City of Rock Island City Council met Sept. 14.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. Call to Order
Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. and welcomed everyone.
2. 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.
3. Roll Call
Mayor Thoms asked Interim City Clerk Linda Mohr to call the roll.
Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderman Mark Poulos, Alderman Randy Hurt, and Alderman Dylan Parker.
Alderman Dave Geenen, Alderman James Spurgetis, and Alderwoman Jenni Swanson were present via remote participation in accordance with Governor Pritzker's Executive Order.
Absent: Alderman Ivory D. Clark
4. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Thoms led in the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance.
5. Moment of Silence
Mayor Thoms called for a moment of silence. A moment of silence was observed.
6. Public Comment
Mayor Thoms asked if any residents wished to speak. Resident Dayna Leichty came up to speak. She said she moved to Rock Island in June and positive comments to share. She said due to her child's illness, she needed to be sure she could get an ambulance and get to Iowa City. She said the Police Department took her call, treated her professionally, and assured her that when protests occur, they would ensure open roads. She said the City's Police Department is doing a great job compared with other area departments. She said her children asked about riots taking place around the country, and she asked the Police Department for assistance in helping them understand. She said a squad car came to her home, and an officer spent time with them explaining local government. She said she also called Mayor Thoms and received a call back, and wanted to let more people know how well the City is represented. Mayor Thoms thanked her for her time and appreciated her enthusiasm.
Larry Toppert, a First Ward Alderman from East Moline, came up to speak. He said he wanted to speak on how East Moline approached the Enterprise Zone, along with the problems they had and Rock Island should consider. He said the first problem was that they did not know why it was a bank connected to a manufacturing facility. He said another problem was that the reason for having the Enterprise Zone was for a sales tax exemption, but as a manufacturer, 3M already had that. He said 3M wished for a real estate property tax certificate exemption, and East Moline asked for a clarification as to what it was. He said the exemption would lower their real estate tax, but they were asking for a 66 percent reduction in that tax. He said the problem is finding out where to be fair in providing a reduction in taxes. He said there are many unknowns and they need to be succinct and clear before giving out the Enterprise Zone tax incentives.
Resident Shanika Jackson came up to speak. She said she wished to speak about the recent happenings in the District, and that it needs to stop. She said the number one problem is resources in that environment, and that there is no choice to become violent. She said there used to be a Metro program, the RICA program, and the Christian Friendliness Program, and a low-priced swimming pool that is more expensive now. She said to change the violence, kids need outlets to grow to avoid becoming what they see. She thanked Council for their time.
7. Minutes from the August 24th, 2020 City Council meeting
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
8. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
Thursday Night Groove Concert - Get your groove on with 'Class of '82' at Schwiebert Park sponsored by UnityPoint Health Trinity, Rock Island Happy Joe's, and Friendship Manor on September 17, 2020. Thursday Night Groove begins at 6"-- p.m. with the opening of food and beer sales. Featured will be Rock Island Parks and Recreation Concession Stand with brats and hot dogs, Happy Joe's Pizza, and beer sales by Bent River Brewing Company, who will have their seasonal on tap in addition to their standard lineup of craft brews. The live concert will be from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Admission is free, so come on out and enjoy the fun!
Rock Island City-Wide Garage Sale - Garages sales will be happening all over Rock Island and Milan the weekend of September 26th. Rock Island Parks and Recreation has an interactive map to show you where they are located! Visit the interactive Google map at http://bit.ly/RIGarageSaleMap to view continually updated locations. Be sure to view each sale for specific times and dates. If you'd like to have a garage sale location added to the map, please call (309) 732-7275 and register by phone for $10. Garage sale event will be held rain or shine. "In lieu of having a large event at Longview Park, we feel this is the best option to keep shoppers and vendors safe, while still promoting garage sales in the Rock Island/Milan community. We've had a very positive response to this event and hope shoppers will get out and enjoy the sales," says Daniel Gleason, Special Events and Fundraising Manager.
