City of Rock Island City Council met Sept. 9.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. Call to Order
Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order at 6:48 p.m. and welcomed everyone.
2. Roll Call
Mayor Thoms asked the City Clerk to call the roll.
Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderman Dave Geenen, Alderman Randy Hurt, Alderman James Spurgetis, Alderwoman Jenni Swanson, Alderman Dylan Parker, and Alderman Mark Poulos
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
Chad Brewer, Rock Island resident, had questions about the driveway ordinance. He has front and side driveways with 12 inches of gravel for the back driveway. He was told he cannot park his camper or his Yukon on that surface. City Manager Randy Tweet directed Mr. Brewer to speak with Community and Economic Development Director Chandler Poole. Alderman Parker asked if gravel is allowed. Mr. Tweet responded he is not an expert, but it's not a permanent surface.
6. Minutes of the August 26, 2019 meeting.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
7. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
Thursday Night Groove Concert – Get your groove on with ‘Minus Six’ at Schwiebert Park sponsored by WHBF on September 12, 2019. Thursday Night Groove starts at 6:00 p.m. with concessions; including grilled items, Happy Joe's Pizza, & Bent River Brewing Company. Then at 6:30 p.m., dance lessons begin, and all of which is followed by the concert from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Admission is free, so come on out and enjoy the fun!
Fall Community Garage Sale – Over 6,000 square feet of shopping for toys, trinkets, furniture, clothing, antiques and much more for this year’s Fall Community Garage Sale. Event will be held at Longview Park on September 28, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Vendor space is available by calling (309) 732-7275. Admission is free so come check it out!
Quad Cities Vintage Football Game – Douglas Park was the site of one of the first ever professional football games between the Rock Island Independents took on the St. Paul Ideas. On September 28, 2019 a game will be recreated between the teams in a 1920s style 9 on 9 flag football game set to begin at 2:00 p.m. Complete with historical uniforms and game rules. For more information, please visit WWW.VINTAGEAMERICANFOOTBALL.COM.
8. Proclamation declaring September 15, 2019 through October 15, 2019 as Hispanic Heritage Month (Mes De La Herencia Hispana).
City Clerk Judith Gilbert read the proclamation. Louisa Ewert Terronez, a board member from the Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, accepted the proclamation. She thanked Council for the recognition.
9. Presentation of the 2019 Tell On Your Neighbor Awards
Mayor Thoms said it is the 45th year of the “Tell On Your Neighbor” event where neighbors nominate neighbors for their remarkably neat and well-maintained yards. Members of the Rock Island Beautification Commission also nominated yards for this year’s events. He said the program recognizes residents who make the extra effort to beautify their yards beyond the norm. The Beautification Commission believes these citizens should be recognized for their efforts which encourage others to keep well-groomed yards that are an asset to the City. Mayor Thoms explained the Beautification Commission viewed a photo slideshow of the nominated homes, and then selected the winners. This year, 14 Rock Island residents are being recognized for their efforts.
Staff liaison Kathy Douglass and Beautification Commission member Bob Towler presented the certificates. Pictures were shown of the following homes that received recognition:
Resident, 2700 21st Avenue; Michael Hines, 2113 28th Street; Ken Schroeder, 514 20th Avenue; Carrie Ann Crampton and Mary Ann Caruso, 2954 12th Street; Paul Wiener, 2808 38th Street; Dennis Sr. and Jane Woodward, 3406 14th Street; Patrick and Carole Frey, 527 21st Avenue; Sharon Kay Caldwell, 3236 24th Avenue; Theresa Laxy and Michael Payne, 4212 28th Avenue; Barbara Craver, 2712 32nd Avenue; Rose and Frank Edwards, 2540 19th Avenue; Eric Wood and Family, 2911 32nd Street; Shirley Hass, 643 39th Street; and Pam and Greg Young, 2453 20th Avenue.
A group photo was taken with the honorees and Mayor Thoms.
10. Presentation of the 2019 Rain Garden Awards
Mayor Thoms said the City’s Beautification Commission began the “Rain Garden” awards program 14 years ago to recognize the efforts made by citizens in creating and maintaining rain gardens through the City’s “Rain Gardens for Rock Island” program. Rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with perennial plants that are located near a downspout or an area that sheds noticeable amounts of rainwater. Mayor Thoms explained rain gardens provide beneficial functions that include reducing storm water runoff, flooding, absorption of pollutants and sustaining native wildlife. The Beautification Commission is recognizing four rain gardens this year.
