City of Rock Island City Council met July 11

By Rock Island Today Reports

Sep 12, 2022

City of Rock Island City Council met July 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. Call to Order

2. This meeting will also be conducted by audio and video conference without the requirement of 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 City Clerk Samantha Gange to call the roll.

Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderpersons Moses Robinson, Judith Gilbert, Dylan Parker, Mark Poulos, and Bill Healy.

Absent: Alderpersons Randy Hurt and Jenni Swanson.

Staff: City Manager Todd Thompson, City Attorney Dave Morrison, City Clerk Samantha Gange, and other City Staff.

4. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Thoms led in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

5. Moment of Silence

Mayor Thoms requested a moment of silence. A moment of silence was observed.

6. Public Comment

Jack Hughes approached the podium to address City Council regarding his support for the implementation of a plastic bag tax ordinance. Mr. Hughes stated that he works with Upper Mississippi River Research Center sponsored by Augustana faculty members. He explained that they are currently partnered with the City of Davenport and are working to visit streams in the upper Mississippi River watershed to assess water quality factors. He shared that Augustana professor Dr. Geedey, who is one of the head faculty members sponsoring his research, asked if Mr. Hughes could attest to the support of the proposed ordinance. Mr. Hughes opined the plastic bag tax ordinance offers nothing but benefits for the City. With a seven-cent tax on all disposable bags, the City would collect five cents for maintaining the use of disposable bags. Mr. Hughes stated the goal of tax is not to make money, rather to encourage people to change their habits. He stated that through his work, he and his team of researchers have observed numerous plastic bags and other plastic waste polluting local streams. He stated these plastic items break down into microplastics that are known to be endocrine disrupters which are known to be very harmful to reproductive health. He said it is imperative that communities set an example for the future. Mr. Hughes shared the results of a study conducted in Chicago in 2017 indicated the implementation of a disposable bag tax lead to decline of use of disposable bags by 40%. Mr. Hughes encouraged Council members to support the disposable bag ban.

Mayor Thoms called Matt Pappas to speak, who declined addressing Council.

Lori McCollum approached the podium to address Council in support of the proposed disposable plastic bag tax and plastic straw ban. Ms. McCollum stated she represented Progressive Action for the Common Good. She read a portion of a letter she sent to Mayor Thoms in support of Nicolina’s Turtle Project. Ms. McCollum shared that she wrote in support of Nicolina’s request to consider a tax on single-use plastic bags as well as a ban on vendors and restaurants using plastic straws within the City of Rock Island. She explained that plastic is a serious issue for the Quad Cities as supported by the data collected by the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Plastic Initiative including plastic waste comprising 75% of the litter in the Quad Cities in waterways leading to contamination of food. Ms. McCollum shared that the average American consumes the equivalent of a credit card’s worth of plastic each week. She also shared statistics related to the increase of plastic production, most of which cannot be or is not recycled. Ms. McCollum reported a single-use plastic bag tax would provide an economic incentive and motivate consumers to utilize reusable bags. She provided suggestions for utilizing funds generated from the bag tax as well including supporting store in selling cloth bags or advertising the policy. Ms. McCollum showed Council the bag of waste she collects on a weekly basis while walking in her neighborhood which is mostly comprised of plastic. She encouraged Council to consider the proposed ordinances or establish a task force to investigate more in depth.

Terry Stimpson addressed City Council as a representative of the Sisters of St. Benedict, St. Mary’s Monastery. Ms. Stimpson expressed support for the plastic bag tax ordinance. She stated that this is great for environmental and visual attractiveness of Rock Island.