Fire Hydrant Flushing Program - The City of Rock Island's Public Works Department will begin the Fire Hydrant Flushing Program on Sunday, September 20, 2020, at 12:00 a.m. (midnight). Crews will be flushing fire hydrants on first and third shifts until completed. The purpose of this program is to help maintain water quality standards and the fire protection system. Citizens may experience brief periods of discolored water or low pressure which is normal during flushing operations. Due to flushing there is potential for sediment containing lead to be present in the water supply. Generally, this will clear up and be mitigated by running some water from a cold water tap for a few minutes. For additional information about the Fire Hydrant Flushing Program, please visit the City's website at rigov.org/water or contact the Public Works Department at 732- 2200.
Halloween Trick Or Treating - Mayor Thoms said the City does not know if it will be sanctioned this year due to COVID-19. He said it is a fluid issue and they are trying to make an intelligent decision and not add confusion. He said the City will keep people informed.
Shrub Pickup - Mayor Thoms said the Public Works Department is working hard at this to expedite the process, but the City is trying to do it in a cost effective mode. He said they are working on straight time to not spend taxpayer money for overtime and equipment, so it is taking a while. He said they are trying to match the pickup with the garbage pickup times during the week. He said if there is an emergency, it will be taken care of on an expedited basis.
9. A Special Ordinance establishing a four way stop at the intersection of 82nd Avenue and 8th Street West (First Reading)
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the Ordinance; Alderman Hurt seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis said for a non-controversial issue, Council does not need three meetings to approve a stop sign, so he moved to suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
10. A Special Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space in front of 1236 24th Avenue (First Reading)
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to consider the Ordinance; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
11. A Special Ordinance amending a Zoning District and Zoning Map changing 14.74 acres at 2300 79th Avenue West from R-7 (mobile home manufactured housing) to R-1 (one family residence) 79th Avenue West from R-7 (mobile home manufactured housing) to R-1 (one family residence)
(First Reading)
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to consider the Ordinance; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
12. An Ordinance authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2020 for large meter replacements, full aeration process improvements at both wastewater treatment plants, HVAC system upgrades at various City buildings, interior lighting conversion to LED at various City facilities and LED upgrades to City owned street lights, all at an estimated cost of $13,860,000.00 (Second Reading)
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to pass the Ordinance; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Alderman Geenen asked if this was part of the performance contract. Mayor Thoms confirmed yes. Alderman Geenen asked where the City was at with solar panels. City Manager Randy Tweet said he spoke recently with Johnson Controls and should have an answer in the next week or two. He said Johnson Controls needed to revamp the paperwork due to an error. Alderman Parker asked if ordinance changes require two or three votes. Mr. Tweet said typically Traffic and Engineering Committee memos do not have an ordinance with them, and refer to the City Attorney for it. He said that is one vote, then the first followed by the second reading. He said the ordinance would come before Council three times unless it is attached to the memo, which is the goal going forward.
Mayor Thoms clarified that the City is making a major investment to upgrade equipment for many City properties that will all generate electricity and maintenance savings. He said those savings will pay for the bonds, and is a positive move for the City.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
13. A Resolution approving an amended employment agreement with the City Manager and authorizing the Mayor to execute the contract documents
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to adopt the Resolution; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
14. A Resolution creating a moratorium on Class A, B, C, D and E liquor licenses in the downtown area
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to amend and adopt the Resolution with an effective end date of May 1, 2021; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Mayor Thoms asked if any bar owners wanted to speak. Daiquiri Factory owner Kyle Peters asked if the license is transferable. Mayor Thoms said it is not at this time, and also does not affect restaurants that sell alcohol. He said there are 15 licenses that apply to this measure, which is 62 percent of all bar licenses and heavily concentrated in one area.
Rock Island Brewing Company owner Terry Tilka came to the front to speak. He asked for a copy of the rules and regulations before the measure was voted upon. Alderman Parker said he appreciated the amendment when it was first brought to his attention, but did not understand Council's ongoing attempts to affect businesses in his Ward. He appreciated that the measure was temporary, but didn't think this was a solution for growing the downtown.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
15. Claims
a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment to David G. Morrison, Rock Island, IL in the amount $14,631.95 for legal services rendered from August 1st through August 31st, 2020.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve Claims item A; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to Valley Construction Company Inc., Rock Island, IL in the amount of $25,048.16 for an emergency water main repair on 15th Street and 5th Avenue.
