Rock Island Today

Rock Island City Council met April 27.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

1. As part of his Executive Order in Response to Covid-19, #2020-07, section 6, Governor Pritzker announced in part that “During the duration of the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation, the provisions of the Open Meetings Act, 5ILCS 120, requiring or relating to in-person attendance by members of a public body are suspended. Specifically, (1) the requirement in 5 ILCS 120/2.01 that ‘members of a public body must be physically present’ is suspended; and (2) the conditions in 5 ILCS 120/7 limiting when remote participation is permitted are suspended. Public bodies are encouraged to postpone consideration of public business where possible.”

2. Call to Order

Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order at 6:47 p.m. and welcomed everyone.

3. Roll Call

Mayor Thoms asked the Deputy Clerk to call the roll. Present: Mayor Mike Thoms.

Alderman Dave Geenen, Alderman Randy Hurt, Alderman James Spurgetis, Alderwoman Jenni Swanson, Alderman Dylan Parker, and Alderman Mark Poulos were present via remote participation in accordance with Governor Pritzker's Executive Order.

Absent: Alderman Ivory Clark.

Staff: City Manager Randy Tweet, Deputy Clerk Josh Adams, and Information Technology Director Tim Bain.

4. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Thoms led in the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance.

5. Moment of Silence

Mayor Thoms asked for a moment of silence. A moment of silence was observed.

6. Public Comment

Mayor Thoms asked if any residents wished to speak via remote connection. No residents called the provided number to participate.

7. Minutes of the April 13, 2020 meeting. 

MOTION:

Alderman Parker moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderwoman Swanson seconded. 

VOTE:

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

8. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms

Free Leaf Bag Collection - The City of Rock Island is providing leaf collection for its residential refuse customers from Monday, April 13 through Friday, May 1, 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and limited staffing, leaf bags will only be available at the Public Works Department, 1309 Mill Street, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

COVID 19 Emergency Small Business Grant Application - The goal of the grant fund is to accelerate access to capital and to help small businesses bridge the gap until additional funding sources are announced. DARI, in partnership with the City of Rock Island, will administer working capital grants in amounts of up to $2,500 to qualifying small businesses. Applications submitted will be added to a waitlist and as funding is available, grants will be awarded. More information is available on the City's website, rigov.org.

QC Emergency Take Out and Delivery - Quad City area restaurants have created a Facebook page that highlights area restaurants that are open for carryout or delivery orders. A list of Rock Island Bars and Restaurants is also available on the City website, rigov.org.

Virtual Golf Lessons - The Parks and Recreation Department is offering Virtual Group and Private Golf Lessons with PGA Professional Jeff LaRue. All participants will receive a free 2020 round of golf! For more information and to register online, visit www.rigov.org/ePark. For questions, email Todd Winter at winter.todd@rigov.org.

9. Proclamation declaring April 30, 2020 as Kevin Koski Day in honor of his years of service on the Library Board.

Deputy Clerk Josh Adams read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read his declaration and thanked Mr. Koski for his service. Alderwoman Swanson said Mr. Koski has done a great job and on behalf of the Library Board, he will be sorely missed.

10. Proclamation declaring May 3 through May 9, 2020 as Drinking Water Week.

Deputy Clerk Josh Adams read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read his declaration.

11. Proclamation declaring May, 2020 as Motorcycle Awareness Month.

Deputy Clerk Josh Adams read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read his declaration.

12. A Special Ordinance amending the zoning map of the City of Rock Island and rezoning Parcels 092072 and 092040, otherwise known as Lincoln Homes, from R-3 (one and two family residence district) to PUD (Planned Unit Development).

MOTION:

Alderman Hurt moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Parker seconded.

Alderman Geenen asked if there was a representative from the Rock Island Housing Authority participating in the remote meeting. Alderman Parker clarified that this measure was for an alternate issue. Budget and Grants Manager Colleen Small-Vollman said this measure was for the Public Housing Authority. City Manager Randy Tweet asked if anyone was on the line to speak on this measure. Alderman Geenen asked for the public what a PUD or Planned Unit Development was instead of public housing. Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Miles Brainard said a PUD is a different zoning district that requires an entire site plan from the applicant for rezoning. He said Staff has reviewed the use of the site as well as the layout of the buildings, the lighting plan, and the landscaping plan to create a fully planned development. He said it is more comprehensive than public housing.

VOTE:

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

13. A Special Ordinance amending the zoning map of the City of Rock Island and rezoing Parcels 092003, 092004, 092005, 092006, 092007, 092008, 092009, 092010, 092011, 092012, 092012- 1, 092014, 09672, 09673, and 09674, otherwise known as Solomon Townhomes, from R-3 (one and two family residence district) to PUD (Planned Unit Development).

MOTION:

Alderman Spurgetis moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Parker seconded.

VOTE:

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

14. A Special Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to operate a bar and restaurant in a structure located at 3737 14th Avenue in an area zoned B-1 (neighborhood business district) in Rock Island, IL.

MOTION:

Alderwoman Swanson moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.

