City of Rock Island City Council met July 27.
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 provisions of the Open Meetings Act requiring in-person attendance by members of a public body are suspended, specifically the requirement that a public body must be physically present and the conditions limiting when remote participation is permitted.
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, and Alderman Dave Geenen.
Alderman James Spurgetis, Alderwoman Jenni Swanson, and Alderman Mark Poulos 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 other City staff.
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 member of the public wished to speak on matters not already on the agenda. No residents volunteered to speak.
7. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
Starlight Revue Concert in the Park - Bring your chairs and picnic blankets to spread out across the park and enjoy a summer concert performed by Troy Rangel & Friends. The concert is at Lincoln Park Tuesday, July 28, 2020 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. The free concert series is brought to you by the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department. Park benches in front of the stage and the dance floor will be blocked off. "We ask all patrons to be smart, wear masks, practice social distancing, and to keep seating grouped with those in your immediate household. With these measures in place we can provide a safe and enjoyable outdoor music experience," says Dan Gleason, Special Event & Fundraising Manager.
Celebrate a Wizard's 40th with Virtual Trivia - The Happy Birthday Harry Potter Trivia game will be presented via Facebook Live from 6:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, July 30, 2020. Questions come from all seven books. The just-for-fun game consists of five rounds of questions each. Answers will be given after each round for scoring at home. Competition is just for fun, and participants can either play with their home team or individually. Participants can register via the Rock Island Library event calendar to get an email reminder, or just tune into the Rock Island Library Facebook page and watch for the Go Live notification.
Art in the Garden - The Quad City Botanical Center will host the event Saturday, August 1, 2020 from 9: a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event features local and regional artists including potters, painters, sculptors, jewelry makers, and others who are inspired by nature. Their works will be exhibited and sold at this outdoor show.
White Water Junction Aquatic Center - All Aboard for Family Fun! Beginning August 3, 2020, White Water Junction will be open between 2:00 and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday with no reservation required. Weekend hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You may reserve a time between 9:30-noon, 12:30-3:00, or 3:30-6:00 p.m. Due to the 50% occupancy limit, this is a unique opportunity to experience the waterpark and all that it has to offer without crowds. Ride the slides as often as you would like without waiting in line. Or have some fun in the sun in the zero depth to 9 feet deep pool.
8. Minutes of the July 13th, 2020 meeting.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
9. Proclamation declaring July 26, 2020 as Americans with Disabilities Act Awareness Day. Interim City Clerk Linda Mohr read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read his declaration. Mayor Thoms said this is very important and wanted this to get the recognition it deserves.
10. Proclamation encouraging adherence to Public Health recommendations and guidelines related to Covid-19, including the use of face coverings.
Interim City Clerk Linda Mohr read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read his declaration.
Mayor Thoms said it was very important for everyone to abide by the guidelines to get back to normal as quickly as possible.
11. Presentation of the June 2020 Keep Rock Island Beautiful Award
Budget and Grants Manager Colleen Small-Vollman said via remote connection that the Keep Rock Island Beautiful award was presented to McManus Orthodontics at 4507 24th Street.
Mayor Thoms said he was at the groundbreaking for that site, but because of the COVID crisis, they were unable to have a ribbon cutting. He said they have done a great job and have done quality work with the space. He congratulated them for the award and for their investment in the City of Rock Island.
12. Claims
a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to the State of Illinois for the annual National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in the amount of $67,500.00.
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to McClintock Trucking and Excavating Inc., Silvis, IL for the Sewer Lateral Repair Program, Project 2564, for services provided at 4128 27th Avenue - $5,730.79; 1711 21st Street - $13,755.36; 2011 36th Street - $7,062.14; and 2544 28th Avenue - $3,300.67.
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to McClintock Trucking and Excavating Inc., Silvis, IL for the Water Service Repair Program, Project 2526, for services provided at 13 Knoll Court - $598.82; and 4515 16th Avenue - $2,448.37.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to accept the reports and authorize payment as recommend for Claims items a through c; Alderman Geenen seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payments #29 and #31 to Civil Constructors, Inc,, East Moline, IL, in the amount of $402,388.47 for the Water Filtration Facility, Project 2760, for services provided January 24 through May 21, 2020. Payment #29 was missed previously and Payment #30 was approved on the June 22nd 2020 City Council Agenda.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to accept the report and authorize payment as recommended for Claims item d.
