Rock Island Today

City of Rock Island City Council met Oct. 30.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The Rock Island City Council met at 6:04 p.m. at Riverfront Grille, 4619 34th Street, Rock Island, Illinois for the third installment of Unplugged. Present were Mayor Mike Thoms presiding, and Council members Randy Hurt, James Spurgetis, Jenni Swanson, Dylan Parker, Mark Poulos, and Dave Geenen. Also present was City Clerk Judith Gilbert. Alderman Ivory D. Clark was absent.

1. Call to Order

Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. and welcomed everyone. He explained that it is officially a City Council meeting so they must follow the rules of the Open Meeting Act for the meeting. He reviewed the new Public Comment rules and said they will have a motion to amend the rules for tonight. Mayor Thoms asked people to sign up if they want follow-up. He told them about the City’s POLCO engagement platform for residents to provide feedback to the City regarding various issues. He said there is also available the City Manager’s phone number to text him if they have comments, questions, or problems. Mayor Thoms said the theme is they want to be transparent.

2. Roll Call

Mayor Thoms asked the City Clerk to call the roll.

Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderman Randy Hurt, Alderman James Spurgetis, Alderwoman Jenni Swanson, Alderman Dylan Parker, Alderman Mark Poulos, and Alderman Dave Geenen

Absent: Alderman Ivory D. Clark

Staff: City Clerk Judith Gilbert

3. Motion whether or not to allow more flexibility with the Public Comment Rules for this special meeting.

MOTION:

Alderman Poulos moved to allow more flexibility with the Public Comment Rules for the special meeting; Alderman Parker seconded.

VOTE:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.

Council members introduced themselves.

4. Public Comment

A resident asked when there would be businesses on 11th Street (Watchtower property). Mayor Thoms replied they are focusing on retail and have made several contacts; but the responses have been “not at this time.” He said they need a grocery store there. Alderman Geenen stated one of their goals is to address the food desert in the neighborhood. Alderman Spurgetis stated the reality is the City does not have a lot of control because grocery stores require certain demographics of income, population, and other criteria. He said the City will continue to try and get a grocery store. Alderman Spurgetis spoke about NPC-11, a consortium of 15 non-profits on 11th Street who meet regularly and work with the City on issues. Alderman Parker said City staff does a remarkable job of approaching things holistically and with collaborative approaches; he gave an example of getting the streetlights lit on 11th Street. He said Council is reassessing how they do economic development and looking at public-private partnerships with an economic development services agreement. He explained the City has a limited amount of resources.

A resident asked if the City will sell or give away the 11th Street property. Mayor Thoms replied all options are open; he said they have a $15 million investment in the property. He explained they have given property to developers in the past. There are a number of factors to consider. Mayor Thoms said Council must give approval to give property for development.

A resident stated that 38th Street is the gateway to south Rock Island and there is an eye sore with cars for sale there. Alderman Geenen spoke about neighbors holding people accountable. He said if anyone wanted to develop the property on 11th Street, Council is very open to giving the property or selling it for $1. Alderman Parker discussed incentives and said this Council has been good at creating incentive packages where the City is not left holding the bag. He said expectations are made clear to developers.

A resident asked about light industrial on 11th Street like an Amazon distribution center; she stated the streets need to be taken care of; and she is concerned about RIFAC losing members to the YMCA when they come to town. Alderwoman Swanson informed the audience that the City’s local gas tax has now been allocated to streets; there is money in the budget for street repairs. Alderwoman Swanson said they have a three to five year plan with a priority list for streets. She said the library will have a partnership with the Y; she added RIFAC management has met with the Y and they don’t feel there will be a conflict. She said RIFAC has a pool and the Y will not have a pool. Alderwoman Swanson said the Y has more programming especially health classes. The facility will be very family oriented. Alderwoman Swanson said she is a library board member.

A resident stated speed limit signs are needed on 30th Street and 38th Street.

