City of Rock Island City Council met Nov. 11.
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. He thanked all veterans including Randy Tweet and Mark Poulos and the spouses and families for their service and dedication. He said it was a great day to honor the veterans.
Mayor Thoms announced Alderman Randy Hurt would not be at the meeting tonight as planned.
2. Roll Call
Mayor Thoms asked the City Clerk to call the roll.
Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderman James Spurgetis, Alderwoman Jenni Swanson, Alderman Dylan Parker, Alderman Mark Poulos, and Alderman Dave Geenen
Absent: Alderman Randy Hurt and 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
Ann Almquist thanked veterans for their service; she comes from a military family. She explained GTI workers organized and reached majority status for a union. GTI has failed to respond. Ms. Almquist asked the Mayor and Council to stand with their constituents and hold GTI accountable to obey the law.
Scott Beaird, Vice President of Teamsters Local 371, said he respects the service of all veterans. Mr. Beaird said they want recognition from GTI of the majority status. He asked Council to hold GTI accountable; he said GTI has broken several laws. He invited Council to contact him to sit down and discuss the situation.
Terri Elliott, Rock Island resident, said she thought when she came to Council last time to discuss her sewer issues, everything would be taken care of. She said the City offered her $9,500 which does not cover her expenses by $1,000. She said she doesn't have the $1,000 and has a lien on her house because of it. She had sludge residue from the problem. She was told by Mr. Castelein that the City would only pay for expenses after the sewer line collapsed on May 31. However, she had expenses prior to that for scoping the line, etc., following the instructions of Mr. O'Brien. City Manager Randy Tweet asked for her phone number; he is not familiar with all of the details, but he will look into it for her.
6. Minutes of the October 28, 2019 meeting.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 voice vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Clark.
7. Minutes of the Executive Session of October 28, 2019.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the Executive Session minutes; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 voice vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Clark.
8. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
Holiday Garbage Collection – garbage and yard waste collection will be on the normal collection schedule during the week of the Veteran’s Day holiday; however, due to the inclement weather, curbside recycling collection will be one day late all week. The Drop-Off Center located at Millennium Waste, 13606 Knoxville Road, Milan will be open on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 noon.
Community Comforts Donation Drive - Through the month of November Rock Island Public Library will be hosting their first Community Comforts Donation Drive, which aims to collect resources for Rock Island organizations fighting homelessness and housing insecurity. They are collecting toiletries, non-perishable shelter food, paper products, cleaning supplies, and new clothing. Collection boxes are at each library location through November 30th. As we prepare for another long winter, please think of those in need and give today. Thank you for your generosity!
Learn about Cannabis Legalization - In a major change to Illinois law, recreational-use cannabis will be legalized in 2020. To help answer questions about impacts and issues of this new law, the Rock Island Public Library and City of Rock Island Community and Economic Development department will host a panel discussion on Tuesday, November 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street. The moderated discussion features experts in human resources, law and law enforcement, medicine, government, and the cannabis business. Attendees may submit questions in advance at Rock Island Public Library locations and at the event. Beverages and light refreshments will be available. The event is free and open to the public.
30th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner - November 24, 2019, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. Come enjoy a delicious, free Thanksgiving meal and warm holiday cheer. All are welcome! Thanksgiving at the King Center is about community and hospitality. It’s about welcoming friends and family to share a meal that has been lovingly prepared – because that is what people do during the holidays. Dine-in only (no carry-out) on November 24th. To schedule a delivery of 20 or more meals on November 23rd, please call (309) 732-2999.
9. Proclamation declaring November 11, 2019 as Rock Island High School Boys Soccer Day.
City Clerk Judith Gilbert read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms presented the proclamation to the coach and team members. A picture was taken of Mayor Thoms with the entire team.
10. Presentation of the Financial Management Report for the Third Quarter 2019
Finance Director Stephanie Masson presented the Financial Management Report for the Third Quarter. She said the benchmark is 75% for the third quarter. Governmental funds are at 67% of revenues and 69% of expenditures. The total City position (including governmental, proprietary, fiduciary, and component funds) is 81% revenues and 52% expenditures with $29.143 million available cash across all funds. She explained this equates to 78 days of operating funds. She added principal and interest payments of $5.3 million are due December 1.
