City of Rock Island City Council met June 10.
Here is the agenda 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, Alderwoman Jenni Swanson, Alderman Dylan Parker, Alderman Mark Poulos, Alderman Dave Geenen, Alderman Ivory D. Clark, Alderman Randy Hurt, and Alderman James Spurgetis
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. Public Comment
Mayor Thoms explained the format and rules for the Public Comment period which is now at the beginning of every Council meeting. If there are more speakers after the thirty minute limit has been reached, the remainder of Public Comment will be held at the end of the meeting.
Joe Lemon had requested to speak regarding the Courthouse. He discussed the preservationists' mission, why the City of Rock Island should care about preserving the courthouse, the extensive community involvement, the availability of Illinois tax credits, the offer by Landmarks Illinois to settle the lawsuit, and the importance of the matter. Mr. Lemon stated that people are drawn to Rock Island because of the town's historic preservation efforts.
Mike Baxter, Muscatine resident, thanked the City for "keeping watch" over the courthouse issue and for assisting with stopping the demolition. He said they are lucky to have Joe Lemon involved and the expertise of Lo Milani.
Janna Miller-Dedecker asked Council to remove the 2-hour parking zone on 23rd Avenue between 14th Street and 15th Street. She said there is not enough parking on that side of the school and the parking restrictions make it very difficult for teachers and staff who work on that side of the building.
Lo Milani, Rock Island resident and architect, said they are fortunate to have Joe Lemon and his participation and the assistance of the City.
Tom Sparkman, Rock Island resident, said most people want to save the beautiful asset that the courthouse is.
Chase Norris, founder of Clock Inc., thanked Council for their welcome and support and financial assistance for the counseling center. He said their grand opening will be at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow and Mayor Mike Thoms and State Representative Mike Halpin will be attending and speaking. They have been doing a fundraiser selling LGBT rainbow flags to celebrate Pride Week June 22 through June 29. They have sold over 120 flags. He is grateful they chose to locate in Rock Island. They have a flag for every Council member.
Former alderman Virgil Mayberry asked to speak rather than have to wait until the end of the meeting. Alderman Clark asked to let Mr. Mayberry speak now. Mr. Mayberry said the article in the newspaper was totally incorrect. He said he was the only alderman who ever published a newsletter for his constituents. He explained some of his purchases. He also stated there was an organized effort to get rid of him from the Council.
Alderman Parker thanked the people who came in support of saving the courthouse.
Alderman Geenen said Chase was a recent graduate of Western Illinois University and that love wins over hate in the community. He commended the thirty Rock Island High School graduates who purchased LGBT flags.
Alderman Clark agreed with Alderman Geenen and stated it is wonderful to have young people in the community with positive activism such as Chase has demonstrated. It makes the community more diverse.
6. Minutes of the May 13, 2019 and May 20, 2019 meetings.
City Clerk Gilbert asked for two separate motions for the minutes so that Alderman Poulos could vote on the May 20, 2019 minutes.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the minutes of the May 13 meeting as printed; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Alderman Poulos abstained.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-0 voice vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the minutes of the May 20 meeting as printed; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 voice vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
7. Minutes of the Executive Session of May 20, 2019.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the Executive Session minutes; Alderman Clark seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 voice vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
8. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
Starlight Revue Summer Concerts – The Parks and Recreation Department free concerts at Lincoln Park series returns for its 63rd year with concerts every Tuesday night throughout the summer. The Tailfins will perform on June 11 and on June 18, the Josh Duffee Orchestra will be playing. Make a night of it and enjoy food and drink for purchase from Hy-Vee Grill starting at 5:00 p.m. and the music starting at 7:00 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.
Park Community Cleanup Days – Grab your work gloves and join us on June 22 at Sunset Park from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. for the first of a series of special clean up days! Bring a friend or a group to help pull weeds, lay mulch, and pick up trash and sticks. Service opportunities will differ based on location and season. Please contact Nikki at (309) 732-7280 if you are bringing a large group or any other questions.
