City of Rock Island City Council met Oct. 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. Call to Order
Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order 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 the Interim City Clerk, Linda Mohr, to call the roll.
Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderman Mark Poulos
Alderman Randy Hurt, Alderman James Spurgetis, Alderwoman Jenni Swanson, Alderman Dylan Parker and Alderman Dave Geenen were present via remote participation in accordance with Governor Pritzker's Executive Order.
Absent: Alderman Ivory D. Clark
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 anyone in the audience wished to speak. Larry Hunter, Rock Island, approached the podium. Mr. Hunter advised he wanted to speak on 2 items and wanted to go on the record about the Rock Island County Courthouse. He stated that there was a Rock Island County judge that inappropriately made disrespectful comments to a black man and refused to give him the courts records that he requested. Mayor Thoms explained that the City of Rock Island does not have any jurisdiction over the Rock Island County judges. Mr. Hunter asked if there was a lawyer referral service at the Martin Luther King Center. City Manager Randy Tweet advised Mr. Hunter that the City does have a Human Rights Commission and suggested the gentleman he was speaking about contact them.
Mr. Hunter advised his next topic was that he feels the City is not doing enough for diversity, economic and social development in the City. He said everything goes into downtown Rock Island. Nothing for diversity. He did go on to say that Rock Island is a good place to grow up in.
Lastly, Mr. Hunter spoke to Council about his plan as a minority business to bring business to Rock Island. He said he was referring to the Football Museum and hotel he is still working on and although he is not ready to unveil his plans at this time, he hopes to in the near future. He hopes the City is willing to work with them and help them bring people to Rock Island.
7. Minutes from the September 28th, 2020 City Council meeting
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
8. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
Paws in the Parking Lot - Saturday, October 17, 2020 from noon - 3:00 p.m. join the fun at the Rock Island County Animal Shelter. This event will host a vendor fair, food trucks, trunk or treat for the kids and a pet costume contest at 2 p.m. Come and enjoy some outdoor fun at 4001 78th Avenue in Moline.
Halloween - Trick or Treat hours in the City of Rock Island have been set for Saturday, October 31st from 5 p.m to 8:00 p.m.
Leaf Collection Program - The City of Rock Island is providing leaf collection for its residential refuse customers from Monday, October 12 through Friday, December 4, 2020, with the following conditions: Customers must place their leaves in approved paper yard waste bags. Customers may provide their own approved paper yard waste bags or use bags provided by the City. The bags must be placed at the normal refuse collection location on the regular refuse collection day (a separate truck will collect the leaf bags). The bags may not contain anything other than leaves.
Residents do not have to be participants in the Yard Waste Subscription Service to use this leaf collection service and they do not have to place a yard waste sticker on the bags of leaves.
In addition to providing leaf collection, the City is also furnishing bags for this program at no cost. The bags are available at the Public Works offices on Mill Street, the Martin Luther King Center, both Rock Island Township offices and Highland Springs and Saukie Golf Courses.
1. Paws in the Parking Lot – Saturday, October 17, 2020 from noon – 3:00 pm, join the fun at the Rock Island County Animal Shelter. The event will host a vendor fair, food trucks, trunk or treat for kids, and a pet costume contest at 2pm. Come and enjoy some outdoor fun 4001 78th Avenue in Moline.
2. Halloween – Trick or Treat hours in the City of Rock Island have been set for Saturday, October 31st from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
3. Leaf Collection Program - The City of Rock Island is providing leaf collection for its residential refuse customers from Monday, October 12 through Friday, December 4, 2020, with the following conditions: Customers must place the leaves in approved paper yard waste bags. Customers may provide their own approved paper yard waste bags or use bags provided by the City. The bags must be placed at the normal refuse collection location on the regular refuse collection day (a separate truck will collect the leaf bags). The bags may not contain anything other than leaves.
Residents do not have to be participants in the Yard Waste Subscription Service to use this leaf collection service and they do not have to place a yard waste sticker on the bags of leaves. In addition to providing leaf collection, the City will also furnish bags for this program at no cost. The bags are available at the following locations:
Public Works Department
Martin Luther King Center
Both Rock Island Township Offices
Highland Springs Golf Course
Saukie Golf Course
1. Paws in the Parking Lot – Saturday, October 17, 2020 from noon – 3:00 pm, join the fun at the Rock Island County Animal Shelter. vendor fair, food trucks, trunk or treat for kids, and a pet costume contest at 2pm. enjoy some outdoor fun 4001 78th Avenue in Moline.
2. Halloween – Trick or Treat hours in the City of Rock Island have been set for Saturday, October 31st from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
3. Leaf Collection Program - The City of Rock Island is providing leaf collection for its residential refuse customers from Monday, October 12 through Friday, December 4, 2020, with the following conditions: Customers must place the leaves in approved paper yard waste bags. Customers may provide their own approved paper yard waste bags or use bags provided by the City. The bags must be placed at the normal refuse collection location on the regular refuse collection day (a separate truck will collect the leaf bags). The bags may not contain anything other than leaves.
Residents do not have to be participants in the Yard Waste Subscription Service to use this leaf collection service and they do not have to place a yard waste sticker on the bags of leaves.