Ms. Masson reviewed General Fund expenditures by departments. She said most departments are under 75% for a total of 69% of budget. Ms. Masson said the General Fund is more challenging to balance, but it is on track.
Ms. Masson said the state and local tax revenue analysis was mixed news. She stated Income Tax is trending ahead of budget, consistent with the second quarter. Ms. Masson expects Income Tax revenues will finish the year ahead by $400,000. She expects the Replacement Tax will finish year end $800,000 ahead of budget. She said the trend for Sales Tax and Local Option Sales Tax will miss budget which should be kept in mind for the 2020 budget. Ms. Masson said she estimates the Use Tax will finish $100,000 ahead of budget. She said the Utility Tax is pretty even and should finish on budget. The Telecom Tax was budgeted for $775,000, but she expects it will miss budget by $40,000. Ms. Masson said this tax continues to decline. Food and Beverage Tax is a locally collected tax and is running a little behind budget. She said Gaming Tax was budgeted for $4.4 million and it is looking like it will be closer to $4.3 million which is what the City received in 2018. Ms. Masson stated that current collections are at $16,495,035.
Ms. Masson presented a summary of investments at the snapshot point of September 30. She noted that cash balances fluctuate especially in December and April; in December because of the principal and interest payments. She also presented earnings or interest on the City's investments as well as a breakdown of funds by financial institutions. She reminded Council that all funds are collateralized. A Capital and Major Project Expenditure Status Report was presented for all projects and payments to date with projects 66.54% complete.
There were no questions from Council.
11. Presentation of the CY 2020 CIP Budget
Ms. Masson presented the CY 2020 proposed CIP Budget. She explained the CIP is a five-year prioritized listing of projects which begins with departments submitting requests which are then reviewed and compared to available funding sources. The CIP is supported through multiple funding sources such as Gaming, Enterprise funds, the General Fund and other funds. Ms. Masson said as staff review the requests, they try to be consistent with the City's priorities and finances.
Ms. Masson stated the current 2020 CIP Budget contains $14.4 million in total projects spending, made up of 41% miscellaneous projects, 6% water projects, and 8% streets projects. She reviewed the 2020 CIP funding sources with 36% coming from TIF funds, 31% from Gaming, 19% from user fees, plus Fleet, contributions and grants, local gas tax and the General Fund. New funding categories this year are the local gas tax and the General Fund. Ms. Masson explained Gaming has been funding General Fund projects.
Ms. Masson reviewed the 2020 CIP focus areas: miscellaneous (45%), water and wastewater (13%), storm water (5%), streets (8%), fleet and equipment maintenance (5%), and debt service (24%). Utilities projects include water main replacement, engineering, and a rate study totaling $820,000; sanitary sewer replacement and a rate study totalling $1,092,500; and outfall work and storm sewer reconstruction totaling $764,500. She explained that they need to do a rate study for the utility funds. Ms. Masson said there may be changes in the Enterprise funds for the CIP which are fluid and always changing. She said on December 9, when the appropriations ordinance is brought to Council, any changes in the CIP will be highlighted.
Streets projects include $575,000 for the 31st Avenue engineering costs for the resurfacing and primarily for the Blackhawk Hills and River Heights Road reconstruction; and $600,000 for street maintenance including mill and fill, sidewalk repair, brick street repair, and concrete street patching. Ms. Masson noted the change when Council passed a resolution allocating the 5 cents per gallon local gas tax and dedicating it to streets. She said they have set up a special fund for those receipts whereas previously the monies went into the General Fund.
Ms. Masson stated that contributions to non-profits account for 3% of the CIP which also includes funding for events such as the Labor Day Parade and Red, White and Boom. They try to make the CIP contributions a transparent process. Other CIP projects include building maintenance at City Hall, marketing and citizen engagement initiatives, partial funding for a tree canopy study, body worn cameras; and economic development programs including facade improvement, demolition, rebates, and other program support.