Mayor Thoms announced that the Knights of Columbus held their 40th Civic Awards program yesterday. Art Richter was named Rock Island Police Officer of the Year and Anthony Schooley was named Rock Island Firefighter of the Year for outstanding service of first responders. Mayor Thoms said the awards were well deserved.
9. Mayor Thoms will close the regular meeting and open a Public Hearing regarding the HUD CDBG 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan and Program Year 2019 Annual Action Plan.
Mayor Thoms closed the regular meeting at 7:36 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing.
Community and Economic Development Director Chandler Poole said this was the last of the
public hearings for the Consolidated Plan and the five year plan; it details how the $1 million plus
of CDBG money will be spent. He said previous years' spending focused on housing, but they are now expanding the focus. He said they met with HUD representatives recently who are very pleased with the City's progress.
Mayor Thoms asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak about the topic. No one came forward.
Mayor Thoms closed the Public Hearing at 7:37 p.m., reconvened the regular meeting, and entertained a motion.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to accept and approve the 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan and Program Year 2019 Annual Action Plan as submitted; Alderman Clark seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis thanked everyone who put the report together and especially for the executive summary. He asked who will be funding the infrastructure projects in the designated neighborhoods. Mr. Poole responded it will be federal funds and private investment. He added they will be incentivizing people to bring their homes up to code such as removing architectural barriers for projects such as sidewalks and ramps, etc. Mr. Poole said rental properties will be phase 2 of the program. Alderman Spurgetis asked the amount of CDBG funds that would be available for those improvements. Mr. Poole replied $700,000 will be set aside for those types of projects. Alderman Parker said he has been fielding questions from residents of the Greenbush neighborhood for how and when they can apply. Mr. Poole said they are working on the process and procedures and hope to have it ready in July. Alderman Parker thanked staff.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
10. Mayor Thoms will close the regular meeting and open a Public Hearing regarding the HUD CDBG Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice.
Mayor Thoms closed the regular meeting at 7:43 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing.
Mr. Poole introduced the consultant, Jeremy Gray, from Mosaic Community Planning. Mr. Poole said the City partnered with Davenport and Moline for the study. A handout was provided to Council.
Mr. Gray explained that a regional study was conducted because housing is a regional market. He explained that one of the conditions for the $1 million in CDBG funds is for the City to annually certify they will further fair housing choice in addition to combatting discrimination. He explained what the "protected classes" are. He said the study is part of the certification and is updated every five years.
Mr. Gray explained the study looked at four issues: 1) integration and segregation; 2) areas of poverty and in particular, those areas with a large percentage on non-white residents; 3) access to opportunity; and 4) housing need. He said HUD provides a lot of the data for the study. In addition, approximately 200 people participated in interviews, focus groups, public meetings, surveys, etc. as part of the process.
Mr. Gray stated the region is becoming more diverse. In 1990, the region was 90% white and is now 82% white. He said there has been a dramatic change in the demographics. Mr. Gray said that with regards to segregation, there are areas of high poverty that overlap with minority concentrated areas; in particular, the southern part of the First Ward. He explained that opportunity factors are also reviewed such as access to education, jobs, transit, etc. He pointed out the maps available in the full report. Housing need was also looked at including cost burden, overcrowding, and substandard housing. Mr. Gray said 33% of Rock Island residents experience one of those problems.
Mr. Gray summarized the six different impediments to fair housing choice identified in the study:
1) continued need for an increased supply of decent affordable housing; 2) lack of geographic diversity in affordable housing choices; 3) accessible housing for people with disabilities is in short supply; 4) housing options for people with disabilities are limited; 5) protected classes face barriers to fairly access housing; and 6) community perceptions influence housing choice. The goals are also included in the handout.
