City of Rock Island City Council Met March 22.
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. 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, Alderman Dylan Parker, and Alderman Dave Geenen were present via remote connection in accordance with Governor Pritzker's Executive Order.
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 anyone in the public wished to speak. Peter Ruklic of 2128 32nd Street came up to speak about the City's Code process. He said the the stated primary purpose of updating the City's land development regulations was to implement the 2014-2034 comprehensive plan. He noted the reorientation of urban planning back in 2013 when the plan was developed. He said urban planners had spent 60 years designing cities around cars, but had shifted to concentrating on areas where people want to live and be active. He noted a December 14, 2020 City Council meeting and said Staff and Council members displayed unfamiliarity with applying the people-oriented concepts in Rock Island's Hilltop area.
Mr. Ruklic listed what he considered key facts of the Hilltop area, which he stated was missing from the December 14, 2020 discussion. He said the City treats the downtown area differently than 11th Street, the District, the Blackhawk Road businesses, and the Hilltop community
December 14, 2020 City Council meeting and said Staff and Council members displayed unfamiliarity with applying the people-oriented concepts in Rock Island's Hilltop area.
Mr. Ruklic listed what he considered key facts of the Hilltop area, which he stated was missing from the December 14, 2020 discussion. He said the City treats the downtown area differently than 11th Street, the District, the Blackhawk Road businesses, and the Hilltop community commercial area. He said the failure of Council to recognize the existing community commercial area for citizens will have consequences, and listed areas of the City that will not be able to move forward to a people-oriented design that encourages people to be active in their transportation needs. He thanked Council.
7. Minutes from the March 8, 2021 City Council Meeting.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
8. Update Rock Island by Mayor Thoms
Rock Island Public Library Seed Library Available – The Seed Library is a free collection of seed bundles suited for the local growing area. Seeds are available now for pickup inside the Downtown Library, 401 19th Street, Rock Island by mail or by using the RIPL website. No library card is required. Residents of Rock Island and Milan may choose from vegetable, flower, herb or mixed bundles. For further questions about the Seed Library, please contact the library by email at RiLibRef@rigov.org or call 309-732-7343.
The Seed Library and the local University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are co-hosting a “Vegetable Gardening Made Easy” online program series that is available via Zoom. Each session includes a pre-recorded “how-to” gardening video followed by live question and answer time. To review the topics covered in each series and to register for the free sessions visit “go.illinois.edu/VegGardening101”, or visit the library’s online calendar at www.rockislandlibrary.org.
Downtown Spring Cleanup – Please join us as we spend a morning in the fresh air for the annual Rock Island Downtown Cleanup. The event starts at the Centennial Bridge Visitors Center located at the foot of the Centennial Bridge, 201 15th Street in Rock Island from 8:30 am to noon on April 24th. We supply bags and rakes, you supply the enthusiasm!
Adopt-a-Park - Rock Island Parks and Recreation is looking for community groups to volunteer to adopt-a-park for the 2021 season. The program is designed to encourage the community to work hands-on to help keep Rock Island parks clean, safe, and attractive. The program offers the opportunity for people to get more involved in their community in a way that promotes civic pride, appreciation, and awareness.
Groups that sign up to adopt-a-park will commit to setting up one work date each month from April through the end of the year. Volunteer opportunities may include picking up litter, raking, cleaning, pulling weeds, reporting vandalism, and keeping an eye on the park.
If you are interested in having your group sign up to adopt a park please visit www.rigov.org/AdoptAPark for an information packet with application.
Please email gleason.daniel@rigov.org with any questions.
9. Proclamation declaring April 1, 2021 Junior Achievement Day in the City of Rock Island.
Please email gleason.daniel@rigov.org with any questions.
Proclamation declaring April 1, 2021 Junior Achievement Day in the City of Rock Island.
Interim City Clerk Linda Mohr read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read his declaration.
Mayor Thoms said participation in the program is a good opportunity to teach classes, and encouraged residents to volunteer.
10. A Special Ordinance establishing a Handicapped Parking Zone in front on the east and west side of 33rd Street, 50 feet north of 17th Avenue and 50 feet south of 17th Avenue. (Second Reading)
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the ordinance; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
11. Claims
a. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding payment to Harris Computer System, Chicago, IL in the amount of $69,208.84 for the annual software maintenance renewal.
b. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding payment to System Innovators, Chicago, IL, in the amount of $19,617.49 for the iNovah System annual support maintenance contract.
c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to McClintock Trucking & Excavating, Inc., Silvis, IL, in the amount of $19,932.27 for the Sewer Lateral Repair Program, Project 2564, for services provided at 2525 21st Avenue and 3305 31st Avenue.
d. Report form the Public Works Department regarding payment to McClintock Trucking and Excavating, Silvis, IL, in the amount of $5,750.12 for payment for the Water Service Repair Program, Project 2526, for services provided at 2215 26th Street.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve Claims Items A through D; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #02 and final to Valley
Construction, Rock Island, IL, in the amount of $90,233.13 for the 31st Avenue Culverts Rehabilitation, Project 2787, for services provided August 31st, 2020 through February 28, 2021.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve Claims Item E; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
Rehabilitation, Project 2787, for services provided August 31st, 2020 through February 28, 2021.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve Claims Item E; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 6-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, and Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
Alderman Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.