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #32 to Civil Constructors Inc., East Moline, IL in the amount of $552,001.47 for the Water Filtration Facility, Project 2760 for services provided May 22 through June 21, 2020.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve Claims items B and C; Alderman Hurt seconded. Alderman Parker recused himself from this vote due to the nature of his employment.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
16. Claims for the week of August 21st through August 27th, 2020 in the amount of $404,159.91; August 28th through September 3rd, 2020 in the amount of $303,183.23; September 4th through September 10th, 2020 in the amount of $255,371.53 and payroll for the weeks of August 10th through August 23rd, 2020 in the amount of $1,531,814.05 and August 24th through September 6th, 2020 in the amount of $1,505,126.53
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to allow the claims and payroll; Alderman Geenen seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
17. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the purchase of four tax auction properties for a total cost of $3,676.00, including recording fees
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to consider the Ordinance; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderman Geenen said he is excited that 1714 9th Avenue was on this list and thanked Mr. Tweet and Staff.
Alderman Parker asked what was being done with these properties. Budget and Grants Manager Colleen Small-Vollman came up to speak. She said two of the properties are for rehabilitation and two are for demolition. She said 1714 9th Avenue is for Heart of Hope Ministries, and Staff went to look at it to ensure it was a viable property to rehabilitate. She said it is in good shape. She said it was easier for the City to purchase it instead of Heart of Hope, and sell it to them at the same cost in December once the City takes possession. Alderman Parker thanked her.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
18. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding bids for the emergency repair of the sewer lateral at the Hickman Center, recommending the bid be awarded to A+ Plumbing for amounts not to exceed $4,000.00 for Option 1 and $25,000.00 for Option 2 if the Option 2 scope of work is required
This items was pulled from the agenda.
19. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the Solomon Site Purchase agreement, changing the "satisfaction of conditions" date to July 1st, 2021 and the closing date to October 1st, 2021
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the purchase agreement extension request as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the amended contract documents; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
20. Report from the Finance Department regarding an Ordinance to authorize the certification agreement for the local CURE program
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the Ordinance; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis explained why he moved to suspend the rules and pass the Ordinance. He said this is money coming from the federal government, and a time factor is involved to apply the money properly.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
21. 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:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to renew consideration of the motion to pass the ordinance changes; Alderman Poulos seconded.
Mr. Tweet said this had already been voted on by Council, and it has come to Council again for a renewal. City Attorney Hector Lareau said it was his understanding that this was renewed so it could be on a future agenda for passage. Mr. Tweet said this is on the agenda now per City Attorney Dave Morrison. He said this measure is only to consider the discussion and bring it back to Council. Mayor Thoms said it was not to implement or change the ordinance.
Alderman Parker said he has been accused by his colleagues on Council of utilizing the rules for playing politics. He asked Mr. Tweet when was the last time a sitting Council made a motion to renew discussion on a subject. He said he understood this is allowed, but has never been done before. He said it says a lot for when Council makes a decision, they do not try to work together, but figure out a way to get around the rules and jam it through. He said he takes offense to it on how this is done, and wishes that Council wouldn't constantly be coming back to the issue.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-1-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: Parker. Absent: Clark.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to consider the motion to change the times of the closing of the bars for the first reading; Alderman Hurt seconded.
Alderman Geenen said he has received many calls from constituents with an interesting dialogue. He said most of the 7th Ward agrees with the change. Alderwoman Swanson said Ward Four really wants the change, and that it is unfortunate that the majority of Council wanted to make the change, but because of a technicality a super majority was needed.
Mayor Thoms asked if anyone wanted to speak on this measure. RIBCO owner Terry Tilka came up to speak. He said he spoke with an attorney and is speaking for himself and the property owner. He said he heard that Council would be considering taking action in revoking, amending, or suspending his liquor license to serve alcohol until 3:00 a.m. at his establishment. He said it is his and an attorney's opinion that cannot do any of those things without the rights of due process and law guaranteed him by the Fifth Amendment of the United States [Constitution]. He reviewed additional requirements the City must meet under law before action is taken, and said he would be able to bring legal action against the City.
