City of Rock Island City Council met July 8.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. Call to Order
Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order at 6:52 p.m. and welcomed everyone.
2. Roll Call
Mayor Thoms asked the City Clerk to call the roll.
Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderman Dylan Parker, Alderman Mark Poulos, Alderman Dave Geenen, Alderman Randy Hurt, Alderman James Spurgetis, and Alderwoman Jenni Swanson
Absent: Alderman Ivory D. Clark
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
Terri Elliott, Rock Island resident, spoke to Council about her sewer back-up that she has had since January. She said Public Works staff told her repeatedly that the problem was in her line, not the main line. The main line eventually suffered a 30 foot collapse and her neighbor's sewer backed-up too. After the main was repaired, she had no more back-up. Ms. Elliott was frustrated with the lack of response by the City and the expenses she incurred for multiple clean-ups, jetting, scoping, and a new water heater. She believes her health was also affected by the whole experience. Her basement still has a sewer smell. She passed a picture of the sludge that was in her basement to Council. City Manager Randy Tweet directed Ms. Elliott to speak with Public Works Director Mike Bartels regarding Public Works employees and Human Resources Director John Thorson regarding her claim. Mr. Tweet apologized for the negative experience she had.
Karen Buchanan said she was there to represent the 11th Street Non-Profit Consortium (NPC 11) as their secretary. She explained it is a fledgling community action group from along the 11th Street corridor. Their members are: IL/IA Center for Independent Living, Second Baptist Church, Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Olivet Baptist Church, Project Now, House of Fire Ministries, Youth Hope, Center for Alcohol and Drug Services, Quad Cities Missing Persons Network, The Arc of the Quad Cities, Church of Peace, United Church, Friendship Manor, and South Rock Island Township. At the last Council meeting, they had made an appeal for getting the street lights working on 11th Street. They are pleased to hear the progress that is being made with $100,000 of Motor Fuel Tax funds put towards the lighting repairs. She and representatives from the consortium were present at Council tonight to express their appreciation. Mayor Thoms thanked the group and told them to keep up the good work.
John Van Norman and his wife, Rock Island residents, spoke about the condition of their street: 42nd Avenue (Shore Acres Drive). They distributed several pictures and said their street needs resurfacing. There was a water main break and a new manhole was put in; there is a pothole near the manhole. Mr. Tweet asked them to speak with Mr. Bartels. Mr. Tweet also said their street is a Sealcoat road and is not on the resurfacing schedule. Mr. Van Norman said they need a yield sign for people coming down 6th Street. Mr. Tweet responded that Mr. Bartels could walk them through the process for getting the sign.
6. Minutes of the June 24, 2019 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: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
7. Minutes of the Executive Session of June 24, 2019.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the Executive Session minutes; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
8. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
Starlight Revue – Lincoln Park and the City’s Parks and Recreation Department will continue its concert series this Tuesday, July 9, 2019 with Generations Band. Dance lessons will start at 6:30 p.m. with the concert at 7:00 p.m. Hy-Vee Grill will provide food and drink for purchase starting at 5:00 p.m. For event status, please call (309) 732-7246 in case of inclement weather.
Whitewater Junction – Back to School Bash – Whitewater Junction is having a Back to School Bash on Monday, July 29th from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Come enjoy the day at Whitewater Junction and join in on the fun-filled games and prizes!
Swing for Kids Golf Event – The City of Rock Island’s Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a two club best ball tournament on Thursday, August 1, 2019 with registration beginning at 3:00 p.m. and tee off at 4:30 p.m. at Saukie Golf Course. The cost is $65.00 per person and that includes 10 holes of golf, cart, drink ticket, goodie bag and meal. Add an additional meal ticket for $20. Proceeds go towards scholarships for youth and playground equipment for City facilities. Register by July 26, 2019 at www.swingforkids.myevent.com.
Swing for Kids Golf Event – The City of Rock Island’s Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a two club best ball tournament on Thursday, August 1, 2019 with registration beginning at 3:00 p.m. and tee off at 4:30 p.m. at Saukie Golf Course. The cost is $65.00 per person and that includes 10 holes of golf, cart, drink ticket, goodie bag and meal. Add an additional meal ticket for $20. Proceeds go towards scholarships for youth and playground equipment for City facilities. Register by July 26, 2019 at www.swingforkids.myevent.com.
9. Presentation of the Financial Management Report for the First Quarter 2019
Finance Director Stephanie Masson gave a presentation on the Financial Management Report for the First Quarter 2019. She explained she would be reviewing five schedules.
