Rock Island Today

City of Rock Island City Council Met Dec. 14.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

ROLL CALL

Mayor Thoms asked Interim City Clerk Linda Mohr to call the roll.

Present: Mayor Mike Thoms and Alderman Mark Poulos.

Alderman Randy Hurt, Alderman James Spurgetis, Alderwoman Jenni Swanson, Alderman Dylan Parker, Alderman Mark Poulos, and Alderman Dave Geenen were present via remote connection 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.

DISCUSSION ON THE DOWNTOWN TIF

Economic Development Manager Tarah Sipes introduced information on the allocation of remaining TIF funds for the City's downtown area. She began by saying Staff has worked with partners to develop a plan for these funds for Calendar Year 2021 in order to ensure the authority to use the funds as needed. She said the projects to be discussed are included in the recommendations for Council.

Ms. Sipes discussed the first proposed project, noting that Council had already received study material from the September 14, 2020 Council Study Session regarding the repair and renovation or removal of the downtown parking garage. This money would maintain the parking for downtown as is or create a new opportunity. Ms. Sipes said staff recommends allocating $1 million of the TIF funds towards the parking garage.

Ms. Sipes detailed the second proposed project for the Schwiebert Park Boat Dock. This would be an upgrade/repair to the dock, and would retain access to the public boat dock on the river.

She noted that Council had already received study material from the July 27, 2020 Council Study Session. She said the project applied for a grant, but it was not awarded. She added that staff recommends allocating $120,000 of the TIF funds towards the dock repairs.

Ms. Sipes detailed the third proposed project for the library streetscape improvements. This would be a project to improve the streetscape and other amenities at the downtown library, including removing the pavement and trees on the 4th Avenue side of the building, as well as matching the pavement and adding a diversity of tree species. She added that staff recommends allocating $17,000 of the TIF funds towards the library streetscape improvement project.

Ms. Sipes detailed the fourth proposed project for A&A Muffler, a local business. This would be include improvements to the facade and roof, the purchase of an adjacent building for expansion, equipment, signage, awning replacement, and parking lot improvements. She said the owner wishes to make sure the property is worthy of the gateway. The requested amount from A&A Muffler is $162.510.94. She added that staff recommends allocating $35,000.00 of the TIF funds towards the building improvements.

Ms. Sipes detailed the fifth proposed project for Dan Vinar Furniture. This would be a repair and stabilization project, which would include repair of storm damage from August 2020, including a roof repair or replacement, tuck pointing, and parapet repair. She said the project would retain the integrity and quality of an important downtown building that has redevelopment potential. The total project cost is $180,290.00. She added that staff recommends allocating $54,000.00 of the TIF funds towards the the repair and stabilization.

Ms. Sipes detailed the fifth proposal under Project Duerson. This would involve the purchase and renovation of an existing and under-utilized downtown property. She noted the project would help to retain a long-term downtown business and provide downtown jobs. The total project cost would be $750,000.00. She added that staff recommends allocating $250,000.00 of the TIF funds towards the building renovations.

Ms. Sipes detailed the sixth proposal for a new business at 400 16th Street. This would involve the installation of an HVAC system, plumbing, electrical work, facade improvement, window replacement, roof replacement, and a second ADA entrance. She noted the project would provide improvement to a strategically located building and potentially become space for a new business. The total project cost would be $767,000.00. She added that staff recommends allocating $190,000.00 of the TIF funds towards the building renovations.

Ms. Sipes detailed the seventh proposal for a facade program. This would provide grant programs to assist downtown businesses with facade improvements. She noted the project would help to retain a long-term downtown business and provide downtown jobs. The total project cost would be $750,000.00. She added that staff recommends allocating $250,000.00 of the TIF funds towards the building renovations.

Ms. Sipes detailed the eighth proposal for an environmental assessment and remediation of a City-owned property at 2425 5th Avenue. She said the end goal with the property is to obtain a No Further Remediation letter from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency so the property can be sold to an appropriate party. She noted total project could be done at a cost not to exceed $80,000.00. She added that staff would provide a recommendation for allocation of TIF funds once all bids were received.

