City of Rock Island City Council met Aug. 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. Call to Order
Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. and welcomed everyone.
2. Roll Call
Mayor Thoms asked the City Clerk to call the roll.
Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderman Mark Poulos, Alderman Dave Geenen, Alderman Randy Hurt, Alderman James Spurgetis, and Alderwoman Jenni Swanson
Absent: Alderman Ivory D. Clark and Alderman Dylan Parker
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
Jeffrey Rice, Rock Island resident, requested Council have northbound 17th Street striping re- done from 31st Avenue to 22nd Avenue and also direct vehicles to the center lane, not the right- hand lane. He explained at that section with the curve, vehicles are going at excessive speeds and the paint striping has faded.
Jillian Harper, Executive Director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association Iowa office, thanked the Rock Island Fire Department for their "Fill the Boot" fundraising. She introduced Gianna, a local recipient of MDA services to families. Ms. Harper said MDA is the leading non-profit health agency for approximately 40 neuromuscular diseases. She stated that because of the Fire Department's efforts, the MDA is able to help over 150 families in Rock Island. MDA focuses on innovations in care and science. They offer a camp for children from 6 to 17 years old which Gianna attends every summer. They have care centers for children and adults. The MDA offers an outreach clinic in the Quad Cities for patients to receive care locally and they have a loan closet for equipment. The MDA focuses on research which has led to eight ground-breaking drugs that have been approved by the FDA. Ms. Harper gave an example of one drug recently approved for a neuromuscular disease where the children usually don't live beyond two years. The one dose of the gene therapy treatment enables these children to have no signs of the disease. She said without the City's supprt and the firefighters' fundraising, these things would not happen. Ms. Harper said the Rock Island Fire Department raised $20,000 last year between their street collections and their golf tournament. She added they are a leader in their "Fill the Boot" collections.
Gianna thanked the Fire Department for raising money so she and other kids could go to MDA summer camp which she said is really awesome. She has been going for six years and she said there are so many cool activities. Ms. Harper stated Gianna used to be the state ambassador. She also said it is MDA's 65th anniversary with over $650 million raised. Ms. Harper said firefighter Justin comes out every year to the camp with other firefighters. Alderman Hurt thanked Ms. Harper for sharing and thanked the Rock Island Fire Department for their fundraising. Alderman Geenen commended Gianna for speaking to Council and said Gianna is a future leader. Mayor Thoms thanked Ms. Harper and Gianna for coming to speak.
Mayor Thoms said his family was in the audience for the first time since he became Mayor and he introduced his family.
6. Minutes of the July 22, 2019 meeting.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 voice vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
7. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
Park Community Cleanup Days – Grab your work gloves and join us at your local park for these 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. August 17 at Longview Park from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Thursday Night Groove Concert – Get your groove on with Funktastic 5 at Schwiebert Park sponsored by The Arc of the Quad Cities and Rock Island Happy Joe's on August 22. 6:00 p.m. begins the concessions including grill items, Happy Joes Pizza, & Bent River Brewing Company. Then at 6:30 p.m. dance lessons begin and that is followed by the concert from 7:00- 9:00 p.m. Admission is free so come on out and enjoy the fun!
Movies in the Park – Incredibles 2 – Bring the family and enjoy watching the Incredibles 2 movie at MLK Park on Friday, August 23. Cash concessions available for purchase at 7:00 p.m. Movie begins at dusk (7:45 p.m.). Presented in conjunction with the Martin Luther King Center.
Mayor Thoms announced River Action's Floatzilla event of kayaks and canoes will be at Sunset Park and Lake Potter on Saturday, August 17. They will be trying to break the world's record.
The count will be taken shortly after 1:00 p.m. For more information go to www.riveraction.org/floatzilla.
