Rock Island City Council met Sept. 23.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Call to Order
Mayor Pro Tem Poulos called the meeting to order at 6:47 p.m. and welcomed everyone.
Roll Call
Mayor Pro Tem Poulos asked the City Clerk to call the roll.
Present: Mayor Pro Tem Mark Poulos, Alderman Dave Geenen, Alderman Randy Hurt, Alderman James Spurgetis, Alderwoman Jenni Swanson, and Alderman Dylan Parker
Absent: Mayor Mike Thoms and Alderman Ivory D. Clark
Staff: City Manager Randy Tweet, City Attorney Dave Morrison, City Clerk Judith Gilbert, and other City staff
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Pro Tem Poulos led in the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Moment of Silence
Mayor Pro Tem Poulos asked for a moment of silence. A moment of silence was observed.
Public Comment
No one signed up to address Council to speak on a topic.
Minutes of the September 9, 2019 meeting.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderman Hurt 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
Mayor Pro Tem Poulos read the Update Rock Island.
I-74 Bridge Construction – On Tuesday, September 24, 2019, the downtown Rock Island Library will host a free talk on the I-74 Bridge from Corridor Manager, George Ryan, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Whether you are a construction or engineer buff, or just curious, this is the chance to learn more about the new bridge and its progress. For more information please visit WWW.ROCKISLANDLIBRARY.ORG or call (309) 732-7323.
Thursday Night Groove Concert – Get your groove on with ‘Jason Carl & the Whole Damn Band’ at Schwiebert Park sponsored by ARC of the Quad Cities on September 26, 2019. Thursday Night Groove starts at 6:00 p.m. with concessions opening; including grilled items like hot dogs and brats, Happy Joe's Pizza, & Bent River Brewing Company will have seasonal drafts on tap. Then at 6:30 p.m., free dance lessons begin, and all of which is followed by the concert from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Admission is free, so come on out and enjoy the fun!
Columbus Day Refuse Schedule - During the week of the Columbus Day holiday, refuse, yard waste, and recycling will be on the normal collection schedule. The Drop-Off Center located at Millennium Waste, 13606 Knoxville Road, Milan will be open on Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to noon.
Free Leaf Bag Collection - The City of Rock Island is providing free leaf collection for its residential refuse customers. Bags will be available September 30, 2019 and collection will begin Monday, October 7. Customers must place the leaves in the approved paper yard waste bags and be placed at the normal refuse collection locations and days. Free leaf bags may be picked up at various locations throughout the City. Please visit WWW.RIGOV.ORG for more information.
8. A Special Ordinance declaring a 1997 Pumper Fire Truck as surplus property, authorizing disposal of said property, and authorizing the purchase of a 2020 Pierce Arrow Pumper Fire Truck.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson 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: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
9. An Ordinance amending Chapter 14, Article IV of the Code of Ordinances regarding the Arts Commission.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; 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.
10. An Ordinance amending Chapter 11, Article III of the Code of Ordinances regarding the Beautification Commission.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; 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.
11. A Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 2803 6th Avenue in front of the west entry door.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
12. A Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 909 21st Street.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
13. Claims for the week of September 6, 2019 through September 12, 2019 in the amount of $1,539,064.25 and payroll for the weeks of August 26, 2019 through September 8, 2019 in the amount of $1,482,696.80.
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.
14. ACH payments for the month of August in the amount of $3,689,508.72.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the ACH payments; 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.
15. Purchase Card Claims for the period of July 27, 2019 through August 26, 2019 in the amount of $54,599.44.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the purchase card claims; 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.
16. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Fiber Optic Cable Phase 12, Intersection Cameras Project, recommending the bid be awarded to Tri-City Electric Co. of Davenport, IA in the amount of $114,987.55.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson 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 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and
Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
17. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding bids for an emergency demolition at 531 20th Avenue, recommending the bid be awarded to Valley Construction Co. of Rock Island, IL in the amount of $19,525.00.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Hurt 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.
18. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an RFQ for a consultant to create the Business Registration Program, recommending the selection of Dana Murphy of Aledo, IL for the project in an amount not to exceed $22,000.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to table the item; Alderman Geenen seconded.
Alderman Parker explained that in the Goal Setting process this year, Council was interested in pursuing a comprehensive economic development services agreement rather than a piecemeal approach. He said he appreciates the Business Registration initiative. Alderman Geenen asked if it was time to reapproach DARI. City Manager Randy Tweet said he already did. He explained they had the opportunity to apply for the RFQ; he said the project is just to build a list. Mr. Tweet said the consultant would be contacting all businesses and determining if any of them are approaching retirement. He said this could be delaying the initiative for quite some time. He explained it would not interfere with any future efforts.
Alderman Parker thought it made more sense for the person who is contacting the businesses to also be doing the marketing of programs. Mr. Tweet responded they need the contact information and need to move forward on it. Alderman Spurgetis asked how the work was going to be done.
Alderman Geenen and Alderman Parker discussed simply tabling the item or tabling to a date certain.
Ms. Dana Murphy explained her methodology. She said she was the Director of Aledo Main
Street for five years and started a business directory. She said she had experience with meeting business owners and getting to know them and getting basic information about the business.
Alderwoman Swanson clarified that Ms. Murphy would be establishing a relationship with the businesses, but then it wouldn't go anywhere. Ms. Murphy replied the relationship would be determined by the City. She explained that you often have to make repeat visits to get all of the information. Mr. Tweet said the purpose of the contract is to build a business registry. Mr. Tweet said he encouraged DARI to apply and they were not interested.
Alderman Parker said he is just tabling the item, not voting it down. He stated it was his understanding there are conversations about having a comprehensive economic development services agreement and Council made that clear during Goal Setting. Mr. Tweet replied that is a long process and they wanted to get the business registry part done.
Alderman Spurgetis asked for more clarification from the City Manager regarding how critical the initiative is. Mr. Tweet said the City has no information on all of the businesses. Alderman
Spurgetis asked if the timing was critical; he asked if a delay of two to four weeks would make a difference. Mr. Tweet responded it would not be two to four weeks. Alderman Spurgetis asked Alderman Parker about tabling it to a date certain. Alderman Parker replied no; he wanted to table it until they have thoroughly vetted the process. He said while it is a good thing, he doesn't want to have one person making the initial contact and then a different person following up with the businesses. Alderman Parker explained they are really trying to build relationships with the business community. Mr. Tweet stated it was what Council asked for and on their timeline.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-1-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: Poulos. Absent: Clark.
19. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the sale of City- owned property at 708-710 12th Street (Parcel 092243) to Horacio Marquez of Coreline Investments, LLC for $1,500.00 plus closing costs.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the purchase agreement as recommended; authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; 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.
20. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the proposed sale of City-owned property Parcel 093806-D to Cresthill Preservation Group LLC for $500.00 plus closing costs.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the purchase agreement as recommended; authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis asked if the property includes the levee and bike path. Mr. Tweet replied yes; it does include the levee and bike path. Alderman Spurgetis asked if the City has an easement. Mr. Tweet stated most of the levee and bike path are included in other parcels and will be the same. Alderman Spurgetis said he just wanted to be sure that they have access to the levee and bike path.
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 Public Library Department regarding a Resolution authorizing the sale of library- owned property at 3059 30th Street.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to adopt the resolution as recommended; Alderman Geenen seconded.
Alderman Geenen said he was sad to see it go, but he was excited about the long-term plans the Library has.
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 Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2019 Budget for the purpose of purchasing the 2014 Ford F59 Bookmobile.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; 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.
23. Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2019 Budget for the purpose of purchasing the new Pierce Arrow Pumper Fire Truck.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; 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.
24. Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2019 Budget increasing the Downtown TIF Fund (201) expenditures by $60,000.00 to complete the Schwiebert Riverfront Park Playground project.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis asked if additional playground equipment would be purchased. Parks and Recreation Director John Gripp said there would be some additional playground equipment purchased that is inclusive and would be with limited access. Alderman Geenen said it is a great investment in the City's parks.
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 Public Works Department regarding a joint request from Sunset Marina and Kavanaugh's Hilltop Tavern for an outdoor event on City property at Sunset Marina with live music and sound amplification on Friday, October 11, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for a Halloween Party; a request from Kavanaugh's for the sale of alcohol at the event; and a request for the consumption of alcohol in the fenced-in area.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the requests as recommended, subject to complying with all liquor license regulations, and subject to being closed down early if complaints are received; Alderman Hurt 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. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from MidAmerican Energy for an easement to run underground electrical lines in the area of 2011 4th Avenue.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the request for an easement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the easement documents subject to any City Attorney modifications; 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.
27. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the "City of Rock Island Code Enforcement Policies and Procedures."
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the policies and procedures document as recommended subject to minor modifications as may be requested by HUD; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Alderman Parker asked for more information on the item and asked if it was separate from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Community and Economic Development Director Chandler Poole said it was separate. He explained the Code Enforcement Policies and Procedures establish how and what code inspectors will do and how HUD funds will be spent. Alderman Parker asked if the consultant helped draft the document. Mr. Poole replied yes. Alderman Parker asked if it was just for the inspectors working in the designated areas or all inspectors. Mr. Poole replied if the inspectors are paid for with HUD funds, the Policies and Procedures apply to them, including Housing Rehab staff.
Alderman Spurgetis asked if the penalties fee structure is the same as for the rest of the city. Mr. Poole replied they are the same.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
28. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the "Targeted Neighborhood Housing Stimulation Program Policies and Procedures."
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the TNHSP policies and procedures document as recommended; Alderman Hurt seconded.
Alderman Parker asked if it means the program is live and he can send people to the CED Department. Mr. Poole responded the program is established and HUD has reviewed it and gave the City some direction. He said they will submit it to HUD for acceptance after Council approves it. Mr. Poole said they will be determining how to reallocate staff; all of the pieces are coming together. Mr. Poole stated 1.5 staff will be allocated to the program.
Alderman Parker asked how residents should contact the City regarding the program. Mr. Poole explained that the program is for code enforcement; they will now be able fund some of the improvements that are needed. Mr. Poole said they will be notifying people in the three target areas. He said the program is for people whose homes have code violations, but don't have the money to fix the violations. He explained further that it is not the Housing Rehab program. Mr. Poole said the Housing Rehab program has a waiting list; the contact person is Anamaria Vera. Alderman Parker has constituents who would like to self report their code violations so that they can take advantage of the program.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
29. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the repair to the right-of-way parking at 321 21st Street at an estimated cost of $33,000.00 to be paid from the Downtown TIF.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the repair as recommended; direct staff to work with legal counsel to draft a development agreement with Patrick Stolley for maintenance of the area; and authorize execution of the development agreement by the City Manager; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis asked about the business and if he was the property and business owner. Mr. Patrick Stolley was in attendance. Mr. Tweet explained that it is the same agreement they have with dphilms regarding maintaining the property. Economic Development Manager Tarah Sipes stated Mr. Stolley owns the property and has a business in the building; she said there is more than one business in the building.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
30. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a third extension of the agreement with Saratoga Capital for the renovation of the property located at
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to accept the new proposed dates in the third extension of the agreement with Saratoga Capital as recommended and direct the City Manager to execute the contract extension subject to any City Attorney modifications; Alderman Geenen seconded.
Mayor Pro Tem Poulos stated that in June Council approved an extension to December 31. He asked if the new extension is not approved, then would they rely on the previous extension approved. City Attorney Dave Morrison stated that was correct; they are bound by the agreement approved in June. He said there were other dates in that agreement. Mr. Tweet said it was not a new extension; it is just a changing of the dates.
Discussion followed. Alderman Parker requested clarification; they are extending the dates and a better defining of the terms related to the dates. He asked if the agreement approved in June was never signed. Mayor Pro Tem Poulos said that was correct. Alderman Parker said it has been bogged down by both parties regarding language. He said there has been constant communication between the developer and staff during this time.
