Rock Island City Council met Dec. 10.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. Call to Order
Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order at 6:46 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Mayor Thoms asked the City Clerk to call the roll.
Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderman Dylan Parker, Alderman Ivory D. Clark, Alderman Virgil J. Mayberry, Alderman James Spurgetis, and Alderman Stephen L. Tollenaer
Alderman Joshua Schipp arrived at 6:54 p.m.
Alderman Geenen notified the City through City Clerk Judith Gilbert that he would not be physically present for the meeting due to a work commitment out of town and made a request to participate remotely per City ordinance.
MOTION: Alderman Parker moved to allow Alderman Geenen to participate in the Council meeting remotely; Alderman Clark seconded.
VOTE: Motion passed on a 5-0-2 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp and Geenen.
Alderman Geenen joined the meeting remotely at 7:24 p.m. At 7:34 p.m., Alderman Geenen notified the City Manager via text that he was having technical difficulties with participating remotely and was no longer "Present" for the meeting.
Absent: Alderman Geenen
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 November 12, 2018 and the November 26, 2018 meetings.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp and Geenen.
6. Minutes of the Executive Session of November 12, 2018.
MOTION:
Alderman Tollenaer moved to approve the Executive Session minutes; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Schipp and Geenen.
7. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
Citizen Survey – The City of Rock Island has launched an innovative survey platform for residents to directly provide input into local government. Polco is a tool for the public to have their voice heard, where residents can answer questions and make comments in regards to City matters. Residents need to register by visiting the city website; WWW.RIGOV.ORG, under Popular links, click on “Citizen Survey Platform.” Answers and comments will remain anonymous. The service is free to all residents.
Winter/Spring Activity Guide - The new Winter/Spring activity guide from the Park and Recreation Department is now out. Check out the many activities available including Dad and Daughter Date Night, Spring Egg Hunt, cooking classes, and many other events and activities. To see the complete listing of the many opportunities available go to WWW.RIGOV.ORG.
Snow Routes - As we enter the winter season, please note that parking is not allowed on designated snow routes when two or more inches of snow has fallen until the snow has been removed. Snow routes are marked by street signage. Vehicles in violation of this ordinance will receive a $35 parking ticket. Vehicles that remain in violation will be towed. In the event of snow, major emphasis is placed on primary streets and hills with secondary priority give to school areas. Residential streets are cleared when the primary and secondary streets are completed.
8. Proclamation declaring December 10, 2018 as James H. Kerr, Sr. Day.
Mayor Thoms read the proclamation. Mr. Kerr received a standing ovation from the audience. He said it made his heart swell to receive the recognition from his hometown; it was icing on the cake after receiving the state award. He thanked everyone who came out which he wasn't expecting; it left him speechless. Aldermen Clark and Mayberry shared stories about Mr. Kerr. Pictures were taken with Mayor Thoms.
9. Proclamation declaring January 11, 2019 as Quad City Storm's "City of Rock Island Night."
Mayor Thoms read the proclamation. Gwen Thombergs, President of QC Storm hockey team, and owner John Dawson, along with several team staff accepted the proclamation. The City of Rock Island is sponsoring the January 11 game. Ms. Thombergs invited everyone to join them on that night. She announced that with only eight home games, ticket sales are already 28% higher than with the former team. Ms. Thombergs said it is family-friendly night out with a kid zone. She stressed they are a community team with players active in the community. So far, $31,000 has been raised and gone back to non-profits in the Quad Cities community. Mr. Dawson said he grew up in Rock Island and graduated from Rock Island High School in 1987. The Rock Island Holiday Inn is the team's host hotel and the players work out and train at RIFAC. He is a member of VFW Post 1303. Mr. Dawson said April 5 there will be a jersey auction to benefit the veterans of the post. Pictures were taken with Mayor Thoms.
10. Mayor Thoms will close the regular meeting and open a Public Hearing regarding the Calendar Year 2019 Budget.
Mayor Thoms closed the regular meeting and opened the Public Hearing at 7:04 p.m. He asked if there was anyone who wished to speak regarding the budget.
Rock Island resident Jim Uribe spoke about the Rock Island County Tax Reduction Coalition that was formed to reduce the tax burden in Rock Island County. He presented comparisons of Illinois and Iowa communities. He said extreme taxation is an economic threat and is taxpayer abuse which will lead to outmigration. He asked Council to please reduce the tax burden on residents.
Mayor Thoms asked again if anyone wished to speak about the budget. No one else came forward.
