City of Rock Island City Council met July 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 Interim City Clerk to call the roll.
Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderman Randy Hurt, Alderman Dylan Parker, Alderman Mark Poulos.
Alderman Ivory D. Clark, Alderman Spurgetis, Alderwoman Jenni Swanson, and Alderman Dave Geenen were present via remote participation in accordance with Governor Pritzker's Executive Order.
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager Randy Tweet, Interim City Clerk Linda Mohr, and other City staff. Mayor Thoms said it was great to have Alderman Clark participating in the meeting.
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 volunteered to speak.
7. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
2020 Lincoln Park Concert Series - The 64th Starlight Revue is back in Lincoln Park on Tuesday nights from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. July's Tuesday night lineup begins with Gray Wolf on the 14th, The Night People on the 21st, and Troy Rangel & Friends on the 28th. Popcorn, soda, chips, and candy will be available at our concession stand.
The Quad City Botanical Center Eco Art Camp - Young artists ages 5-12 are invited to a week- long morning art camp to discover nature from an artist's point of view. Create artwork from nature on topics including plant art, soil art, and water art. We'll have fun in the sun and explore different types of art mediums as we interact with nature in our gardens. Campers' artwork will be displayed at our "Art In the Garden" event August 1, 2020. Artists will receive passes to attend their exhibition. This camp is from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. July 27, 2020 - July 31, 2020. All campers are required to wear a mask during indoor activities and group activities. All guests are encouraged to wear a mask outdoors as well.
Tell On Your Neighbor Awards - Each year, residents of Rock Island are encouraged to "Tell On Your Neighbor" by nominating the yards in their neighborhood that they find to be the most appealing or the most improved. The City of Rock Island's Beautification Commission will review all entries and awards will be presented at the August 24th City Council meeting. Nominations can be made through August 9, 2020. Digital photos of the nominated yards are required. Please do not go onto private property. Send the photo and address of the nominated property to the Community & Economic Development Department via e-mail at douglass.kathryn@rigov.org. For questions, please call (309) 732-2905.
8. Minutes of the June 22nd City Council Meeting.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 voice vote: Aye: Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, and Clark. Nay: None. Absent: None.
9. Presentation of the Firefighters Pension Fund and Police Pension Fund Preliminary Actuarial Valuation Results for January 1, 2020 and Assumption Discussion.
Finance Director Stephanie Masson introduced personnel from Nyhart Consulting, the vendor the City uses for audit reports and evaluations for the Police and Fire Pension funds. She introduced Scott Gavin and Heath Merlak from Nyhart, and said this is a regular presentation that goes over the valuation of the pension funds.
Ms. Masson said that based on the assumptions, it will be known what the employer contribution will be for 2021. She said this process serves as a bridge for both the 2019 audit and 2021 budget as well as between the employer and the public safety employees. She said many inputs go into an actuarial valuation, including staff that contribute current and retired employee information to Nyhart Consulting. She said the department needs to provide assumptions, which are helpful in creating the valuation. She said a few years ago they did an assumption study, and there is a nine year history of what employer contributions have been for Police and Fire combined.
Ms. Masson discussed a document that showed a summary of what incremental changes have been over time to meet the recommended assumption changes. She introduced Scott Gavin of Nyhart to discuss the 2020 valuation results. Mr. Galvin discussed the findings to Council and Staff, beginning with the Public Act 101-0610 legislative update. He discussed assumption updates and how the funds compare to other areas of the country. He discussed the assumption review of mortality. He discussed the valuation results for the Firefighters Pension Fund. He discussed the valuation results for the Police Pension Fund. He provided participant information for individuals eligible for benefits or due to receive benefits. He provided asset information for the pension funds.
Ms. Masson said the following slides referred to the differences between this valuation and what was presented in the audit. Mr. Gavin noted that there was a sizeable difference. Ms. Masson asked if Council had questions. Alderman Parker asked Ms. Masson if she had seen anything regarding the setting up of a trust to fund OPEBs, or if the City was accounting for any additional expenses for other post-employment benefits. Ms. Masson said OPEB is about the cost of health care and other benefits rather than pensions, and the City has seen growth in the financial statements, and she expects additional growth. She said the City could set up a trust and has met with a vendor for that option. She said not many governments have done this, and it may be considered in the future should additional funds be available.