Alderman Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
13. Claims for the week of July 3rd through July 9th, 2020 in the amount of $270,068.74 and for the week of July 10th through July 16th, 2020 in the amount of $515,241.93; and payroll for the weeks of June 29th through July 12th, 2020 in the amount of $1,552,452.43.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the claims and payroll; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
14. ACH payments for the Month of June, 2020 in the amount of $1,659,338.61.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the ACH payments; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
15. Purchase Card Claims for the period of May 27, 2020 through June 26, 2020 in the amount of $52,269.56.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the purchase card claims; Alderman Geenen seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
16. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the Sourcewell Contract Purchase of Fall Protection equipment, from Grainger, Davenport, IA in the amount of $13,219.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the purchase as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Parker asked if this was a regular purchase, or if it was the first time being purchased. Public Works Director Mike Bartels said it was a first time purchase for the Fleet Department, and that it was a planned purchase that was budgeted.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
17. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the bids for janitorial services, recommending the three year contract beginning August 1, 2020 be awarded to FBG Service Corp., Rock Island, IL in the amount of $433,818.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
18. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a service proposal with ProChamps and the establishment of a Foreclosed and Vacant Property Registry.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the proposal as recommended and direct the City Attorney to develop an ordinance and finalize the service agreement with ProChamps; Alderman Geenen seconded.
Alderman Hurt said he would like to table the measure for further review. He said he was not happy with the property owner vacancy language. Alderman Poulos concurred. City Manager Randy Tweet said Council was not approving an ordinance, but rather approving to move forward. He said Staff would appreciate feedback that would allow them to tweak it the way Council would prefer. He said he would rather have a discussion as opposed to tabling the measure, and suggested alternate directions. Alderman Parker asked Alderman Hurt if a discussion could be had as opposed to tabling the measure. Alderman Hurt said yes. Alderman Parker said he had contacts from constituents about the proposal. City Attorney Dave Morrison said that a tabling is not debatable, and the correct way to continue the discussion is to rescind the second or the initial motion to table to go forward. Alderman Hurt and Alderman Poulos retracted their motions to table.
Alderman Parker said he noticed in the Staff memo that 90 days would be part of the definition of a vacant property, but the ordinance language said 30 days, which has generated concern in the public. He said it is his intention to address the nuisance vacant properties in the City. Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Miles Brainard introduced Stan Urban from ProChamps to ensure he was available for questions. Mr. Brainard said the measure was a template ordinance that would generate feedback, and it was generated by ProChamps as a template. He clarified what was considered registerable in the template. He said Staff added language that addresses multi-unit rental properties as not registerable unless a majority of the units were vacant. He said Staff is very aware of single family rental properties which are often the cause of nuisances. He said the goal of the measure is to compliment the rental registration program, and identify properties which are habitually an issue. He said this would also apply to a number of commercial properties that sit empty for years, and would encourage the owners to put them to good use. He said this measure is only to establish that Council still wants a registry for foreclosed and vacant properties, and that they are comfortable with Staff continuing to work on it. Alderman Geenen said these issues had been discussed in a previous study session and didn't see a need to postpone this vote.
Alderman Parker said his ward has many old homes and owners that spend a long time rehabilitating them. He said he did not want to disincentivize good preservationists from buying older homes and fixing them up, thus he would require a waiver or a way in which a property owner is not added to a registry. Mr. Brainard said some rehabilitating homes would not be habitable, but would not be counted as vacant. He said the measure was written to use Staff discretion, and reminded that the goal of the measure is to target properties which are creating nuisances.
Mr. Urban from ProChamps said the main focus is currently on vacancies, as foreclosures are a different subject. He said they identify what they feel are vacant properties, and they send a list to whomever is appointed as the point person, and discretion would be at Staff's behest. He said residents are able to dispute any letter online, and the point person will receive it. He said the idea is to take the burden off of Staff by hiring 140 employees that are not being paid by the City. He said the program is working efficiently in 250 communities nationally.