Ms. Masson said they carry over funds (gaming and other funds) which were not used in the previous year. For 2020, the Gaming and General Fund carryover will be $4,501,661. These funds will be used primarily for debt service (76%) and also for contributions (11%), miscellaneous (11%), and 1% for streets.
Ms. Masson presented the detailed CIP project spreadsheet with requests and recommended funding amounts over five years. She explained it is categorized by department and then funding source. She noted the TIF related projects which are all of the development agreements paid from TIF funds. The detail of debt service payments is also included in the spreadsheet. Ms. Masson said the departments will be talking to Council next week at the annual Budget session about what they have requested. Streets projects include the state motor fuel tax funds as well as the local gas tax receipts. This will allow the City to accomplish bigger street projects. Ms. Masson said two refuse haulers and a mini excavator for sewer projects will be purchased. She said the fire truck purchase approved earlier in the year had a partial payment made in 2019 with the balance to be paid in 2020.
Alderman Parker asked if an executive summary of what the non-profits are doing with their contributions and how they are using taxpayer dollars could be provided to Council. Mr. Tweet said they could put that information in one document and provide it to Council this week. Alderman Parker also asked if the recipient non-profits have affirmative marketing plans following HUD guidelines. Mr. Tweet responded that is not typically looked at when funding. Budget and Grants Manager Colleen Small-Vollman said most of the organizations receiving funding are too small to do such a plan and it has never been a requirement. She explained HUD would never require that and she would not implement such a policy; it would require revamping everything. Alderman Parker said perhaps it is a bigger conversation for Goal Setting. He said the City controls the purse strings and should add requirements to benefit all of the populations of Rock Island.
Alderman Parker asked if his colleagues would support using surplus funds in the current year's Neighborhood organizations funds to give to Parks and Friends of Hauberg for the many physical improvements that are needed. Ms. Masson said if they wanted to make those changes, the CIP plan would need to be amended; she would have to verify the 2019 line item. She explained the CIP plan is not being voted on tonight. Alderwoman Swanson said they still have a deficit budget and are still in the hole. She stated she supports Hauberg, but any unspent money should go to help the whole City. Mr. Tweet said staff will review and make a recommendation.
Alderwoman Swanson asked if the Library HVAC project will be part of the performance contracts. Mr. Tweet replied the $2 million figure is for a complete replacement.
12. Presentation of the CY 2020 Budget
Ms. Masson presented the proposed CY 2020 Budget. She explained she will review budget goals, high-level city-wide expenditures and revenues, General Fund expenditures and revenues, Public Works and the Enterprise funds, the Park and Recreation fund and the Library, and the proposed property tax levy in the budget. She noted there are forty (40) different funds that must be budgeted.
Ms. Masson reviewed the budget goals: balanced budgets and using reserves consciously; keeping financial impacts to Rock Island citizens and businesses to a minimum; continuing to provide quality services which citizens deserve and expect; being fiscally responsible and following appropriate financial policies; and to maintain the City's current financial position and improve its future financial position.
Ms. Masson said the entire City budget is $122.8 million in expenditures which is just a little less than the 2018 budget. The budget covers nine departments and forty funds. The largest fund is the General Fund with $38.4 million followed by water, sewer, storm and refuse with $27.6 million. Economic development includes the seven active TIF district funds with expenditures of $8.0 million. Ms. Masson explained all other funds include the marina, MLK, gaming, health and liability insurance, and fleet totaling $14.9 million. She reviewed the total budget by category with the largest portion being personnel totalling $52.2 million and representing 42.5% of the total expenditures. Ms. Masson noted that personnel costs are up 2.6% from last year. Services are $28.2 million; debt service is $11.2 million; and transfers are $11.1 million.
Ms. Masson reviewed revenues totaling $110.8 million for 2020, slightly higher than last year. Charges for services (Enterprise funds: water, sewer, refuse, stormwater, and ambulance) total $25.7 million and account for 23% of the revenues. Other revenues include internal service, fiduciary, and pension funds accounting for $26.6 million. Property taxes of $19.5 million include the property tax levy and TIF revenue. Local and state taxes are $25.0 million in revenue.