8. Announcement of the 2019 Rock Island Citizen of the Year Award Nominees and Winners
Alderwoman Swanson stated the Rock Island Citizen of the Year awards have been given annually since 1987 by the Mayor and City Council. She said the awards showcase outstanding people who often go unrecognized in the community. She explained the selection committee is made up of award recipients from the prior year, a member from the Labor Day Parade Advisory Committee, and the City Clerk. She said it is chaired by two current aldermen, herself and Alderman Dylan Parker. Nominees are interviewed by the committee members and then they select the award winners. Alderwoman Swanson said it was a very difficult choice to make as the committee interviewed many outstanding people. She stated Rock Island is truly honored to have so many amazing people who do so much for others. She explained the nominees will be recognized tonight and presented with a certificate. The winners in each category will then be announced. She said at the August 26 Council meeting, there will be a reception starting at 6:15 p.m. for the winners and the awards presentation will be done at the beginning of the Council meeting.
Alderwoman Swanson read the list of nominees in each category. Mayor Thoms presented their certificate of recognition. A picture was taken with Mayor Thoms. The award winner in each category was then announced.
Nominees in the Business category are: Under the Ginkgo Tree Nature School (Diann Gano), QC Coffee and Pancake House (Jose and Sarah Zepeda), Miller Container now known as Liberty Packaging, and Cool Beanz (Annette Hutto). The 2019 Rock Island Business Citizen of the Year is Cool Beanz / Annette Hutto.
Nominees in the Education category are: Andrea Parer, Jennifer Page Pierson, and Linda K. Dothard. The 2019 Rock Island Education Citizen of the Year is: Andrea Parer.
Nominees in the Individual category are: Tom Sparkman, Vicki Hess and Denny Anderson, Don Mewes, and Heidi Huiskamp Collins. The 2019 Rock Island Individual Citizen of the Year is: Heidi Huiskamp Collins.
Nominees in the Professional category are: Robb McCoy, Sarah Stevens, Natalie Linville-Mass, and Frank Nowinski. The 2019 Rock Island Professional Citizen of the Year is: Sarah Stevens.
Sarah Stevens' award was presented to her tonight as she is unable to attend on August 26 for
the awards ceremony due to a professional commitment. The 2018 Professional award winner, Ray Lind, spoke about Sarah's accomplishments.
Nominees in the City Employee category are: Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department, Jeff VenHuizen, and Carlos Jimenez. The 2019 Rock Island City Employee Citizen of the Year is: Jeff VenHuizen.
Nominees in the Organization category are: The Arc of the Quad Cities, Friends of Douglas Park, and Christian Care. The 2019 Rock Island Organization Citizen of the Year is: Christian Care.
Nominees in the Youth category: Anna Darrow. The 2019 Rock Island Youth Citizen of the Year is: Anna Darrow. Alderwoman Swanson said that although Anna was the only nominee in the Youth category, the committee was so impressed with her service record to the community, there was no doubt she would have been chosen to receive the award regardless. Alderwoman Swanson said Anna is leaving soon to go to Boston College and won’t be able to be here on August 26, so the committee is presenting Anna with her award tonight. The 2018 Youth award winner, Jada Veasey, spoke about Anna's numerous scholastic and athletic achievements and her volunteer work in the community.
Although there were no nominees this year in the Honorary category, there is a nominee who serves not just Rock Island, but the greater Quad Cities area. The committee felt they were deserving of receiving the Honorary Rock Island Citizen of the Year award: The Arc of the Quad Cities.
Alderwoman Swanson explained the awards committee created a new award this year called Committee's Choice for the nominee who has been nominated for several years and whose accomplishments are in a category by themselves for what the nominee has accomplished for Rock Island and is unmatched in the community. The Committee’s Choice Rock Island Citizen of the Year award goes to: Friends of Douglas Park.
The remainder of the 2019 Rock Island Citizen of the Year awards will be presented on Monday, August 26 at the Council meeting. At that time, the overall winner will be announced. The overall winner will be the Grand Marshal of the Labor Day Parade on September 2.
Alderwoman Swanson said the committee thanks those who took the time to submit nominations, the nominees who attended, the winners, and the committee who selected them. Mayor Thoms thanked the committee for their work.