Alderman Poulos said he does not want good residents penalized for not being able get a renter. He asked what the process was for deregistering. Mr. Brainard said it would be the same online process used for registering and disputes. Mr. Urban said the information gathered would be sent to the point person, who would inform ProChamps about the validity. Alderman Hurt asked what it meant to deregister a property. Mr. Urban used the example of a recent scenario in Rockford where 52 properties were deregistered after working with staff. Mr. Brainard said the ultimate control of the registry is to remain with Staff. Alderman Parker said that he is comfortable talking with Mr. Brainard and moving this forward. Alderman Hurt said the 90 day limit puts a burden on landlords of multi-rental or rental properties, and he has received several emails regarding this issue. He said he wants a longer extension of time to account for this. Mr. Tweet said the language can be clarified, as it is not the intention to have properties marketed for rental to be noticed or registered. He gave examples of properties that are not actively being marketed. Mr. Brainard said if Council had any concerns regarding language or issues in the future to contact Mr. Tweet so changes can be explored. He said this would assist in being able to contact the owners of the property, as that is sometimes difficult. He said he was asking Council to establish a registry with this vote, and it can be changed to meet needs even after it would pass.
Mr. Urban said that since it is likely to see another housing market crash, the data and information about ownership will be valuable should it happen again. Mayor Thoms asked if there was anyone listening or in person that wanted to speak on this matter. No residents contributed. Alderman Spurgetis said he has also heard concerns from residents, primarily those that own rental property. He said it might be good to solicit information from banking, and said there is info on the LOIS system that might be used. Alderman Spurgetis' connection was lost. Alderman Parker asked to confirm that if the measure passes, no one would be receiving a letter stating that they need to add their property to the registry until Council approves. Mr. Brainard said it may come back to Council several times depending on how many edits are wanted.
Alderman Poulos asked Alderman Parker if he wished to restate his motion in accordance with what had been discussed. Alderman Parker repeated his motion to approve the proposal as recommended and direct the City Attorney to develop an ordinance and finalize the service agreement with ProChamps; Alderman Geenen seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
19. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the sale of City owned real estate described as the western non-contiguous section of 1730 8th Avenue, Parcel #097626, PIN #0735438012, to Ms. Barbara Brown for $1.00 plus closing costs.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the sale of the property as recommended, authorize the City Manager to execute the sales 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: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
20. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the sale of City owned property located at the north-east corner of Andalusia Road and the Centennial Expressway, Parcel #11192-3 to the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 for $1.00 plus closing costs.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the sale of the property as recommended, authorize the City Manager to execute the sales agreement and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Geenen seconded.
Alderman Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
21. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding HUD CDBG- Covid partial funding allocations.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the partial funding allocations as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the Sub-Recipient Agreements with the listed organizations; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Alderman Parker asked if this was just part of the CDBG-CV money that is being allocated. Mr. Tweet said it is, and that the remaining $90,000 is available for emergency grants that Council had previously approved. Alderman Parker asked if Project Now was disbursing the rent and mortgage assistance to Rock Island residents. Mr. Tweet said yes. Ms. Small-Vollman said this would assist 89 Rock Island residents for three months, and asked Project Now Community Services Director Ron Lund to comment. Mr. Lund said there is other funding that is available to individuals that are directed through the State, and this funding would be used for those already housed in the City. Alderman Geenen asked how much money per month per individual that would be. Mr. Lund said he did not have the number in front of him, but he does have the historical data of what is averaged per household. Alderman Geenen asked Mr. Lund if there were additional funds being accessed for rental assistance from Illinois or COVID funding. Mr. Lund said there are additional funds coming in shy of one million dollars, which will be used across the entire service area, as well as funds for homeless prevention. Alderman Geenen asked for assurance that the grant funds would be for 89 new clients as opposed to existing clients. Mr. Lund said this is an expansion of the normal funds to help an additional 89 households. Alderman Parker said the total given in the memo was $335,000, but the City was granted $649,000 originally. Mr. Tweet said $250,000 was previously given by Council to emergency grants for the public sector and small business.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