Next, Tom Sparkman addressed Council and explained he had an awful experience on July 4th with people setting off fireworks in the park across the street from his house. He said went to talk with the individuals setting them off and they stated they would leave the park by 10 p.m., which they did. Mr. Sparkman reported he visited the park the next morning and discovered large amounts of firework debris and began working with a neighbor to clean it up. He said that a City staff member told him that Public Works had been contacted for cleanup and they did a wonderful job. He said he contacted his Alderperson Judith Gilbert who was very responsive and sent information to Police Chief Landi. Mr. Sparkman stated that Chief Landi explained the process to him and that reported complaints are lower this year than previous years. Mr. Sparkman explained that two reports of fireworks are required before tickets are written. Mr. Sparkman opined police should be more reactive to individuals setting off fireworks in public spaces such as parks.

Alderperson Gilbert stated agreement that fireworks should not be set off in public spaces.

Virgil Mayberry addressed Council regarding the issue of speeding on 22nd Avenue. Mr. Mayberry shared about previous accidents and an incident of gun violence when a citizen attempted to intervene. Mr. Mayberry proposed City Council support the installation of two or three speed bumps on 22nd Ave between 5th Street and 9th Street. He said there was a concern when this was previously presented to Council with being able to plow snow. Mr. Mayberry stated he has talked with Public Works staff and that speed bumps would not present an issue with plowing snow in the winter months due to the trucks having hydraulic blades.

Mayor Thoms asked if anyone virtually attending wished to speak, there was no response.

Mayor Thoms announced item number eleven had been pulled from the agenda and moved to the July 25th meeting.

7. Minutes from the June 15, 2022 Special City Council Meeting.

MOTION:

Alderperson Gilbert moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderperson Poulos seconded. VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Gilbert, Parker, Poulos, Healy, and Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Swanson.

8. Minutes from the June 27, 2022 City Council Meeting.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderperson Parker seconded. VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Gilbert, Parker, Poulos, Healy, and Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Swanson.

9. Minutes from the June 27, 2022 Closed Session.

MOTION:

Alderperson Gilbert moved to approve the Closed Session minutes; Alderperson Parker seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Gilbert, Parker, Poulos, Healy, and Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Swanson.

10. Update Rock Island

Save the Date! The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center will host its 35th Annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The fun starts at 10:00 a.m. with a parade on 9th Street followed by a family fun day full of activities. The Center is now accepting applications for food and merchant vendors, informational booths, and parade participants. For more information, visit their website.

Free Party and Movie at Hodge Park! This Friday, July 15, 2022 the Rock Island Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a free party and movie at Hodge Park located at 35th Street and 22nd Avenue starting at 6:00 p.m. Come join the fun with free popcorn, a bounce house, crafts, and games before the movie. The movie starts at dusk.

From “petite Picassos” to night owls, Wednesday, July 13 offers something for everyone at the Rock Island Public Library - Whenever you are on Wednesday, July 13, it's going to be your lucky day for free fun and learning. The Rock Island Public Library is offering events for budding artists, local history buffs, and fans of the great outdoors! Visit the Library website for details!

Black Hawk State Historic Site’s Summer Celebration – Come celebrate the Park’s 95th birthday on July 24th from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. with the release of the second edition of their publication Twelve Moons: A Year with the Sauk and Meskwaki, 1817-1818! Stick around for refreshments, hands-on activities for the whole family, guided tours, and Native American drumming by local drum group Thunder Medicine. Registration is not required. Visit their website for further information.

We want to hear from you! The City of Rock Island seeks public input on how to invest once in a lifetime American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds! The survey can be completed online on the City’s website at WWW.RIGOV.ORG or paper copies are available at the Martin Luther King Center, City Hall, or the Downtown Public Library through July 25, 2022.

11. Motion whether or not to recommend to the Mayor/Liquor Commissioner to waive the signature requirement as requested and approve the liquor license.

12. Presentation of the Auditor's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for CY 2021. 12.

Finance Director Linda Barnes presented the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for calendar year 2021. Ms. Barnes announced the hiring of a new Finance Manager, Jessica Sager, who will oversee the audit and manage the accounting area of the finance department.

Ms. Barnes introduced Jamie Wilkie, partner with Lauterbach & Amen to present the audit. Ms. Wilkie affirmed she would be presenting the December 31, 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and providing some key highlights that are of interest to Council and then answer questions. Ms. Wilkie thanked Linda and the Finance Department as they are always a pleasure to work with and their cooperation in providing all necessary documents needed to fulfill obligations of the audit.

