City of Rock Island City Council met June 8.
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.” This Executive Order was re-issued by the Governor on May 29, 2020 as part of Executive Order 2020-39 and remains in effect.
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 Interim City Clerk to call the roll. Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderman Mark Poulos.
Alderman Randy Hurt, Alderman James Spurgetis, Alderwoman Jenni Swanson, Alderman Dylan Parker, and Alderman Dave Geenen were present via remote participation in accordance with Governor Pritzker's Executive Order.
Absent: Alderman Ivory D. Clark.
Staff: City Manager Randy Tweet, Interim City Clerk Linda Mohr, 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 May 18, 2020 meeting and the May 26, 2020 special meeting.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
7. Public Comment
Mayor Thoms asked if any residents wished to speak via remote connection. No residents volunteered to speak.
Mayor Thoms said he wanted to discuss events of the prior several weeks regarding racial disparity, inequity, and violence. He said the City is committed to working on racial disparity in the future. He said it was a very sad situation to see what happened in Minnesota, and hopefully positive things can come of that in the future. He said the City does not condone the violence, and peaceful protesting is a right. He encouraged people to let their voice be heard in the streets or parks, and the City will try to help facilitate those protests, as it is a good way to get a message across. He said violence is not the way to take care of issues or gain anything. He said the City will begin working this week on listening to people or groups that would like to have their agenda heard for change in the future. He said the City is in a listening and learning mode to work the best they can to develop policies, procedures, and ordinances to accommodate needs and unite everyone once again. He encouraged people to reach out and ask questions in order to help make the City and the Quad Cities a better place to live.
8. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
Forward - As we move forward amidst our new norm with COVID-19, Illinois Quad City communities are rolling out one of the most robust business recovery programs in the nation by launching FORWARD - a free online portal that connects local businesses to a comprehensive list of resources- grants, loans, credits, offers, and local incentives. It's a one-stop shop for recovery programs. The tool allows businesses to quickly find resources they are eligible for, based on their completed business profile. This effort is made possible through a new partnership with LiveStories, which has enabled a tool to bring more than 20 federal, state, and local resources together in one place for businesses to easily navigate programs that are available specifically to them. For more information or to request an invitation to this platform, please visit the City's website at rigov.org or at rockislandforward.com.
Curbside Pickup Now Available by Appointment at Rock Island Public Library - Materials must be requested in advance, either through the Library's online PrairieCat catalog, or with staff help via phone, email, or "Ask a Librarian" chat. Library staff will contact the borrower once items become available and establish a pick-up time. Five items per car, per appointment, are available for pick-up.
9. Proclamation declaring June, 2020 as Pride Month.
Interim City Clerk Linda Mohr read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read his declaration.
Mayor Thoms asked if anyone wanted to speak about this proclamation. Economic Development Manager Tarah Sipes said she spoke with Chase Norris of Clock Inc., who thanked the City for their continued support of the LGBT+ community and his business.
10. Mayor Thoms will close the regular meeting and open a Public Hearing regarding an application to amend the Special Use Permit held by Richard Lopez, allowing him to operate a restaurant business with additional outdoor seating at 3055 38th Street.
Mayor Thoms closed the regular meeting and opened the Public Hearing.
Rick Lopez, owner of Igor's Bistro discussed his desire for a Special Use Permit for outdoor seating. He said he has lost 42 seats at his restaurant as a result of the pandemic and does not see an end in sight. He said he needs to add additional seating to make ends meet with an aesthetically pleasing fenced-in area.
Mayor Thoms asked if there were parties wishing to speak against the proposal. Resident Jack Cross said he was against the proposal. He said there are parking problems, and there is the potential for snow removal problems as well. He said there are problems pulling into the lane from 38th Street.
Resident Tim Knanishu said he was against the proposal. He said this is the sixth amendment to this Special Use Permit that has already been granted in a residential area. He said not enough notice was given for the Public Hearing per City Ordinance. He said amendment does not meet the requirements, and expressed concerns over the parking and traffic situations. He expressed concern about the potential for a new sign and the possibility of impeding sight. He said he wished for the City to honor the previous commitment that was made. He expressed concern over the City's liability regarding parking at the Saukie Golf Course lot and water runoff.
Mayor Thoms asked if anyone else wished to speak in opposition. No one joined. He then asked if anyone was in favor of the project that wished to speak. No one joined. He said the zoning terminology confusion was in regards to an attempt to review zoning in the future.
Mayor Thoms asked Mr. Lopez if he had responses to the questions from residents. Mr. Lopez said the residents had asked him to use the parking lot space for seating instead. He said no changes were planned to the business' sign. With regards to the water runoff issue, he said there was ample distance in each direction, and it was not a concern. He said they do not use the extra parking at Saukie mainly because the clientele is slightly older and the distance of that parking lot is longer for them to walk. He said he would answer any questions regarding concerns over the proposal.
Mr. Cross remarked further on the parking lot and Mr. Lopez said if Mr. Cross would call, he could take care of the problem. He said during winter time, as there would be no outdoor seating, the concrete would not be shoveled. Mr. Cross said he has tried to be reasonable regarding snow removal, but it has not been addressed. Mr. Lopez said perhaps the City should get involved, as the lane isn't heavy enough for a truck, and he asked what he was to do about snow. After additional discussion, City Manager Randy Tweet said the City would work with the owner regarding appropriate snow removal and trash in the winter.