22. Report from the Finance Department regarding pension assumptions for the Firefighters Pension Fund and the Police Pension Fund.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the pension assumptions for the Firefighters Pension Fund and the Police Pension Fund; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderman Poulos recused himself from the vote due to being a beneficiary of the fund.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
23. 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 $40,000.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
24. Report from the Mayor's office recommending amendments to the Alcoholic Liquor Ordinance, eliminating Section 3-9, paragraph 1b titled Extended Hours, three o'clock a.m. option, and amending two related paragraphs, specifically Section 3-5, paragraph 10, regarding Annual Training Sessions and Section 3-5, paragraph 11 regarding recording systems.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to consider, suspend the rules and pass the ordinances changes; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Mayor Thoms invited residents to speak on the measure. Resident Shane Brown introduced himself and said he had concerns. He said he had a job as a DJ at Billy Bob's until he and 28 coworkers were laid off as a result of the temporary rolling back of District bar times until 2:00 a.m. He said he strongly urged Council to vote against this permanent change. He said there is no need or justification to take permanent measures. He said he has been involved with the District since the beginning, and it has been an important source of tax dollars and something of which to be proud. He gave reasons why the last hour is important to the area, including remaining competitive and keep the crowds. He said without the lure of the extra hour, people do not come to the District. He gave an example of the recent decrease in crowds, and said it did not get better, and they had to temporarily close down. He said the clubs and bars downtown are the backbone of the community, and the City should be supporting them and the safety of the patrons instead of encouraging them to shut down. He said one decision could walk back 30 years of progress and cost the City the legacy of being the leader in Quad City arts and entertainment. He thanked Council for their time.
Billy Bob's owner Chris Bone gave a synopsis of the bars he has been involved with or owned since 1998. He discussed the history of Billy Bob's and its' successes since opening. He said if the bars close at 2:00 a.m., his business will lose six figures in sales a year. He said the reason this has come up is politicians told him people from Iowa come to the District after the bars close at 2:00 a.m. He said if they close at 2:00 a.m., he will lose all of the Iowa business and the majority of college kids. He discussed the non-profit ventures with which his business is involved. He said they closed recently because they cannot afford to pay their bills during the 2:00 a.m. shutdown. He said if it continues, at best it will be a losing business and will end up in bankruptcy. He said a month ago he had a meeting with the Mayor, DARI, and bar owners, and during the meeting he suggested blocking off the District, which would stop the problems. He said the idea was initially not adopted, and problems occurred, but after his idea was adopted, no major problem has occurred. He commended Mayor Thoms for keeping out problem causing individuals since he took office. He said over half of the bars will go bankrupt if the time change is made permanent. He said if the 3:00 a.m. license is taken away because of two bad weekends, he feels that there may have been an agenda to take it away for some time.
RIBCO and 2nd Avenue Dance Club owner Terry Tilka said since the pandemic beginning in March, he has not been able to book bands or have the dance club opened until recently. He said there has not been an issue since the fences were put up. He said the issues were with high school and junior high kids and not bar patrons. He said he does not think many businesses will be left in the downtown unless they are supported. He said if the last hour is taken away, it will kill the bars, including his own. He asked to work together and give it a chance, as progress has been made. He thanked Council.
Alderman Spurgetis asked Mayor Thoms as Liquor Commissioner why this was on the agenda. Mr. Bone asked if Mayor Thoms received the memo from Kyle Peters, owner of the Daiquiri Factory. Mayor Thoms confirmed he received it and read it, but that Mr. Peters did not ask for it to be read. Mayor Thoms said the measure was a result of multiple discussions regarding many factors. He discussed the Police Department historical data regarding calls for service. He said he also spoke with a number of bar owners but not everyone. He said the idea of fencing was brought up years ago, and did get implemented. He said the City has hired additional employees with DARI to help make the District better. He said the bar owners have put forth effort to make the situation better, but the City has as well with extra officers and extra lights. He said this topic deserves the time for discussion as it livelihoods are involved. He said he discussed the measure with Mr. Tweet and Council beforehand, and had consensus on the motion. He said the District had been a destination, but has developed a reputation as not being safe, and measures needed to be taken.