The first two pages are the Revenues and Expenditures and Net Position. Governmental funds are mostly supported by taxes. The first quarter target is 25%. Enterprise funds (mostly utility funds) and Fiduciary funds are on the second page. The report reflects Percentage to Budget and Cash Available. The first distribution of property taxes is done in June. She explained the state disbursements also have a lag of several months before the City receives its distributions from various taxes. When Ms. Masson reviews the schedules, she always compares them to last year's numbers.The General Fund is on track at 22%. As of March 31, the City had a total of $21,700,822 in revenue or 20% of budget with expenditures of $21,024,847 or 17% of budget. Ms. Masson noted that available cash was $18,460,130 which is $3 million less than last year at the end of the first quarter. General Fund departments are below the 25% benchmark except for the Information Technology Department due to their budgeted projects that occurred in the first quarter.
Ms. Masson next reviewed the State and Local Tax Revenue Analysis. Income Tax revenue is at $947,000 which is comparable to last year and just slightly ahead. She noted receipts in the second quarter look very good. Ms. Masson stated the census is critical because income tax is distributed on a per capita basis. The Personal Property Replacement Tax is declining and is distributed five times a year. Ms. Masson said the state doesn't have to distribute this tax to municipalities. The schedules for the state taxes show five-year averages.
Sales Tax and Local Option Sales Tax are collected by the state before being forwarded to the City. The state also charges an administrative fee which amounts to $45,000 annually. Alderman Geenen said there are a lot of variables with sales tax; it was also a tough winter. Mayor Thoms asked if the City gets sales tax from online purchases delivered in Rock Island. Ms. Masson replied the state chose to administer it through use tax on a per capita basis; she would prefer it be a sales tax and it may change. Use Tax is showing an uptick and is above budget. Last year, Utility Tax was $651,000 and tracking ahead of budget; this tax is impacted by the weather. The Telecom Tax is decreasing and will eventually go away. The budget for the Telecom Tax was lowered to $775,000. The Food and Beverage Tax is at $217,000 which is right at last year's amount. She noted some restaurants are thriving in the city. Ms. Masson expects to make budget with this tax.
Ms. Masson reported on Gaming Tax; at the same time last year, the City was $100,000 higher. They watch this tax closely. Last year, they did miss budget with gaming tax receipts of $4.3 million. The same amount of revenue was budgeted this year. Ms. Masson pointed out that last year's Gaming Tax is used to fund next year's (2020) Capital Improvement Plan; capital related projects are financed with bonds. The Gaming Tax pays the principal and interest of the bonds.
Ms. Masson reviewed the Investment Report for the last eighteen months. It shows where the investments are placed. Her goal is to always have $3 to $5 million in cash in the City's checking account at American Bank. The last schedule shows the interest rates for each investment. Most investments are locally placed. The yield is now in CDs. They try and make sure they are below 20% in any one institution and all deposits are collateralized by the institutions to cover the amount on deposit.
10. A Special Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 7 disbanding the Sunset Marina
Ms. Masson reviewed the Investment Report for the last eighteen months. It shows where the investments are placed. Her goal is to always have $3 to $5 million in cash in the City's checking account at American Bank. The last schedule shows the interest rates for each investment. Most investments are locally placed. The yield is now in CDs. They try and make sure they are below 20% in any one institution and all deposits are collateralized by the institutions to cover the amount on deposit.
10. A Special Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 7 disbanding the Sunset Marina Boaters' Advisory Committee.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
11. Claims
a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $15,063.19 to David Morrison of Rock Island, IL for legal services rendered from May 30, 2019 through June 27, 2019.
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 in the amount of $71,325.00 to Putnam County Painting Inc. of Mark, IL for the Ridgewood Water Tower Rehabilitiation Project for services provided from May 4, 2019 through May 31, 2019.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommended for Claims items a and b; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #21 in the amount of $707,313.44 to Civil Constructors Inc. of East Moline, IL for the Water Filtration Facility Project for services provided from May 23, 2019 through June 20, 2019.
