City of Rock Island City Council met March 8.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. Call to Order
Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone.
2. This meeting will be conducted by audio and video conference without a physically present quorum of the Rock Island City Council due to the disaster declaration issued by Governor Pritzker.
3. Roll Call
Mayor Thoms asked Interim City Clerk Linda Mohr to call the roll.
Present: Mayor Mike Thoms and Alderman Mark Poulos.
Alderman Ivory D. Clark, Alderman Randy Hurt, Alderman James Spurgetis, Alderwoman Jenni Swanson, and Alderman Dylan Parker were present via remote connection in accordance with Governor Pritzker's Executive Order.
Absent: Alderman Dave Geenen.
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. Minutes from the February 22nd City Council Meeting and the February 25th Special City Council Meeting.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
7. Public Comment
Mayor Thoms asked if anyone in the public wished to speak.
Davenport, Iowa resident Molly Newell of EnviroNet joined via remote connection. She said EnviroNet performed an investigation on a site adjacent to a different location listed on the agenda. She noted the project to be awarded for 2425 5th Avenue was short of meeting the City's goals and would not meet State requirements. She asked why the City would not want to characterize the site per requirements of the EPA. She said the proposed low bid does not include soil vapor testing or the historical data combined with new data into a new report. She opined it would take additional funds later to fix the issue as opposed to a complete remediation approach now. Ms. Newell referenced the three low bids on the agenda and characterized them as piecemeal approaches. She said EnviroNet is the low bid and asked Council to accept theirs.
8. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
St Patrick’s Day Parade – The Quad City’s annual bi-state parade originally scheduled for March 13, 2021 has been postponed to August 28, 2021.
Rock Island offers EGG-xtra Safe & Fun Egg Hunt Options - Kids, grab your swimsuit and goggles and come to the Rock Island Fitness & Activity Center for the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Underwater Egg Hunt! Thousands of colorful eggs will be ready to grab on Sunday, March 14th. Register for the time slot you prefer: 3:00 pm, 3:30 pm, or 4:00 pm. Children under 48 inches are required to have adult participant in the pool. Bring a bucket or bag to hold your eggs in the water, towel, and goggles if needed. Eggs will float on the water, not sink to the bottom. (This is a safety precaution for our younger swimmers.) Participants will turn in their empty eggs to receive a goodie bag full of candy. Two spectators are allowed per swimmer. Spectators must wear face masks. Swimmers must wear face masks when entering and exiting the building and on the pool deck, but may remove them during their swim time. Group sizes have been reduced to allow for social distancing. Try to arrive in your swim gear to avoid overcrowding in the locker rooms. The hunt is $7.00 and pre-registration is required as space is limited. Registration closes March 12th. Register online at www.rigov.org/ePark, or call RIFAC at (309) 732-7275. The Rock Island Fitness & Activity Center is located at 4303 24th Street, Rock Island, IL.
2021 Public Input Survey – The Bi-State Regional Commission is in the process of completing a 5-year update to the region’s Comprehensive Development Strategy. Public input is an important component of plan development. There are currently 9 overarching goals identified in the plan along with a number of strategies identified working toward those goals. To provide feedback on what you think is most important in developing our community complete the survey available on the City’s website, rigov.org. Additional information and a link to the survey are available under the “News & Announcements” on the home page.
9. Proclamation declaring the week of March 7th through March 13th, 2021 as Women in Construction Week.
Interim City Clerk Linda Mohr read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read his declaration.
10. A Special Ordinance establishing a Handicapped Parking Zone in front of 805 - 44th Street.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the Ordinance; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
11. A Special Ordinance establishing a Handicapped Parking Zone in front of 1030 - 11th Avenue.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the Ordinance; Alderman Clark seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
12. Claims
a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment to City Attorney, David G. Morrison, Rock Island, for legal services rendered February, 2021 in the amount of $10,828.08.
b. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding payment to Harris-Govern, Chicago, IL for the Govern software maintenance in the amount of $31,373.72 for business license, permit and inspection system.