Daiquiri Factor owner Kyle Peters said he has been able to operate his business successfully for 16 years. He said around six years ago a plan was put into place that seemed to work well. He said after the first recent incident, he met with the City and a plan would be put in place. He said great success occurred with an officer at each entrance acting as a deterrent. He said that when the resources were removed, the violence began to occur again. He said this measure has a large impact on business, and needs to be convinced again if he should stay in the City. He said the owners need the City to meet them halfway, and it can work. He said closing restrictions were always seen as a punishment for bad operators, and that the owners have been put in the same category. He said he hopes Council considers the action.
Chris Bone of Billy Bob's came up to speak. He referenced Alderwoman Swanson's comment that Rock Island was often in the news, but said it is not true. He said Steve's Old Time Tap and the Holiday Inn were not affected by the 1:00 a.m. closing time, and asked why they were exempt. Mayor Thoms said this ordinance would include those businesses. Mr. Bone said he does care about Police safety, and restated Mr. Peters' claim that when officers were in the District area, there were no issues. He said without Police presence, residents would need to fend for themselves. He said there is no one time that violence happens. He said that if the 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. hour is taken away, the City will bankrupt all businesses in the District.
Resident Linda Gay came up to speak. She said some of the people at the bar during the last incident of violence were her family. She said she agrees with the bar owners that they should not be punished for the violent actions in the District, even though it was her cousin that died. She said not everyone is at fault for the actions of a few. She said even with shutdowns, people will still do the same elsewhere. Mayor Thoms thanked her for her time. Alderman Spurgetis said Council is trying to figure out how to make downtown Rock Island a safe place to be. He asked Mr. Lareau what the City's legal responsibility was. Mr. Lareau said what Mr. Tylka said had to do with deprivation of property rights without due process. He said that is not what is happening with this measure. He said this is a legislative proceeding at the discretion of the lawmakers. He said the City has complied with the Open Meetings Act as well, and a second reading would amply qualify for providing notice to citizens. He said there would not be a deprivation of property violation.
Alderman Parker said because he respected his fellow Council members, he sought compromise. He said the reason he initially supported a temporary early closing measure of 30 days was to help find a solution. He said the incidents have been few and isolated, and the decisions have been made as a quick reaction to negative opinions placed upon the City. He said since the City has previously quickly moved forward on other projects, he wants to make sure a proper solution is found with this measure.
Alderman Poulos said he had a rebuttal to Alderman Parker's comments. He said through discussions, a 2:00 a.m. closing time was agreed upon despite the desire to make it 1:00 a.m. He said the compromise did occur. He said he does support the downtown, and asked the bar owners what their attendance was like prior to the violence. He said he was fairly confident that the attendance was less than before. He asked what it would say to the other residents in the City if officers were dedicated only to the downtown area. He said he is disappointed in Alderman Parker's accusation that cooperation has not occurred.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-1-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson.
Nay: Parker. Absent: Clark.
22. 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:
Alderman Poulos moved to renew consideration of the motion to pass the ordinance changes; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-1-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: Parker. Absent: Clark.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to consider extending the 2:00 a.m. closing time for establishments in the downtown area; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-1-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: Parker. Absent: Clark.
23. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an Ordinance amending the boundaries of the Quad Cities Enterprise Zone and Intergovernmental Agreement
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to renew consideration of the motion to pass the ordinance; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-1-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: Parker. Absent: Clark.
SECOND MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to consider the motion, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance to approve the Quad Cities Enterprise Zone and Intergovernmental Agreement; Alderman Poulos seconded.
Alderwoman Swanson said she thinks the City should show support for the other area governments who are moving forward. She said if it were Rock Island trying to pass the measure, and another local city voted it down because of an undocumented reason, it would be a shame. She said the City owes it to the citizens of Rock Island County to support the measure. Alderman Geenen said he took into consideration that the measure hasn't passed unanimously in all of the cities, as it was a tied vote in East Moline. Alderwoman Swanson said the City needs to step up, and it was unfortunate what took place at the previous meeting. Alderman Parker said the point of the measure is to have an intergovernmental agreement, and if input from his Ward's constituents is not valued, the County Board should make the decision. He said since Council does have the authority, the measure should be evaluated closely. Alderman Geenen said he could not remember the last time an Alderperson from another city asked the Council to look closely at the measure. Mr. Tweet said he did not understand the objection to the measure. He said the main benefit is a sales tax on building supply, and the City has used the Enterprise Zone for recent projects with positive results. He gave a brief history of how the City has used the Enterprise Zone, and said this measure was more of a formality. He said a board has decided on this, but it requires an ordinance in each municipality. Alderman Geenen asked if this had to do with property taxes. Mr. Tweet said it did not.