Mayor Thoms closed the Public Hearing at 7:11 p.m. and reconvened the regular meeting.
11. A Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit at 2627 7th Avenue.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderman Parker said he remembered that a wooden fence was to be part of the Special Use Permit and Ordinance. City Attorney Dave Morrison said he was correct and the ordinance should be modified. Aldermen Parker and Spurgetis withdrew their motion and second.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass an amended ordinance specifying that it be a wooden fence; Alderman Schipp seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
12. A Special Ordinance establishing a No Parking Zone on the south side of 21st Avenue from 12th Street to seventy-five (75) feet east of the driveway entrance to the Villas at Friendship Manor on 21st Avenue.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis 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, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
13. An Ordinance amending Chapter 8, Article III, Division 2, Section 8-97 of the Code of Ordinances limiting the number of video gaming establishments to twenty-one (21).
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Schipp seconded.
Alderman Schipp commented that this is smart public policy. He said there is a responsibility to look at the city as whole and determine what is good for the city and what is detrimental. Mayor Thoms said they also need to think about signage for these establishments and signage in general. Alderman Schipp agreed and said to look at Jumer's which is a classy looking establishment.
Alderman Mayberry asked how many video gaming establishments there are currently. Mayor Thoms replied there are eighteen (18) and three (3) more in the pipeline; he said that would max out the number of video gaming establishments.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
14. Tax Abatement Resolutions
a. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $48,580.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Hydropower fund to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, series 2008C.
b. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $190,130.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Tax Increment Financing fund to pay principal and interest on Taxable General Obligation Bonds, series 2009C.
c. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $576,981.26, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Water fund and Wastewater fund to pay principal and interest on Taxable General Obligation Bonds, series 2010A BABs.
d. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $111,450.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Debt Service, Gaming and Water funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2010B.
e. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $72,000.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Debt Service fund and Sewer fund to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2011A.
f. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $221,087.52, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Debt Service, Gaming, Sunset Marina and Water funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2012A.
g. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $738,218.76, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Debt Service fund and Gaming to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2013A.
h. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $118,735.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Gaming fund to pay principal and interest on Taxable General Obligation Bonds, series 2013B.
i. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $670,962.50, such funds to be provided from revenues of Gaming to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2014A.
j. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $1,191,463.50, such funds to be provided from revenues of Tax Increment Financing and Sales Tax to pay principal and interest on Taxable General Obligation Bonds, series 2014B.
k. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $539,712.50, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Debt Service and Gaming funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2015A.
l. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $772,400.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Debt Service, Gaming and Sewer funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Refunding Bonds, series 2015B.
m. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $257,550.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Gaming fund to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2016A.
n. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $82,468.76, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Tax Increment Financing fund to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2016C.
o. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $489,581.26, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Hydroplant, Parks and Gaming funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2017A.
p. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $817,500.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Tax Increment Financing funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2017B.
MOTION:
Alderman Schipp moved to adopt the Resolutions a through p as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Parker asked Finance Director Stephanie Masson to explain the tax abatement resolutions. Ms. Masson explained that the City's bond ordinances contain language regarding the ability of the City to levy taxes to pay the debt service every year. She said that the City abates 100% of the principal and interest the City owes for next year; for 2019, that equates to $6.9 million abated. Ms. Masson said there is no debt service being paid through the City's property taxes of its residents. Alderman Schipp thanked the Finance Director and her department for doing difficult and diligent work; he and residents are appreciative of having professional staff to make sure it is correct.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
15. Claims
a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $8,267.89 to David Morrison of Rock Island, IL for legal services rendered for the month of November 2018.
b. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $2,636.20 to Alton Hawkins for General Liability claim.
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $15,795.00 to A+ Plumbing of Davenport, IA for a sanitary sewer repair at 545 26th Street.
d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #9 in the amount of $60,729.80 to Greenspace Associates of Davenport, IA for the 2017/2018 Sod Replacement Program for services provided from July 30,2018 through October 29, 2018.
e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 in the amount of $4,906.21 to Peterson Parking Lot Striping of Carbon Cliff, IL for the 2018 Pavement Marking Program for services provided from October 1, 2018 through November 8, 2018.
f. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 and final in the amount of $22,915.60 to Tri-City Electric Co. of Davenport, IA for the Fiber Optic Cable Phase-10, Douglas Park Concession Stand Project for services provided from July 26, 2018 through August 16, 2018.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommended for Claims items a through f; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderman Mayberry asked the City Clerk where the gentleman with the liability claim resides. Human Resources Director John Thorson confirmed the gentleman lives in Rock Island, IL.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: None.
g. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #9 in the amount of $194,131.00 to Centennial Contractors of the Quad Cities Inc. of Moline, IL for the 2017/2018 Sidewalk and Pavement Patching Program for services provided from September 6, 2018 through November 13, 2018.
h. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #14 in the amount of $701,552.39 to Civil Constructors Inc. of East Moline, IL for the Water Filtration Facility Project for services provided from October 26, 2018 through November 22, 2018.
i. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #12 in the amount of $25,000.00 to General Constructors Inc. of Bettendorf, IA for the 007 Outfall Relocation Project for services provided from September 1, 2018 through November 30, 2018.
MOTION:
Alderman Schipp moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommended for Claims items g through i; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
Alderman Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: None.
16. Claims for the weeks of November 9 through November 15 in the amount of $1,724,528.87, November 16 through November 21 in the amount of $154,708.38, November 23 through November 29 in the amount of $454,550.26, and November 30 through December 6 in the amount of $1,782,254.00; and payroll for the weeks of November 5 through November 18 in the amount of $1,531,520.43 and November 19 through December 2 in the amount of $1,495,442.55.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to allow the claims and payroll; Alderman Clark seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Geenen, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: None.
17. ACH payments for the month of October in the amount of $828,562.41.
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, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
18. Purchase Card Claims for the period from September 27, 2018 through October 26, 2018 in the amount of $67,351.83.
MOTION:
Alderman Mayberry moved to approve the purchase card claims; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
19. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a State of Illinois Joint Purchase bid for the purchase of 2,700 tons of rock salt at $50.48 per ton from Compass Minerals America Inc. of Overland, KS in the amount of $136,296.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve participation in the state bid as recommended and authorize the purchase; Alderman Schipp seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
20. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the purchase of the sculpture "Fire Birds" from Michael Young of Chicago, IL in the amount of $24,000.00 payable in three (3) equal installments of $8,000.00 beginning in 2019 and ending in 2021.
MOTION:
Alderman Tollenaer moved to approve the purchase agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the purchase agreement subject to any minor modifications by the City Attorney; Alderman Schipp seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis questioned why the City is paying money to an artist in Chicago when there is an art community here. Community and Economic Development Director Chandler Poole explained that every year Quad City Arts solicits artists from all over to submit commissions for public sculpture; there are a lot of cities that compete for the art. The Parks Department selected that sculpture and it has been well received, so the department wished to purchase it. Alderman Spurgetis asked about the budget. Parks and Recreation Director John Gripp said it is being paid out of the RIFAC budget which is an enterprise fund; he explained there are no tax dollars being spent to purchase the sculpture. Alderman Schipp added the City supports artists in a variety of ways; for example, the DeSoto Building is a place for artists to work.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
21. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Rock Island Raw Water Pumping Station-Reroofing Repairs Project, recommending the bid be awarded to Sterling Commercial Roofing of Sterling, IL in the amount of $174,900.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Tollenaer moved to award the bid including alternates one and two in the total amount of $211,400.00 and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Clark seconded.
Alderman Schipp asked for clarification that the bid was still being awarded to Sterling; yes, it is. Alderman Tollenaer said they are just adding extra work to the project. He was asked to amend the motion by administration.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
22. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Request for Qualifications for an analysis of the City-owned parking garage, recommending the project be awarded to Desman Design Management of Chicago, IL in the amount of $18,300.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement subject to any minor modifications by the City Attorney; Alderman Clark seconded.
Discussion followed. Alderman Schipp asked if there were any local firms who submitted proposals or was it a lack of expertise for choosing a Chicago firm. Mr. Poole responded IMEG also submitted their qualifications, but Desman has worked on over 3,500 parking garages; that is their specialty and they do nothing but parking garages. Council continued discussing their concern over the "bid." Mr. Tweet explained the RFQ process for professional services. He said firms submit their qualifications and after the City chooses a firm based on their qualifications, then the firm gives the City a price for the scope of work. He added it's not a publicly bid contract. Council wanted an explanation of why IMEG was not chosen. Mr. Tweet said reviews of the proposals were done by himself, Mr. Poole, the City Engineer, and the Public Works Director. Mr. Morrison agreed that the decision must be based on information that were responses to the RFQ, not on prices solicited after the RFQ process. Alderman Parker requested research on municipalities favoring local firms even in the RFQ process. He also requested that in future RFQ memos, a detailed explanation of why one firm was chosen over the others should be included. Alderman Spurgetis suggested a rating system be used.