In addition to providing leaf collection, the City will also furnish bags for this program at no cost. The bags are available at the following locations:
Public Works Department
Martin Luther King Center
Both Rock Island Township Offices
Highland Springs Golf Course
Saukie Golf Course
1. Paws in the Parking Lot – Saturday, October 17, 2020 from noon – 3:00 pm, join the fun at the Rock Island County Animal Shelter. The event will host a vendor fair, food trucks, trunk or treat for kids, and a pet costume contest at 2pm. Come and enjoy some outdoor fun 4001 78th Avenue in Moline.
2. Halloween – Trick or Treat hours in the City of Rock Island have been set for Saturday, October 31st from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
3. Leaf Collection Program - The City of Rock Island is providing leaf collection for its residential refuse customers from Monday, October 12 through Friday, December 4, 2020, with the following conditions: Customers must place the leaves in approved paper yard waste bags. Customers may provide their own approved paper yard waste bags or use bags provided by the City.
The bags must be placed at the normal refuse collection location on the regular refuse collection day (a separate truck will collect the leaf bags). The bags may not contain anything other than leaves.
Residents do not have to be participants in the Yard Waste Subscription Service to use this leaf collection service and they do not have to place a yard waste sticker on the bags of leaves. In addition to providing leaf collection, the City will also furnish bags for this program at no cost. The bags are available at the following locations:
Public Works Department
Martin Luther King Center
Both Rock
Island Township Offices
Highland Springs Golf Course
Saukie Golf Course
1. Paws in the Parking Lot – Saturday, October 17, 2020 from noon – 3:00 pm, join the fun at the Rock Island County Animal Shelter. The event will host a vendor fair, food trucks, trunk or treat for kids, and a pet costume contest at 2pm. Come and enjoy some outdoor fun 4001 78th Avenue in Moline.
2. Halloween – Trick or Treat hours in the City of Rock Island have been set for Saturday, October 31st from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
3. Leaf Collection Program - The City of Rock Island is providing leaf collection for its residential refuse customers from Monday, October 12 through Friday, December 4, 2020, with the following conditions: Customers must place the leaves in approved paper yard waste bags. Customers may provide their own approved paper yard waste bags or use bags provided by the City.
The bags must be placed at the normal refuse collection location on the regular refuse collection day (a separate truck will collect the leaf bags). The bags may not contain anything other than leaves.
Residents do not have to be participants in the Yard Waste Subscription Service to use this leaf collection service and they do not have to place a yard waste sticker on the bags of leaves.
In addition to providing leaf collection, the City will also furnish bags for this program at no cost. The bags are available at the following locations:
Public Works Department
Martin Luther King Center
Both Rock
Island Township Offices
Highland Springs Golf Course
Saukie Golf Course
9. Proclamation declaring October 24th, 2020 as World Polio Day
Interim City Clerk Linda Mohr read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read his declaration.
Bob Swanson, Cindi Gramenz and Dr. Richard "Bud" Phillis, all from the Rock Island Rotary Club, came forward to receive the proclamation from Mayor Thoms. Dr. Phillis shared that this was very important to him as he, himself, is a polio survivor and lost his sister to the disease.
Alderman Geenen pointed out that he, Alderwoman Swanson and Library Director Angela Campbell are also Rock Island Rotary members.
10. Presentation of the 2020 Community Gardens Certificates of Appreciation Winners
Mayor Thoms spoke about the Community Gardens and advised that the purpose of these awards was to recognize all the citizens and organizations who show pride in their gardens and in their neighborhood. They have taken empty lots in various parts of the City and turned them into productive garden spaces for their families and community. He advised that the Beautification Commission voted to recognize 24 Rock Island Community Garden participants with certificates and that each of the participants have been sent their certificates in the mail.
