City of Rock Island City Council met Nov. 25.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. Call to Order
Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. and welcomed everyone.
2. Roll Call
Mayor Thoms asked the City Clerk to call the roll.
Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderman Randy Hurt, Alderwoman Jenni Swanson, Alderman Dylan Parker, Alderman Mark Poulos, and Alderman Dave Geenen
Absent: Alderman James Spurgetis 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
No one signed up to address Council to speak on a topic.
6. Minutes of the October 30, 2019 Unplugged 3 meeting and the November 11, 2019 meeting.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 voice vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
7. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 voice vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
7. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
Holiday Refuse and Collection - Rock Island City Hall will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29, 2019 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Refuse collection will be on schedule Monday the 25th through Wednesday the 27th, rest of the week is one day late. Curbside recycling will be on schedule Tuesday and Wednesday, the rest of the week will be one day late. Yard waste will be on its normal collection schedule. Also, all locations of the Rock Island Library will be closed on November 28 and 29.
Tuneful Tuesdays Music Series Starts Back Up December 3 – A little music can lighten your whole day. Tuneful Tuesdays, the Rock Island Public Library’ noon-time music series, resumes December 3 with relaxing music by Springfield, IL harpist Devon Carpenter.
Snow Routes - As we enter the winter season, please note that parking is not allowed on designated snow routes when two or more inches of snow has fallen until the snow has been removed. Snow routes are marked by street signage. Vehicles in violation of this ordinance will receive a $35 parking ticket. Vehicles that remain in violation will be towed. In the event of snow, major emphasis is placed on primary streets and hills with secondary priority given to school areas. Residential streets are cleared when the primary and secondary streets are completed.
8. Proclamation declaring November 30, 2019 as Small Business Saturday.
City Clerk Judith Gilbert read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms stated that shopping local keeps sales tax in Rock Island and helps the community. He also said there are many small service businesses too.
9. Proclamation declaring a public commitment to joining the Mayors' Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness.
City Clerk Gilbert read the proclamation. Karen Abendroth from the VA Community Resource and Referral Center and community partners from the VA, Christian Care, and Humility Services accepted the proclamation. Ms. Abendroth thanked the Mayor for making the public commitment to accepting the Mayors' challenge to end veteran homelessness. Ms. Abendroth said they want to make sure that veterans who have served our country have a place they can call home. A picture was taken with Mayor Thoms.
10. Claims
a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $22,009.87 to the Illinois Department of Transportation of Springfield, IL for the 38th Street Resurfacing: 7th Avenue to 46th Avenue Project.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to accept the report and authorize payment as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #25 in the amount of $917,782.64 to Civil Constructors Inc. of East Moline, IL for the Water Filtration Facility
Project for services provided from September 19, 2019 through October 24, 2019.
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #25 in the amount of $917,782.64 to Civil Constructors Inc. of East Moline, IL for the Water Filtration Facility Project for services provided from September 19, 2019 through October 24, 2019.
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 in the amount of $177,948.50 to Centennial Contractors of the Quad Cities Inc. of Moline, IL for the CDBG Funded Sidewalk Repair Project for services provided from September 17, 2019 through November 8, 2019.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommended for Claims items b and c; 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: Hurt, Swanson, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
11. Claims for the weeks of November 8, 2019 through November 14, 2019 in the amount of $372,216.19 and for November 15, 2019 through November 21, 2019 in the amount of $605,932.69; and payroll for the weeks of November 4, 2019 through November 17, 2019 in the amount of $1,504,968.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to allow the claims and payroll; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
12. ACH payments for the month of October 2019 in the amount of $1,740,338.31.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the ACH payments; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
13. Purchase Card Claims for the period of September 27, 2019 through October 28, 2019 in the amount of $78,223.65.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to table the vote on the purchase card claims; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Discussion followed. Alderman Hurt asked for the policy of what information needs to be on a receipt, especially a meal receipt. Finance Director Stephanie Masson explained the guidelines
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to table the vote on the purchase card claims; Alderwoman Swanson
seconded.