Ms. Wilkie said the process resulted in an Unmodified Opinion, which is the highest level that the City could receive, as well as the receipt of the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial

Reporting for the December 31, 2020 audit. She noted there were no internal control findings. Ms. Wilkie shared a new Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) statement noted in the management letter which states the GASB 87 Leases will be implemented at 12/31/22 which will expand the audit to include lease obligations and assets in a balance sheet disclosure.

Ms. Wilkie explained the main goal of an audit is to perform a series of tests on transactions and account balances to conclude that the financial statements are materially correct and to assess the overall control environment. She discussed certain items of note from the report, including a transmittal letter on page 3. This letter provides a high-level overview of the City in an economic context. Ms. Wilkie noted the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award in on page 10. Also included is the Independent Auditor's Report on page 13, which indicated the previously mentioned Unmodified Opinion.

Ms. Wilkie said pages 16 through 30 are the most important, as it contains Management's Discussion and Analysis, also known as an Executive Summary. She noted the section describes in simple terms how the report is structured, and has key financial highlights including long-term debt and capital activity. She said pages 30 through 216 are detailed financial statements with notes of financial schedules for the significant balances and transactions as well as pension related required disclosures.

She said the final section contains ten years of analysis on financial results, property tax history, debt information, revenue information, and operating, demographic, and economic statistics. Ms. Wilkie continued with a discussion on the General Fund for the City, including the unassigned fund balance, which is monies not earmarked by any internal restrictions or owed to other parties. She said the unassigned fund balance has trended upward over the past four years, with a balance of $13 million at the end of 2021. Ms. Wilkie stated that this fund balance represents about a four-month reserve within the General Fund. She then summarized the client communication letters, which found no internal control-related issues and the issued letter indicated there were no issues during the audit. She also summarized the management letter which included the GASB statement of the pronouncement to include lease reporting. She summarized the audit results including no internal control findings and an Unmodified Opinion on compliance.

Alderperson Gilbert commended City Manager Todd Thompson and Ms. Barnes for including a statement of introduction to the audit on page seven for the City’s five-year General Fund projection and thanked them for including the increasing cost of providing is increasing more rapidly than the revenue to support them. Alderperson Gilbert stated she hopes to discuss this further during the budget process.

Alderperson Gilbert commented about liabilities and long-term debt amounts listed in the audit report. She stated on page 19, long-term debt was listed as $340.6 million and other liabilities were listed at $33 million for a total debt liability of $374 million. She said other parts of the audit reported pension liabilities as IMRF pension liability as nearly $117 million, police pension liability as $92.6 million, the fire pension liability as $76.7 million of liability which totals $286.1 million combined with the debt total of $159.3 million totaling $445.4 million. Alderperson Gilbert explained the different numbers representing liabilities is difficult to discern.

Ms. Wilkie responded by clarifying the IMRF pension is not a liability rather an asset and further explained reference pages 121 and 122 for illustrating how the IMRF is listed as a negative number which is why is it a negative. She also explained the police pension is listed at $92 million provided on page 124, the fire pension on page 126 is listed as $76.7 million. Ms. Wilkie said items from the back of the report roll to the front of the report. She stated the amount for long-term liability referenced on page 19 includes a number of components noted on the financial statement which does in fact total the amount listed for long-term debt and liabilities.

Alderperson Gilbert asked the amount for debt and liabilities. Ms. Wilkie stated the largest component of debt and liabilities is police and fire pension obligations and the debt increase is attributed to the increase in fire and pension obligations. Alderperson Gilbert stated there was a page in the previous year’s audit illustrating general obligation bonds the City is paying and IEPA loans and liabilities were mostly pension liabilities and other future liabilities.