Economic Development Manager Tarah Sipes came up to speak. She said after the discussion in East Moline, the staff person at the County in charge of putting the application together sent everyone on the Enterprise Zone committee an email answering the concerns. She said there was a letter sent that said said there is no consideration for property tax abatement as part of this project. She said there are situations in which that is possible, but it must be negotiated with the County. She said there are also employment tax credits, but they must be large projects. Mayor Thoms said there is a large investment and a number of new employees with the 3M expansion. Ms. Sipes said the sales tax exemption is on the state sales tax on qualifying building materials. She said it only applies if the purchase is made in Illinois.
Mr. Tweet asked what the objection from Council is. Alderman Geenen said after this discussion there are no objections. Alderman Parker said the discussion was beneficial, but did not understand why he did not know about certain information beforehand. He said there was no information from Staff regarding this. Mayor Thoms said this was meant to be a partner in the community, but was not meant to get even with Alderman Parker. He said if he had expressed what the concerns were at the time of his objection, Staff may have been able to answer them before the meeting.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
24. Report from the Finance Department regarding an adjustment to the CY 2020 Budget, increasing the Columbia Park TIF (Fund 205) expenditures by $82,600.00
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: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
25. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Optional Relocation Assistance Policy
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the policy as recommended; Alderman Hurt seconded.
Alderman Parker asked Ms. Small-Vollman to speak on this measure. Ms. Small-Vollman said the City has become successful in the housing and rehabilitation program. She said residents have come to be served through the CDBG neighborhood housing program, and through investigations of their home, some have been determined to be structurally unsound. She said the City still needs a mechanism that will provide assistance to displaced residents. She said for the situation, the optional relocation plan is the best way forward. She said the City has not done this before, and the policies are fluid and will be implemented. She said in the future, a change may be needed to make the program more streamlined or responsive. Alderman Parker asked if the main idea of the measure was to house residents until their house is repaired. Ms. Small- Vollman said this is a non-repairable house that require demolition. She said for this situation through the HUD program, the City is to buy the house for demolition, pay the loan, and return any remaining funds to the resident to serve as a down payment on a new home. Alderman Parker said for clarification, this will be using federal tax dollars and not locally collected funds. Ms. Small-Vollman confirmed that was accurate.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
26. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to ban parking on the east side of 25th Street from 18th Avenue south to the alley between 18th and 19th Avenues.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the request and refer to the City Attorney for an ordinance; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
27. Report from the City Clerk's office regarding a request from Mike and Penni Steen, owners of Skellington Manor, to close the southern half of 18th Street, 4th to 5th Avenues on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 pm to 12:00 midnight and Sundays from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm spanning the dates of September 25th through November 1, 2020 (18 days total) to allow the patrons space to properly practice social distancing as they wait in line to attend their haunted house attraction
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the street closing request as recommended; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
28. Other Business
Alderman Poulos commended the Public Works Department for all the work they have done in cleaning up refuse after the recent storm. He said to do the job they have done without spending overtime money or hiring an outside contractor is commendable and thanked Public Works Director Mike Bartels. Mayor Thoms said part of the problem is that residents are adding to their piles and is not helping matters. He said the projection to be finished with the pickup is October 9th.
Mayor Thoms said he went with Mr. Tweet and Alderman Poulos to the groundbreaking for Refuge Church on 11th Street in the City. He said it is for those that have had troubled pasts including substance abuse or other difficulties. He said they have previously had temporary locations, but this will serve as a permanent home.
Alderman Hurt gave an update on the house in Partridge Circle, saying it came down within 30 minutes and is no longer an issue.
29. Motion to Adjourn
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to adjourn to Monday, September 28, 2020; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09142020-623
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