Alderman Parker asked Mr. Gray if they had looked at previous assessments. Mr. Gray said yes, the last study was in 2013. Alderman Parker asked how the City was doing five years ago and the long-term progress. Mr. Gray explained that HUD's regulations had changed significantly from 2013; the reports are different. He said the 2013 recommendations and status updates are in the current report; some were aspirational, but there was progress on all actions.
Alderman Geenen said that as the City's appointee to the Rock Island Housing Authority, he pointed out some changes that should be made to the report. The RIHA is transitioning all of their properties away from public housing, for example, Spencer Towers. He said by this time next year, there should be no public housing in Rock Island, but rather housing voucher choices. He said HUD has given approval to tear down the rest of Lincoln Homes and build 49 housing units (with sprinklers) that will look like Linden Lane (a $23 million development). Alderman Geenen stated Rock Island is blowing every other city out of the water with affordable housing. They are now discussing senior housing and have some very creative ideas. He said this has all been happening in the last few months.
Mayor Thoms asked if anyone wished to speak on this topic. No one came forward.
Alderman Clark thanked Chandler Poole and his team and for explaining what they are doing in the First Ward and getting his questions answered.
Mayor Thoms closed the Public Hearing at 7:59 p.m. and reconvened the regular meeting.
Alderman Parker said there are several goals and action items; he wanted to know if Colleen will
be keeping track of that. Mr. Poole replied that Colleen is the focal point with HUD, but where appropriate, goals will be assigned to other staff. Alderman Parker said he would like to get quarterly updates; City Manager Randy Tweet agreed.
11. An Ordinance amending Chapter 4, Article I of the Code of Ordinances regarding the Building Fee Schedule.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
12. An Ordinance amending Chapter 7, Article III, Section 7-41 of the Code of Ordinances regarding the License Fee Schedule for food service establishments and retail food stores.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
13. A Special Ordinance for the removal of traffic control signals at the intersection of 20th Street and 7th Avenue and replaced with two-way stop signs for north and southbound approaches at the intersection.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Clark seconded.
Discussion followed. Alderwoman Swanson said she has been traveling that location and has concerns that there are a fair amount of pedestrians who will have no stoplight. She also believes that cars will pick up speed without the traffic signals. She is concerned about how the pedestrians will cross the street. Alderman Clark stated he thought there wasn't a lot of vehicle traffic. Public Works Director Mike Bartels said there are 1,000 cars going east and west on a daily basis. Alderman Poulos said he has been getting feedback that taking the light out is a bad call; it will be an unnecessary expense and they should take more time to look at the situation.
Alderman Spurgetis asked for clarification with the ordinance. Mr. Tweet said all traffic lights will be removed. City Attorney Dave Morrison reminded Council that for them to suspend the rules and pass the ordinance requires a super majority vote of five ayes. He said another option would be to reconsider and to continue the item to a date certain. Mayor Thoms said the item could be voted down as an option and a four-way stop option brought back.
Discussion continued regarding the options and what had been discussed at the last meeting. Alderman Spurgetis made a motion to table until June 24. Mr. Tweet said that date is too soon. A pedestrian study would cost $5,000. Mr. Tweet said the matter was a request from just one citizen to remove the stoplights. Alderman Poulos seconded. After further discussion, Alderman Spurgetis moved to table it to a date uncertain. Alderman Poulos withdrew his second. Alderman Parker wanted to withdraw his original motion and replace it with just a motion to consider the ordinance which would not require a super majority. Discussion continued on what the new motion means.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to consider the ordinance; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion did NOT pass on a 3-4-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Clark, and Spurgetis. Nay: Swanson, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Absent: None.
14. Claims
a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $16,205.46 to David Morrison of Rock Island, IL for legal services rendered from February 6, 2019 through May 31, 2019.
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 in the amount of $45,135.00 to Sterling Commercial Roofing of Sterling, IL for the Raw Water Pumping Facility Roof Replacement Project for services provided from January 5, 2019 through April 30, 2019.