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $30,258.09 to McClintock Trucking & Excavating, Inc., Silvis, IL for the Sewer Lateral Repair Program, Project 2564, for services provided at 4536 26th Avenue.
d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to McClintock Trucking and Excavating, Inc.; Silvis, IL in the amount of $21,658.75 for the Water Service Repair Program, Project 2526 for services provided at 1623 37th Street and 2501 8th 1/2 Avenue.
e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to John Robert Westpfahl, Milan, IL in the amount of $3,300.00 for the 2021 annual land set aside program
f. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #3 to Johnson Controls, Inc. Moline, IL in the amount of $475,000.00 for services provided from January 1st through February 28th, 2021.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve Claims Items A through F; Alderman Clark seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to Walter D. Laud, Inc., East g.
VOTE:
g. Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to Walter D. Laud, Inc., East Moline, IL, in the amount of $324,597.90 for the 2020 and 2021 Sidewalk and Pavement Patching Program, Project Numbers 2140, 2142, 2377, 2411, 2434 and Parks Path for services provided from July 15th, 2020 through February 21, 2021.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve Claims Item G; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 5-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
Alderman Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.
13. Claims for the week of February 19 through February 25, 2021 in the amount of $786,547.67, for the week of February 26 through March 4, 2021 in the amount of $503,232.72; and payroll for the weeks of February 8 through February 21, 2021 in the amount of $1,541,713.47.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the claims and payroll; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
14. ACH payments for the month of January, 2021 in the amount of $2,278,424.83.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the ACH payments; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
15. Purchase Card Claims for the period of December 29th, 2020 through January 26th, 2021 in the amount of $49,889.28.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the purchase card claims; Alderman Clark seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
16. Report from the Police Department regarding the purchase of retired K-9 Basco by his handler, Andrew Lawler for $1.00.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the purchase as recommended; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Alderman Poulos noted it was best for the dog to go to a handler after retirement
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
17. Request from the Public Works Department regarding a request to purchase two new Mack LR64R New Way Automated Refuse Packers in the amount of $452,882.00 from Elliott Equipment Co., Davenport, IA.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the purchase as requested; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
18. Report from the Public Works Department / Utilities Maintenance Division regarding the purchase of 125 stainless steel water main repair clamps recommending the bid be awarded to Zimmer & Francescon, Inc. Moline, IL in the amount of $12,640.12.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the bid as recommended; Alderman Clark seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
19. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the environmental site assessments for 2425 5th Avenue, recommending the bid be awarded to Goldwave Solutions of Darien, IL with a payment not to exceed $12,100.00
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, subject to minor City Attorney modifications; Alderman Parker seconded.
Mr. Tweet said the bid was specific that phases one and two would take place first, and later the next phase that can go up for bid. He said if there is an issue with the bidding process, it will be pulled and re-bid. He noted there are seven bidders on the memo, but eight others submitted bids but did not arrive in time due to carrier delays. He mentioned those remaining eight bids are
seconded.
Mr. Tweet said the bid was specific that phases one and two would take place first, and later the next phase that can go up for bid. He said if there is an issue with the bidding process, it will be pulled and re-bid. He noted there are seven bidders on the memo, but eight others submitted bids but did not arrive in time due to carrier delays. He mentioned those remaining eight bids are unopened, and Council has the ability to reject the current bids if desired.
Alderman Spurgetis asked if the bid issue was time sensitive. Planning and Redevelopment Administrator Miles Brainard came to the front and said there was no rush, but the City owns the property and it is not currently productive and has been sitting for a decade. He mentioned the measure was part of the City's continuing effort to get properties back under taxable use. He explained why the property was separated into two parts, with the first being site assessments and the second being enrollment enrollment in a State program for remediation. He said there is an interested purchaser who is not committing to an end use at this time, meaning the end cost has yet to be determined. He noted if a purchaser stated what the purpose of the property and committed to purchasing it under the circumstances, the measure would have been rolled into one bid.