Ms. Wilkie stated page 89 of the audit report provides detail of long-term debt on page 89 and page 19 includes the amount referenced as it includes all of these components with removing the IMRF asset but is required to be listed since it relates to pension and typically long-term debt. She defined components of long-term debt including compensated absences, retiree healthcare future costs which is $17.7 million of additional liabilities, general obligation bonds, asset retirement obligation, the increase of the police pension fund from $87.4 to $92.6 million in the current fiscal year, and the fire pension fund increased from $72.8 million to $76.7 million which drives the increase in total liabilities. Additionally, Ms. Wilkie explained that the liabilities amount is inflated by about $13 million due to the deferment of the ARPA funds because it isn’t yet recognized revenue for the ARPA programs. Ms. Wilkie explained the adjustment from last year to this year is due to these factors.

Alderperson Gilbert inquired about general obligation bonds excluding the Watchtower bonds that the City is only paying interest and not principal. Ms. Wilkie said the debt schedules are provided beginning on page 191. Alderperson Gilbert said it is difficult to discern due to not having information for the purpose of those bonds. Ms. Wilkie responded there were a couple of bonds that have interest only payments that are backloaded which is typical to balance the tax levy related to debt services.

Alderperson Gilbert inquired about the listed percentages of covered payroll for police and fire. She noted IMRF is only 11.2% of the covered payroll, police is 78.62% and fire is 78.42%. Alderperson Gilbert asked if this rapid increase would continue to paying 100% or more of covered payroll for pensions.

Ms. Wilkie explained that this may be more appropriately asked to an actuary but that is has been increasing over time which in part is to manage the percent funded increase to meet the statutory requirement of 90% funded by the year 2040.

Alderperson Poulos stated that consolidated funding will hopefully reduce the percent of unfunded liability. He said that many communities throughout the state are in similar situations and are looking forward to upward trends in that regard.

13. Claims

a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $13,385.03 to David G. Morrison, City Attorney, for services rendered during the month of June 2022.

b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment #9 in the amount of $310,000.00 to Johnson Controls, Inc. of Moline, IL for services provided March 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to approve claim items a and b; Alderperson Robinson seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Gilbert, Parker, Poulos, Healy, and Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Swanson.

c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $57,353.30 to Langman Construction, Inc. of Rock Island, IL for an emergency sewer main repair on 39th Street and 14th Avenue.

d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $11,620.46 to McClintock Trucking & Excavating, Inc. of Silvis, IL for the Water Service Repair Program and Sewer Lateral Repair Program at 2519 31st Street and 1201 12th Street.

MOTION:

Alderperson Robinson moved to approve claim items c and d; Alderperson Healy seconded.

VOTE:

Alderperson Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.

Motion PASSED on a 4-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Gilbert, Poulos, Healy, and Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Swanson.

14. Claims for the week of June 17 through June 23, 2022 in the amount of $602,784.22; for the week of June 24 through June 30, 2022 in the amount of $1,455,037.53; special claims for June 29, 2022 in the amount of $211.58; and payroll for the weeks of June 13 through June 26, 2022 in the amount of $1,667,077.52.

MOTION:

Alderperson Robinson moved to approve claim items c and d; Alderperson Healy seconded.

VOTE:

Alderperson Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.

Motion PASSED on a 4-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Gilbert, Poulos, Healy, and Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Swanson.

15. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a request to negotiate a contract with CDM Smith, Inc. of Chicago, IL for engineering services for the Wastewater Treatment Plants Phosphorus Removal Feasibility Study/Optimization Plans.

MOTION:

Alderperson Gilbert moved to allow the Public Works Department to negotiate a contract with CDM Smith Inc.; Alderperson Parker seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Gilbert, Parker, Poulos, Healy, and Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Swanson.

Report from the Public Works Department regarding a lease renewal agreement with the renter

16. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a lease renewal agreement with the renter of the Sunset Marina apartment.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to approve the lease as written and authorize the City Manager to execute the lease agreement; Alderperson Gilbert seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Gilbert, Parker, Poulos, Healy, and Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Swanson.

