close 4th Avenue at 24th Street from Friday, August 31, 2018 at 5 p.m. to Monday, September 3, 2018 at 6:00 a.m.; and a request to use a portion of Parking Lot C from Wednesday, August 29, 2018 through Monday, September 3, 2018.

Motion:

Alderman Parker moved to approve the event and requests as recommended; Alderman Clark seconded.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

30. Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Lavette Johnson for a change in date for her street closing and sound amplification requests from June 23 to August 4, 2018 for a community awareness event.

Motion:

Alderman Clark moved to approve the request as recommended; Alderman Mayberry seconded.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

31. Street Closing and Sound Amplification Requests:

a. Report from the City Clerk regarding requests from Desi Abbott for a street closing at 12th Avenue between 8th Street and the alley to the east of her residence at 808 12th Avenue on Saturday, July 14, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and sound amplification for a family reunion.

b. Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Sinae Tate for a street closing at 25th Street between the alley south of 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue on Saturday, June 23, 2018 from noon until 6:00 p.m. for a birthday party.

c. Report from the City Clerk regarding a sound amplification request from Sheleigh Martin of Celebrate for an event to be held at Kavanaugh's Hilltop Tavern at 1228 30th Street on June 16, 2018 from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Motion:

Alderman Clark moved to approve the requests for street closings and sound amplification as recommended for items a through c; Alderman Parker seconded.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

32. Other Business

Raju Penmatcha, resident of Taylor Ridge, presented a development proposal to Council for the 190 acres he owns in southwest Rock Island at the corner of US 67 and the Rock Island-Milan Beltway. He asked Council to consider creating a TIF for the commercial and residential development. Mayor Thoms said he appreciates Mr. Penmatcha's desire to invest in Rock Island.

Alderman Mayberry said Rockridge girls softball won 1st place in the Class 2A state championship. He said there are girls on the team who live in Rock Island. He would like them recognized in the near future. Mayor Thoms said Alderman Mayberry needs to bring in the information.

33. Executive Session:

5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.

5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.

Motion:

Alderman Parker moved to go into Executive Session for the exceptions cited; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

34. Motion to Adjourn

Motion:

Alderman Geenen moved to adjourn; Alderman Tollenaer seconded.

Vote:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, Tollenaer, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp.

The meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m.

http://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06112018-174

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