Pictures were shown of the following homes that received recognition:
Tierney Brosius, 1816 36th Street; John and Robin Jurich, 2836 27th Avenue; Jerry Shirk, 4003 29th Avenue; and the Best Rain Garden was awarded to a collaboration between neighbors: Michael Mandel, 3510 30th Avenue and Joel Keim, 3500 30th Avenue.
Mayor Thoms thanked the Beautification Commission. Mr. Towler thanked City staff, especially Kathy Douglass who does a lot of the work for the programs.
11. A Special Ordinance authorizing acquisition of fifteen (15) Rock Island County tax auction properties for the total sum of $14,201.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Poulos seconded.
Alderman Parker asked for an explanation from Mr. Poole why the City is buying the properties. Mr. Poole replied that when the list of tax auction properties becomes available, his department plots them against properties the City currently owns to see if there are any contiguous properties or if any of them have structurally sound buildings on them that could be turned over to a developer. Each property is evaluated. Alderman Parker asked if any of the properties the City is buying have structurally sound buildings. Mr. Poole said he and former Chief Building Official Chris Young and staff toured the properties; there can only be an external evaluation of the properties before purchase. Alderman Parker asked about an RFP from a few months ago where a property was given to a developer to fix up. Mr. Poole responded they are still working through that process for the property on 44th Street and determining the scope of work.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
12. An Ordinance authorizing the issuance of four series of unlimited tax General Obligation Bonds,
Series 2019A for the refunding of all or a portion of the outstanding Taxable General Obligation Bonds, Series 2010A; Series 2019B for the refunding of all or a portion of the outstanding Taxable General Obligation Bonds, Series 2009C; Series 2019C for the refunding of all or a portion of the outstanding Taxable General Obligation Bonds, Series 2014B; and Series 2019D for the financing of street, alley and roadway improvement projects at an estimated cost of $2,000,000. (Second Reading)
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to pass the ordinance; Alderman Hurt seconded.
Alderman Parker asked Finance Director Stephanie Masson to provide an explanation of what the City is doing.
Ms. Masson said there are four series of bonds. The first series is a refunding of the Build America bonds paid from the wastewater fund; the rates have dropped. This will result in a savings of $200,000 for the City. The second series of bonds is a refunding of debt in the Columbia Park TIF and they are shortening the debt life cycle resulting in a total savings of $250,000 which can be used in the TIF. The third series of bonds is a restructuring of the next five years of principal in the Watchtower TIF and putting it at the end of the debt payment schedule and within the lifetime of the TIF. The fourth series of bonds is to reimburse the City for roadway improvement projects especially for the City's match for the 38th Street and 18th Avenue projects.
Alderman Parker rephrased the description of the bond issuance. The first two bond series are a refinancing to get lower interest rates. Alderman Parker objects to the last two bond series. He stated that in 2014, the City bonded debt (he called it as the equivalent of putting on the City's credit card) to demo and prepare the site for a potential development at the Watchtower site. He said the City is proposing paying less up front for the next five years because money is tight and tacking it on the end of the debt which increases the total amount of debt. Ms. Masson said assuming it is the same debt service schedule which she hopes it won't be due to a future development at the site. Alderman Parker said he understands why she is making the recommendation and appreciates her expertise to Council. He stated the City needs to pay their debt and not use "credit cards" (bonds). Alderman Parker said he has offered other options to pay for street repairs which still results in a net negative on expenses because streets don't generate revenue. Alderman Parker said in his opinion they need to bite the bullet and raise revenue.
Alderman Parker said there needs to be a trigger for decisions about bonding to go to referendum. He said when there is speculative development and a substantial amount of bonding was done to pay for a potential development, perhaps the decision should be made by the citizens. Alderman Parker asked what the total debt for the City is. Ms. Masson replied approximately $110 million. Mayor Thoms pointed out there are separate enterprise funds, for example, for the Water Filtration Facility. Alderman Parker said they should have the conversation about who gets to make these decisions about adding debt. Mayor Thoms said that is why they were elected and they are a home rule municipality. Discussion continued.