9. A Special Ordinance removing a handicapped parking space at 1212 9th Street.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
10. Claims
a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $14,372.70 to David Morrison of Rock Island, IL for legal services rendered from June 28, 2019 through July 31, 2019.
b. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $9,975.00 to QC General for a general liability claim.
c. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $4,849.60 to Esurance for a general liability claim.
d. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $16,502.50 to Julia Ware for a general liability claim.
e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #2 in the amount of $87,165.00 to Sterling Commercial Roofing of Sterling, IL for the Raw Water Pumping Facility Roof Replacement Project for services provided from May 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019.
f. Reports from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $45,450.00 to Xylem Dewatering Solutions Inc. of Chicago, IL for the rental of pumps used from May 8, 2019 through July 2, 2019 during the flood along the Mississippi River.
g. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $11,260.47 to Davenport Electric Contracting Company of Davenport, IA for the emergency replacement of the southeast traffic signal at 17th Street and 1st Avenue.
h. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #3 and final in the amount of $112,580.00 to Putnam County Painting Inc. of Mark, IL for the Ridgewood Water Tower Rehabilitation Project for services provided from July 1, 2019 through July 19, 2019.
i. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #3 in the amount of $60,570.00 to Sterling Commercial Roofing of Sterling, IL for the Raw Water Pumping Facility Roof Replacement Project for services provided from July 1, 2019 through July 30, 2019.
j. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 in the amount of $55,679.34 to Centennial Contractors of the Quad Cities Inc. of Moline, IL for the 2019 Brick Street Repair Program for services provided from June 5, 2019 through June 28, 2019.
k. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $21,770.69 to Miller Trucking and Excavating of Silvis, IL for an emergency sanitary sewer repair at 2701 Karlburg Court.
l. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #22 in the amount of $1,139,292.00 to Civil Constructors Inc. of East Moline, IL for the Water Filtration Facility Project for services provided from June 21, 2019 through July 18, 2019.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommended
for Claims items a through l; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
11. Claims for the weeks of July 19, 2019 through July 25, 2019 in the amount of $689,885.71; July 26, 2019 through August 1, 2019 in the amount of $428,335.98; and August 2, 2019 through August 8, 2019 in the amount of $798,399.76; and payroll for the weeks of July 15, 2019 through July 28, 2019 in the amount of $1,517,709.01.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to allow the claims and payroll; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson.
Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
12. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the CDBG Funded Sidewalk Repair Project, recommending the bid be awarded to Centennial Contractors of the Quad Cities Inc. of Moline, IL in the amount of $160,000.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
13. Report from the Police Department regarding a one-year renewal of the contract with Community Home Partners for supplemental police services, expiring on September 30, 2020.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to authorize the renewal of the contract as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
14. Report from the Police Department regarding a Memorandum of Understanding with Rock Island County and the City of Moline for the 2019 Justice Assistance Grant.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to authorize the Memorandum of Understanding as recommended and authorize the Mayor, City Clerk, and City Attorney to sign the agreement; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
15. Report from the Finance Department regarding the Municipal Compliance Reports for the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2018 for the Police Pension Fund and the Fire Pension Fund.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to accept the reports as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Alderman Poulos abstained.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 4-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
16. Report from the Fire Department regarding a request from the Rock Island Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 26, to utilize the intersection of 30th Street and 18th Avenue for their annual Muscular Dystrophy Association "Fill the Boot" fundraising campaign on Friday, August 30, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Saturday, August 31, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and on Sunday, September 1, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the request as recommended; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 voice vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
17. Report from the Martin Luther King Center regarding Activity applications and street closing and sound amplification applications for their 32nd Annual King Center Family Fun Day Celebration to be held on Saturday, August 24, 2019 with a request that food vendor inspection fees and the sound amplification permit fee be waived.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the parade and the event, street closing and sound amplification requests, and the waiver of fees as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
18. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an amendment to the development agreement with Green Thumb Industries Inc. for the construction of a new facility at 8221 51st Street.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the amended terms as recommended; direct staff to work with legal counsel to draft an amendment to the development agreement; and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Poulos seconded.
Alderman Geenen asked what the amendment was. Community and Economic Development Director Chandler Poole said the original agreement signed last year dealt with GTI's Phase 2 expansion of their facility adding 60,000 square feet and another 100 jobs. Since then, the project has expanded from $8 million to $17 million. Mr. Poole said the amendment adds another two years of property tax reimbursement or $60,000 whichever comes first; the original agreement was for five years.
