Rock Island City Council met April 13.
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 6:45 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, Police Chief Jeff VenHuizen, 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. Minutes of the March 23, 2020 meeting.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos 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.
7. Public Comment
Mayor Thoms asked if any residents wished to speak via remote connection. No residents called the provided number to participate.
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. beginning on Monday, April 6, 2020.
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.
2020 Census - As of now, all residents of the City should have received an invitation from the Census Bureau to fill out the Census. A complete count for Rock Island will result in federal dollars being invested right back into the City. It's important and only takes three minutes via 2020census.gov.
Mayor Thoms recognized Telecommuters Week by thanking 911 dispatchers for their hard work and keeping residents safe.
9. Mayor Thoms will close the regular meeting and open a Public Hearing regarding a request for a Special Use Permit by Michael Whiteside of Whiteside Hospitality, LLC to operate a bar at at 3737 14th Avenue.
Michael Whiteside, owner of Whiteside Hospitality, LLC participated via remote call-in. He introduced himself as a Rock Island resident, and what his business would be at 3737 14th Avenue. He said he plans to open up a bar and restaurant at that location, with the first stage being a bar. He said he would like to progress towards a restaurant in phases, which requires a special use permit.
Mayor Thoms asked if anyone wished to speak for this. No callers responded. Mayor Thoms asked if anyone wished to speak against this. No callers responded.
Alderman Poulos said he has walked around the neighborhood in question, and has not heard anyone speak ill of or against this measure. He said he will be in favor of it when it comes to a vote.
Mayor Thoms closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting for a motion.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the request as recommended, including the stipulations as stated; Alderman Geenen seconded.
Alderman Parker said he did not have a specific question regarding the project and was fine with what the new owners wished to do. He said he was curious about the current zoning code requiring a certain number of parking spaces per interior square footage, and asked if it would be part of the zoning code review. Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Miles Brainard asked Alderman Parker if he was asking if changing the parking standards was part of the larger rewrite of the zoning code. Alderman Parker confirmed. Mr. Brainard said yes, that it would be a part of the review. He said there are different conversations to have regarding parking requirements to make them more flexible and reasonable.
Mayor Thoms said he has had a chance to tour the facility and that it will be a great venue.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
10. An Ordinance for the reallocation of the 2020 Home Rule Volume Cap in the amount of $3,956.190.00 to the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority for economic development and housing projects.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to pass the ordinance; Alderman Poulos seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis asked Finance Director Stephanie Masson for clarification on this measure. She said this was a Community and Economic Development agenda item, but is related to the opportunity for bonding dollars to be available to the business community. She said this is a standard agenda item that gives Staff ability to transfer the volume cap to the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority, which the Community and Economic Development Department works through to help businesses gain access to the bonding.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
11. Claims
a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $12,102.43 to David Morrison of Rock Island, IL for legal services rendered from February 24,2020 through March 18th, 2020.
b. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,380.44 to Johnny Fisher of Rock Island, Illinois, for a general liability claim.
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $3,300.00 to John Robert Westpfahl of Milan, Illinois for the annual Land Set Aside contract.
d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $18,799.25 to Crawford Company of Rock Island, IL for an emergency water main repair at 3417 11th Street.
e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #3 and final in the amount of $9,041.09 to Utility Dynamic Corp, of Oswego, IL for services provided from February 22, 2020 through March 15, 2020 as part of the 11th Street Sidewalk and Lighting Repairs, Project 2822.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommended for Claims items a through e; 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.
12. Claims for the week of March 20, 2020 through March 26, 2020 in the amount of $314,167.12; for the week of March 27, 2020 through April 2, 2020 in the amount of $403,426.24; for the week of April 3, 2020 through April 9, 2020 in the amount of $712,206.46, and payroll for the period of March 9, 2020 through March 22, 2020 in the amount of $1,482,262.90.
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: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
13. Report from the Public Works Department regarding Intergovernmental Support Agreement (IGSA) with the Rock Island Arsenal, recommending proceding with the development of the proposed extensions.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the request as recommended and authorize the Public Works Director to proceed with the development of the IGSA agreement with the Rock Island Arsenal; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Alderman Parker said he is a believer in labor-management cooperation and partnership. He asked if the City has solicited the union that represents the current Public Works employees to receive their input. Public Works Director Mike Bartels said Staff has discussed this with the union, and there will be union positions in the bargaining units. He said more discussions will occur as the project progresses, but the union is in favor. Alderman Parker said he encourages
discussion with unions as a matter of policy.
Alderman Spurgetis said his understanding is that following approval, this will come back to Council for final approval of the measure. Mr. Bartels confirmed it would come back to Council in June or July with the finalized agreement.