Mayor Pro Tem Poulos asked if the agreement was sent to the developer to be signed. Mr. Morrison replied his office sent it to the City after the meeting when it was approved. Mr. Tweet said they forwarded the agreement that Thursday after the meeting. He said then negotiations began regarding language in the contract. Mr. Tweet said it was a one page extension. Mr. Morrison said it did include conditions for repayment of funds.
Alderman Parker thinks there is some confusion with Council that nothing has been done over the last three months. He called the Rock Island County Assessor's office and all of the delinquent back taxes have been paid. He said it is in his ward and it is a very complicated project similar to the Hotel Blackhawk project. Alderman Parker asked if staff was recommending the extension. Mr. Tweet replied yes; that is correct.
Mr. Sam Estep addressed Council. He said both parties are engaged and working diligently, but it has taken longer than expected to work through certain issues. He said he is still excited about the project.
Alderwoman Swanson asked why there is a date of March 30, 2020 to acquire the property in the agreement. She said she asked Mr. Estep several times in June if he owned the property and he said he did. Mr. Tweet said that date is for closing on the financing. Alderwoman Swanson said the New Market Tax Credits will not be awarded until next May or June which is part of his financing. She wanted to know how the financing could be completed by next March without the New Market Tax Credits. She is not for approving the extension. She stated any changes to the agreement should have been brought up on June 24. Discussion continued.
In response to a question from Alderman Spurgetis, Mr. Estep said he was willing to sign the current agreement and Mr. Tweet said the City is willing to sign it as well.
Mayor Pro Tem Poulos asked Mr. Estep if he had his financing plan ready to present to Council as promised in June. Mr. Estep declined to answer. Discussion continued.
Mr. Tweet said the intent was the financing date would be six months after the agreement was signed. Since the signing was delayed for three months due to language issues, another three months should be added.
VOTE:
Motion did NOT pass on a 3-3-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Spurgetis, and Parker. Nay: Hurt, Swanson, and Poulos. Absent: Clark.
31. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Dave Knuckey, Principal of Longfellow Elementary School, for a "Bus Parking Only" space on the west side of 42nd Street adjacent to Longfellow School between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Mayor Pro Tem Poulos said it was a partnership with a private contractor to donate the labor and materials and he commended all involved.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
32. Other Business
Alderman Hurt thanked John Gripp and the Parks and Recreation Department and all of the volunteers who participated in the United Way Day of Caring to clean up several parks. Alderman Spurgetis said the clean-up was a huge success and thanked Arc of the Quad Cities and NPC 11 for the clean-up on 11th Street.
Mayor Pro Tem Poulos said three aldermen (Aldermen Hurt, Parker, and Poulos), the City Clerk, and the City Attorney attended the annual Illinois Municipal League conference last week and received very good training and got answers on some upcoming issues. He said it was worthwhile to attend.
Alderman Geenen reported the new Denkmann playground is up and running. Alderman Geenen also thanked the City Manager, Fire Chief Yerkey, and the City Clerk for attending his 7th ward meeting held at a recent block party. He said it was a fun time.
City Attorney Dave Morrison said he was asked by Mayor Pro Tem Poulos to research the taxation for the new cannabis law. He said IML had recommended municipalities pass an ordinance by September 30 for the retail tax. Mr. Morrison said he also called the Illinois Department of Revenue regarding the matter. They told him the law as currently written states municipalities must pass their ordinance by June 2020 to begin collecting the tax in September 2020. The dates may change in the upcoming General Assembly veto session. Mr. Morrison believes there will still be time to pass the ordinance before next summer. Mayor Pro Tem Poulos confirmed the City will be passing their ordinance in October. Mr. Tweet said it is unlikely that there will be any cannabis business in Rock Island before next summer and there is plenty of time.
33. Motion to Adjourn
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to adjourn to Monday, October 14, 2019; 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.
The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09232019-452
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