City of Rock Island City Council met Sept. 12
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Call to Order
1. Mayor Thoms called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. and welcomed everyone.
2. This meeting will also be conducted by audio and video conference without the requirement of 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, Randy Hurt (virtual), Judith Gilbert, Jenni Swanson, Dylan Parker, Mark Poulos, and Bill Healy.
Absent: None.
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
Ted Pappas approached the podium to address Council. Mr. Pappas shared about Friendship Manor’s history in Rock Island for the past 80 years. He said several members of the audience were attending in support of Friendship Manor including senior staff, board members, and residents. He thanked Council members for reviewing information he previously sent and handed out an additional slide with financial information including cash flow.
Mr. Pappas also provided a comparison of the organization mentioned in the proposed American Rescues Plan Act (ARPA) plan and Friendship Manor. He declared Friendship Manor brought in new residents from twenty-seven different area codes. He said he reviewed various ARPA categories and stated his justification of how Friendship Manor met the definition of what these funds should be used for including: supporting public response to mitigate response, addressing small businesses and supporting non-profits, and replacing lost revenue. He said Friendship Manor retained staff by providing hero pay and COVID pay to thank them for their American Rescues Plan Act (ARPA) plan and Friendship Manor. He declared Friendship Manor brought in new residents from twenty-seven different area codes. He said he reviewed various ARPA categories and stated his justification of how Friendship Manor met the definition of what these funds should be used for including: supporting public response to mitigate response, addressing small businesses and supporting non-profits, and replacing lost revenue. He said Friendship Manor retained staff by providing hero pay and COVID pay to thank them for their continued support for residents. Mr. Pappas mentioned a previous request for funds and stated he is again asking for $500,000 of ARPA funds to support residents. He thanked the Council for their time.
Mayor Thoms thanked Friendship Manor board members for their time and affirmed Friendship Manor is an asset to the Rock Island community.
He also announced item twenty-one was removed from the agenda.
7. Minutes from the August 22, 2022 Study Session and City Council Meeting.
MOTION:
Alderperson Swanson moved to approve the minutes as printed; Alderperson Gilbert seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
8. Minutes from the June 27, 2022 Closed Session.
MOTION:
Alderperson Swanson moved to approve the Closed Session minutes; Alderperson Gilbert seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
9. Minutes from the August 22, 2022 Closed Session.
MOTION:
Alderperson Healy moved to approve the Closed Session minutes; Alderperson Gilbert seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
10. Update Rock Island
Thursday Night Groove Concert Series continues in Schwiebert Park with a performance by Soul Storm. Concerts are held every Thursday through October 13 featuring a different band each week. Concessions from Bent River Brewing Co. and Happy Joe’s Pizza will be available starting at 6:00 p.m. with live music from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Coffee with a Cop will be held again this Friday. Come join us behind Old Main on the Augustana College campus this Friday, Sept. 16th from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. for Coffee with a Cop performance by Soul Storm. Concerts are held every Thursday through October 13 featuring a different band each week. Concessions from Bent River Brewing Co. and Happy Joe’s Pizza will be available starting at 6:00 p.m. with live music from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Coffee with a Cop will be held again this Friday. Come join us behind Old Main on the Augustana College campus this Friday, Sept. 16th from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. for Coffee with a Cop and get to know some of your local police officers.
Join the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department for Adult Field Day -- an event new to the Quad Cities. Adult Field Day will be held on Saturday, September 24th at historic Douglas Park. Register your team of 5-7 coed players and participate in fun games like human foosball, giant beer pong, cornhole skeeball, races and more.
September is National Library Card Sign Up Month Any Rock Island or Milan-Blackhawk Area Library District resident who applies or renews their card in September receives a sports stress ball, and one entry for a choice of four prize baskets. New cardholders can choose the 150th library anniversary card or the standard design.
11. Proclamation declaring September 9 - 18, 2022 as National Welcoming Week in the City of
Rock Island.
Clerk Gange read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read his declaration. Tapestry Farms Executive Director Ann McGlynn came forward to accept the proclamation. A picture was taken with Mayor Thoms.
Proclamation declaring September 15 – October 15, 2022 as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Rock Island.
Clerk Gange read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read his declaration. Sergio Mendoza came forward to accept the proclamation. A picture was taken with Mayor Thoms.