Alderwoman Swanson stated that other than the $2 million bonds to pay for the street repair, there is no other new debt. She added they are restructuring the rest of the bonds; if they didn't, they would have to significantly raise taxes. She said they are being fiscally responsible with what they have inherited to make it most palatable for the residents. She said she gets a lot of calls about the roads; she thinks the roads are a significant reason to take on debt for road improvements. She said they are a factor in people choosing to live in the city. Alderwoman Swanson said that once the higher payments come in the Watchtower debt, other debt will be paid off and it will be easier to make the Watchtower payments.
Ms. Masson stated the only new debt is the $2 million and there will be less debt at the end of 2019 than there was one year ago. Alderman Parker said he doesn't understand the restructuring of the Watchtower debt. Ms. Masson said they are adding more interest to the debt. Alderman Parker said the City still has to pay more money. Ms. Masson said it will add $1 million more in interest to 2037. The original bonding was $15 million. Alderwoman Swanson asked if there was a prepayment penalty on the bonds or if the land got developed. Ms. Masson explained there are call dates where the bonds can be paid off sooner. Discussion continued.
Mayor Thoms stated that there were several businesses that moved and expanded as a result of the Watchtower development; it was not a 100% loss.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-1-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Poulos. Nay: Parker. Absent: Clark.
13. Claims
a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $14,732.49 to David Morrison of Rock Island, IL for legal services rendered from August 1, 2019 through August 29, 2019.
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #2 in the amount of $65,715.00 to Greenspace Associates of Davenport, IA for the 2019 Sod Replacement Program for services provided from April 19, 2019 through August 5, 2019.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommended for Claims items a and b; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $21,044.97 to Valley Construction of Rock Island, IL for an emergency sewer repair on 14th Avenue and 38th Street.
d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #6 and final in the amount of $24,010.56 to Langman Construction Inc. of Rock Island, IL for the 2017/2018/2019 Catch Basin and Manhole Program for services provided from June 18, 2019 through July 29, 2019.
e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #23 in the amount of $622,503.50 to Civil Constructors Inc. of East Moline, IL for the Water Filtration Facility Project for services provided from July 18, 2019 through August 15, 2019.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommended for Claims items c through e; 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: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
14. Claims for the weeks of August 23, 2019 through August 29, 2019 in the amount of $450,198.93 and August 30, 2019 through September 5, 2019 in the amount of $168,905.44; and payroll for the weeks of August 12, 2019 through August 25, 2019 in the amount of $1,476,074.83.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to allow the claims and payroll; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
15. Report from the Public Works and Library Departments regarding the purchase of a 2014 Ford F59 Bookmobile from LDV Custom Speciality Vehicles of Burlington, WI in the amount of $166,524.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the purchase as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Alderwoman Swanson asked Library Director Angela Campbell to speak about the agenda item. Ms. Campbell thanked Mike and Alan from Public Works for their assistance and board members from the library (some were in attendance) and a special thank you to Kathy Lelonek from the Library Foundation for donating $100,000 to help pay for the mobile library.
Ms. Campbell said their community sessions wanted the library to focus on outreach efforts and purchasing a mobile library. She added that now their strategic plan has been implemented, it became a question of how to afford the mobile library. Ms. Campbell said she explored leasing options and then found this used mobile library which fits their needs. She shared with Council several ideas library staff have for bringing it out into the community and the flexibility it will give them to do pop-up events. She said they have more than books that will be offered by the mobile library, including programming. She said they are looking at selling advertising too. Ms. Campbell said they found a great deal with this purchase.
Alderwoman Swanson said the boards of the library and the foundation were both unanimous in their support of the purchase of the mobile library.
Alderman Geenen asked about retrofitting costs. Ms. Campbell said it is already outfitted with book shelves and will be ready to go including the lift trucks (for handicapped accessibility) except for the wrap of the vehicle. Alderman Poulos asked if there was staff to drive it. Ms. Campbell replied they are working on that. Ms. Campbell said Alan Vanderheyden of Fleet Services thoroughly checked out the vehicle. Alderman Parker asked if it would be a City fleet vehicle. Ms. Campbell replied it would be part of Fleet with the library's other vehicles.