Ms. Masson presented a chart of projected state and local taxes for 2020 with Gaming and Sales and Use Taxes both at $4.3 million and Income Tax at $4.2 million. All of these taxes account for 23% of total revenues and are projected to be up 1% from last year. Ms. Masson reminded Council that the state takes a portion (5%) of the Income Tax from the City. The local gas tax is $0.5 million which will be transferred to a new fund for street maintenance.
Ms. Masson explained the budget challenges facing the City: the majority of expenditures are personnel related; revenues are not keeping pace with expenditures; and the state budget impacts and reductions due to administrative fees affect the City's budget. The streets funding initiative and the P25 Radio financing were also challenges to the budget. Ms. Masson said the police and fire pension costs are also a budget challenge; she provided a multi-year history of costs. She noted that the costs are actuarially determined. IMRF contributions also increased. Seventy percent of operating costs are related to personnel expenses.
Ms. Masson discussed some proposed budget solutions: expenditure reductions including holding expenses even; delaying filling vacant positions or eliminating them; delaying vehicle purchases; delaying contracted street maintenance, resurfacing, and reconstruction projects; and guidelines to departments to reduce materials, supplies, and professional development. Revenue increases in ambulance fees and the cannabis tax are proposed; other changes will be brought forward too. Ms. Masson said a final solution is the use of reserves. She explained the City financial policy is to maintain 60 to 90 days of reserves. They will consider utilizing some reserves.
Ms. Masson spoke about the process in delaying filling vacant positions or eliminating them. The City reduced its full-time equivalent (FTE) positions by seven from last year and since 2003, the City has reduced FTE by 38 employees across the entire City.
Ms. Masson next reviewed the proposed 2020 budget for the General Fund with revenues of $37.4 million (up $1.7 million from last year) and $38.5 million in expenditures (increase of $2.2 million) with a deficit of $1,061,768. She provided a breakdown by departments with Police being the largest at $15.6 million (41%), Fire at $10.5 million (27%) and Public Works at $5.9 million (15%). She stated 83% of the General Fund budget is public safety and Public Works. When the General Fund expenses are broken out by categories, personnel accounts for 76% or $29.2 million of expenditures and services account for $6.6 million or 17% of the expenditures. Salaries are 55% of the personnel expenses with pension costs including IMRF, police and fire, FICA and Medicare employer contributions accounting for almost 29%. Health insurance is the third largest expense of personnel with costs of $2.8 million. Salaries, pension costs, and health insurance account for 94% of the personnel expenditures. She also presented a breakdown of personnel expenditures by department. Public safety (police and fire) account for 79.5% of personnel costs.
Ms. Masson presented a breakout of the Public Works Enterprise four major funds (water, wastewater, stormwater, and refuse) of $27.6 million and by categories. She noted debt service in wastewater is the largest expense at $4.6 million for IEPA loans and wastewater has the largest budget at $13.7 million.
Ms. Masson said the Parks and Recreation fund is an enterprise fund with two golf courses, Whitewater Junction, and RIFAC. Personnel accounts for 36.3% of the expenditures and property tax revenues are 36% of the revenues.
Ms. Masson said the Library fund is a governmental fund with a $2.78 million budget which is supported by property taxes and a limited amount of user fees. The property tax revenue of $2.2 million accounts for 83% of the revenue.
Ms. Masson reported on the proposed property tax allocations for the 2020 Budget. She explained that it is ultimately City Council that must approve the property tax levy, currently at $13,728,435. It is an increase of $981,000. She said employer contributions to police and fire pension costs are $7.216 million or 52.6% of property taxes. The 2018 levy supported the CY 2019 budget. The proposed 2019 tax levy will support the CY 2020 budget. She presented a table showing the breakdown by allocations and a comparison between the two years. Ms. Masson said the General Fund, Police and Fire Pension funds would receive a total of 69% of the tax levy. She said the Parks and Recreation fund and the Library fund each show an increase of 2%. She noted that the Library asked for a 4.99% property tax increase earlier this year. Ms. Masson explained the property valuation is part of the formula to calculate the City's property tax rate. The City's tentative valuation is $484,374,684 which is a 0.96% increase over last year's certified valuation. She explained that the final extended valuation can be different. She said they did expect more EAV growth. The accounting department did spend some time analyzing the values compared to prior years. Ms. Masson said some non-profits purchased some parcels which took those properties off the tax rolls; and there were some successful tax appeals. The township also updated their quadrennial assessment of property.