Discussion followed. Alderman Hurt asked for the policy of what information needs to be on a receipt, especially a meal receipt. Finance Director Stephanie Masson explained the guidelines for meals and what information is required.
City Attorney Dave Morrison explained the difference between tabling an item or postponing it to a date certain.
Alderwoman Swanson withdrew her second. Alderman Hurt withdrew his motion.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to postpone approval of the purchase card claims to the December 9, 2019 Council meeting; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Alderman Parker asked about the staff review of receipts before they come to Council. Ms. Masson stated it is the cardholder's responsibility to comply with the City's policies. She explained the review process. Ms. Masson said P card purchases are paid by ACH payment.
Alderwoman Swanson said it is a good time to remind employees that with the current budget situation, the money they are spending is not theirs, but the taxpayers' money. Ms. Masson said she does send reminders out and she will be sending another one very soon.
Mayor Thoms thanked Council for scrutinizing the reports, but cautioned them against micromanaging.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None. Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
14. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a Request for Qualifications to complete the National Register Multiple Property Document for the City's 1918 Government Housing Collection, recommending the contract be awarded to McGuire Igleski and Associates of Evanston, IL in the amount of $10,186.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to award the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Miles Brainard explained that it is not a nomination for the National Register. He explained a historic district will not be established. He said by completing the National Register Multiple Property Document, it would simplify the process if any of the property owners wanted to nominate their own home. Most of the work will already be done for them. Alderman Parker asked how they were educating residents about the opportunity. Mr. Brainard replied there are a few residents who are actively interested in getting their homes landmarked. He said the goal is to promote the neighborhood, make people aware of collection, and to bring prestige to Rock Island. He stated it is one of the largest collections of 1918 government housing.
Alderman Parker asked about the status of the Heritage Resources plan from 2016. Mr. Brainard stated the department would continue to keep applying for Certified Local Government
grants for these types of projects. He explained the City of Rock Island is a Certified Local Government. There is no cost to the City when Rock Island secures grants for local preservation projects.
1918 government housing.
Alderman Parker asked about the status of the Heritage Resources plan from 2016. Mr. Brainard stated the department would continue to keep applying for Certified Local Government
grants for these types of projects. He explained the City of Rock Island is a Certified Local Government. There is no cost to the City when Rock Island secures grants for local preservation projects.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
15. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding an agreement with Crawford Company for use of the City's fiber optic infrastructure for Crawford's 1306 Mill Street and 730 31st Avenue properties.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the agreement with Crawford Company as recommended and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement subject to any minor City Attorney modifications; Alderman Hurt seconded.
Alderman Parker said this was a great success. City Manager Randy Tweet said it was a good project, everything aligned, and the City was able to help out Crawford Company. Information Technology Director Tim Bain said Crawford Company will be leasing a small segment of the City's fiber optic cabling that runs between their two buildings which will provide Crawford with higher bandwidth options, better security, and greater access to the Internet. He added local ISP Geneseo Communications will be bringing Internet access to the company's facilities. Alderman Parker said it's a great example of a public-private partnership. He would like to see this duplicated wherever the City has excess capacity with its fiber optic infrastructure.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
16. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a geotechnical engineering services agreement with Veenstra & Kimm Inc. of Rock Island, IL for the Partridge Circle Slope Stability Study in the amount of $42,700.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Poulos seconded.
Alderwoman Swanson asked if it is the City's responsibility to do the project. Mr. Tweet said the project is to look out for the City's infrastructure. Public Works Director Mike Bartels explained the project is to determine if the City's infrastructure is at risk; the ground has already eroded 15- 20 feet from the sewer. He said they are trying to determine what the future impacts will be to the City's infrastructure. Mr. Bartels said the erosion is on private property. Alderman Poulos asked if the City will issue a bill. Mr. Tweet said there is no one to bill anymore; the company is bankrupt.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
17. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a three-year funding agreement with the Quad City Botanical Center for atrium repairs.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
17. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a three-year funding agreement with the Quad City Botanical Center for atrium repairs.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the agreement as recommended subject to minor attorney modifications and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement; Alderman Poulos seconded.