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $22,725.00 to Xylem Dewatering Solutions Inc. of Chicago, IL for the rental of pumps during the flood for services provided from April 10 through May 7, 2019.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommended for Claims items a through c; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Parker.*
*Alderman Parker had stepped out of Council Chambers.
d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #2 and final in the amount of $41,045.97 to Langman Construction Inc. of Rock Island, IL for the 2018/2019 MFT Funded Parkway Repair Project for services provided from January 5, 2019 through April 26, 2019.
e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #20 in the amount of $1,046,320.93 to Civil Constructors Inc. of East Moline, IL for the Water Filtration Facility Project for services provided from April 26, 2019 through May 23, 2019.
f. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $14,815.02 to Valley Construction Company Inc. of Rock Island, IL for an emergency water main repair on 11th Avenue and 51st Street.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommended for Claims items d through f; Alderwoman Swanson 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: Swanson, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
15. Claims for the weeks of May 17 through May 23 in the amount of $1,634,669.88, May 24 through May 30 in the amount of $285,322.52 and May 31 through June 6 in the amount of $304,225.22; and payroll for the weeks of May 5, 2019 through May 19, 2019 in the amount of $1,492,552.70 and the weeks of May 20, 2019 through June 2, 2019 in the amount of $1,516,671.65.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to allow the claims and payroll; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
16. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2019 Payment Marking Program, recommending the bid be awarded to Precision Pavement Marking of Pingree Grove, IL in the amount of $164,450.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to award the bid as recommended; authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; and authorize the Public Works Department to execute the necessary change orders; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis said he and Alderman Parker had been discussing the bicycle lane paths. They have requested to meet with the City Manager and the Directors of Public Works and Parks to review the plan and make any changes. Alderman Spurgetis has asked the City Manager to set the meeting up soon.
Alderman Parker asked if the RFP included bike lanes and painting. Public Works Director Mike Bartels said it just specified pavement striping which would include any striping for bike lanes.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
17. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 12th Street Sanitary, between 3rd Avenue and Alley to the North Project, recommending the bid of McClintock Trucking & Excavating Inc. be rejected and the bid be awarded to Langman Construction Inc. of Rock Island, IL in the amount of $42,022.18.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to reject the bid of McClintock Trucking & Excavating Inc.; award the bid as recommended; and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Clark seconded.
Alderman Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
18. Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2019 Budget increasing the Martin Luther King Jr. Activity Fund (901) by $27,471.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
19. Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2019 Budget increasing the CED Loans Fund (583) expenditures by $105,000.00 in order to comply with the executed agreements.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
20. Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2019 Budget increasing the Water Fund (501) expenditures by $115,000.00 in order to complete the necessary repairs to the Superpulsator.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderman Clark seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
21. Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2019 Budget increasing the North 11th Street TIF Fund (203) expenditures by $50,000.00 in order to complete the Sanitary Sewer Extension Project.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
22. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Jeff Whitaker, Principal of Rock Island High School, for the removal of the "2 Hour Parking" zone on 23rd Avenue between 14th Street and 15th Street.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the request as made and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Hurt seconded.
Alderman Clark abstained from the vote due to his employment with the school district.
Alderman Spurgetis commented that the teacher who spoke said it is hard for them to park on the street. Neighborhood residents were contacted with 50% in support of the proposal and 50% opposed. Alderman Spurgetis believes it will be good for the neighborhood and it doesn't affect permit parking.
Alderman Geenen asked if the principal has asked the school district for more parking. Mr. Bartels said he was not aware of any request. Alderman Geenen said he would like to hear how the school board would resolve the issue before he votes. He is not ready to make a decision because he doesn't think the City has done its due diligence. No one from the school was present. Mr. Tweet said he did receive an email from a teacher in favor of the request. Discussion continued.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-1-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: Geenen. Absent: None.
23. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for the installation of a handicapped parking space at 1515 7th Street.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
24. Report from the Mayor regarding appointments to the Labor Day Parade Advisory Committee, the Human Rights Commission, the Rock Island Housing Authority, the Water Pollution Control Commission, and the Property Maintenance Board of Appeals; and reappointments to the Human Rights Commission, the Rock Island Housing Authority, the Liquor Control Commission, the Stormwater Board of Appeals, and the Ethics Commission.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the appointments and reappointments as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Vicki Hess was appointed to the Labor Day Parade Advisory Committee; Dora Villarreal Nieman was appointed to the Human Rights Commission; Christine Hultgren was appointed to the Rock Island Housing Authority; Joel Thompson was appointed to the Water Pollution Control Commission; and Jonathan Lohman was appointed to the Property Maintenance Board of Appeals.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the request as made and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Hurt seconded.
Alderman Clark abstained from the vote due to his employment with the school district.
Alderman Spurgetis commented that the teacher who spoke said it is hard for them to park on the street. Neighborhood residents were contacted with 50% in support of the proposal and 50% opposed. Alderman Spurgetis believes it will be good for the neighborhood and it doesn't affect permit parking.
Alderman Geenen asked if the principal has asked the school district for more parking. Mr. Bartels said he was not aware of any request. Alderman Geenen said he would like to hear how the school board would resolve the issue before he votes. He is not ready to make a decision because he doesn't think the City has done its due diligence. No one from the school was present. Mr. Tweet said he did receive an email from a teacher in favor of the request. Discussion continued.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-1-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: Geenen. Absent: None.
23. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for the installation of a handicapped parking space at 1515 7th Street.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
24. Report from the Mayor regarding appointments to the Labor Day Parade Advisory Committee, the Human Rights Commission, the Rock Island Housing Authority, the Water Pollution Control Commission, and the Property Maintenance Board of Appeals; and reappointments to the Human Rights Commission, the Rock Island Housing Authority, the Liquor Control Commission, the Stormwater Board of Appeals, and the Ethics Commission.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the appointments and reappointments as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Vicki Hess was appointed to the Labor Day Parade Advisory Committee; Dora Villarreal Nieman was appointed to the Human Rights Commission; Christine Hultgren was appointed to the Rock Island Housing Authority; Joel Thompson was appointed to the Water Pollution Control Commission; and Jonathan Lohman was appointed to the Property Maintenance Board of Appeals.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
28. Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Noel Reyes for a street closing of 5th Avenue from the Reyes driveway to 11th Street for a birthday party on Saturday, June 29, 2019 from noon to 10:00 p.m.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the request as recommended; Alderman Clark seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
29. Other Business
Note: Alderman Geenen left at 8:40 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Thoms said Karen Buchanan was next on the Public Comment sign-up sheet. She was no longer in attendance. Alderman Spurgetis said Karen Buchanan gave him petitions from the residents of Friendship Manor regarding the non-working streetlights on 11th Street. Mr. Bartels said they are dealing with IDOT for the 11th Street lighting from 25th Avenue to the 4200 block. He explained IDOT has been reviewing the plan; it is an involved process including a federal review due to it's a federal route. Mr. Bartels is hopeful the project will be bid and completed this year. He thinks the review and approval process should be wrapped up within two months. Alderman Clark asked for an update on all of the streetlights plan. Mr. Tweet said the City lights are part of 11th Street, the downtown, and 17th Street. He said those were part of the performance contracting. The MidAmerican Energy lights are complete and have been converted to LED.
Mayor Thoms opened up Public Comment for anyone else who wished to speak.
Vince Thomas, Rock Island resident, spoke about preserving the courthouse and urged the City to take serious steps in meeting with County officials to get a resolution. Mr. Thomas shared the story of Pittsfield, IL and the Pikes County courthouse.
Alderman Parker said the day after the City passed its resolution regarding the courthouse, the developer Gorman contacted Alderman Parker and said he had an interest in Rock Island. Discussion continued among the Mayor and Council regarding the courthouse.