Alderman Parker asked if the City plays any role in the appeal process for larger commercial properties. Ms. Masson explained there is a legal process followed for tax appeals. When it is over a certain threshold, all of the taxing bodies are notified who can intervene. Alderman Parker asked if there is a standing body that reviews large appeals and how the decision is made. Ms. Masson replied they are notified and then she has to make the decision about intervening. She explained it is difficult because you want to maintain good business relationships.
Ms. Masson explained last year's property tax rate was 2.6570 and the proposed tax rate is 2.8343 which is a 6.67% increase over last year's extended levy. She presented a line graph of the City's tax rate by collection year from 1986 to the estimated 2020. She noted that from 2006 through 2017, the City did not increase the tax rate at all. The high point in the 1990s was a 4.129 tax rate; there was a blip in 2005 with a tax rate of 2.573. Ms. Masson explained that part of the tax rate is the EAV and she presented a line graph of the City's EAV history from 2003 through 2019. She said overall, there has been an increase in the EAV over time.
Alderman Parker asked about the tax rate graph in the 1990s which shows a drop over many years. Mr. Tweet responded that everyone was experiencing growth in the 1990s. He said the federal budget even had a surplus.
Ms. Masson reviewed the City's tax levy history from 2011 through the estimated 2019. She noted there are six portions to the proposed $13.7 million tax levy. Ms. Masson pointed out the General Fund portion of the tax levy went from $3.4 million in 2011 to $2.2 million for the proposed tax levy. She said the Park and Library portions of the levy were flat from 2011 through 2014.
Ms. Masson presented a six-year property tax history table of the overlapping districts that make up the property tax bill including the County, township, the City, the library, the school district, the airport, Black Hawk College, and the transit authority. She pointed out that with the same name of Rock Island, residents often confuse the County with the City or lump them together. Each taxing district establishes their own levy. The City's portion (City and Library) of the tax bill makes up only 25% of the bill while the school district accounts for 50.6% of the property tax bill.
Ms. Masson presented a breakdown of the impact of the proposed property tax rate on the homeowner. She said for a $100,000 assessed valued home that is homeowner occupied, the proposed tax levy would be an additional $48 per year or $4.04 per month.
Ms. Masson concluded that it is a mix of solutions to present a balanced budget including increased revenue, staff cuts, reduced spending, and use of resources or reserves to maintain a high level of service while maintaining appropriate reserves. Ms. Masson thanked City staff, and City Council for their work and time on the budget. She said budgeting in uncertain times can be difficult, but the City has adequate reserves. She noted the City's bond rating is investment grade.
Ms. Masson stated the department directors will present their budget reviews next week on November 18 beginning at 5:00 p.m. She said the budget and appropriations ordinance will be presented on December 9 for the first reading and on December 16 for the second reading and final approval.
Alderman Parker thanked Ms. Masson and City staff for all their work and time on the budget. He asked for confirmation that it is another planned deficit budget. Ms. Masson replied there is a $1 million deficit; she thinks they will use some reserves. She stated she believes that 2019 activity will end up better than budgeted; overall revenues have been better and they will have fund balances to carry over. Even though she will be presenting a budget of expenditures exceeding revenues, there will be 2019 reserves to carry over. Ms. Masson said the financial policy is to have 60 to 90 days of reserves. She noted in 2018 the City finished with 80 days of reserves in the General Fund.
Alderman Parker asked if the deficit is part of the bond rating review. Ms. Masson replied the deficit in the General Fund was cited, but it was not the main reason for the downgrade. She explained the City's debt and pension funding were responsible. She said in a perfect world, they would present a balanced General Fund budget. She added there are a lot of projects in the works and that are moving forward; and the City's major employers are doing well. She stated everything points to continued growth.