Ami Jenkins, Quad City Botanical Center, stated they launched their $500,000 campaign last year for capital improvements for their building and grounds and the City's contribution was part of that. She said the City's first distribution last year helped take care of the atrium repairs. Alderman Geenen asked if the Center reached their goal. Ms. Jenkins said yes, they did. Mr. Tweet explained to Council that a $150,000 contribution to the Botanical Center was approved by Council a couple of years ago and the City is making annual payments. Ms. Jenkins thanked Council. She said they are so pleased to be a part of Rock Island and past and present Councils have been so supportive. Ms. Jenkins said their holiday lighting would be held from December 4 through January 4, Wednesdays through Sundays from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Alderman Geenen said the event brings people to Rock Island. Ms. Jenkins said last year, they had 5,000 visitors for the holiday lighting.
Alderman Parker asked who is in charge of ensuring that when the City gives money to organizations that they are in compliance, in particular, with the prevailing wage ordinance. Mr. Tweet said it's up to the organization to comply. Alderman Parker said he would like it included in future agreements so the private sector understands their obligations. Mr. Morrison said that could be done.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
18. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a contract for architectural services in the amount of $42,500.00 with Studio 483 of Rock Island, IL for restoration of Fire House No. 5.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract subject to minor attorney modifications; Alderman Geenen seconded.
Alderman Parker said it was exciting with the rehabilitation happening. Parks and Recreation Director John Gripp said it would be a learning center for the community and outreach for the kids. He stated they received a $75,000 grant from Illinois DCEO for the architectural plans. Mayor Thoms stated another grant for the fire house came from the Robert Motz Living Trust. Mr. Gripp said no City money is going into the project.
Alderman Parker said Parks is doing a great job identifying alternative funding. He asked if the building was locally landmarked. Budget and Grants Manager Colleen Small-Vollman said it is not, but it is eligible for a listing on the National Register. She said since they are spending federal dollars, they are following all of the proper protocols for preservation. She explained they will need a plan for the contractor and then the State Historic Preservation Office will review and approve the plan. She informed Council the project will not go fast; it probably won't start until April or May. Mr. Gripp stated they will be doing the exterior of the building first; then they will work to restore the interior.
Alderman Parker said Parks is doing a great job identifying alternative funding. He asked if the building was locally landmarked. Budget and Grants Manager Colleen Small-Vollman said it is not, but it is eligible for a listing on the National Register. She said since they are spending federal dollars, they are following all of the proper protocols for preservation. She explained they will need a plan for the contractor and then the State Historic Preservation Office will review and approve the plan. She informed Council the project will not go fast; it probably won't start until April or May. Mr. Gripp stated they will be doing the exterior of the building first; then they will work to restore the interior.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
19. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a revised purchase agreement and revised ordinance for the sale of City-owned property Parcel 092243 (708-710 12th Street) to Coreline Investments, LLC in the amount of $1,500.00 plus all closing costs.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the revised purchase agreement as recommended; authorize the City Manager to execute the revised contract documents; and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the revised ordinance; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None. Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
20. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the sale of City- owned property at 1307 44th Street to Future Capital, LLC in the amount of $1.00 plus closing costs.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the purchase agreement; authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None. Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
21. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a development agreement with Small Hands Big Hearts, LLC (LaTonya Terrell, managing partner) for assistance with repairs to the child care facility at 1113 31st Avenue with an incentive package not to exceed $40,000.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the development agreement as recommended subject to minor attorney modifications; authorize execution of the development agreement by the City Manager; and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None. Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
Manager; and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None. Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
22. Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2019 Budget, recommending increasing the North 11th Street TIF Budget (Fund 203) by $40,000.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None. Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
23. Report from the Finance Department regarding revisions to the City's Financial Policies.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the draft revisions as recommended; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
24. Report from the Finance Department regarding the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for CY 2020 through CY 2024.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan as recommended and authorize staff to implement the CY 2020 projects and expenditures pending approval of the CY 2020 Budget in December; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Poulos asked how the CIP plan would be affected if there are changes in the budget. Mr. Tweet replied budget changes may affect changes paid to the contracts funded through the CIP. He said they found another $2,000 for Hauberg.