Proclamation declaring September 18, 2022 as Palmer College of Chiropractic Day in the City of Rock Island.
Clerk Gange read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read his declaration. Palmer College Vice Chancellor of Marketing and Communication Jim O’Connor came forward to accept the proclamation. A picture was taken with Mayor Thoms.
12. Consent Agenda
a. Claims for the week of August 12 through August 18, 2022 in the amount of $268,685.74; for the week of August 19 through August 25, 2022 in the amount of $625,330.61; for the week of August 26 through September 1, 2022 in the amount of $1,040,506.14; and payroll for the weeks of August 8 through August 21, 2022 in the amount of $1,597,153.69.
b. Claim - Report from the Human Resources Department regarding payment in the amount of $17,568.36 to David G. Morrison, City Attorney, for services rendered during the month of August 2022.
c. ACH Report for July 2022 in the amount of $4,660,063.73.
d. Purchase Card claims for the period of June 28, 2022 through July 26, 2022 in the amount of $77,187.90.
MOTION:
Alderperson Parker moved to approve Consent Agenda items a through d; Alderperson Swanson seconded.
MOTION:
Alderperson Parker moved to approve Consent Agenda items a through d; Alderperson Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
13. Claims
a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $24,946.36 to Langman Construction, Inc. of Rock Island, IL for an emergency sewer main repair at 1515 7th Avenue.
b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $64,551.15 to McClintock Trucking & Excavating, Inc. of Silvis, IL for the Water Service Repair Program, Emergency Sewer Repair, and the Sewer Lateral Repair Program.
MOTION:
Alderperson Robinson moved to approve claims items a and b; Alderperson Poulos seconded.
DISCUSSION:
Alderperson Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 6-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
14. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2022 Joint and Crack Sealing Program, recommending the bid be awarded to Denler, Inc. of Joliet, IL in the amount of $158,295.15.
MOTION:
Alderperson Gilbert to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderperson Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
15. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the Downtown Parking Ramp Demolition and Parking Lot Construction Project, recommending the bid be awarded to Langman Construction of Rock Island, IL in the amount of $1,963,813.01.
MOTION:
Alderperson Healy moved to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderperson Robinson seconded.
DISCUSSION:
MOTION:
Alderperson Healy moved to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; Alderperson Robinson seconded.
DISCUSSION:
Alderperson Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.
Alderperson Poulos asked about the timeline of this project and how it will impact parking for City employees.
Public Works Director Mike Bartels approached City Council to address the question. Mr. Bartels explained the demolition was anticipated to begin between the end of November and beginning of December. He said three options for parking for employees were being considered keeping in mind area business needs. Alderperson Poulos asked the projected date for project completion. Mr. Bartels said the projected completion date per the contract is June 15, 2023. Alderperson Poulos thanked Mr. Bartels.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 6-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
16. Report from the Public Works Department requesting permission to negotiate contracts with Edgewater Resources, Madison, WI for the rebuild of the 400 Dock, and IMEG, Rock Island, IL for electrical repairs and upgrades as part of the FEMA Public Assistance Program Project at Sunset Marina.
MOTION:
Alderperson Hurt moved to authorize City staff and the General Manager of Sunset Marina to negotiate the contracts; Alderperson Parker seconded.
DISCUSSION:
Alderperson Robinson asked Council and staff to develop options for future plans for Sunset Marina due to continued expenses. Alderperson Gilbert agreed with Alderperson Robinson stated she has been requesting staff to provide options for the marina for about a year. City Manager Todd Thompson said a plan can be developed by staff if that is the consensus of Council. Mr. Bartels said Sunset Marina would not be profitable due to its size and number of slips. He explained that staff would need direction from City Council to develop a plan based on Councils goals for the marina. Alderperson Gilbert requested realistic options from staff including the possibility of selling, leasing, or repurposing it. Mr. Thompson suggested working with an agency similar to EdgeWater Resources that conducts an assessment with their experience and puts together options including the aforementioned. Mr. Bartels said the City currently has a proposal from EdgeWater to conduct that study for approximately $27,000. Alderperson Gilbert requested to see the current document. Mr. Bartels clarified the information available is not the results of the study, rather a proposal for conducting a study. Alderperson Gilbert requested copies be sent to Council. Mr. Thompson said a more elaborate scope could be requested from EdgeWater if needed. Alderperson Swanson said the Port Authority is an opportunity for additional funding. Alderperson Healy stated support in developing a plan for Sunset Marina. Alderperson Hurt reported understanding for maximizing dollars and said the current vote is for work that is needed in the marina regardless of the future plan. Alderperson Robinson reiterated the need for a plan for the future of the marina even though that is not item currently being voted on.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 6-1-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and
Robinson reiterated the need for a plan for the future of the marina even though that is not item currently being voted on.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 6-1-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, and Swanson. Nay: Gilbert. Absent: None.