MOTION:
Alderman Tollenaer moved to table the agenda item to a date certain of December 17, 2018 and for the two proposals to be sent to Council; Alderman Schipp seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 4-2-1 roll call vote. Aye: Schipp, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: Parker and Clark. Absent: Geenen.
Alderman Schipp also requested a statement from the City Engineer.
23. Report from the Public Works Department regarding proposals for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Aeration Diffuser Replacement/Cleaning Project, recommending the selection of AerationWorks of Columbia, MO in the amount of $145,000.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the selection of AerationWorks as recommended, award the contract, 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, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
24. Report from the Finance Department regarding an Ordinance for the levy, assessment, and collection of property taxes for the City of Rock Island for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2019 and ending December 31, 2019. (First Reading)
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to consider the ordinance as recommended; Alderman Clark seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis clarified that Council is not passing the tax levy ordinance tonight; there will be another vote next week.
Mayor Thoms agreed that citizens want to keep property taxes low and reasonable, but he believes also in a balanced budget without dipping into reserves. He said it's a question of balancing revenue and expenses. Mayor Thoms added revenues have been flat and expenses are going up. He explained that staff have worked hard to cut expenses and the only thing left to cut are services. Mayor Thoms said it is getting difficult to cut more expenses when 77% of the General Fund is payroll with negotiated wage contracts leaving less flexibility. It has been very difficult. He said they need to find new revenue in the future and everyone has been doing a great job controlling expenses. Mayor Thoms also said there are other factors to consider besides property taxes; income tax and license plates are less expensive in Illinois than Iowa and housing too. He cautioned residents to look at the total picture of the cost to live in Illinois versus Iowa. He said the positive stories need to be told too. He hopes to announce soon new businesses that will be coming to Rock Island with jobs.
Mayor Thoms said the 2.54% increase is not for the entire tax bill, but just for City's portion of the tax levy or 24% of the total property tax bill for a homeowner. He said wages alone went up by $1.3 million. Alderman Spurgetis asked for information to be shared with Council for lowering the tax levy by one-half percent and one percent and the cost for a $100,000 home. Mr. Tweet said each one-half percent is just over $60,000 in revenue and for a $100,000 home, the proposed tax increase is $1.44 per month. Alderman Schipp said residents need to think about all of the services and amenities that the City provides for approximately $700 for a $100,000 home. He said last year's increase of 9% came after five years of no increases at all in property taxes. He stated the City has a transparent budget process and he urged concerned citizens to come to the City and discuss the budget in September or October.
Alderman Parker said the City was looking at a deficit of $3.5 million in the General Fund after a $5 million deficit last year. He said the City has been making long-term changes to address the deficit such as cutting expenses; delaying future fleet purchases and street repair projects; reducing materials bought by Public Works; not replacing staff or leaving positions vacant for awhile; and eliminating positions. He said there are revenue increases such as the gas tax. He explained that expenses were cut; revenues were raised; and reserves were tapped to make up the deficit. Alderman Parker said the City is taking a mature, appropriate approach to the problem.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 4-2-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, and Spurgetis. Nay: Mayberry and Tollenaer. Absent: Geenen.
25. Report from the Finance Department regarding an Ordinance adopting the budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2019 and ending December 31, 2019. (First Reading)
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to consider the ordinance as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 4-2-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, and Spurgetis. Nay: Mayberry and Tollenaer. Absent: Geenen.
26. Report from General Adminstration regarding an Ordinance amending the boundaries of the Quad Cities Enterprise Zone and Intergovernmental Agreement.
MOTION:
Alderman Tollenaer 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, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
27. Report from General Administration regarding an Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article II, Section 2-32 of the Code of Ordinances relating to regular meeting dates of the City Council.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark 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, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
28. Report from the Finance Department regarding draft revisions to the City's Financial Policies.
MOTION:
Alderman Tollenaer moved to approve the draft revisions as recommended; Alderman Clark seconded.