Alderman Parker gave some historical context with his first Council budget when they had a $5 million deficit and ended up with a balanced budget. Ms. Masson said two weeks ago the deficit was $2.9 million and now they have it down to $1 million.
Mayor Thoms added that property tax increases helped with the reduction; it was not just reduced expenditures. He said at some point, you have to stop the property tax increases and get new people coming in, new businesses and existing businesses growing for new revenue. He said the two most common complaints he hears are potholes and property taxes. He said it becomes difficult to balance the budget with increased property taxes. He noted that Rock Island has one of the highest in the Quad Cities even though it is necessary. He reminded Council that there were a number of years when there were no property tax increases even though expenses were increasing. He said they have to continue to watch those dollars; the citizens don't like the property tax increases and he doesn't like it either. He said they are getting down to the bare bones and core services could be affected next. Mayor Thoms said they must continue to work on economic development. He noted the $17 million expansion of GTI will add to the property rolls. He said they must encourage Rock Island businesses to continue to make those investments and to grow and add jobs.
Alderwoman Swanson said residents must shop local and eat in the restaurants and buy gas in Rock Island to support those businesses that are making investments in Rock Island and for them to stay. Mayor Thoms said shopping in Rock Island County provides 1% to the school districts.
13. An Ordinance amending Chapter 4, Article III of the Code of Ordinances regarding signs.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Clark.
14. An Ordinance amending Chapter 4 of the Code of Ordinances with the addition of Article IX regarding solar energy.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Geenen seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Clark.
15. Claims
a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $18,504.78 to David Morrison of Rock Island, IL for legal services rendered from September 30, 2019 through October 31, 2019.
b. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $4,075.82 to Farmer's Insurance for a general liability claim.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommended for Claims items a and b; Alderman Geenen seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Clark.
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 in the amount of $46,329.00 to Langman Construction Inc. of Rock Island, IL for the 2019 Pavement Patching Program for services provided from September 1, 2019 through October 18, 2019.
d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $25,831.99 to Valley Construction of Rock Island, IL for an emergency storm sewer repair at Ridgewood Road and Andalusia Road.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommended for Claims items c and d; Alderman Poulos seconded.
Alderman Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 4-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Poulos, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Clark.
e. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding payment in the amount of $10,973.00 to Tri-City Electric Inc. of Davenport, IA for professional services for the Mitel Connect upgrade transition.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to accept the report and authorize payment as recommended; and authorize the City Manager to sign the upgrade agreement; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis said the payment covers hours for the project and asked if there will be more expenses related to this item. Information Technology Director Tim Bain replied not at this time; in 2021, there will be hardware that might need to be replaced.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Clark.
16. Claims for the weeks of September 27, 2019 through October 3, 2019 in the amount of $301,454.92, October 25, 2019 through October 31, 2019 in the amount of $869,967.77, and November 1, 2019 through November 7, 2019 in the amount of $1,430,787.07; and payroll for the weeks of October 21, 2019 through November 3, 2019 in the amount of $1,497,407.90.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to allow the claims and payroll; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Clark.
17. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the sale of City- owned property Parcel 096525 (2011 4th Avenue) to 20th Street RI Lofts, LLC for $25,000.00 plus closing costs.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker 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; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Clark.
18. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an Ordinance to streamline the process for the sale of municipal property for redevelopment.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved that Chapter 11, with the addition of Article X, be amended for the proposed ordinance and moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Parker seconded.