Alderman Poulos said he is inclined to agree with Mayor Thoms, and that the 2:00 a.m. closing needs more time. He said 30 days is not a fair enough amount of time with which to experiment. He said he has seen many incidents between the 2:00 and 3:00 hours that could have been prevented. He said if 2:00 a.m. is the closing time, it mirrors the closing hours in sister cities.
Alderwoman Swanson said she felt something positive was happening in the District, but with the recent actions of a few people tarnished the image. She said she has heard people saying they would not feel safe in the District, and the City needs to get ahold of the issues to improve image. She suggested extending the time through August until the Augustana College students return.
Alderman Hurt told Mr. Bone he has done the right things inside of his establishment, and the recent events downtown are not directly related to his business. He said he has appreciation for all of the bar owners, but also the Police Department. He said he echoed the sentiments of Alderwoman Swanson and Alderman Poulos in wanting to make the environment safe for people to come. He made a motion to amend the motion to include revisiting the measure in three months' time. Mayor Thoms asked for clarification that the 2:00 a.m. closing time would continue for three months' time; Alderwoman Swanson seconded. Alderman Parker asked why the motion would need to be made, and asked if the Mayor's emergency order for 2:00 a.m. closings due to the coronavirus would suffice. Mayor Thoms said his understanding is that the order is for a 30-day window. Alderman Parker asked if he was able to renew the order. City Attorney Dave Morrison said the reason this measure was brought before Council is that the order had been untested and thought it more appropriate to bring before Council for a determination. He advised on the correct way to make and amend the existing motions.
Alderwoman Swanson redacted her second and said three months is too long for this measure, and preferred to revisit in mid-September. Mr. Bone came to the podium and said he wanted to prove that the District can be a safe place at 3:00 a.m., and asked to continue the recent trend of safety in order to do that. Alderman Hurt moved to amend this motion to revisit in 30 days; Alderwoman Swanson seconded. Alderman Parker said the downtown businesses do a good job at ensuring safety, and there are better ways to ensure that downtown is safe rather than limiting one hour of business. Alderman Geenen said the bar owners need to be given a chance and some data collected. Alderman Poulos said he preferred to revisit the measure in 30 days to cement the safety of the District.
Mayor Thoms asked for Chief VenHuizen to speak on the matter. Chief VenHuizen gave Council an alternate perspective in that the demands of the Police Department continue to increase throughout the night. He said the same conclusion has been drawn by all other Chiefs of Police before him in that the issues in the District are from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., requiring most resources be dedicated to that area, leaving the rest of the City lightly policed. He said dozens of measures have been implemented in the past to keep the District safe. He said the bar owners share responsibility for happenings in the Plaza, and it is a significant draw on resources. He said other measures can be attempted, but it will end up in the same spot. He said he has been in the Department for 28 years and does not expect a change despite any new method.
Alderman Hurt asked Chief VenHuizen to comment on how many officers the City is down currently. Chief VenHuizen said they are down six officers, but that does not include employees off on FMLA or injury leave or pending retirements. He said a disturbance in the District requires all or most officers. Alderman Hurt asked what the delay in hiring officers is. Chief VenHuizen said there are various factors that have led to fewer hires, including academy closure due to COVID-19. Alderman Hurt said he asked the question to illustrate the type of safety demands currently on the Police Department due to lack of staffing. Mayor Thoms asked Alderman Hurt to clarify his motion and the times. Alderman Hurt confirmed that his motion was to leave the closing time at 2:00 a.m. and revisit the measure in 30 days. Alderman Parker asked what metrics will be used to determine the comfort level of returning to a closing time of 3:00 a.m. Alderman Hurt said two weeks of extra officers produced overtime pay that the City is unable to sustain, and would like the extra 30 days to evaluate.