17. Report from the Community & Economic Development Department regarding the sale of City owned property located at 2517 7th Avenue (PIN 0736306009) to Jeff Konrad for $1.00 plus closing costs. (First Reading)

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to approve the sale as recommended; authorize the City Manager to execute the lease agreement; consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderperson Healy seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Gilbert, Parker, Poulos, Healy, and Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Swanson.

18. Report from the Community & Economic Development Department regarding the sale of City owned property located at 1731 14th Street (PIN 0735309008) to Jennifer Freeman for $1.00 plus closing costs. (First Reading)

MOTION:

Alderperson Robinson moved to approve the sale as recommended; authorize the City Manager to execute the lease agreement; consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderperson Healy seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Gilbert, Parker, Poulos, Healy, and Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Swanson.

19. Report from the Community & Economic Development Department regarding the sale of City owned property located at 1327 6th Avenue (PIN 0735127015) to Brett Ackerland for $802.50 plus closing costs. (First Reading)

MOTION:

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Gilbert, Parker, Poulos, Healy, and Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Swanson.

20. Report from the Community & Economic Development Department regarding a request from Jacob Meisenbach to vacate the westerly 25 feet of the 80 foot street right-of-way of 13th Street, located to the north of 2nd Avenue for construction of a storage structure on the property to be used for his lawn care business. (First Reading)

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to approve the vacation request as recommended; that a public utilities easement be put in place for the same; consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderperson Parker seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Gilbert, Parker, Poulos, Healy, and Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Swanson.

21. Report from the Finance Department regarding the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and other audit documents for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2021.

MOTION:

Alderperson Gilbert moved to approve the audit documents request as recommended; Alderperson Poulos seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Gilbert, Parker, Poulos, Healy, and Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Swanson.

22. Report from the Finance Department and General Administration regarding an adjustment to the CY 2022 budget, increasing American Rescue Plan Act Fund (248) expenditures by $459,302.00.

MOTION:

Alderperson Poulos moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderperson Parker seconded.

DISCUSSION:

Alderperson Poulos inquired about the percent of salaries paid from ARPA funding. City Manager Todd Thompson reported the budget adjustment amount is not for the full year of salary position rather a portion of the year. Alderperson Poulos confirmed that part of the salary paid to the ARPA program manager is paid from the City budget due to the split role of ARPA manager and City Clerk. Mr. Thompson replied affirmatively. Alderperson Poulos asked what percentage is paid by ARPA funding. City Clerk Gange reported eighty percent of her salary is paid by ARPA funds and twenty percent is paid by the general fund. Alderperson Poulos expressed the importance of budgeting salaries in the general fund after CY2024 and communicating with transparency to the public. Ms. Gange replied the salary funds can be posted online in the ARPA budget for transparency. Alderperson Poulos also commented about his conversation with Public Works Director Mike Bartels regarding the ARPA funds utilized for the beltway project.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Gilbert, Parker, Poulos, Healy, and Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Swanson.

23. Report from the City Clerk's Office regarding a request from Bally's Quad Cities for sound amplification on Saturday, July 16, 2022, Friday August 19, 2022, and Saturday, August 20, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. as part of a series of lawn concert events.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to approve the sound amplification permits as recommended; Alderperson Robinson seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Gilbert, Parker, Poulos, Healy, and Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Swanson.

24. Report from the City Clerk's office regarding a request from Greater Antioch Baptist Church, 929 14th Street, for sound amplification and to close off 10th Avenue between 14th Street and 14 1/2 Street on Sunday, July 31st from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for an outdoor church service.

MOTION:

Alderperson Robinson moved to approve the applications for street closing and sound amplification requests as recommended; Alderperson Poulos seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Gilbert, Parker, Poulos, Healy, and Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Swanson.

25. Report from the City Clerk's office regarding a Plaza Activity / Event application from Steve's Old Time Tap for the 10th annual CCKMA Car & Bike Show on Sunday, August 21, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with street closures of 17th Street between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue, and 3rd Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets; a request for the outdoor consumption of alcohol in the fenced-in area in the adjacent parking lots; a request for sound amplification; and a request for the waiver of the permit fee (charitable fundraiser).