Alderman Spurgetis asked if the measure should be tabled until all bids were opened. Mr. Tweet said the City cannot open the bids, as the bid process would need to start again. Alderwoman Swanson said it speaks to the integrity of Rock Island that the bid process was adhered to. Mr. Brainard said one successful bid was hand-delivered to ensure the arrival time. He added it is the responsibility of the bidder to ensure the bid arrives on time. Alderman Poulos said there was a significant monetary gap between the upper three bids and those such as EnviroNet, and asked if Staff was certain all would be completed with the lower bids. Mr. Brainard discussed the individual cost breakdowns that explain the monetary gaps. He said some bids included optional additional items that bidders determined were not necessary. Alderman Poulos asked if the City was setting itself up for higher future costs. Mr. Brainard said it is possible because the measure has been broken up into parts, but the goal is to get towards a sale through negotiations, and the process must be completed before it can occur. Alderman Poulos asked if the City went with the higher bid, would there be a guarantee that all components of the remediation are completed. Mr. Brainard replied the costs may be higher depending on the results.
Alderman Parker said he had full faith in Staff to move forward with this. Mayor Thoms said the same thing took place with the County Market site that became Dollar Tree. Mr. Brainard noted that this measure is the last piece of a City brownfield project that has taken place for some time. Alderman Clark agreed with his colleagues that Staff had worked hard on the process. He noted that he agreed with Alderwoman Swanson that bids need to be placed on time to be considered.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
20. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a request from Nathan and Sarah Morehart to release their properties at 319 8th Street (Parcel 091794-1, PIN 073410014) and 809 4th Avenue (Parcel 091800, PIN 0734410007)from the North 11th Street TIF District. (First Reading)
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the request as recommended, consider and suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Clark seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
21. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding a development agreement with LRC Developers, Inc., for a rehabilitation project at the Quad City Industrial Center. (First Reading)
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the request as recommended, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
Alderman Parker thanked the developer for their interest in Rock Island, and said he was happy to help expedite the process. Scott Christiansen, a representative from LRC Developers replied remotely that they appreciated the support the City has provided thus far and hope to continue progress.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
22. Report from the Finance Department requesting a reallocation of gaming funds and budget transfer in the amount of $14,404.05 from Consultant Services to Building and Grounds.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the request as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
23. Report from the Finance Department regarding multiple budget adjustments, increasing the General Fund (101) by $41,748.12; the Community and Economic Development Contingency Fund (207) by $403,362.31; the Labor Day Parade Fund (276) by $14,750.00; and the Parks and Recreation Fund (555) by $19,103.52 through a transfer from the Gaming Fund (223).
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the budget adjustments as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Spurgetis asked Interim Finance Director Linda Barnes for a brief explanation of the Gaming Fund transfers. Ms. Barnes said the measure was part of an annual process related to the audit. She noted any unused gaming funds need to be moved back to the gaming fund, and could thus be reallocated to the appropriate departments.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
24. Report from the Mayor's office regarding the appointment of Linda Barnes to the Police Pension Board and Mike Foley to the Parks and Recreation Board.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the appointments as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
Alderman Poulos welcomed Ms. Barnes back to the Police Pension Board, noting he had worked with her before in the position.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
25. Other Business
Alderwoman Swanson said she is pleased with the job DARI had done during the past year, and added the City is on a good trajectory. Mayor Thoms concurred, noting the task of administering grant funds was difficult, but everyone worked as a team for a great accomplishment, and he looked forward to more in the future.
Alderman Parker noted the recent Downtown Task Force meeting, and said it was another great partnership to which he was looking forward. Mayor Thoms said there is a candidate for the Downtown Manager position, and he awaited perspective from the steering committee on the Task Force. He noted a majority of the Task Force has a stake in the downtown area, which has helped create another public-private partnership.
26. Motion to Adjourn
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to adjourn; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: Geenen.
The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03082021-725
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