A resident from the 1st Ward on 14th Street brought up the gun violence and asked how the neighbors can best work together with the schools and the police. She said there is gun violence even during the day. Alderman Poulos said he worked for the Police Department for 33 years and said neighbors need to call 9-1-1 for something critical or call the Police Department for non-emergencies. He said it takes cooperation from the community; he added there are neighborhood cameras now. The resident asked about prevention. Alderman Poulos offered to set up a meeting with the Police Chief to figure out a plan. He explained the gun violence will not stop overnight. Alderman Geenen said they should keep doing what they’re doing; he said crime rates are going down. He said their neighborhood is organized which is good. He asked them to share their ideas with their alderman and the police department. Alderman Parker said it is an important, but complicated issue. He said the City has been investing in getting cameras in all the neighborhoods over time. Alderman Parker said there is a community needs survey being done now for the west side. He advocates for alternatives to policing. Mayor Thoms said if residents have any thoughts on preventing gun violence, they should contact the City or Council. He said they are trying to get neighbors involved in their communities.

A resident said he is pleased with the current Council and Mayor, but he is concerned about marijuana and would like the City to reconsider. He said in his experience using marijuana is the start of chemical dependency. Mayor Thoms said there will be a dispensary in Milan. He explained that even if the City banned a marijuana dispensary or infusion, citizens would still have access to it. He said he is personally against it, but he likes the financial side of it. Mayor Thoms explained that the City will have expenses related to legalized marijuana so they need to get revenue to help with those expenses. Alderwoman Swanson said she is not a fan of marijuana, but you can’t pretend it’s not going to happen because it will be legal in Illinois. She said Council is choosing to embrace it, regulate it, and set parameters and ordinances on where it can be. They are trying to control it as best the City can. She said the City will have expenses related to it, so they need to control it by keeping it in industrial districts and limiting it in other areas. Alderman Hurt said he is in agreement with Alderwoman Swanson and the Mayor and that he is not in support of recreational cannabis. He understands there are financial gains for the City. He said Council just approved the zoning of cannabis businesses. He is not a fan of the cafes or infusions. He said Council is very responsible and there will be many unknowns that the Police Department and Council will be facing. Alderman Parker clarified that state government approved the law to legalize cannabis. He explained the City cannot ban the consumption of marijuana. Alderman Parker said there is the flip side of how much social injustice has occurred by the prohibition of cannabis and people being jailed for it. Alderman Poulos said he worked in narcotics for ten years; if they can use the money to reduce taxes, that must be considered. Alderman Geenen said they are trying to find new revenue sources in order to keep down taxes.

Larry Hunter said he would like to build a pro football museum on the 11th Street property.

A resident said his street (31st Avenue) needs to get fixed. He wanted to know how streets are selected for fixing. Mayor Thoms replied there is a scoring system that has several factors and are then prioritized plus calls from residents. He said this Council approved the local gas tax to go towards street repair which will be new dollars allocated to street repair. He explained there used to be a 50/50 street assessment to pay for street repairs. He said the City is going backwards with street repairs, but the City doesn’t have the money to fix all of the streets even though it is a priority. Mayor Thoms told the audience that the State of Illinois did the 38th Street and 18th Avenue resurfacing projects with the state paying 80% and the City paying 20% of the cost. Alderwoman Swanson said her street was one that residents had to pay for with a special assessment; she still has several years of payment left. Alderman Spurgetis said they have to do street patching because of lack of funds. Alderman Hurt said his road was paid for with a special assessment. He stated the Public Works Department is fantastic and has been very responsive.

Mayor Thoms said 15th Street off Centennial Bridge is not owned by the City; it is a state highway and is in terrible shape. The City has no control over streets it doesn’t own. He said 15th Street should be repaired in the spring. The City did the engineering for the project.

A resident said the Public Works Department does an awesome job of snow removal. However, she lives in a cul-de-sac and couldn’t get out last winter. She asked how snow removal was prioritized. Mayor Thoms said there is a plan with the major streets and hills getting priority (and ambulance routes), but sometimes they miss a street. He encouraged residents to call in if their street doesn’t get plowed. The City can track the trucks and where they are on the snow routes.