Mayor Thoms thanked the Library Board and the Foundation.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and
Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
16. Report from the Public Works and Fire Departments regarding the emergency purchase of a 2020 Pierce Arrow Pumper Fire Truck from Global Emergency Products of Aurora, IL in the amount of $582,306.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the purchase as recommended; refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance declaring the current truck as surplus; and permission be given to staff to dispose of the truck in a manner most advantageous to the City; Alderman Poulos seconded.
Alderman Parker asked if the vehicle was a truck or engine. Chief Yerkey replied it is a pumper; they had two twin 1997 pumper vehicles and one has already been replaced. Alderman Poulos asked since it was an emergency purchase, what happened to the current pumper. Chief Yerkey responded there were multiple cracks in the frame and body work in the current one; it was unsafe. He added it is the same type of vehicle they bought in 2016. Chief Yerkey explained that is part of their plan so staff will be trained regardless of where they or the vehicle are assigned. Alderman Geenen asked if it was on the replacement plan; Chief Yerkey replied yes.
Alderman Parker asked if funding was allocated to replace it. Mr. Tweet responded there was money in the fleet amortization fund; it was due to be replaced next year. In response to a question from Alderman Geenen, Mr. Tweet said there will have to be an increase in this year's budget for the purchase. Public Works Director Mike Bartels said they will use 2020 funds to pay for it. Alderman Parker asked if there was one amortization fund. Mr. Bartels said it is one fund; all of the departments with vehicles contribute to the fund. Alderman Parker asked how is the spending determined between departments. Mr. Bartels said all of the departments meet and recommendations are made depending on the demand at the time. He explained that all vehicles are on a 20 year replacement plan.
Alderman Parker asked what the success rate is for replacing vehicles every 20 years. Mr. Tweet explained they use to replace all of the vehicles on time because the departments paid in every year to the fund. He said that they stopped paying into the fund for fiscal reasons a few years ago. He said the situation is new now and they taking vehicles as they need to be replaced. Mr. Bartels said they are looking at other options like leasing through Enterprise. He said they are looking at ways to replace what they need to with the funding they have.
Chief Yerkey stated the vendor can do the build time for the vehicle in a shorter time and there is also a prepayment discount. Alderman Poulos asked what are they doing in the meantime without the vehicle. Chief Yerkey responded they are looking at seven to eight months before they get the vehicle and for now, they are borrowing from other agencies. He added that this is done all the time.
Alderman Parker said it should be part of the budget conversations regarding not putting money into the fleet amortization fund. Mr. Tweet said Alan has good mechanics in the Fleet division.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
17. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding a proposed labor agreement between the City and Fraternal Order of Police Command Officers Association for the period of January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2021.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the proposed labor agreement as recommended 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: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
18. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an Ordinance providing for the sale of real estate properties in the H.O.M.E. program.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the list of properties for sale as recommended and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Alderman Parker asked for an update on the H.O.M.E. program. Mr. Poole said in 2018, they had 27 lots in the program and they sold one. He explained someone bought the lot next door to their property. Mr. Poole said they get a lot of inquiries. They are making changes to the program by bringing in six more lots. He explained originally in the first year, lots were only available for building owner occupied homes. They want to make it possible that in the second year, lots could be available for a developer to purchase and build on. He explained the goal is to get housing built on the lots.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
19. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a revised Ordinance amending Chapter 11, Article II, Division 1, Sections 11-16 and 11-17 relating to the Citizens' Advisory Committee.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the proposed changes 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: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
20. Report from the Public Works Department and Sunset Marina regarding a request from the Coast Guard Auxiliary Station at Sunset Marina to use the parking lot area and empty garage
space at the marina on Sunday, September 29, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to noon for their annual space at the marina on Sunday, September 29, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to noon for their annual fundraising breakfast and a request to hang their banner in Sunset Park at the drive-in entrance to Sunset Marina.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the requests as recommended; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Mayor Thoms said they do a good job with the breakfast. He added the boaters' party did well and the poker run was also a success. Mayor Thoms said Sunset Marina has been working hard to recover from the flood.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
21. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an amendment to Chapter 14, Article IV of the Code of Ordinances relating to the Arts Commission; appointment of all members of the Arts Advisory Committee to the Arts Commission with terms identical to those currently being served; and dissolution of the Arts Advisory Committee.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the proposed changes to the Code of Ordinance as recommended; approve other changes as requested; and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Poulos seconded.