11. Presentation of the 2020 Rain Gardens Award Winners
Mayor Thoms advised that this is the 16th annual Rain Garden Award Presentation. This presentation is to recognize Rock Island citizens who show pride in their yards and their neighborhoods by creating or keeping well maintained rain gardens. Rain gardens provide beneficial functions that include stormwater rain off and flooding and sustain native wildlife. Beautification board members voted on the most outstanding rain gardens for 2020. These winners were mailed their certificates. Winners included:
Best Rain Garden awarded to Laura Whitman at 2026 43rd Street
Certificates were also given to:
Mark and Susan Tanner at 1024 22nd Street
John and Robin Jurich at 2836 27th Avenue and Kevin Nowack at 3528 15th Street
12. A Special Ordinance Establishing a No Parking Zone on the East side of 24th Street, from 31st Avenue North to the driveway of Jordan Catholic School and St. Pius X Church, Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and installing Pick Up and Drop Off signs in the appropriate locations (First Reading)
Alderman Spurgetis moved to consider, suspend the rules and pass the ordinance; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
13. A Special Ordinance establishing a No Parking Zone on the East side of 25th Street, between 18th Avenue and the alley between 18th and 19th Streets (Second Reading)
Alderwoman Swanson moved to pass the ordinance; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
14. A Special Ordinance replacing Chapter 4, Article V, "Abandoned Buldings" of the Code of Ordinances with "Registration and Management of Foreclosed, Vacant, and Abandoned Property" (Second Reading)
Alderman Parker moved to pass the ordinance; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
15. A Special Ordinance amending a zoning district and zoning map changing the property at 716 24th Street from R-4 (one to six family residence) to B-3 (general business) (Second Reading)
Alderman Poulos moved to pass the ordinance; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
16. A Special Ordinance amending the HOME Program to allow residentially zoned City-owned properties to be sold through the program (Second Reading)
Alderman Geenen moved to pass the ordinance; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
17. A Special Ordinance amending Chapter 3, Section 3-8 of the Code of Ordinances limiting the sale of single container wine, beer and alcohol (Second Reading)
Alderman Parker moved to pass the ordinance; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
18. Claims for the week of September 25th through October 1, 2020 in the amount of $427,242.59 and Payroll for the weeks of September 21st through October 4th, 2020 in the amount of $1,495,647.40
Alderman Hurt moved to allow the claims and payroll; Alderman Spurgetis seconded. VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
19. Claims
a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment to David G. Morrison, Rock Island, IL in the amount of $18,845.62 for legal services rendered from September 1st through September 30th, 2020
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #7 to Greenspace Associates, Davenport, Iowa for the 2019/2020 Sod Replacement Program, Project 2141 for services provided from June 11th through July 7th, 2020 in the amount $13,490.00
Alderman Spurgetis moved to allow Claims items A and B; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to Valley Construction Inc., Rock Island, Illinois, for the emergency water main repair on Ridgewood Road at 14th Street West in the amount of $14,685.74
Alderwoman Swanson moved to allow Claims item 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: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
20. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding the purchase of the Cityworks annual support maintenance
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the purchase as recommended; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
21. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the purchase of the residence at 721 - 14th Street
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the purchase as recommended and consider the ordinance; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
22. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a grant for the emergency sewer lateral repair at the Hickman Center, recommending the bid for the work be awarded to Peterson Plumbing and Heating, Davenport, Iowa
Alderman Hurt moved to award the bid to Peterson Plumbing as recommended for amounts not to exceed $14,80500 for repair option #1 and $30,551.00 for repair option #2 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: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
23. Report from the Police Department regarding the bid for the lease of undercover vehicles, recommending the bid be awarded to Hiland Toyota
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
24. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding an agreement with Unite Private Networks for Fiber-Optic Use
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents subject to any minor City Attorney modifications; Alderman Geenen seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis asked Tim Bain, IT Director, to come forward and explain the agreement. Mr. Bain explained that the City built a fiber optic ring that went around the
City several years ago and built in an excess capacity. This excess extends over the Centennial Bridge and this agreement allows the City to lease that excess to Unit Private Networks for things like cellular connectivity, 5G and the like.
Alderman Spurgetis thanked him and pointed out that this lease agreement would also bring in some additional revenue for the City.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
25. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the Fleet Services Division vehicle lease agreement proposals, recommending an open ended lease agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management Inc., St. Louis, MO for the listed 38 vehicles
Alderman Parker moved to approve the lease agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
26. Report from the Finance Department regarding a budget adjustment to the CY 2020 Budget, increasing the Community and Economic Development Fund (Fund 207) expenditures and revenues by $10,500.00
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
27. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the termination of the Hydroelectric Plant lease.
Alderman Hurt moved to terminate the lease as recommended and authorize the City Attorney to prepare the appropriate paperwork; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
28. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the intention to dispose of surplus equipment located in the Hydroelectric Plant
Alderman Spurgetis moved to declare the listed items as surplus and grant permission to dispose of the surplus and grant permission to dispose of the surplus equipment in a manner that will be advantageous to the City; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
29. Report from the Mayor's office regarding the appointment of Kenny Williams to Housing Authority Board to complete a vacated term to expire October, 2021
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the appointment as recommended; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
30. Report from the City Clerk's office regarding street closing and sound amplification requests from Greater Antioch Baptist Church, 929 14th Street, with the purpose of closing 10th Avenue between 14th Street and 14 1/2th Street on Sunday, October 18, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 8, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for an outdoor worship service.
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the request as recommended; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
31. Other Business
Mayor Thoms spoke about Nest Cafe, a new dining concept that is just getting started here in
Rock Island. He said that earlier that day, he went to St. John church to help serve dinner. Nest Cafe is described as a "Pay What You Can Afford" establishment. There is no set price for the dinner offered, but the suggested price was $10. He stated further that the owner hopes to be up and running in a permanent location about April of next year.
Alderman Spurgetis spoke and repeated his announcement from earlier this year that he will not be running for re-election for the 3rd Ward seat and that those interested, should pick up an election packet in the Mayor's Assistant's office.
32. Motion to Adjourn
Alderman Parker moved to adjourn to Monday, October 26th, 2020; Alderman Poulos seconded.
Mayor Thoms noted that the correct date for that meeting was October 26th. The agenda incorrectly had it listed as Monday, October 28th, 2020.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Geenen, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: Clark.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:29 p.m.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10122020-639
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