Ms. Sipes detailed the ninth proposal to repair and stabilize the existing housing structure and preservation of the facility for Sala Flats LLC. She said this would include tuckpointing, replacement of stone and brick, painting, and steel repair. She noted total project cost would be $1,080.272.00. She added that staff recommends allocating $230,056.00 of the TIF funds toward the project.

Ms. Sipes detailed the tenth proposal for site preparation of a new facility for the YWCA. She said this would include architectural plans, environmental studies, and concrete removal. The YWCA will begin construction of a new $12 million facility in the downtown with enhanced services and amenities for residents along with 30 new jobs. She noted this phase of the total project cost would be $702,806.00. She added that staff recommends allocating $150,000.00 of the TIF funds toward the project.

Ms. Sipes detailed the eleventh proposal for the Best Building, which would provide a repair of masonry failure that impacts adjacent downtown buildings. She said this would enhance safety for pedestrians and adjacent building owners. The YWCA will begin construction of a new $12 million facility in the downtown with enhanced services and amenities for residents along with 30 new jobs. She noted total project cost would be $27,000.00. She added that staff recommends allocating the full project cost of $27,000.00 of the TIF funds toward the project.

Ms. Sipes detailed the twelfth proposal for the creation of a Downtown Manager staffing position.

She said this position would facilitate the Downtown Organization for two years, and the Downtown Task Force requested a proposal for a potential management agreement. She noted total project cost would be $225,000.00. She added that staff recommends allocating the full project cost of $225,000.00 of the TIF funds toward the project.

Ms. Sipes said the remaining balance of the 2020 and 2021 TIF funding would be allocated for downtown infrastructure and streetscape improvements. She added the estimated remaining balance after the proposed projects would be $1,544,331.00. Mayor Thoms asked if the proposed project contained modification of the dock itself. Mr. Tweet replied the outside dock would be removed, and that decision would come back as a formal resolution upon with Council can vote. Mayor Thoms added the $50,000 for facades in the downtown would be on top of the $50,000 already budgeted. Ms. Sipes confirmed that the pending resolution gives authorization to get the agreements completed. Mr. Tweet noted there would be a lien placed on the property where the Best building is located, but it needs to be fixed, and the owners are non-responsive.

Mayor Thoms asked Council if there was an understanding of the proposed Downtown Manager position. He said the Chamber of Commerce put together a proposal to oversee the Downtown Manager with the assistance of the Task Force, and they felt the proposed allocated funds would be what is necessary to sustain that position for two years. He detailed the costs besides the salary for the proposed position, and said the person would be dedicated to Rock Island's downtown area, directly reporting to the Chamber, who would still consult with a board or the Task Force. He said there are similar functions for the downtowns of neighboring municipalities.

Alderman Poulos asked if the boundary area for the Task Force was from 1st to 5th Avenues and 15th to 24th Streets. Mr. Tweet confirmed yes, approximately. Alderman Parker said the boundaries in question would be the main topic of the upcoming Task Force meeting. He noted some were using the 2015 Downtown Revitalization Plan to define what the boundaries for the area were.

Kyle Carter, Downtown employee for the City of Davenport, Iowa, noted he was on the call for questions. Mayor Thoms explained that Mr. Carter was on the City's Task Force and has been an advocate for this process. He asked if Council had additional questions, and noted that it would be difficult to change the resolution after the vote would take place. Ms. Sipes said Staff would rather have any additional information on changes now instead of the following week.

Mr. Carter offered advice to Council that he would hire someone as soon as possible to build a strong public and private partnership at the beginning. Mayor Thoms said there would be a contract signed with the Chamber in January of 2021 for a vote. Alderwoman Swanson asked if the proposal had been accounted for within the City's budget. Mr. Tweet said it should not affect the budget, as the proposed allocation would come from TIF funds. Ms. Sipes said if the money is not used, it would be forfeited.

Mayor Thoms called for an adjournment of the Study Session. Ms. Sipes noted she was available for questions, and would be consulting with the TIF attorney for presentation the following week.

The Study Session adjourned at 6:26 p.m.

https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12142020-683