City of Rock Island City Council met May 18.
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 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 connection in accordance with Governor Pritzker's Executive Order.
Absent: Alderman Ivory Clark.
Staff: City Manager Randy Tweet, 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. 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 May 11, 2020 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: Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Clark.
8. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
Forward - As we moved 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 - a tool that brings more than 20 federal, state, and local resources together in one place for businesses to easily navigate programs that are available specifically to them. 1,100 businesses will receive an email invitation over the course of this week to log into their business profile already set up for them. For more information or to request an invitation to this platform, please visit the City's website at www.rigov.org or at rockislandforward.com.
Virtual Concert - Classic Country Night - Join Rock Island Parks & Recreation for a free Facebook Live Virtual Concert on Thursday, May 21st at 7:00 p.m. featuring a Classical Country Night theme from Kevin Horton. "After an amazing first concert from Kevin, we had so many requests to have him back again. During our first concert he was able to show us his wide range of vocal and guitar abilities. Many asked for a Country night, so we are delivering that to our valued listeners during our May concert. We will also be taking donations for the Youth Scholarship Fund through the Rock Island Parks Foundation. During April, we raised over $1,000 for youth in our community and would like to continue to build on that success," says Dan Gleason, Special Event Manager.
9. Mayor Thoms will close the regular meeting and open a Public Hearing regarding a request for a Special Use Permit by Justin Farley to operate a music studio and public event facility at 4401 7th Avenue.
Mayor Thoms closed the regular meeting and opened the Public Hearing. He invited Justin Farley to speak on the measure. Mr. Farley introduced himself and said he planned to go forward with a business located in an old church at 7th Avenue and 44th Street. He said he plans to open a music studio and use it as a community event space. He said he was excited to be a neighbor in Rock Island.
Mayor Thoms asked if anyone in favor would like to speak on the measure. No one joined the call in favor.
Mayor Thoms asked if anyone opposed to the measure would like to speak. No one joined the call in opposition.
Mayor Thoms closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting for a motion.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the Special Use Permit subject to the stipulations listed; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, and Poulos.
Nay: None.
Absent: Clark.
10. Mayor Thoms will close the regular meeting and open a Public Hearing regarding a request for a Special Use Permit by Sean Kaiser to operate a tree cutting and trimming business on two vacant lots west of 812 47th Avenue
Mayor Thoms closed the regular meeting and opened the Public Hearing.
Mayor Thoms asked if Sean Kaiser was on the call. Mr. Kaiser replied yes, and he recently acquired a property at 7th Avenue and 12th Street and stated that he no longer has equipment at the 47th Avenue site, only firewood. He said he has cleaned up the site significantly and brought in gravel, and all of his commercial equipment is being kept elsewhere. He said he is trying to only keep firewood at the site and not cause a disturbance. He said he has resolved the issue with the Fire Department. He said going forward, the only activity on the site will be to split firewood and deliver it to the community.
Alderman Hurt asked what the issue with the Fire Department was. Mr. Kaiser said the firewood piles were deemed too large, and his solution was to shorten them. He said no fires were lit on the property, but would use a 50 gallon barrel to keep workers warm over the winter months. Alderman Hurt asked City Manager Randy Tweet what the initial citizen complaint was. Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Miles Brainard responded, saying there was a large store of wood debris on a residentially zoned site, and the lot is connected to a series of single-family homes. Mr. Brainard said the complaint was simply that the property was being used inappropriately.
Mr. Kaiser said the parcel next to the lot in question is owned by his former mother-in-law, who is ok with his lot. He discussed to additional nearby properties that are not opposed to his site. He said there previously were issues with his site, which he believes are related to the burning of wood.
Mayor Thoms asked if anyone in favor would like to speak on the measure. No one joined the call in favor.
Mayor Thoms asked if anyone opposed to the measure would like to speak. No one joined the call in opposition.
Mayor Thoms closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the regular meeting for a motion.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to deny the request as recommended; Alderman Hurt seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis said he understands Mr. Kaiser has an alternate location to store his equipment. He asked if Mr. Kaiser was still seeking a Special Use Permit to operate a tree cutting and trimming business at the location stated. Mayor Thoms said he did not believe the Special Use Permit has not been changed. Mr. Kaiser said the only thing he wants to do at the site now is split firewood and offer it for sale to people in the area. Mayor Thoms asked Mr. Kaiser if the Special Use Permit stated that he was allowed to split the firewood and offer it for sale to people in the area, would he be ok with it. Mr. Kaiser replied yes. Mr. Brainard said the storage of firewood in the current amount at the site still constitutes a zoning violation, and that
Staff would still recommend denying the request.
Mr. Kaiser said he was a small business owner and was at the site with his staff upwards of ten hours a week. He asked what the minimal amount would need to be in order to fall within the zoning specifications. Mayor Thoms said the City had recently done a study on zoning, and that it is taken seriously when adjustments are requested. He said it can affect many areas, so there is a good reason. Mr. Kaiser said he understands, but it would be an effort to move everything. Mr. Brainard said Staff would work with Mr. Kaiser to secure an alternate location for storing the firewood, as well as transport over time. He said Staff will also work with Mr. Kaiser to find a time frame where it would be appropriate to have items moved from the site. Mr. Kaiser thanked Mr. Brainard.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Clark.
11. Claims for the week of May 1 through May 7, 2020 in the amount of $789,448.12 and the week May 8 through May 14, 2020 in the amount of $813,678.81.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to allow the claims; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Clark.
12. Report from the Public Works Department regarding Amendment #1 to the Agreement with CDM Smith Inc., Chicago, IL for additional construction services on the replacement for the Water Treatment Plant Filter Building for a cost not to exceed $189,700.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the Amendment as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis said this measure was for engineering services only, and not construction.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye:
Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Clark.
13. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Paquita and James Richardson, owners of P & J Tender Care, for assistance in repairing their building located at 2201 11th Street for an amount not to exceed $30,000.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the development agreement subject to minor attorney modifications; authorize the City Manager to execute the 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: Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
14. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a development agreement with the YWCA of the Quad Cities to assist in demolition of the building at 1704 5th Avenue, in an amount not to exceed $20,000.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the development agreement subject to minor attorney modifications; authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement; and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderman Geenen said he spoke with Julie at the YWCA as part of their capital improvement campaign, and she thanked the City for their assistance in constructing a new building in the downtown area. Alderman Parker asked if this measure kicked in prevailing wage requirements. Alderman Geenen said additional State funds will be utilized for the project that required prevailing wage. Alderman Parker said he remembers where other capital funds were used for private construction, but the private entity was not aware of the prevailing wage. Mr. Tweet said other funds were involved, and that it was a prevailing wage job.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Clark.
15. Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2020 Budget for the Community & Economic Development Department in the amount of $30,000 related to an agreement with the owners of P&J Tender Care to assist in costs related to the development of the property located at 2201 11th Street.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Clark.
16. Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2020 Budget for the Community & Economic Development Department in the amount of $20,000 related to an agreement with the YWCA to assist in costs related to the property located at 1704 5th Avenue.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote.
Aye: Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, and Geenen.
Nay: None.
Absent: Clark.
17. Other Business
Mayor Thoms asked if there were any additional topics to discuss. There were no contributions.
18. Executive Session:
Mayor Thoms said the scheduled Executive Session was pulled and would not take place.
19. Motion to Adjourn
Alderman Parker moved to adjourn; Alderman Poulos seconded. The meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05182020-564
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