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to approve the applications for street closing and sound amplification requests as recommended; Alderperson Poulos seconded.

Alderperson Healy recused himself from the vote.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 4-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Gilbert, Parker, Poulos, and Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Swanson.

26. Other Business

Alderperson Poulos congratulated the Backwater Gamblers for winning the Regional water ski tournament. He explained this is the first time they have hosted this event in five years and received positive remarks about improvements made at Ben Williamson Park. Mayor Thoms shared about his positive experience attending the event with the amazing talent and great crowds.

Ms. Gange provided an update on the ARPA Fund Survey which had nearly 1,000 submissions. Ms. Gange commended Rock Island citizens on a great job sharing their opinion of how this once-in-a-lifetime money should be spent. She also shared the importance of maintaining momentum and continuing to receive completed surveys. She asked members of Council to share ideas and events to continue engaging the community in the ARPA survey. Alderperson Robinson said he plans to visit citizens in his ward door-to-door with the survey QR code.

Ms. Gange further explained that we will have surveys available in other languages on the Google form. She shared that the City has a cultural liaison, Prosper, that speaks African languages fluently and can assist in translating for refugees. Alderperson Gilbert said she could take paper copies if they are translated for the refugee population as well. Alderperson Robinson shared the option for the Google form to be translated on for the online form. IT Department Director Tim Bain confirmed that the Google form can be translated to any language for individuals completing the survey online. Ms. Gange said the survey can be completed by all stakeholders of the City whether they live, work, or own property or a business in Rock Island and that feedback from all demographics is desired.

Alderperson Gilbert inquired about the percentage of surveys completed. Ms. Gange explained that based on the most up-to-date census information, there are sixteen thousand households and the goal is to get thirty percent of those to complete the ARPA survey.

Alderperson Robinson shared about his recent experience with electric scooters that are utilized for transportation or amenities and proposed exploring having them in Rock Island. He said many large cities have them. He explained that they are equipped with geo tags so that they can only be utilized within a particular area.

Mr. Thompson shared his experience with electric scooters in the City of Galesburg. A local manager took responsibility for collecting the scooters and responding to reported issues with them. He said the program there is in its second year and appears to be going well as it is especially popular with the college kids. Mayor Thoms said research for potential liability would be required.

Alderperson Healy shared that he utilized a scooter in Miami as an Uber and Lyft also has them. Alderperson Robinson affirmed and explained that an individual or business manages them. Mr. Thompson said the scooters are managed by a private company that runs it and a business manages it.

Alderperson Poulos inquired about potential safety issues and the traveling speed of the scooters. Alderperson Robinson explained there is a maximum overall speed and they can be programmed to slow the speed in certain areas of the City that are more populated. Mayor Thoms expressed research for potential liability would be required. Alderperson Robinson shared about a discussion he had with a Council member for the City of Waterloo who had electric scooters previously and removed them due to liability. He said they recently brought them back with additional restrictions to mitigate liability concerns.

Mayor Thoms shared about the Spring Forward Summer Camp event hosted at the TaxSlayer Center. He commended vendors and staff involved who supported this fun learning experience including the Steamwheelers players and Dan with Spring Forward.

27. Closed Session.

MOTION:

Alderperson Gilbert moved to enter into Closed Session for the exception cited; Alderperson Robinson seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, and Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Hurt and Swanson.

28. Motion to Adjourn.

Upon re-entering the regular meeting, roll call was taken.

Present: Mayor Mike Thoms, Alderpersons Moses Robinson, Judith Gilbert, Dylan Parker, Mark Poulos, and Bill

Healy.

Absent: Alderpersons Randy Hurt and Jenni Swanson.

Staff: City Manager Todd Thompson, City Attorney Dave Morrison, City Clerk Samantha Gange, and other City Staff.

MOTION: