Rock Island Today

City of Rock Island City Council met May 28.

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 3:30 p.m. and welcomed everyone.

3. Roll Call

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

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

Absent: Alderman Ivory Clark.

Staff: City Manager Randy Tweet and Interim City Clerk Linda Mohr.

4. Public Comment

Mayor Thoms asked if any residents wished to speak via remote connection. No residents phoned in for public comment.

5. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the Highway Authority Agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency regarding the property located at 2252 24th Street, Project #2020-088

MOTION:

Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents with the Illinois EPA; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.

Alderman Spurgetis asked if City Manager Randy Tweet for a summary of this measure. Mr. Tweet said this is the old Country Market site, which has contamination underground and in the right of way area He said the measure states that the City is aware of the issue and will take the proper safety precautions.

VOTE:

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

6. Report from the Administration Department Authorizing the Local Liquor Commissioner and the City Manager temporary joint authority to approve outdoor food and beverage activities to accomodate our local establishments and their outdoor seating arrangements per the Governor's Covid-19 mandates

MOTION:

Alderman Hurt moved to approve the report as recommended and authorize the Local Liquor Commissioner and City Manager the temporary authority to jointly approve outdoor food and beverage activities, including seating sidewalk / street / alley closings; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.

Alderman Hurt asked how far the temporary status would reach. Mr. Tweet said the status is dependent on what guidance the Governor's office would provide, that this is intended to only extend to the end of the Governor's emergency declaration. Alderman Hurt asked if there was knowledge on opening and closing times for businesses during this time. Mr. Tweet said it depended on the opening and closing times of the establishments. Alderman Poulos asked if the sanctions would last as long as the Governor's restrictions would. Mr. Tweet confirmed yes. After further discussion, Alderman Parker added that he commended the City Council and Administration for doing their part and their response during this time.

VOTE:

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

7. Other Business

Alderman Hurt said he received a message regarding a band playing in the District area. Mayor Thoms said there can be a band, but not more than ten people gathering at a time and they must practice social distancing. Alderman Hurt said he would have the interested party contact the City Manager with a plan for review. Alderman Poulos asked if the ten person restriction is per business, or per group. Mr. Tweet said there is guidance available for what the loosening of restrictions means for businesses from the Governor.

8. Motion to Adjourn 

MOTION:

Alderman Poulos moved to adjourn; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.

The meeting adjourned at 3:43 p.m.

https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05262020-569