Alderwoman Swanson stated there are several Council members who do not want a 6.67% tax increase. She doesn't understand why the CIP plan is approved before the budget. She asked if all of the CIP projects are necessary. Alderwoman Swanson wants the City to be prudent. She discussed the difference between needs and wants. She said she doesn't agree with everything. Mr. Tweet asked for specifics. Alderwoman Swanson said she is not happy with the spending going on, but she doesn't know where there should be cuts. She doesn't have enough details. Mr. Tweet explained that Council is only approving the 2020 CIP plan (except for contracts), not the five-year plan with expenditures.
Alderman Poulos asked if the CIP plan is contingent on approval of the 2020 budget; Mr. Tweet replied yes; he would be willing to answer any questions on items in the CIP. Ms. Masson explained that the appropriations ordinance for the budget with total expenditures by each fund
has to be nailed down soon for approval at the December Council meetings. She needs to proceed for the first reading on December 9. She explained more detail about projects in the enterprise funds. She explained that approved CIP projects are not always implemented or
Alderman Poulos asked if the CIP plan is contingent on approval of the 2020 budget; Mr. Tweet replied yes; he would be willing to answer any questions on items in the CIP. Ms. Masson explained that the appropriations ordinance for the budget with total expenditures by each fund
has to be nailed down soon for approval at the December Council meetings. She needs to proceed for the first reading on December 9. She explained more detail about projects in the enterprise funds. She explained that approved CIP projects are not always implemented or completed in one year. She reminded Council all expenditures and contracts come before Council for approval. Mayor Thoms added Council is approving the spending plan, not the actual expenditures.
Ms. Masson stated there is a lot of summary data in the budget with detail and stories behind the data; she can provide that to Council if requested.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 4-1-2 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: Swanson.
Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
25. Report from the City Clerk regarding the schedule of regular meeting dates for the Rock Island City Council for the Calendar Year 2020 pursuant to the Open Meetings Act.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the 2020 annual schedule of Council meetings as recommended; Alderman Poulos seconded.
Alderwoman Swanson questioned the July 3 date in the memo for the Goal Setting session. City Clerk Gilbert apologized for the typo; the actual schedule of dates had the correct meeting date of July 20.
Mr. Tweet said two dates for goal setting were included because this year it took two months to get a second date scheduled.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None. Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
26. Report from the General Administration recommending amendments to Chapter 8 of the Code of Ordinances regarding video gaming licenses.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the proposed amendments as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Poulos seconded.
Mr. Tweet clarified for Council that there will be no separate category for restaurants as proposed earlier. There will be a maximum of 21 video gaming licenses; they are at the maximum now. He explained the requirements for the license are more clearly defined and will now provide a process for the Liquor Commissioner to revoke a license for non-compliance. Mr. Tweet explained the new fee structure of $50 per machine for the business owner and a terminal fee of $1,200 for the machine operators. He said Moline's ordinance is similar. Mr. Tweet stated Council can always vote to change the number of available licenses by amending the ordinance. Another change is that businesses must be open for six months before they can apply for a video gaming license. Mayor Thoms added it will increase revenue by approximately $90,000.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
27. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the sale of City- owned property to Gorman & Company of Oregon, WI for development of affordable housing.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the sale of City-owned properties as submitted and recommended; and authorize staff to draft a purchase agreement that includes a sale price for future Council action; Alderman Hurt seconded.