Alderman Spurgetis said he had concerns about not having a specific number of parking spaces, but understood trying to work with a developing business. He said he would like to make a motion to amend part of the special use permit agreement regarding the stipulations in Section 2, Number 2 of the proposed ordinance. He said he wanted to amend that section to include that the applicant would provide the City with written proof that they have made reasonable efforts to contact adjacent businesses to secure a shared parking agreement.

Mayor Thoms said the first motion needed to be withdrawn, but a new motion could be made to reflect an amendment to Section 2, Number 2 of the proposed ordinance.

Alderman Spurgetis withdrew his second to the first motion. Alderwoman Swanson withdrew her motion.

Alderman Spurgetis moved to amend the Special Use Permit stipulation in Section 2 to read the applicant will provide the City with written proof that the applicant has made reasonable efforts to contact adjacent businesses to secure a shared parking agreement, to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Poulos seconded.

Alderwoman Swanson asked if Staff had discussed this amendment with the applicant. Mr. Brainard said Staff has not specifically discussed the amendment, though the concept of seeking a shared parking agreement had been discussed extensively. He said the amendment makes sure that within the two-year time frame of the permit, the owners show Staff that they attempted to reach out and enter into a parking agreement.

VOTE:

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

15. A Special Ordinance vacating a portion of the improved alley right-of-way at 5th Avenue between 10th and 11th Streets in the City of Rock Island, IL.

MOTION:

Alderman Parker moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.

VOTE:

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

16. A Special Ordinance vacating a segment of right-of-way of the unimproved segment of 50th Avenue east of 11th Street in the City of Rock Island, IL.

MOTION:

Alderman Poulos moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.

VOTE:

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

17. A Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space in front of the residence located at 604 9th Avenue in the City of Rock Island, IL.

MOTION:

Alderman Geenen moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Poulos seconded.

VOTE:

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

18. A Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space in front of the residence located at 2050 33rd Street in the City of Rock Island, IL.

MOTION:

Alderman Hurt moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.

VOTE:

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

19. A Special Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article III, Division II Section 2-87 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Rock Island, IL regarding the duties of the City Clerk.

MOTION:

Alderman Spurgetis moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Parker seconded.

Alderman Parker asked if a new City Clerk would be hired due to the City-wide hiring freeze, and if the position would be covered. Mr. Tweet replied that was correct. Alderman Parker asked if the new person would be designated as the new FOIA and OMA officer. Mr. Tweet said more guidance and a vote would be forthcoming at the next City Council meeting.

VOTE:

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

20. A Special Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article III, Division II Section 2-88 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Rock Island, IL regarding the duties of the Deputy City Clerk.

MOTION:

Alderwoman Swanson moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Hurt seconded.

VOTE:

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

21. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a Resolution authorizing the appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax funds in the amount of $1,065,671.35 for street maintenance in 2019.

MOTION:

Alderman Parker moved to adopt the resolution as recommended; Alderman Poulos seconded.

Alderman Parker asked for clarification regarding the purpose of this agenda item. Public Works Director Mike Bartels said the amount is what was spent using Motor Fuel Tax funds in 2019, and the amended resolution shows what was spent. He said that amount goes to the State of Illinois for the purpose of auditing RMF motor fuel tax accounts. Mr. Bartels said that for the next item, the amount is an estimate of what the City expects to spend in 2020.

VOTE:

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

22. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a Resolution authorizing the appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax funds in the amount of $1,374,040.00 for street maintenance in 2020.

MOTION:

Alderman Poulos moved to adopt the resolution as recommended; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.

Alderman Poulos asked if the estimate was contingent on having appropriate funds with the current budget and the lack of driving. Mr. Bartels said the Public Works Department estimated this number based on a reduction of $166,000 to reflect the reduction of fuel purchases. He said the estimate could be revised depending on what is learned in the coming months. Alderman Spurgetis asked if the amount would be for road repairs only or also for salt and other related items. Mr. Bartels said the amount includes labor and equipment costs used by Public Works for pothole patching, snow removal, and concrete pavement patching. He said some funds are for a 2020 construction project and engineering services.

VOTE:

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

23. Claims

a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $21,969.73 to Seneca Companies of Davenport, IA for the Fuel System Repairs and Fuel Dispenser Replacement project.

MOTION:

Alderman Geenen moved to accept the report and authorize payment as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.

VOTE:

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

24. Claims for the week of April 10 through April 16, 2020 in the amount of $638,816.99 and payroll for the period of March 23 through April 5, 2020 in the amount of $1,497,030.19 and April 6 through 19, 2020 in the amount of $1,495,064.98.

MOTION:

Alderman Hurt moved to allow the claims and payroll; Alderman Parker seconded.

VOTE:

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

25. ACH Payments for the month of March 2020 in the amount of $1,217,327.93. 

MOTION:

Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the ACH payments; Alderman Hurt seconded. 

VOTE:

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

26. Purchase Card Claims for the period of February 27, 2020 through March 26, 2020 in the amount of $59,482.13.

MOTION:

Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the purchase card claims; Alderman Geenen seconded.

VOTE:

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

27. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding bids for 2020 self-insurance consulting and brokerage services, recommending the bid be awarded to USI of Moline, IL in the amount of $75,000 for a three-year period to expire April 30, 2023.