Bridget Ehrmann, Rock Island resident, said they have tried to get the County involved before they took their vote about the courthouse; they have not gotten anywhere with the County. She is an Augustana graduate who chose to live in Rock Island after graduation; she lives in the Broadway neighborhood and is now President of the Broadway Historic District Association. Saving the courthouse is an important issue and should be saving taxpayer dollars. She said there has been no referendum on the courthouse issue to really allow citizens to speak on the issue.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor Thoms said he spoke with Kyle Peters of The Daiquiri Factory. Mr. Peters said Gumbo Ya Ya was a great success and there was a larger crowd than last year; the restaurants and bars were busy too. New this year were family-oriented activities offered early.
Alderman Hurt said he received a call from the Probation Department from Rock Island County. They had people working off their community service hours who helped with the Plaza clean-up on Saturday morning. That will be done again next weekend.
Alderman Parker asked about the CIP money of $25,000 for the Arts and Entertainment District ("The District") that no longer exists and was used to pay for the festivals. He wants to know if that money can be used for a different event. Mr Tweet responded the money had already been spent; he said $7,000 was allocated for Gumbo Ya Ya and another $7,000 for Ya Maka My Weekend. Mayor Thoms said $28,000 was paid to DARI. Alderman Parker questioned the money paid to DARI. DARI has absorbed "The District." Alderman Parker objected that the City of Rock Island was not listed as a sponsor. Mr. Tweet stated this year the two DARI contracts are up and will be renegotiated.
Mayor Thoms said he would like Council to bring a name forward for Mayor Pro Tem and he would like to have it on the June 24 agenda. Alderman Parker asked if it is required to annually update Mayor Pro Tem. Mayor Thoms replied no; it's not required at all. He added that historically, the Rock Island City Council has chosen one on an annual basis.
Mayor Thoms wanted to discuss expenditures with Council; he sent an email to Council members regarding Council's expenditures and a new internal policy on that topic. City Attorney Dave Morrison cautioned about being in compliance with OMA on any communications. Mayor Thoms would like to see a resolution or ordinance on the recommended policy by staff. Some Council members provided input on the policy as well. Mayor Thoms stated if it's not in the policy, then it's not a proper expenditure.
Alderman Clark said he was not contacted. Mr. Tweet responded Council members contacted him; he also sent out a draft of the policy to Council and no one responded. Alderman Clark asked for a study session with staff input; that would be fair and all could voice their opinions. Mayor Thoms said he was looking for input tonight.
Alderwoman Swanson said she was uncomfortable at the May meeting approving P card expenses from March that had already been paid. No one has a chance to review prior to payment. She explained in the business world, everyone has to attach a detailed receipt to a completed form for reimbursement which is reviewed prior to reimbursement. This encourages mindful spending. She would like to see review of expenditures before they are paid. Mayor Thoms said one of the recommendations is to use the P card only for travel; otherwise expenses should be put on a personal card and submitted for reimbursement. Both Alderwoman Swanson and Mayor Thoms said if the form is not completed properly, then there should be no reimbursement. Alderman Clark asked what the form looks like. Mayor Thoms said the City Clerk has the form. Alderman Clark would like different options for the form. He said they should not be reacting to the news story. He added they need to be held accountable, but should not just rush into something because of the news story.
Alderman Hurt said while he agrees with Alderman Clark; the policy was well in the works before the news story. He said it's a reaction to things that were going on that people had concerns about. Mayor Thoms said they were waiting for feedback on the draft that Mr. Tweet sent out. Alderwoman Swanson said she ran on transparency and accountability. She said the City does not have money and the $28,000 allocated to aldermen could be filling potholes.
