City of Rock Island City Council met Dec. 9.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. Call to Order
Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order at 6:56 p.m.
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, Alderman Dave Geenen, and Alderman Randy Hurt
Absent: Alderman Ivory D. Clark
Staff: City Manager Randy Tweet, City Attorney Dave Morrison, City Clerk Judith Gilbert, and other City staff
3. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Thoms led in the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Moment of Silence
Mayor Thoms asked for a moment of silence. A moment of silence was observed.
5. Public Comment
Mayor Thoms asked if anyone wished to speak. City Clerk Judith Gilbert clarified if anyone wished to speak on topics other than property taxes or the budget.
Bill Long, Rock Island resident, said he is shocked that part-time elected Council members get health insurance and pension benefits. He asked that those benefits be canceled.
Mayor Thoms asked again if anyone else wished to speak. City Clerk Gilbert said there will be two public hearings for speaking about property taxes and the budget.
6. Minutes of the November 25, 2019 meeting.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
7. Minutes of the Executive Session of November 25, 2019.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the Executive Session minutes; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and
Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
8. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
Winter/Spring Activity Guide - The new Winter/Spring activity guide from the Park and Recreation Department is now out. Check out the many activities available including Dad and Daughter Date Night, Spring Egg Hunt, cooking classes, and many other events and activities. To see the complete listing of the many opportunities available, go to www.rigov.org.
Road Closure to Thru Traffic, Ridgewood Road between 85 and 86 Avenue West - Beginning on Monday, December 9, 2019, Ridgewood Road between 85th and 86th Avenue West will be closed to through traffic to complete a sewer repair. Access across the repair area located approximately 100-foot south of 85th Avenue West will be maintained via a detour route along 14th Street West for connection with 78th Avenue West and 92nd Avenue West.
The 43rd Annual Children's Holiday Party - is on Wednesday December 11 from 5-7 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Community Center, 630 9th Street. The party includes photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, crafts, games and snacks. All children (accompanied by an adult) are welcome, though the party is most appropriate for children between 3-12 years old. This party is generously supported by Rock Island Kiwanis and Royal Neighbors of America.
Sign up for a Letter from Santa - The North Pole is a bit far to go to post a letter. So, all Rock Island Public Library locations are accepting requests for a Letter from Santa. Forms for the Library’s Letters from Santa program will be taken through Saturday, December 14 at all Rock Island Public Library locations. To participate, fill out a Letters from Santa request form and leave it in the Letters from Santa mailbox. Santa will respond with a personalized letter to your child or grandchild before the Christmas holidays.
9. Mayor Thoms will close the regular meeting and open a Truth in Taxation Public Hearing for discussion on a proposed property tax increase for the City of Rock Island for 2019.
Mayor Thoms closed the regular meeting at 7:03 p.m. and opened a Truth in Taxation Public Hearing for discussion on a proposed property tax increase for the City of Rock Island for 2019.
Jeffrey Rice, Rock Island resident, read a statement. He stated the amount on the property tax
plans and told Council to go to Springfield to lobby for that. Mayor Thoms stated the Illinois Supreme Court has ruled against changing state pensions. He added he has personally talked with Springfield legislators. He said the state is working on consolidating the police and fire pension funds.
Kelli Cincola, Rock Island resident, read a statement. She is a realtor with dual licensure in Illinois and Iowa. She stated first time home buyers can afford higher priced homes in Iowa because of the lower property taxes. She presented statistics on home sales comparing Rock Island to Davenport. She asked what is the unfunded pension liability. Ms. Cincola stated that Rock Island is losing residents and she asked Council to consider the consequences of raising taxes again.
Mayor Thoms said the City must have police and fire pensions 90% funded by 2040.
Mayor Thoms asked if anyone else wished to come forward and speak regarding the property taxes. No one else came forward.
Mayor Thoms closed the Public Hearing at 7:19 p.m. and reconvened the regular meeting.
10. Mayor Thoms will close the regular meeting and open a Public Hearing regarding the Calendar Year 2020 Budget.
Mayor Thoms closed the regular meeting at 7:19 p.m. and opened a Public Hearing regarding the Calendar Year 2020 Budget.
No one signed up to speak at the Public Hearing. Mayor Thoms asked if there was anyone who wished to speak regarding the CY 2020 Budget. No one came forward.