MOTION:

Alderman Parker moved to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.

Alderman Parker asked Human Resources Director John Thorson if this measure was the project he had been asking about regarding the Illinois Municipal League risk management service. He saw the IML was a bidder, but USI was chosen, and asked if that choice would result in the City being self-insured. Mr. Thorson said yes. Alderman Parker asked why the City would continue to be self-insured with USI instead of using IML, and why it is better to remain self-insured instead of paying a premium each month. Mr. Thorson said RMA program is fully insured, and this measure only includes general liability, and not worker's compensation. He said part of the premium paid out is for claims exceeding $650,000. He said this measure is primarily for purchasing excess insurance and for general liability. Alderman Parker asked for confirmation that the measure wouldn't apply for worker compensation, and Mr. Thorson said yes. Alderman Parker said that for RMA with the IML they would perform training for City Staff to potentially prevent injuries, and asked if any such training was available with USI. Mr. Thorson said he would let USI do the worker's compensation phase after this measure began, and they had a robust program with appropriate claims handling software.

VOTE:

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

28. Report from the Public Works department regarding bids for the Culverts Investigation and Rehabilition, Project 2787, recommending the bid be awarded to Valley Construction Company, Rock Island, IL in the amount of $227,451.25.

MOTION:

Alderman Poulos moved to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.

Alderman Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment. 

VOTE:

Motion passed on a 5-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.

29. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2020 Weed and Grass Compliance Contract, recommending the bid be awarded and the contract extended to Kymbyl Komplete Kare of Rock Island, IL in the amount of $90.00 per hour.

MOTION:

Alderman Geenen moved to extend the bid as recommended, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents, and authorize the Public Works Department to execute the necessary change orders; Alderman Parker seconded.

Alderman Parker asked Mr. Bartels if this measure was still separate from the mowing contracts as well as the contract for tall grass that needs mowed. Mr. Bartels confirmed yes, that this was for weed violations on residential properties ten inches or more. Alderman Parker asked if the separate mowing contract would also be extended, or if it was expired. Mr. Bartels said the mowing contract was not yet expired.

VOTE:

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

30. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Scot Doxstader of Coal Valley, IL to lease the City-owned property located at 78th Avenue West and IL-92 in the amount of $1,360 annually for the purpose of farming the site.

MOTION:

Alderman Hurt moved to approve the lease agreement subject to minor attorney modifications and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.

VOTE:

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

31. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Scot Doxstader of Coal Valley, IL to lease the City-owned property located at I-280 and IL-92 in the amount of $5,680 annually, for the purpose of farming the site.

MOTION:

Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the lease agreement subject to minor attorney modifications and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Hurt seconded.

VOTE:

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

32. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Kenneth Flack of Reynolds, IL to lease City-owned parcel 11-326 in Blackhawk Township at an annual rate of $1,156 for the purpose of farming the site.

MOTION:

Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the lease agreement subject to minor attorney modifications and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Hurt seconded.

VOTE:

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

33. Report from the Mayor regarding the appointments of Ametra Carrol-Castaneda and Daniel Boeye and reappointments of Bill Anderson and Linda Mohr to the Citizens' Advisory Committee, with three-year terms to expire September, 2023, and Randy Hurt to the Rock Island County Waste Management Agency, to complete a vacant four-year term to expire October, 2023.

MOTION:

Alderman Parker moved to approve the appointments and reappointments as recommended; Alderman Spurgetis seconded. 

VOTE:

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

34. Report from the Mayor regarding the appointment of Jo Noon and reappointments of Jacki Nelson and Elizabeth Russell to the Library Board to three-year terms, expiring April, 2023, and the appointments of Sarah Wright and Maureen Riggs and the reappointments of Bruce Harding, Ted Johnson, and Jason Lopez to the Planning Commission for three-year terms ending April, 2023.

MOTION:

Alderman Poulos moved to approve the appointments and reappointments as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.

VOTE:

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

35. Other Business

Mayor Thoms discussed the Small Business Grants Program and the progress to date. He reminded listeners that CDBG funds are reimbursable and not disbursed upfront. He discussed his experience meeting with a 103 year-old lifelong resident of Rock Island at Friendship Manor the previous weekend.

Economic Development Manager Tarah Sipes said she noticed on social media that Boetje's Mustard was awarded another gold medal at the world mustard competition in the deli category. She congratulated the local business for their achievement.

Alderman Parker asked when Council could anticipate guidance or recommendations regarding the remainder of surplus CDBG funds. Mr. Tweet said it would be coming with the annual action plan, currently scheduled for the May 11th Council meeting. Alderman Parker said he read a letter recently from the National League of Cities that federal stimulus checks are available to those that do not file federal income tax. He noted that the IRS has a website for these individuals to provide contact information in order to receive their checks.

Mayor Thoms said a few tracks have fallen behind where they should be in terms of filling out the 2020 Census. He encouraged people to do the Census via phone or online so the City will not lose federal dollars.

Mayor - 2020 Census.

36. Motion to Adjourn

MOTION:

Alderman Geenen moved to adjourn to May 11, 2020; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.

The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.

https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04272020-558