Alderman Poulos asked if this project had any impact on future discussions regarding water or sewer privatization. Mr. Bartels said no, and if the measure moved forward, a contract would need to be fulfilled.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and
Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
14. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2020 Tree Trimming and Removal Contract, recommending the contract be awarded to Advantage Tree Services of Davenport, Iowa in the amount of $76,231.42.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to award 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 Geenen seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis said the bid amount was significantly lower than the other three bidders. He asked if there was concern about the disparity in bid amounts. Mr. Bartels said he spoke with Advantage Tree Service, and that the company was looking to keep their employees working, and bid at cost, which is a benefit to the City.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
15. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of two new Automated Refuse Packers for the Fleet Services Division in the amount of $452,882.00 from Elliott Equipment Co. of Davenport, IA.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to award the bid and authorize the purchase as recommended; 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.
16. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a request to declare truck number 3333, a 2000 Ford F350, as surplus.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to declare truck number 3333 as surplus, and to authorize disposal of the surplus vehicle in a manner that will be advantageous to the City of Rock Island; 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. Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2020 budget for the Community & Economic Development Department in the amount $250,000.00 related to the Small Business Grant Program to assist Rock Island businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderman Parker asked if the City was fronting the money and the Housing and Urban Development Department would refund the amount. City Manager Randy Tweet said the City was fronting the money and would be reimbursed. He said the procedure ensures that these are eligible expenditures. Alderman Parker asked Budget and Grants Manager Colleen Small- Vollman what the amount received for CDBG funds was. Ms. Small-Vollman said the City received $649,119 that is earmarked for COVID-19 projects, and $250,000 that is earmarked for the Small Business Grants program with the intent that the City will not know the full fallout will be from the pandemic. Alderman Parker said he has proposed a few ideas to Mr. Tweet regarding the use of funding, and the feedback was that the federal government has not provided sufficient guidance as to what is or isn't an eligible expense. Ms. Small-Vollman said she had just received some guidance, but has not been able to read it yet. She said she would report to Mr. Tweet regarding her findings.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
Alderman Hurt recused himself from the vote.
18. Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2020 budget, transferring $531,519.56 from the Gaming Fund to support projects originally budgeted for completion in CY 2019 as part of the Capital Improvement Plan.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; 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.
19. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Mark Carlson of Carlson Brothers Inc., recommending that Parcels 092072 and 092040 otherwise known as Lincoln Homes be rezoned from R-3 to PUD (Planned Unit Development) and that the associated site plan be approved.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the request as recommended; 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.
20. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Gorman and Company LLC, recommending that Parcels 092003, 092004, 092005, 092006, 092007, 092008, 092009, 092010, 092011, 092012, 092012-1, 092014, 09672, 09673, and 09674 otherwise known as Solomon Townhomes be rezoned from R-3 to PUD (Planned Unit Development) and that the associated site plan be approved.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the request 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.
21. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Gorman and Company, recommending the vacation of a segment of a City alley south of 5th Avenue between 10th and 11th Streets.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Hurt seconded.
A representative of Gorman and Company thanked Council for their consideration and to let them know they were present via remote.
Alderman Poulos asked Police Chief Jeff VenHuizen if this request would affect police response. Chief VenHuizen answered no to Mr. Tweet, and Mr. Tweet passed his answer along to Council.
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 Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from David Brown of Refuge United Pentecostal Church, recommending the vacation of the unimproved segment of 50th Avenue east of 11th Street.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an 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.
23. Report from the Traffic and Engineering Committee regarding a request from Roosevelt Hall, recommending the installation of a handicapped parking space at 604 9th Avenue.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an 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.
24. Report from the Traffic and Engineering Committee regarding the request from Lester Moyer, recommending the installation a handicapped parking space at 2050 33rd Street.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the request as recommended and refer to the City Attorney for an 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.
25. Report from the Mayor regarding the reappointments of Dennis Pauley and Don Mewes to the Liquor Control Commission for three-year terms to expire April, 2023; the reappointments of Dell Jensen Jr. and Gary Kennelly to the Water Pollution Control Commission for for three-year terms to expire May, 2023; and the reappointment of Stephanie Masson to the Police Pension Board of Trustees for a two-year term to expire June, 2022.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the 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.
26. Other Business
Mayor Thoms called for remembrance of the City of Hampton Police Chief following his recent passing, as well as thoughts for anyone who had contracted the COVID-19 virus. He reminded the public to be safe and stay home if not necessary. Alderman Poulos commended the City Manager and Mayor for their help in providing information and their cooperation with other local municipalities regarding COVID-19.
27. Executive Session:
5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probably or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to enter Executive Session for the exception cited; 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.
28. Motion to Adjourn
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to adjourn; Alderman Spurgetis seconded. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04132020-554
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