17. Report from the Public Works Department recommending a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a Floodplain Prairie Restoration Project at Sunset Park. MOTION:
Alderperson Hurt moved to approve the partnership with the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement; Alderperson Gilbert seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
18. Report from the Public Works Department recommending the use of Project Labor Agreements (IMPACT agreements) for all new construction projects with a value great than $500,000.00.
MOTION:
Alderperson Healy moved to approved the use of labor (IMPACT) agreements for all new construction projects led by the Public Works Department; Alderperson Poulos seconded.
DICSUSSION:
Alderperson Gilbert asked if the motion and memo could include all City projects. Mr. Bartels said that it could be amended to reflect that.
Alderperson Healy withdrew his motion; Alderperson Poulos withdrew his second.
Alderperson Parker moved to approve the use of labor (IMPACT) agreements for all new construction projects led by the City; Alderperson Healy seconded.
Mayor Thoms said there are five IMPACT agreements in the City of Rock Island at this time. Alderperson Gilbert inquired if those included the YWCA and the library. Mayor Thoms responded affirmatively.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
19. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a request from the Illinois Department of Transportation's for a temporary construction easement at 201 15th Street (IDOT US 67) from 2nd Avenue to 5th Avenue and the acquisition of a permanent Right of Way for a total compensation of $660.00 for the Pedestrian Ramp Project.
MOTION:
Alderperson Parker moved to approve the IDOT's acquisition of a temporary construction easement at 201 15th Street and a permanent Right of Way for a total of $660.00 and authorize the City Manager to execute the documents; Alderperson Robinson seconded.
MOTION:
Alderperson Parker moved to approve the IDOT's acquisition of a temporary construction easement at 201 15th Street and a permanent Right of Way for a total of $660.00 and authorize the City Manager to execute the documents; Alderperson Robinson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
20. Report from the City Attorney's Office recommending approval of $5,323.70 in damages for settlement in the case of a five-car collision at 18th Avenue and 30th Street.
MOTION:
Alderperson Gilbert moved to approve the settlement amount of $5,323.70 and authorize the City Attorney to execute the documents; Alderperson Healy seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
21. Report from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center regarding an amendment to the ordinance governing the Rock Island Human Rights Commission. (First Reading)
Item twenty-one was removed from the agenda.
22. Report from the Community & Economic Development Department regarding the sale of City owned property of a parcel zoned I-2 containing approximately 36 acres (PIN 1627200009) to Saia Motor Freight Company, LLC, for $336,000.00 plus closing costs. (First Reading)
MOTION:
Alderperson Gilbert moved to approve the purchase agreement; authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents, subject to minor attorney modifications; suspend the rules, consider and pass the ordinance; Alderperson Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
23. A Resolution authorizing the election of the Standard Allowance of American Rescue Plan Act funds for revenue loss and to allocate those funds for the provision of government services (police and fire salaries).
MOTION:
Alderperson Swanson moved to adopt the resolution as recommended; Alderperson Gilbert seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
24. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a Resolution declaring the City of Rock Island's support for the submittal of an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant application for the 44th Street/Black Hawk Road (IL-5) Reconstruction Project.
MOTION:
Alderperson Healy moved to adopt the resolution as recommended; Alderperson Gilbert seconded.
DISCUSSION:
Alderperson Healy thanked Mayor Thoms on behalf of his constituents for his support of the grant application.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
25. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a Resolution declaring the City of Rock Island's support for the submittal of the Railroad Crossing Removal Grant application for the 44th Street Corridor between 4th and 6th Avenues (IL-92) project.
MOTION:
Alderperson Poulos moved to adopt the resolution as recommended; Alderperson Parker seconded.