d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #5 in the amount of $129,629.80 to Langman Construction Inc. of Rock Island, IL for the 2017/2018/2019 Catch Basin and Manhole Program for services provided from May 1, 2019 through June 18, 2019.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommended for Claims items c and d; Alderwoman Swanson 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: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
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: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
12. Claims for the weeks of June 21 through June 27, 2019 in the amount of $428,342.57 and June 28 through July 3, 2019 in the amount of $336,599.96; and payroll for the weeks of June 17 through June 30, 2019 in the amount of $1,549,982.17.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to allow the claims and payroll; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
13. Report from the Information Technology and Finance Departments regarding payment in the amount of $17,200.00 to Harris GEMS of Chicago, IL for a critical middleware software update for Harris GEMS, financial software used for all City budgeting and financial reporting.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to accept the report and authorize payment as recommended and authorize the City Manager to sign the scope of work for support services to assist with the update; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
14. Report from the Police Department regarding a one-year contract with the Rock Island-Milan School District for the services of the School Resource Officer for the 2019-2020 school year.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
15. Report from the Police Department regarding a one-year contract with the Rock Island-Milan School District for the services of the High School Resource Officer for the 2019-2020 school year.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and
Alderman Parker moved to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
16. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an Ordinance amending Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances relating to the housing code, nuisances, and refuse.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the proposed revisions to Chapter 7 as recommended and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
17. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an Ordinance amending Chapter 13 of the Code of Ordinances relating to solid waste.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the proposed revisions to Chapter 13 as recommended and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
18. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a Resolution appropriating $100,000.00 of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the 11th Street (US 67) Street Lighting Repairs.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to adopt the resolution as recommended; Alderman Hurt seconded.
Mayor Thoms asked when the project would start. Public Works Director Mike Bartels said the bid opening is July 16; the project will start after that.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
19. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Resolution accepting a grant of $40,000.00 from the Illinois Housing Development Authority for abandoned residential properties.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to adopt the resolution as recommended; authorize the Mayor, City Manager, and City Clerk to sign the Certificate of Incumbency; and authorize the City Manager to sign any future agreement subject to minor attorney modifications; Alderman residential properties.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to adopt the resolution as recommended; authorize the Mayor, City Manager, and City Clerk to sign the Certificate of Incumbency; and authorize the City Manager to sign any future agreement subject to minor attorney modifications; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderman Parker asked if it was a grant for demolition; he was told yes.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
20. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Jeff Whitaker, Principal of Rock Island High School, for the installation of handicapped parking spaces in front of the Rocky Field House from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. where the bus stop is located on 25th Avenue.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the installation of two (2) handicapped parking spaces as recommended; with the City paying for the labor and equipment and Rock Island High School paying for materials; and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
21. Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Allen Shay of CCKMA for a date change for their sound amplification permit from June 22 to Saturday, September 7, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Sunset Marina due to the extreme flooding.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the request as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
22. Report from the City Clerk regarding requests from Anthony Sconyers for a street closing of 9th Street between 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue on Friday, August 16, 2019 and Saturday, August 17, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for the Jazz and Heritage Festival with sound amplification to be held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Park.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the requests as recommended; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark. seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
23. Other Business
Mayor Thoms commented the Pride flags looked great and were well received. Alderman Geenen said The Clock Inc. grand opening was very well attended by staff. Mayor Thoms also received a compliment on the Rock Island flags coming off the Centennial Bridge. He said Mr. Tweet played a role in getting those flags.
Mayor Thoms said he received a letter that was very complimentary of several departments including Luke Vanlandegen and Mike Bartels of Public Works and Chris Brown of the Inspection Division.
Mayor Thoms said that Rock Island-Milan School District has 40 new employees and he was invited to be their tour guide to take them around Rock Island and show off the city this morning. Mayor Thoms said he enjoyed it a lot. He said it was good to collaborate and bond with the school district.
Mayor Thoms announced it was the first night of televising the study session which will be a separate program on YouTube. He said it would continue to be done in the future for transparency.
Alderman Geenen said July 8 marks the beginning of the National Week of Summer Learning. He noted that the Rock Island Library works with Spring Forward to keep children learning in the summer. On Thursday, there will be a special event at the TaxSlayer Center for a Day of Learning. Last year, they were one of the top three locations in the country with the most students attending. Alderman Geenen said it will feature 40-50 vendors. The event shows that Rock Island is a caring community. He thanked Angela Campbell and her staff for the work they do.
Mayor Thoms complimented the Parks Department on the Red, White and Boom fireworks event. He said they did an outstanding job and it was very well organized.
24. Executive Session: Executive Session:
5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(2) Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives.
5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(12) The establishment of reserves or settlement of claims as provided in the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act, if otherwise the disposition of a claim or potential claim might be prejudiced, or the review or discussion of claims, loss or risk management information, records, data, advice or communications from or with respect to any insurer of the public body or any intergovernmental risk management association or self insurance pool of which the public body is a member.
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 Poulos moved to go into Executive Session for the exceptions cited; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos 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: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
25. Motion to Adjourn
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to adjourn; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07082019-400
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