10. Presentation of the Financial Management Report for the First Quarter 2020
Finance Director Stephanie Masson presented the Financial Management Report for the first quarter of 2020. Ms. Masson discussed the state and local tax revenue analysis for 2019 which looked at nine major taxes. She said when the general fund budget is considered, she uses a combination of trends with the economy and the Illinois Municipal League for forecasting. She discussed the various taxes that are collected and the trends seen over a five year average. She said the nine tax revenues finished higher than was budgeted for 2019, and because revenues were higher than expenditures, it has assisted the City in the first part of 2020. She said this is a main reason why the City keeps reserves, and while other governments are borrowing money, Rock Island is not.
Ms. Masson discussed the first quarter report, which is before COVID and will look different than the upcoming second quarter report. She showed the income statement and cash balances for all funds. She said the report is what was expected for the most part, and very similar to last year. She said revenues shown in the report are low in part due to delays from the State, and there is a decline in motor fuel taxes this year. She said the Enterprise funds were showing at a good 25 percent to date. She said the fiduciary funds show a revenue loss of 78 percent as of March 31st of this year due to the markets, but it has improved. She said the City is overall in a good cash position.
Ms. Masson showed the monthly investment totals and where the funds are held. She reminded Council that in early June the General Fund budget was reduced by one million primarily as a result of salary reductions. She said there was an increase in sales tax numbers than projected. She asked if there were any questions. Alderman Parker asked where the City was at now with reserves. Ms. Masson said she did not calculate that number before the meeting, but that there was sufficient cash. She thanked the Council and ended the presentation.
11. Claims
a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment to David Morrison, Rock Island, IL, in the amount of $17,522.26 for legal services rendered from May 27th through June 29th, 2020.
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #6 to Greenspace Associates, Davenport, IA in the amount of $10,700.00 for the 2019/2020 Sod Replacement Program, Project 2141 for services provided from November 11, 2019 through June 11, 2020.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommended for Claims items a and b; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to Walter D. Laud Inc. of East Moline, IL in the amount of $102,456.55 for the 2020 Sidewalk and Pavement Patching Program, project numbers 2140, 2142, 2377, 2411, 2434 and Parks Path, for services provided from May 22nd through June 26th, 2020.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to accept the report and authorize payment as recommended for Claims item c; Alderman Poulos seconded.
Alderman Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
12. Claims for the week of June 12th through June 18th, 2020 in the amount of $406,113.47; the week of June 19th through June 25th, 2020 in the amount of $948,400.84; the week of June 26th through July 2, 2020 in the amount of $341,524.14 and payroll for the weeks of June 15th through June 28th, 2020 in the amount of $1,519,483.09.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to allow the claims and payroll; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
13. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of one (1) raw water mixer unit from Philadelphia Mixing Solutions, Palmyra, PA in the amount of $19,855.97.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the purchase as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
14. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the sole source procurement of a new Niton XRF lead testing gun from Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical of Tewksbury, Massachusetts in the amount of $15,665.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the purchase as recommended; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
15. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of fire hydrants, cut in valves and valve box parts, recommending the bids be awarded to Ferguson Waterworks of DeKalb, IL for the fire hydrants in the amount of $37,105.80; to Utility Equipment, Bettendorf, IA for the cut in valves in the amount of $37,557.00 and to Core & Main of Washington, IL for the water valve box parts in the amount of $12,462,95.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the bids as recommended and authorize the purchases; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
16. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the sole procurement purchase of the Neighborly Software Platform in the amount of $15,600.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the purchase as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
17. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the bid to replace the Fluid Management System at the Fleet Services Division, recommending the bid be awarded to RILCO Inc., Rock Island, IL in the amount of $29,056.59.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
18. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the sale of City owned real estate located at the eastern 19 1/2 feet of 612 18th Avenue, Parcel 101415, PIN 1603403043, to Ms. Ida Bragg for $313.00 plus closing costs.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker 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 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
19. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding a 5 year contract agreement with CS Technologies, Eldridge, IA for the Flex Enterprise EIS telephone service.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
20. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding an agreement with CMN-RUS, Inc (Metronet) to establish a cable franchise in the City of Rock Island.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to accept the current franchise agreement language developed by the City and Metronet and direct the City Manager to sign the franchise agreement; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
21. Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2020 budget, increasing the North 11th Street TIF Budget (Fund 203) for CY 2020 by $24,363.00
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
22. Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2020 budget, increasing the Community and Economic Development Fund (Fund 207) expenditures for CY 2020 by $149.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
23. Report from the Human Resources Department recommending rescinding City Resolution Number 14-2014 regarding Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund form 6.74 and issuing an updated resolution to be compliant with IMRF audits.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to rescind City Resolution Number 14-2014 and approve the new resolution as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
24. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a request from Mr. Tom Scott, 2901 47th Avenue for water service outside City Limits.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the request as recommended and authorize staff to coordinate the construction, inspect, and connection to the City's water supply; and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis was unable to vote due to a dropped remote connection.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: None.