Alderman Parker asked what the newly formed Arts Commission is going to do. Mr. Poole said it is not newly formed; the Arts Commission has been on the books since the 1970s. He said they want to use the commissions that are in the City ordinances and make it more of a working group, not an advisory one. He added the group was in favor of the recommendations made to Council.
Mayor Thoms asked if the group looks at art to be placed around the city. Mr. Poole said they do review public art and sculpture and receive recommendations for art placement.
Alderman Parker asked about the art parking meters they did two years ago. Mr. Poole said it created visual impact and there is $300 in the account generated from the parking meters. The Arts Commission has other project ideas for their group; they will need to figure out how to make the projects work and get them funded.
Mr. Poole told Alderman Parker the group is not involved in the artist markets held at Skeleton Keys.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
22. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an amendment to Chapter 11, Article III of the Code of Ordinances relating to the Beautification Commission and the reduction of membership of the commission through attrition from the current total of ten members to nine members.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the proposed changes to the Code of Ordinance as recommended; approve the membership change as requested; and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Poulos seconded.
Alderwoman Swanson asked how many terms are expiring. Mr. Poole said there are ten active members and they are not going to cut anyone. He explained when someone doesn't want to serve anymore, then the number of members will be reduced to nine.
Alderman Parker asked about merging Keep Rock Island Beautiful and the Beautification Commission. Mr. Poole responded that Keep Rock Island Beautiful is a stand alone entity. Alderman Geenen said it is a 501c3. Mr. Poole explained that Keep Rock Island Beautiful can apply for grants that the City cannot and is part of the national Keep America Beautiful organization. He said the City gives some funding to the group and they provide a great service of providing equipment for clean-ups. Mr. Poole said his staff is working with them to improve their reporting and board.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
23. Traffic Engineering Committee Requests:
a. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for the installation of a handicapped parking space at 2803 6th Avenue directly in line with the west entry door to the home.
b. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request for the installation of a handicapped parking space at 909 21st Street.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the requests as recommended for items a and b and refer to the City Attorney for ordinances; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
24. Report from the City Clerk regarding a Plaza Event application from Alpha Sigma Xi to hold a fundraiser "Flip the District" on Saturday, October 12, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with sound amplification; a request for consumption of alcohol in the fenced-in area; and a request for the waiver of application and event fees.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the event and requests as recommended, subject to complying with all Plaza and liquor license regulations, and subject to being closed down early if complaints are received; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and
Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
25. Report from the City Clerk regarding requests from Cool Beanz Coffeehouse and Radicle Effect Brewerks for a street closing of the portion of the alley between their two properties (1325 30th Street and 1340 31st Street) beginning at 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and sound amplification on Saturday, October 5, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the Augustana Homecoming 10 Year Reunion and a request for the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol in the enclosed area during the event.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the outdoor event and requests as recommended, subject to complying with all liquor license regulations, and subject to being closed down early if complaints are received; Alderman Geenen seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
26. Street Closing and Sound Amplification Requests:
a. Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Doug Womack for a street closing of 8th Street between 9th Avenue and 11th Avenue on Sunday, September 22, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a block party.
b. Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from Stephen Moller for a street closing of 22 1/2 Avenue between 25th Street and 26th Street on Saturday, September 21, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for a block party.
c. Report from the City Clerk regarding a request for sound amplification from the Rock Island High School Student Council on Saturday, September 21, 2019 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the high school (1400 25th Avenue) in the courtyard for their homecoming dance.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the street closing and sound amplification requests as recommended for items a through c; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
27. Other Business
Alderman Geenen said Evelyn Day is having a birthday and a block party and he will be having his 7th Ward meeting this Saturday, September 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the event. Information is on the Facebook page. He invited all 7th Ward and other City residents; he said some City staff will be there.
Alderman Parker stated there is no mention of affordable housing in the Downtown Revitalization Plan. He would like to discuss a simple amendment to the plan. He said it would affect developers who want to do development in the downtown. Mr. Tweet said it is worthy of a discussion and they can set it up for a study session although the schedule is rather booked. Mayor Thoms said Rock Island has its fair share of affordable housing. He agrees there is a need. He said it's important to have the right balance. He added it can affect other things in a negative way such as property taxes and average income looked at retailers. He said it needs to be weighed very carefully.
28. Motion to Adjourn MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to adjourn to 6:45 p.m., Monday September 23, 2019; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09092019-440
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