Mr. Tweet confirmed for Alderman Geenen that the lots are the Solomon property. He explained it is not the final sale; this will just allow the company to apply for grants.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
28. Report from the Mayor regarding the appointment of Margie Mejia-Caraballo to the Human Rights Commission.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the appointment as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 voice vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None. Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
29. Report from the City Clerk regarding requests from Gilda's Club Quad Cities to hold their 21st annual 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run fundraiser on Saturday, April 25, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to noon; for a street closure of 18th Street between 1st and 3rd Avenues; and for a waiver of the permit fee.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the event, street closure, and waiver of the permit fee as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
30. Other Business
Alderman Parker stated that the liquor ordinance needs updating. He referenced the state law requiring restaurants to have a sexual harassment policy on the books. He thinks liquor license establishments should be required to have the same policy.
Mayor Thoms said they are working on a sweepstakes ordinance and then updating the liquor
30. Other Business
Alderman Parker stated that the liquor ordinance needs updating. He referenced the state law requiring restaurants to have a sexual harassment policy on the books. He thinks liquor license establishments should be required to have the same policy.
Mayor Thoms said they are working on a sweepstakes ordinance and then updating the liquor ordinance.
Alderman Parker would like to see liquor license establishments have separate hours based on square footage; he has too many grievances regarding convenience stores. Alderman Poulos cautioned him that the City must be careful and diligent with its research and determining if something is good for Rock Island. Mayor Thoms said they look at other municipalities to see what makes sense and what doesn't. Alderman Parker said he would like fewer hours for the sale of alcohol for convenience stores (retail sale). Alderman Hurt agreed with Alderman Parker.
Mayor Thoms brought up the increase in the property taxes; he said Council needs to make it clear to staff what they want to do. Discussion followed.
Alderwoman Swanson said she is not supportive of the 6.67% tax increase; she would like to see it lower. She asked that departments review their budgets again to see what can be cut. Alderwoman Swanson said they owe it to the citizens of Rock Island and to be conscious and thrifty with their money.
Alderman Hurt agreed with Alderwoman Swanson; he would like a lower property tax increase. Alderman Geenen said he was in support of the 6.67% increase because of the increase in pension costs which is beyond the City's control. Alderman Poulos said he would like to see the departments come back with cuts. He noted IMRF increased the City's contributions. He is not comfortable with the 6.67% increase.
Alderman Parker stated they need to be open and honest with the taxpayers. He said for years, previous Councils kept the tax rate constant which is why the City is now having to raise taxes.
Taxes were kept low even as expenses were going up. He said seven FTE positions were cut this year. He hoped his colleagues would take the broader perspective.
Alderman Hurt said he is looking at special pick-ups, the fleet budget, and the leasing program. Mayor Thoms said revenue needs to go up and if it doesn't, then core services will be affected. Increases in fees are not enough to cover the increased expenses. The majority of expenditures are in personnel. Mayor Thoms was concerned about the timing; there must be two readings of the tax levy and budget ordinances. City Clerk Gilbert said a Truth in Taxation notice for the tax levy public hearing must be published in the next few days. She said the December 9 agenda with the final budget must be ready within one week. Mr. Tweet said other options have been looked at regarding budget cuts. He would like direction for how to proceed.
Discussion continued regarding the economic development services agreement, eliminating vacant positions, not expanding services, funding economic development for growth in the city, use of reserves, a zero tax increase next year, the CIP plan, street repairs and the local gas tax, the deficit in the General Fund, Gaming funds, special pick-up fees, and leasing costs. Mr. Tweet explained what is making up the tax increase: $500,000 for roads; the increase for pension costs; and a 2% increase in the tax levy for both the Parks Department and the Library. He said the budget is currently $1.1 million short.
Council members requested the budget process start sooner; the budget books be better organized; and more information and education provided to Council regarding the budget. Council members asked staff to be more frugal in City expenditures.
31. Executive Session:
5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.
31. Executive Session:
5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to go into Executive Session for the exception cited; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None. Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
32. Motion to Adjourn MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to adjourn; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-2 voice vote.
Aye: Hurt, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None. Absent: Spurgetis and Clark.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11252019-493
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