Alderman Parker asked about other cities' policies. Mayor Thoms said the City of Moline has no P cards for aldermen; there is no budget for aldermen; and only two aldermen are budgeted for attendance at the IML Conference and any other conference. Some travel expenses are pre- paid and other expenses must be paid for personally and submitted for reimbursement. Alderman Parker objected as not everyone has a personal credit card or can afford to pay for an entire conference out of their own pocket before getting reimbursement. Alderman Poulos said the policy is similar to the practices of police departments and it mirrors the process and employee policy.
Discussion continued. Alderman Spurgetis said everyone has questions, comments, and ideas. There should be more time to work out the policy. He was in favor of a study session. He has ideas, but he said the Council meeting is not the appropriate time for the discussion. Mr. Tweet said he would appreciate receiving suggestions in advance so they could be included in the presentation. Mayor Thoms said some policy items are not negotiable; for example, IRS regulations regarding fuel for mileage. Alderman Spurgetis would like Council members to have a car allowance like employees; the IRS regulation would not apply to that. Mayor Thoms said Council members are not employees, but elected officials. Mr. Tweet said they could vote to increase their compensation with a car allowance, but it would not take effect until the next Council term. Mr. Tweet said the next available study session is in July unless they wanted to postpone the Finance required session on June 24. There is also a session on the business registration program. He thinks the current topic would probably take a full study session.
Discussion continued on being in compliance now with IRS regulations. Mr. Morrison said home rule does not usurp the IRS code. He explained the state constitution states public funds can be spent only for public purposes. He said there are really no clear cut rules. Mayor Thoms said that historically the policy is not a Council vote. He added the City Manager can change or adjust policies without Council approval. Mr. Morrison said public expenditures are the role of Council. Alderman Parker said he wanted to use $75 from his fund to sponsor a trophy for the Rock Island Grand Prix and he was told "no" by the City Manager. He said Council should have the authority to determine if an expenditure is for the public good. Alderman Parker said there is no current policy prohibiting his request. Mr. Tweet explained that he knew that several aldermen didn't want to allow that type of expenditure, so he was uncomfortable going against what several aldermen wanted for the request of another. Mr. Tweet said he just wants the aldermen to come to some type of agreement. He said there is plenty of time yet to donate to the race.
Alderman Spurgetis said he wants a study session or special meeting to debate the policy and be voted on by the Council. Mayor Thoms said taxpayer money should not be spent on non- profit organizations. Alderman Parker said he doesn't want temporary policies imposed without them being decided by Council. Alderwoman Swanson said Council should not spend money on personal passions and pet projects; they could be better spent on more necessary things for the City. Alderman Poulos asked where does it stop; there are many worthy non-profits. He added it is taxpayer money; perhaps all of these requests should be decided by Council. He said it is still inappropriate to spend taxpayer money in that manner. Alderman Spurgetis does not want Council voting on his expenditures. Alderwoman Swanson said the $4,000 fund is not an extension of Council members' salary. She said it is not their private funds; it is for continuing education or professional development. She has been getting calls from residents who have the perception that the money is a personal slush fund for Council members.
Mayor Thoms said one of the topics for discussion would be to eliminate the $4,000 budget for each Council member and eliminate any discretionary spending for aldermen. Mr. Tweet asked for guidance from the City Attorney on what Council members can spend money on until a policy is determined. He said the former Council had decided that they could not be questioned on their expenditures from their fund. Alderman Parker objected to that characterization. Mr. Tweet said he takes it back. Mr. Morrison said until there is an ordinance or resolution for a new policy, there should be no changes. He cautioned however, that all state and federal laws must be followed. Alderman Hurt said he hoped in the meantime everyone would make wise spending decisions. Council discussed getting items back from Mr. Mayberry. Mr. Tweet said he will review the options with Mr. Morrison regarding that.
The consensus was to discuss the topic at the July 8 study session. Mr. Tweet asked for Council's input this week on the topic so that he can prepare. He asked that each alderman direct their comments and ideas to just him, not to the entire Council.
30. Motion to Adjourn
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to adjourn; Alderman Clark seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06102019-382
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