Mayor Thoms closed the Public Hearing at 7:20 p.m. and reconvened the regular meeting.
11. An Ordinance amending Chapter 8, Article III, Division 2 of the Code of Ordinances regarding video gaming licenses.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderman Parker asked for clarification that it is the same as what was discussed at the last Council meeting and there have been no changes. Mayor Thoms replied that is correct.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
12. Tax Abatement Resolutions
a. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $48,101.67, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Hydropower fund to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, series 2008C.
b. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $113,300.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Debt Service, Gaming and Water funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2010B.
c. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $69,725.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Debt Service fund and Sewer fund to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2011A.
d. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $217,587.52, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Debt Service, Gaming, Sunset Marina and Water funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2012A.
e. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $740,318.76, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Debt Service fund and Gaming fund to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2013A.
f. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $120,935.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Gaming fund to pay principal and interest on Taxable General Obligation Bonds, series 2013B.
g. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $668,962.50, such funds to be provided from revenues of Gaming to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2014A.
h. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $460,440.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of Tax Increment Financing and Sales Tax to pay principal and interest on Taxable General Obligation Bonds, series 2014B.
i. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $536,612.50, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Debt Service and Gaming funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2015A.
j. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $545,800.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Debt Service, Gaming and Sewer funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Refunding Bonds, series 2015B.
k. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $258,650.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Gaming fund to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2016A.
l. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $82,468.76, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Tax Increment Financing fund and Sales Tax to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2016C.
m. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $427,981.26, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Hydroplant, Parks and Gaming funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2017A.
n. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $827,400.00, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Tax Increment Financing funds to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2017B.
o. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $474,291.67, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Water fund and Wastewater fund to pay principal and interest on Taxable General Obligation Bonds, series 2019A.
p. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $289,689.13, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Tax Increment Financing fund to pay principal and interest on Taxable General Obligation Bonds, series 2019B.
q. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $164,330.98, such funds to be provided from revenues of Tax Increment Financing and Sales Tax to pay principal and interest on Taxable General Obligation Bonds, series 2019C.
r. Resolution authorizing Tax Abatement in the amount of $70,002.07, such funds to be provided from revenues of the Gaming fund to pay principal and interest on General Obligation Bonds, series 2019D.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to adopt the Tax Abatement Resolutions and direct the Finance Director to file them with the County Clerk; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis asked for the Finance Director to explain the Tax Abatement Resolutions. Ms. Masson stated the resolutions direct County to abate all of the taxes related to the principal and interest on the City's General Obligation bonds. She said the resolutions are significant and a very important thing that is done every year. She said they are checked very carefully; otherwise the levy would be increased. Ms. Masson said the total principal and interest is $6.1 million.
Alderman Spurgetis asked if the majority of item "m" is from Gaming funds. Ms. Masson said the Series 2017A issue of bonds was for several different projects. She reviewed the projects (Parks RIFAC building improvements, hydroelectric plant, and a street project) and said a portion of the projects probably was from the Gaming funds.
Alderman Parker asked if this was a comprehensive list of every Bond series that the City has with the total of the principal and interest for all bonds that the City will pay in one year. Ms. Masson replied yes; the total is $6.1 million for 18 bond issuances. Alderman Parker said that gives perspective to the budget and property taxes.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
13. Claims
a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $11,683.24 to David Morrison of Rock Island, IL for legal services rendered for the month of November 2019.
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #1 and final in the amount of $137,904.15 to Precision Pavement Markings Inc. of Pingree Grove, IL for the 2019 Pavement Marking Program for services provided from August 19, 2019 through September 29, 2019.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommended for Claims items a and b; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis asked about the difference in the amount on the memo and the contract amount (original) and why there was a reduction. Public Works Director Mike Bartels replied it revolved around the weather; some projects did not need to be done, but will be added to next year's list. Alderman Spurgetis noted the striping at the intersection of 24th Street and 18th Avenue is coming off.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
14. Claims for the weeks of November 15, 2019 through November 21, 2019 in the amount of $605,932.69 and November 22, 2019 through December 5, 2019 in the amount of $1,771,615.68; and payroll for the weeks of November 4, 2019 through November 17, 2019 in the amount of $1,504,968.00 and November 18, 2019 through December 1, 2019 in the amount of $1,500,433.16.