Mayor Thoms asked for additional clarification on the motion, and Ms. Mohr reread it. Mayor Thoms said the next measure in 20 days would be whether to return to a closing time of 3:00 Thoms said the next measure in 20 days would be whether to return to a closing time of 3:00
a.m. Alderman Parker asked if an ordinance could be drafted that sets the closing time at 2:00 a.m. for 30 days. Alderwoman Swanson said she would not be comfortable with that. Alderman Poulos said he would also not agree with that, as he has experience as the lone available officer for the City while others were in the District. He said it isn't good for the City, the officer, or his family. Alderwoman Swanson said she would like to gather more data without a heavy police presence. Mayor Thoms said the measure is not the only way to solve the problems, and there is not just one answer. Mr. Tweet reminded Council that the next meeting within the 30 day review window is August 24th, and the next would be September 14th unless they preferred a special meeting. Alderwoman Swanson redacted her second to help clarify the motion. Alderman Hurt redacted his motion. Alderman Hurt moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance changes to be re-voted on August 24, 2020; Alderwoman Swanson seconded. City Attorney Dave Morrison confirmed that the motion was valid, but advised that since it was to consider, suspend the rules and pass the ordinance, a super majority vote of 5 would be needed to pass. Alderman Parker said he did not intend to vote in favor of the measure, as he did not think permanently changing the closing time, but temporarily keep it at 2:00 a.m.
VOTE:
Motion failed on a 4-2-1 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Poulos, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: Parker and Geenen. Absent: Clark.
25. Report from the Mayor's Office recommending amendments to Chapter 8, Division 4, Section 8- 232 Vendor Permits and Division 6, Section 8-234, Prohibited Activities, as they pertain to the 3 a.m. alcoholic liquor license extended option.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to not consider, suspend the rules and pass the ordinance changes; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion carried on a 5-1-1 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: Poulos. Absent: Clark.
26. Report from the Mayor's Office regarding the appointment of John Wright to the Fire and Police Commission to fill a vacancy.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the appointment as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Poulos said having worked for former Chief Wright, a man of high integrity, he believed he would bring a lot to the Police and Fire Commission. Alderman Hurt echoed the sentiment.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
27. Report from the City Clerk's office regarding an Activity permit application from Rock Island High School to hold their annual Homecoming Parade on Friday, September 25, 2020 from 1:30 p.m. to approximately 2:45 p.m.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the event as recommended; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
28. Report from the City Clerk's office regarding an Activity permit application from the Irreverent Warriors to hold a local Silkies Hike on Saturday, August 22nd, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as part of their continuing efforts to bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the event as recommended; Alderman Geenen seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
29. Other Business
Alderwoman Swanson said the Governor's office has given local governments authority to enforce and issue tickets or warnings to anyone not wearing a mask, or close businesses that do not adhere to capacity requirements. She said the proclamation issued is great, but there is more the City could do because of the location within Zone 2, which had the worst positivity rate in the state for COVID-19. She said we need to be more diligent and look at ways to enforce the Governor's mandate. Alderman Parker seconded that, and said he has noticed employees and customers in local businesses not following the recommendations for public health departments. He said he discussed a possible ordinance with fellow Council members, but was concerned about enforcing such an ordinance with already strained Police Department resources. He said perhaps the Liquor Commissioner would be able to assist in enforcement. He said convenience stores and bars are where he has seen people not wearing masks. He said he welcomes input from Council on the idea.
Mayor Thoms said he was not sure if tying compliance with the liquor license was possible, as it can be appealed with the State. He said policing non-compliance may be difficult. He said the City has been trying to attract businesses and could end up having the alternate effect.
Alderman Parker asked for an update on the Where We Stand resolution. Mayor Thoms said a meeting took place as a Coalition the previous week to discuss the resolution. He said they discussed five issues that were going to continue to be researched. He said it was reiterated that the Coalition wished to work as a group on most issues on law enforcement in different cities and the county. He said it is a lengthy process and it will not be completed soon, but a meeting is coming up later in August. Chief VenHuizen said the Coalition worked with the NAACP and focus group discussions will still take place. He said the previous week's meetings discussed five topics that were in the proposal. Alderman Parker thanked them for the update.
Mayor Thoms asked for prayers for Alderman Clark in advance of his surgery and wished for a speedy recovery. Alderman Hurt said there is a cleanup effort August 8th for the downtown and Sunset Park, with both events listed on the City web page.
30. Motion to Adjourn
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen motioned to adjourn; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, and Spurgetis. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07272020-598
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