Mayor Thoms said it is a great project and great high-paying jobs. He said they are moving some of their operations from Chicago to Rock Island.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
19. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the proposed sale of City-owned property at 708-710 12th Street (Parcel 092243) to Horacio Marquez for customer parking and building access for the property Mr. Marquez owns at 700 12th Street.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to sell the property as recommended and authorize staff to draft a purchase agreement with a sale price for future Council action; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
20. Report from the Community and Economic Development and Public Works Departments regarding a request from the YWCA for assistance from the City of Rock Island for the disconnect of sewer and water services at the YWCA's newly purchased property at 1704 5th Avenue.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the request as recommended and instruct CED and Public Works staff to complete the water and sewer service disconnect; Alderman Poulos seconded.
Alderman Geenen abstained.
Alderman Spurgetis asked for a rough estimate of how many hours of labor. Public Works Director Mike Bartels said the number of hours can vary depending on underground issues, but approximately 12 hours for each of the disconnects. He said the estimated cost is about $10,000.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 4-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
21. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for the installation of a handicapped parking space at 2203 16th Street.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
22. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Aaron Schultz for the installation of 4-way stop signs on 23rd Street at its intersection with 6th Avenue.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the request as made and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Geenen seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis said he drove by the intersection to look at it; he believes it is in Alderman Parker's ward. He said there is a petition signed by the neighbors. No one was present from the neighborhood.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
23. Report from the Mayor regarding the reappointment of Dawn Wohlford-Metallo and Joedy Cook and the appointment of Erik Hansen and Amber Williams to the Arts Advisory Committee.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the reappointments and appointments as recommended; Alderman Geenen seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 voice vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
24. Report from the Mayor regarding the reappointment of Wanda Lambert, Sue McDevitt, and Jane Tschappat to the Beautification Commission.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the reappointments as recommended; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 voice vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
25. Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Kavanaugh's Hilltop Tavern for outdoor entertainment with sound amplification and the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol on their landing (deck) on Wednesdays and Thursdays until 9:00 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays until 11:00 p.m, and on Sundays until 9:00 p.m. for 2019.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the requests as recommended subject to complying with all liquor license regulations and subject to being shut down early if complaints are received; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderwoman Swanson asked if they have contacted residents or if they are waiting to do the notification. City Clerk Judith Gilbert replied that Kavanaugh's usually contacts the neighbors after the request has been approved. She added he is aware of the notification requirement. City Clerk Gilbert said the process is a little different for liquor license establishments regarding sound amplification.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
26. Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Kavanaugh's Hilltop Tavern for outdoor entertainment with sound amplification and the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol in the fenced-in portion of their parking lot on Saturday, August 24, 2019 from noon to 11:00 p.m. for their first Blues Brews n BBQ Fest at 1228 30th Street.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the requests as recommended subject to complying with all liquor license regulations and subject to being shut down early if complaints are received; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
27. Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from the Rock Island County NAACP for a street closing of 9th Street between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue with sound amplification on Saturday, September 7, 2019 from noon to 4:00 p.m. for the NAACP Community Day Celebration and Resource Fair to be held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center at 630 9th Street.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the requests as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
28. Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Matt Stoefen for a street closing of 22nd Street between 16th Avenue and 17th Avenue on Sunday, September 22, 2019 from noon to 7:00 p.m. for the annual Highland Park block party.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the request as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
29. Other Business
Alderman Geenen wished Alderman Parker a happy birthday. Mayor Thoms wished Alderman Clark a speedy recovery.
Alderman Poulos congratulated the Backwater Gamblers on placing 5th at the recent national tournament. He added one of the members may have set a new world's record for backwards water skiing in a circle. Alderman Poulos said the Backwater Gamblers have had a hard time this season with the river flooding. He invited everyone to attend the remaining Wednesday and Sunday evening performances.
30. Executive Session:
5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(6) The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body.
5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.
5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to go into Executive Session for the exceptions cited; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
31. Motion to Adjourn
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to adjourn; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 voice vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay:
None. Absent: Clark and Parker.
The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08122019-423
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