Rock Island Today

City of Rock Island City Council met Feb. 28.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

1. Call to Order

Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.

2. Roll Call

Mayor Thoms asked the Deputy Clerk to call the roll.

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

Absent: Alderman Ivory Clark and Alderman Mark Poulos.

Staff: City Manager Randy Tweet, Assistant City Manager / HR Director John Thorson and Deputy City Clerk Linda Mohr

3. Public Comment No one spoke.

4. Report from the City Clerk's office regarding a St. Patrick's Day outdoor tented event with music for Brandon's Pub and Grille on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 1:00 a.m. at 3008 7th Avenue.

MOTION:

Alderman Parker moved to approve the request as recommended, subject to complying with all liquor license regulations, contacting the Fire Department for fire and safety considerations and subject to being closed down early if complaints are received. Alderman Hurt seconded.

Alderman Spurgetis asked for clarification on the hours of the event and Deputy Clerk Mohr advised that they were from 9 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2020 to closing time at 1 a.m. Sunday morning, March 15th, 2020.

Mayor asked if there were any additional questions or discussion and hearing none, called for the vote.

VOTE:

Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson. Nay: 0. Absent: Clark and Poulos

5. Report from the City Clerk's office regarding a Plaza Activity/Event application from The Smoking Dog for an outdoor tented event for the annual Gamma Alpha Beta Fraternity Buckethead fundraiser benefiting Camp Kesem on Saturday, April 4, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., recommending approval of the permit fee waiver and the outdoor sale consumption of alcohol.

MOTION:

Alderman Hurt moved to approve the request as recommended, subject to complying with all liquor license regulations, contacting the Fire Department for fire and safety considerations and subject to being closed down early if complaints are received. Alderwoman Swanson seconded.

Alderman Spurgetis asked about the fundraiser aspect of this event in regards to the waiver of the permit fee, specifically what the fundraiser was and if the City ever received information back as to how much money is raised. Alderman Geenen advised that this is an annual fundraiser to benefit Camp Kesem, a camp for children whose parents / family members are going through cancer treatments. It was asked if this fraternity was in good standing with Augustana and Alderwoman Swanson advised council that it is.

Mayor asked if there were any further questions or discussion and hearing none, called for the vote.

VOTE:

Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson. Nay: 0. Absent: Clark and Poulos

6. Report from the City Clerk's office regarding the Quad Cities Distance Classic Half Marathon and 5K Run Road Races for the Cornbelt Running Club on Saturday, May 9, 2020 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. beginning and ending at Augustana College.

MOTION:

Alderman Geenen motioned to approve the event as recommended and adopt the Resolution.

Mayor asked if there were any questions or discussion and hearing none, called for the vote.

VOTE:

Motion passed on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson. Nay: 0. Absent: Clark and Poulos

7. Other Business

Alderwoman Swanson said she could get approximate dollar amount that is raised at Smoking Dog's fundraiser for Alderman Spurgetis if he wanted. Alderman Spurgetis said it was just a general question because he is not in favor of waiving City fees - even though it is a small amount of money. Deputy Clerk Mohr advised that Smoking Dog paid the required application fee and that the waiver was just for the permit fee and waivers were only available to not-for- profits. Alderman Geenen asked if fees for all not-for-profits were waived and Deputy Clerk Mohr advised only if requested and approved by Council.

Alderman Geenen asked if anyone was aware of Habitat for Humanity buying two vacant lots from St. Joseph the Worker House. City Manger Tweet advised he was not aware and rest of the council concurred that they had no knowledge. Alderman Geenen stated that he asked them when they sold the properties if they let the buyers no there were no water hookups on the properties and he stated they replied "No". He further commented that Habitat had contacted him previously about paying property taxes on vacant lots, but City Manager Tweet stated that the taxes were minimal because they are vacant properties.

With no further discussion, Mayor Thoms called for the motion to adjourn.

8. Motion to Adjourn 

MOTION:

Alderman Spurgetis moved to adjourn to 6:45 Monday, March 9, 2020. Alderman Geenen seconded.

VOTE:

Motion passed on a 5-0-2 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson. Nay: 0. Absent: Clark and Poulos

https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02282020-541