12. Claims for the week of March 5th through March 11th, 2021 in the amount of $1,595,205.47;
March 12th through March 18th, 2021 in the amount of $252,399.77; and payroll for the weeks of February 22nd through March 7th, 2021 in the amount of $541,565.23.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to allow the claims and payroll; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
13. ACH payments for the month of February, 2021 in the amount of $1,340,537.48.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the ACH payments; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
14. Purchase Card Claims for the period of January 27th, 2021 through February 26th, 2021 in the amount of $47,305.30.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the purchase card claims; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
15. Report from the Police Department regarding the purchase of Axon in-squad camera system from Axon Enterprise, Inc., a sole source provider, for the total price of $255,975.00 and a CY 2021 payment of $101,175.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the purchase as recommended; Alderman Poulos seconded.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the purchase as recommended; Alderman Poulos seconded. VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
16. Report from the Police Department regarding a request to purchase the Panasonic FZ-55
Toughbooks and docking stations through CDS Office Technologies in the amount of $100,256.00.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the purchase as recommended; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
17. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding an agreement with Modern Woodmen of America to lease two unused strands of fiber optic cable managed by the City.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the agreement as recommended and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement, subject to any minor City Attorney modifications; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
18. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a settlement agreement with Thinc
Management, Plant City, FL in the amount of $84,105.00 to fulfill certain obligations in connection with a previous consulting and marketing service agreement.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the settlement agreement and payment as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
19. Report from the Finance Department requesting a budget adjustment, increasing the Downtown TIF Fund (Fund 201) expenditures for CY 2021 by $130,988.20.
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderman Geenen seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
20. Report from the Finance Department requesting a budget adjustment, increasing the General
Fund revenue and expenditure budgets for CY 2021 by $37,043.00 based on a grant received by the Police Department from the US Department of Justice, Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Program.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
21. Report from the Finance Department requesting a budget adjustment, increasing the North 11th
Street TIF Fund (Fund 203) expenditures for CY 2021 by $67,400.00 for the trimming and removal of trees.
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderman Clark seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
22. Request from the Public Works Department recommending certain items items be declared as
surplus and that permission be given to dispose of these surplus items in a manner that will be advantageous to the City.
MOTION:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the request as recommended; Alderman Spurgetis seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
23. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department requesting approval of the final plat of the three lot minor subdivision located at 1719 78th Avenue West.
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
MOTION:
Alderman Hurt moved to approve the final plat as recommended; Alderman Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
24. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding an update to the Zoning Map to reflect updated code and correct certain land use issues.
MOTION:
Alderman Spurgetis moved to approve the updated Zoning Map with the Planning Commission's adjustments and consider the ordinance; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
25. Report from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the farm lease agreement with Kenneth Flack.
MOTION:
Alderwoman Swanson moved to approve the agreement as recommended, subject to minor modifications by the City Attorney, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderman Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
26. Report from the Traffic and Engineering Committee regarding a request to remove a handicapped parking space in front of 1816 39th Street. (First Reading)
MOTION:
Alderman Parker moved to approve the request, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderman Hurt seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
27. 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 1/2 Street on Sunday, April 4, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for an Easter Sunda outdoor worshi service.
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the requests as recommended; Alderman Clark seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
28. Report from the City Clerk's Office regarding a request from Kavanaugh's Hilltop Tavern for outdoor entertainment with sound amplification and the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol on their landing (deck) on Wednesdays and thursdays until 9:00 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays until 11:30 p.m., and on Sundays until 9:00 p.m. for 2021.
MOTION:
Alderman Poulos moved to approve the requests as recommended subject to complying with all liquor license regulations and subject to being shut down early if complaints are received; Alderwoman Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
29. Other Business
Mayor Thoms said Jack Cullen has been hired by the Chamber of Commerce as the Downtown Manager. He noted he was looking forward to working with the Task Force, Steering Committee, and Mr. Cullen. Alderman Poulos asked if Mr. Cullen would be directly reporting to the Chamber. Mayor Thoms confirmed Mr. Cullen would directly report to Kyle Carter with the Chamber as well as Paul Rumler.
Mayor Thoms said he visited 2nd Grade students at Jordan Catholic School. He explained to the students as to what a Mayor does, and noted there were many questions.
30. Motion to Adjourn
MOTION:
Alderman Geenen moved to adjourn; Alderman Clark seconded.
VOTE:
Motion passed on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Geenen, Clark, Hurt, Spurgetis, Swanson, and Parker. Nay: None. Absent: None.
The meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03222021-731
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