Alderman Parker asked what changes are being made to the financial policies. Ms. Masson said Council should expect to see this as an annual ordinance item. She explained they are cleaning up some language such as amending cash reserves from 90 days to 60 to 90 days in line with a GFOA best practice. She added they will be using reserves to fund next year's budget. The change to maintaining 60 to 90 days of reserves will give the City some flexibility to manage its finances. She explained further that what the City is doing with its reserves is a transparent process. There is also some language change with regard to riverboat gambling from "will" to "should." There will also be a change regarding the updated actuarial assumptions of funding police and fire pensions.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
29. Report from the Finance Department regarding the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for CY19 through CY23.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan as recommended and authorize staff to implement the CY 2019 projects and expenditures pending approval of the CY 2019 budget in December; Alderman Schipp seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
30. Report from the Finance Department recommending an increase in the local gas tax rate of $0.02 from $0.03 to $0.05 per gallon of motor fuel.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the increase in the local motor fuel tax as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Schipp seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
31. Report from the City Clerk regarding the schedule of regular meeting dates for the Rock Island City Council for the Calendar Year 2019 pursuant to the Open Meetings Act.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the 2019 annual schedule of Council meetings as recommended; Alderman Clark seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
32. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the Citizens' Advisory Committee's recommendations for CY 2019 Gaming Grant Fund allocations.
MOTION:
Alderman Tollenaer moved to approve the allocations as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the grant agreements subject to any minor modifications by the City Attorney; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Parker asked how many members are currently on the Citizens' Advisory Committee. Committee Vice Chair Bill Anderson replied there are five active CAC members; they met over four nights and interviewed 19 applicants. The CAC decided to give money to all of the applicants this year. The total money requested was $74,000; the grant money available to disburse is $50,000.
Alderman Parker asked if the recipients of last year's awards have used all of their money. Mr. Tweet said they won't use the money until the end of December. Colleen Small-Vollman, Budget and Grants Manager, replied there is an unexpended balance of $4,456.46 and most of that won't be drawn until mid-January. She added three grantees still have money to spend and she contacted them. She will continue to follow up with them.
Alderman Parker asked why not give the CAC the authority to make the grants without Council approval. Mayor Thoms said in 2019 they will review the ordinance, but he explained Council still must approve the spending of the money although they will allow the committee to make the final choices for the grant awards. Mr. Anderson said they had three new applicants. Mayor Thoms thanked the committee for their work.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
33. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Scott Behrens for the installation of 4-way stop signs on 16th Street with its intersection with 20th Avenue.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the request as made and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis said he spoke with the requestor, Scott Behrens, who is present tonight.
Alderman Spurgetis said more than 20 residents signed the petition. Mr. Behrens stated because of the five-way stop at 17th Street and 18th Avenue, drivers cut through the neighborhood to beat the lights. Discussion continued.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
34. Report from the Mayor regarding associate, non-voting reappointments to the Preservation Commission.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the reappointments as recommended; Alderman Clark seconded.
Mayor Thoms said he was reappointing Jeff Dismer and Diane Oestreich. VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
35. Report from the City Clerk regarding an Activity application and Resolution for the American Heart Association 25th Heart Walk on Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
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, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
36. Report from the City Clerk regarding an Activity application and Resolution for the Quad Cities River Bandits Race to Home 5K on Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
MOTION:
Alderman Tollenaer moved to approve the event as recommended and adopt the resolution; Alderman Mayberry seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
37. Other Business / Public Comment
Jim Uribe, resident of Rock Island, had spoken earlier in the meeting. He added the City needs a different strategy and his concern is for the taxpayers. Their Rock Island County Tax Reduction Coalition has 80 members. Mayor Thoms invited their group to contact the City in August and staff will walk them through the budget process and details.
Greg Baca, resident of Rock Island, said he moved to Rock Island a couple of months ago from Iowa. He has a tree removal business and he is concerned about the number of dangerous trees especially in the lower income neighborhoods. He would like the City to fund removal of these trees or maintain them.
Alderman Parker asked if the City maintains a tree trimmer list; Mr. Tweet responded the City does through the City Clerk's office. Alderman Parker encouraged Mr. Baca to get on the list so he could potentially bid when the City contracts out for tree removal.
Discussion continued regarding the problems with trees on private property.
Alderman Parker would like to consider an Urban Forestry program in their 2019 Goal Setting session.
Alderman Spurgetis said he has received emails regarding the Hydropower plant and would like to know if it is profitable or not; could an update be given to Council soon. Mr. Tweet explained that debt was used to acquire and repair the turbines and it is not profitable and has never lived up to expectations. Discussion continued.
Alderman Mayberry said that during the Buy Local Saturday event, 70% to 75% of the cars in downtown Rock Island were from Iowa. Alderman Parker said there are great small businesses in the Shoppes on 2nd.
38. Motion to Adjourn
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to adjourn; Alderman Clark seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Schipp, Clark, Mayberry, Spurgetis, and Tollenaer. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
The meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.
https://rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12102018-294
Alerts Sign-up