DISCUSSION:
Alderperson Swanson requested clarification regarding the railroad crossing. Mr. Bartels clarified one railroad crossing will be eliminated at 46th Street and one will be moved from 44th Street further East. Alderperson Swanson asked if a railroad crossing would be kept in Rock Island. Mr. Bartels responded affirmatively. He said this is part of redesigning the intersection as part of the Illinois 92 study. Alderperson Poulos asked if this would negatively impact the traffic in the neighborhood of 46th Street. Mr. Bartels explained traffic would have to travel East or West to cross over. Mayor Thoms inquired about communication with Quality Control Inquiry Committee (QCIC) and Metro Link. Mr. Bartels responded affirmatively and that they are agreeable.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
26. Report from the Public Works Department recommending support for the City of Moline's application of the Railroad Crossing Grant Elimination Program.
MOTION:
Alderperson Swanson moved to approve the request as recommended; Alderperson Healy seconded.
MOTION:
Alderperson Swanson moved to approve the request as recommended; Alderperson Healy seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
27. Report from the Finance Department regarding Resolutions for the American Bank & Trust bank accounts for banking services.
MOTION:
Alderperson Healy moved to adopt the resolutions as recommended; Alderperson Swanson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
28. Report from the Finance Department regarding a budget adjustment for the Rock Island Public Library Fund (251), increasing revenue and expenditure budgets for CY2022 by $1,300.00.
MOTION:
Alderperson Swanson moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderperson Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
29. Report from the Finance Department regarding a budget adjustment for the Community and Economic Development Fund (207), increasing revenue and expenditure budgets for CY2022 by $65,000.00.
MOTION:
Alderperson Parker moved to approve the budget adjustment as recommended; Alderperson Healy seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
30. Report from the Parks and Recreation Department recommending $150,000.00 of ARPA funding be allocated for the Hauberg Estate Carriage House Project.
MOTION:
Alderperson Parker moved to approve the allocation of $150,000.00 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the Hauberg Carriage House Project; Alderperson Poulos seconded.
MOTION:
Alderperson Parker moved to approve the allocation of $150,000.00 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the Hauberg Carriage House Project; Alderperson Poulos seconded.
DISCUSSION:
Alderperson Healy asked when they would begin the work from these funds. Parks and Recreation Director John Gripp said they would begin when they have confirmation from the City to proceed and work would begin within 30 days.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
31. Report from the Mayor's Office regarding appointments to the Arts Commission and the Police Community Relations Commission.
MOTION:
Alderperson Parker moved to approve the reappointments and appointment as recommended; Alderperson Robinson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
32. Report from the City Clerk's office regarding a request from St. George Greek Church, 2930 31st Avenue, to use sound amplification on Friday, September 16 and Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. both days for a church festival.
MOTION:
Alderperson Swanson moved to approve the sound amplification permit as recommended; Alderperson Poulos seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
33. Report from the City Clerk's office regarding a request from Michael Batz of 1625 21st Street to close 22nd Street between 16th and 17th Avenues on Sunday, September 18, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for a neighborhood block party.
MOTION:
Alderperson Parker moved to approve the street closing request; Alderperson Robinson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
Report from the City Clerk's office regarding a request from Penni Steen, owner of Skellington 34.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
34. Report from the City Clerk's office regarding a request from Penni Steen, owner of Skellington Manor, to close the southern half of 18th Street, 4th to 5th Avenues, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. spanning the dates of September 30 through October 30, 2022 (14 days total) as part of their haunted house attraction.
MOTION:
Alderperson Healy moved to approve the street closing request as recommended; Alderperson Robinson seconded.
DISCUSSION:
Alderperson Healy said the event is awesome and recommended attending as it brings a lot of people into Rock Island.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
35. Report from the City Clerk's office regarding a request from Tim Ott with Emmaus Procession to use City roads as part of a walk on Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
MOTION:
Alderperson Gilbert moved to approve the event as recommended; Alderperson Parker seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
36. Other Business
Mayor Thoms shared the details of the Naturalization event at Schwiebert Park and encouraged members of Council to attend. He also said the Vintage Football game was a success.
37. Motion to Adjourn.
Alderperson Parker moved to adjourn; Alderperson Robinson seconded.
VOTE:
Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Gilbert, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: None.
The meeting concluded at 7:45 p.m.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09122022-1004
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