25. Report from the Traffic and Engineering Department regarding a request for a Handicapped Parking Space in front of the Walton residence at 1029 17th Avenue.
Interim City Clerk Linda Mohr noted a mistake on the item that the Traffic and Engineering Department should have shown Traffic and Engineering Committee.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the request as recommended and direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary paperwork; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis was unable to vote due to a dropped remote connection.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: None.
26. Report from the Traffic and Engineering Department regarding a request to ban parking on the east side of 41st Street, between 18th and 20th Avenues.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the request as recommended and direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary paperwork; Alderman Clark seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis was unable to vote due to a dropped remote connection.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, and Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: None.
27. Report from the Traffic and Engineering Department regarding a request to install 4-way Stop Signs at the intersection of 25th Avenue and 29th Street.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the request as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderwoman Swanson said she brought this measure to the Council as it was in her ward. She said she knows a traffic study was done in March and did not warrant the change, but since schools were not in session and there was less traffic, it was a flawed report. She said she has nearly been hit twice and has received multiple complaints. She said it is a dangerous place and it would be good to slow the traffic down.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
28. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Quincy Davis of Greater Antioch Baptist Church, for the purpose of placing their parking lot located at 929 14th Street and the parking lots on 10th Avenue between 14th Street and 14 1/2 Street under City ordinance control.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the request as recommended and direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary paperwork; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
29. Report from the Mayor's office regarding the appointments of Tamera Feldon and Steven Andich and the reappointments of Margie Mejia-Caraballo, David Levin, Clayton Peterson and Jason Lopez to the Human Rights Commission.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the appointments and reappointments as recommended; Alderman Clark seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
30. Other Business
Alderman Spurgetis announced that he planned to retire from City Council at the end of his current term in 2021 for the Third Ward. He said he is giving plenty of notice so his replacement can be prepared to run for his office.
Mayor Thoms thanked Alderman Spurgetis for his service and for the heads up regarding his retirement.
Alderwoman Swanson commended the Police Department and Public Works for the heroic things they have done in the past few months as the City has endured financial stresses, protests, and other activities. She appreciated the attention to care and detail for the citizens. Mayor Thoms echoed that statement and included the Fire Department.
Alderman Parker asked for an update on the Where We Stand document from the Illinois Police Departments. City Manager Randy Tweet said the next step is to have more detailed discussions between mayors and police chiefs. Mayor Thoms said a month ago elected officials and law enforcement got together and aimed to be as coordinated as possible. He said if policy changes occur, they will try to be as consistent as possible but the details still need to be worked out. He said in the next week or so he will be collaborating with the elected officials, mayors, city administrators, and chiefs to begin more diligent discussions. He explained that the reason the City did not respond is that East Moline Mayor Reggie Freeman and Rock Island County Sheriff Gerry Bustos were elected to be the spokespersons and he was deferring to them to respond. Alderman Parker said he appreciated the update and looked forward to continuing on.
Mayor Thoms said he sent a letter and information regarding social distancing and mask wearing to bars in Rock Island to remind them to take social responsibility in working with the guidelines set forth by the State. He said he continues to personally recommend following the guidelines while the area attempts to get the positive COVID-19 test numbers down. He said Rock Island County and the State of Illinois is doing better than most, but that it needs to continue.
31. Motion to Adjourn
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt motioned to adjourn; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 voice vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: None.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07132020-589
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