City Attorney Dave Morrison explained the reason for the amended motion is to give a number to the ordinance section. Alderman Parker asked for an explanation of the item. Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Miles Brainard said in 2016, Council adopted guidelines for the sale of City-owned property. He explained the guidelines have too many steps and didn't apply in all cases and were too burdensome; they have made the guidelines simpler. Economic Development Manager Tarah Sipes said there was some redundancy and that development agreements require more scrutiny than the sale of a side yard. She said the property sale and the development agreement are often linked together. Alderman Poulos asked if it would affect transparency. Mayor Thoms replied no. Mr. Morrison said the ordinance requires a public hearing and notification to the public. Mr. Brainard reviewed the old steps: determine if the City can sell the property; Council must approve the purchase agreement; Council must pass the ordinance of the sale; and there must be legal notices for all sales. Mr. Morrison said the ordinance was modeled after an IML 2018 model ordinance. He said the City wants to encourage redevelopment and avoid the three step process. Alderman Parker asked if the change is instead of a three-phase process, in one night, they pass the ordinance. Mr. Brainard said yes, with the purchase agreement.
Alderman Parker said he would request for Council to consider in these situations, that there be two readings of the ordinance and no suspension of the rules. Unless there is some time sensitive nature for doing it in one reading, Alderman Parker said he would like to see the two readings. Mr. Brainard responded that the City owns hundreds of parcels they want to dispose of and they want to start selling them more rapidly. He explained there is no municipal purpose for many of the parcels and they just incur costs for the City.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Clark.
19. Report from the Public Works Department regarding Sunset Marina 2020 rate changes.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the Sunset Marina 2020 rate changes as presented and recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis asked about the purpose for not having For Sale signs on the boats and having notices on the bulletin board. F3 Marina Manager Denise Browning replied they are having more people come to the office and want to know where the boats are; she can then walk them to the boats as well as show off the marina. She said it gives her an opportunity to sell the marina and its services should they buy a boat. Mayor Thoms said the gate is locked to the slips. Alderman Spurgetis suggested an area for boats that are for sale. He complimented Ms. Browning on the changes in the fee structure and how things are going at the marina. He said he still gets questions about a restaurant at the marina. Ms. Browning reported that they are checking on what steps are needed for a restaurant at the marina; they are still interested, but the flood slowed down their progress.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Clark.
20. Report from the Public Works Department regarding Sunset Marina 2020 contract changes including full payment discounts, deferred payment arrangements, and other updated information.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the Sunset Marina contract changes as presented and recommended; Alderman Geenen seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Clark.
21. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Robert Buker for a revision to the Planned Unit Development (PUD) plan for the property located at approximately 3001 Friendship Drive (Parcel 105102).
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the proposed revisions to the PUD plan as submitted and recommended; Alderman Poulos seconded.
Mr. Buker said he has been there for 17 years. He wants to turn it into something productive for the City. He has faith it will be successful and is trying to make it work.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Clark.
22. Report from the City Clerk regarding applications for Plaza events from The Daiquiri Factory for the upcoming 2020 season including the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol where noted.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the submitted 2020 Plaza events as recommended, subject to complying with all Plaza and liquor license regulations and subject to being closed down early if complaints are received; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Clark.
23. Report from the City Clerk regarding a request from the Rock Island Rotary for a new event, the Rotary Reindeer Ramble 5K Run, to be held on Sunday, December 8, 2019 between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the new event as recommended; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Clark.
24. Other Business
Alderman Parker asked if it was on track for a humane pet store ordinance for this month. Both Mr. Tweet and Mr. Brainard said yes; it is coming.
Alderman Parker talked about the Hauberg Estate Winter in Bloom event that has been done for 50 years. He said last year he used $500 of his Representation fund to purchase the poinsettias for the event. He explained that with the new policy, he can't do that this year. He asked if there was support to fund the $500 with his colleagues. Mr. Tweet said if Council wanted to do it, staff would figure out how to do it. Alderman Spurgetis said yes; Alderwoman Swanson and Mayor Thoms said no; Alderman Poulos said he would give a private donation; and Alderman Geenen said it would set a precedent, so he would vote no, but would give a personal donation. Alderwoman Swanson said there are a number of organizations that would love poinsettias for their decorations and would have to fundraise for that; she said Alderman Parker could personally donate. Alderman Parker said it was a municipal building. Parks and Recreation Director John Gripp clarified it was a Friends of Hauberg event.
25. Motion to Adjourn
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to adjourn; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 voice vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Clark.
The meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11112019-480
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