Mr. Knanishu said he understood that if the sign would be moved, it may impede vision. He said the road has been around for 60 years along with the homes. Mr. Tweet said if the sign would be moved, staff would ensure it would be in an appropriate location. He said there is parking on 38th Street that can be utilized. Mr. Knanishu said that if parking would be on 38th Street, sight would be impeded. Parks and Recreation Director John Gripp said parking at Saukie is available on a very limited basis.
Mayor Thoms closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting for a motion.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the amendment to the Special Use Permit, subject to the stipulations included in the report; Alderman Hurt seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis said the City needs to address the concerns of the residents, business, and
City as a whole. He said many of the concerns could be addressed whilst approving the Special
Use Permit amendment. He said the wall or fence that was proposed is three feet tall with inside rope lighting as opposed to three and a half feet, which was in the report. He said the map given to Council was misleading in the depiction of the concrete slab proposed.
Mayor Thoms said many things could be worked out with communication, and encouraged Mr. Lopez and the neighbors to attempt resolution. He expressed a desire to make accommodations for each party involved.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
11. Claims
a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment to David Morrison, Rock Island, IL in the amount of $16,300.19 for legal services rendered from May 1 through May 29, 2020.
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $11,362.02 to Seneca Companies, Davenport, IA for emergency service work at the Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommended for Claims a and b; 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.
12. Claims for the week of May 15 through May 21, 2020 in the amount of $803,328.18 and May 22 through May 28, 2020 in the amount of $169,155.58 and payroll for the period of May 4 through May 17, 2020 in the amount of $1,484,126.41 and May 18 through May 31, 2020 in the amount of $1,556,120.55.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker 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.
13. ACH Payments for the Month of April 2020 in the amount of $779,621.32.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the ACH payments; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
14. Resolution approving the appropriation of funds from the City's Gaming Funds for the payment of land acquisition expenditures as part of the City Wide Residential Construction Reimbursement Program.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to adopt the Resolution as written and authorize the Mayor to sign the document; 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.
15. Resolution to accept the transfer of Grant IL 04475T181809 from the Rock Island Housing Authority to the City of Rock Island on behalf of the DeLaCerda House.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to adopt the Resolution as written and authorize the Mayor to sign the document; Alderman Spurgetis 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. Resolution authorizing the appropriation of funds from the City's Gaming Funds for the payment of land aquisition expenditures on behalf of the Rock Island Milan School District.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to adopt the Resolution as written and authorize the Mayor to sign the document; 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.
17. Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2020 Budget, reducing the General Fund budget by $1,010,848.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the budget adjustment 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.
18. Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2020 budget, increasing the HUD CDBG Funds by $1,513,602.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; 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.
19. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a storm sewer repair contract and easement agreement at 2343 27 Street, Rock Island.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the agreement and easement as written 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: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
20. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the sale of City owned real estate located on the south half of 1423 6 Street, Parcel 095837, PIN 1603232002, to Johnny Bragg for $421.25 plus closing costs.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the sale of the property as recommended, authorize the City Manager to execute the sale agreement and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the 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.
21. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the sale of City owned property, Parcel 09567, PIN 1601119004, to Dana Smith for $858.00 plus closing costs.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the sale of the property as recommended, authorize the City Manager to execute the sale agreement and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the Ordinance; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
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 Community and Economic Development Department regarding the sale of the City owned property located on the north half of Parcel 092141, PIN 0734405005, to Marcelino Cruz for $571.25 plus closing costs.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the sale of the property as recommended, authorize the City Manager to execute the sale agreement and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the Ordinance; Alderman Hurt 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's office regarding the appointment of Stacey McIntosh to the Arts Advisory Commission to fill a vacated three year term to expire June 2022 and reappointing Bob Towler to the Beautification Commission a 4 year term to expire June 2024.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the appointment and reappointment as recommended; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
24. Report from the City Clerk's office regarding an Activity / Event application from the Quad Cities River Bandits to hold their annual Race to Home 5K event on Saturday, August 29, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and a Resolution authorizing the temporary closure of the easternmost northbound lane of Highway 67 / Master Sergeant Stanley Talbot Memorial (Centennial) Bridge to 2nd Avenue and IL Highway 92 from 16 1/2 Street to 18 Street.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the event as recommended and adopt the Resolution; Alderman Poulos seconded.
Alderman Parker asked if the social distancing rules would apply if still applicable in August. Mr. Tweet said that was correct depending on the Governor's guidance at that time, which would determine whether or not the event could happen in Illinois. He said it appeared that the event would be allowed by then, subject to changes.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
25. Report from the City Clerk's Office regarding an activity application from the YWCA Quad Cities revising their 2020 event, the YWCA's 2nd Race Against Racism, to be held on Saturday, October 24, 2020 between 9:00 a.m. and noon with a street closure on 17 Street between 2 and 3 Avenues during that time.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the event and street closure as recommended pending approval by the Governor; 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.
26. Other Business
Mayor Thoms thanked the citizens of Rock Island and the Quad Cities for their cooperation surrounding the recent curfew situation.
27. Motion to Adjourn
Alderman Geenen moved to adjourn; Alderman Hurt seconded. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06082020-571
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