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: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
15. Purchase Card Claims for the period of September 27, 2019 through October 28, 2019 in the amount of $78,223.65.
Note: This item was postponed from the November 25, 2019 Council meeting.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the purchase card claims; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
16. Report from the Finance Department regarding a contract renewal and equipment purchase for parking enforcement, recommending option #2 for a one-time payment of $25,830.00 to Professional Account Management LLC of Milwaukee, WI.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the contract renewal and equipment purchase as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis wanted Council to know that there will be costs above the $25,830.00 payment; there are monthly and additional charges built into the five-year agreement.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-1-1 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: Poulos. Absent: Clark.
17. Report from the Finance Department regarding an Ordinance for the levy, assessment, and collection of property taxes for the City of Rock Island for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2020 and ending December 31, 2020. (First Reading)
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to consider the ordinance for the property tax levy of $13,375,456; a levy increase of 4.93%; and a property tax rate of 3.93%. Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderman Poulos said while he was originally in favor of a 4.5% tax rate, it is a reasonable motion.
City Attorney Dave Morrison noted a housekeeping requirement that the statute requires the reasons for the need for the levy must be stated. City Manager Randy Tweet said the tax levy increase is needed for the increase in the police and fire pensions, the 2% increase for both Parks and the Library, and the increase needed for the General Fund.
Alderman Parker said he respects his colleagues and commends them for the work they've done on the budget, but he will vote against the ordinance. He prefers to balance the budget without using the City's reserves.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 4-2-1 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Poulos, and Hurt. Nay: Parker and Geenen. Absent: Clark.
18. Report from the Finance Department regarding an Ordinance adopting the budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2020 and ending December 31, 2020. (First Reading)
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to consider the ordinance as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
19. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding modification of the residency ordinance for non-affiliated employees.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the modification of the residency policy for non-affiliated employees as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
20. Report from the Public Works Department recommending an increase of 3% in the waste water rates for 2020.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the waste water increase as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis noted the City has costs associated with aging water facilities that need to be paid.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
21. Report from the Public Works Department recommending an increase of 3% in the storm water rates for 2020.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the storm water increase as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderman Poulos asked if the increase was for repairing the infrastructure. Mr. Tweet replied it is for a couple of projects. Alderman Poulos asked if the projects can be delayed or if they are a necessity. Mr. Bartels said he doesn't recommend delaying the increase. He reviewed some of the repairs that need to be made all over the city including sinkholes; he said the repairs never stop and they need to catch up on projects. He said the City's rates are comparable to other communities.
Alderman Spurgetis noted the average household would be paying an additional 36 cents per quarter.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
22. Report from the Public Works Department regarding surplus vehicles and equipment, recommending the items as stated in the report be declared as surplus.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the request as recommended; refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; and authorize staff to dispose of the surplus items in a manner that is most advantageous to the City; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
23. Report from the Mayor regarding the appointment of Pat Stolley to the Arts Commission.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the appointment as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Parker said it was a great pick.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
24. Other Business
Alderwoman Swanson thanked everyone for the calls, emails, and for showing up tonight and expressing their concerns and opinions regarding the decisions Council makes. She said Council appreciates it and they do try to do what is right for all of the citizens. She thanked the audience for being here.
Mayor Thoms asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak. No one came forward.
City Clerk Gilbert said she had an announcement. She read from a statement. She asked everyone to bear with her as this was very difficult for her. "I'm announcing my retirement. It is much sooner than I had planned. It has been my honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Rock Island as their City Clerk. For 26 of the 37 months of my tenure at City Clerk, I have been the target of systematic and ongoing workplace bullying and harassment that has been tolerated and rewarded by City management. Despite the best efforts of some caring Council members, it has continued and it has become impossible for me to continue in my work without serious harm to my health. It has been such a disappointment to me that such behavior and mindset are allowed to occur and actually thrive at City Hall. The City's workplace bullying and harassment policy is a sham and for show only. I wish all the residents of Rock Island only the best for their future. It is a shame that you have lost another City Clerk in this manner and the bullies still get to keep their jobs." Ms. Gilbert said she had resignation letters for Council and distributed them.
25. Motion to Adjourn
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to adjourn; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
The meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12092019-500
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