A resident stated ice is the problem. He said they need an ordinance prohibiting people from pumping their sump pump out to the street. The audience told him there already is an ordinance.

A resident asked if there can be one credit card for the City to pay all the bills and get cash back. Mayor Thoms said he could not address that because he didn’t know if the City would be allowed to do that.

Evie White said there have been three or four accidents every time there is snow in front of her house with cars sliding down 24th Street into her property. She wants a sign warning drivers. Mayor Thoms said he would look into it for her.

A resident asked if the economic development position will be replaced. He said there should be someone to represent the City’s interests. He asked what the plan is. Mayor Thoms said the position will be filled, but it may or may not be a City employee. He explained it may be a partnership with another organization. Mayor Thoms said it is being reviewed and they are determining if the department should be reorganized. He stated it is the City Manager’s decision for hiring that position with input from Council. Alderman Geenen said they want what’s best for Rock Island. Alderman Parker said they continue to promote the City’s economic development interests through agreements with Quad Cities First and the Development Association of Rock Island (DARI); there is also staff doing the work.

In response to comments about the library, Mayor Thoms said the City does not own the library facilities or have control over the library; they have a separate tax levy. He said he does make the appointments to the library board, but they are independent and make the decisions. A resident said the library project process leaves things to be desired; he is concerned about funding and the lack of 30/31 for two years before the new facility may be ready if the project even goes forward. Alderwoman Swanson explained a feasibility study for the fundraising is being done now to see if the funds can be raised for the project. She said they are not committed to the purchase yet and the library and the Y will submit the project to the Contributors’ Council after they get the results of the feasibility study. Alderwoman Swanson said the 30/31 library facility requires a huge investment to maintain. She said the library has acquired a mobile library. She said it will be able to go in previously underserved areas and bring resources to children in the community. She said the Tri-City Jewish Center is a viable option.

Bridget Ehrmann from the Broadway neighborhood said she would like to see Neighborhood Partners revitalized and see more neighborhoods organized to deal with crime and retention.

Mayor Thoms said he would love to see that and encouraged more neighbors to organize. He said the City will assign a staff liaison to neighborhood organizations and will help in any way they can. Alderman Parker said the Community and Economic Development Department could apply more resources to the community if they had the private-public partnerships discussed earlier. He said the reality is there is a limited number of staff. He said the City has to innovate and change the way they do economic development.

A resident complained that she can’t buy gifts or clothing in town or eat at an upscale restaurant. Mayor Thoms said they have tried to attract more retail, but the demographics are not right (population, traffic count, income, etc.). He added many retailers will not invest in brick and mortar stores with the City’s demographics. Mayor Thoms said the City is trying to attract business. Alderman Parker stated there are several small unique boutiques in Rock Island. He said the City needs to do a better job of marketing what we have in Rock Island. He encouraged residents to shop local at Rock Island stores.

A resident complained about the railing behind the Genesius stage at Lincoln Park; it is dangerous. Alderman Parker said last week, staff met with Genesius Guild and there is a plan to address the issues there.

Louie Alongi stated this is the best City Council in years (audience applauded) and tonight’s event was a great idea. Mayor Thoms gave credit to Jason Wild, the City’s marketing person, for the event. Mayor Thoms announced the summer festivals have been taken over by The Daiquiri Factory. Mr. Alongi suggested getting ideas from business owners.

Alderwoman Swanson encouraged residents to buy their gas locally in Rock Island and the money will be reinvested in Rock Island streets. She said buying gas in Iowa takes money away from Rock Island streets.

Mayor Thoms mentioned the Rock Island Forward videos which are positive and show many places in Rock Island. He encouraged residents to view them and pass them on to others; it is positive news. The audience was in favor of holding more Unplugged events with Council.

5. Motion to Adjourn

MOTION:

Alderman Parker moved to adjourn; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.

VOTE:

Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.

The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10302019-465