Rock Island Today

City of Colona City Council met May 30.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 P.M.

ROLL CALL: Alderman Stablein, Swemline, Jones, Painter, and Shady-Dahl were present.

Alderman Dooley and Lack were absent.

Mayor Ropp, Attorney Wright, Chief Swemline and Public Works Director Erichsen were present. Finance Director Jen Legare was absent.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

PUBLIC COMMENTS: Twin Rivers Little League Representatives

• Kelly Gonzalez President of Twin Rivers Little League came before Council to express her concerns about the maintenance needed at Timbrook field. She was joined by League Treasurer Heather Olive. Twin Rivers Little League is a non-for- profit organization that provides recreational softball and baseball to children ages 3-19 years of age in the Colona and Geneseo area, and starts in March and ends in mid-July. The League solely relies on sponsorships, League fees, and donations to get by. The League never turns away a player due to monetary issues. In the past year, the League has had several issues relating to the upkeep and maintenance at Timbrook Field. Kelly stated there has always been a back- drop net that has covered the back of home plate as well as other coverage from the visitor's side to the home side of the park. Heather stated that last summer she approached Mike Stephens (previous Public Works Director) in regards to the condition of the netting and replacing it. She was informed then that a new net had been ordered and would be installed in The Spring of 2024. The City took the old net down and now there is no net at Timbrook Field currently. Kelly stated that with nothing in place the foul balls go out of the ball park. These balls go into the ravine, get stuck in trees, or make it into the river, and replacing these balls is a huge expense that the League cannot afford. Kelly said she has been told numerous different things about the net. She stated she was told the City cannot purchase and install the net due to insurance purposes, and that the old net cannot be re-hung because it is so deteriorated. Kelly also said she was told replacing the net, fencing, or replacing lost balls does not financially benefit the City at all. Kelly also stated that this season the League has received some amazing help from Ryan Erichsen (Public Works Director), and would like to extend her appreciation because this has never happened previously. Kelly offered

Mayor Ropp is the only one who has taken any of her concerns seriously.

Alderman Painter offered he has continued working with Senator Halpin's office regarding the rebuild Illinois funds. He is contacting the CEO who takes care of those funds in hopes of getting things expedited. He also asked Twin Rivers to be patient, as these funds have all been earmarked to do upgrades at parks in the City of Colona.

• Alderman Stablein addressed Council in regards to the 52nd annual Memorial Day Parade. Alderman Stablein offered the Parade was a success and she was glad the weather cooperated. Alderman Stablein also gave a big Thank You to KCM Construction for the donation that made it possible for the Parade Committee to secure insurance and hold the event at all. She also gave thanks to the Public Works Department for their extra efforts in mowing, trash, for taking the lead on potty patrol, and thank you to Mayor Ropp and City Hall office staff for helping secure the closure of Hwy 84 with the State. Thank you to the Police Department for their extra scheduling and planning of patrol for both the parade and the carnival. Alderman Stablein also wanted residents to be aware that this is not a City sponsored event, and other than a few donations the money comes from the committee's funds raised. Alderman Stablein also stated the committee is currently down to two members, and will be looking for new committee members as well as volunteers. Planning starts before or during November of the preceding year. Alderman Stablein also wanted to address all the questions in regards to fireworks this year. This event has, in the past, been sponsored by the City, then was taken over by the booster's group that has since been dissolved. In efforts to help out, since 2017, we have donated $34,777.00 towards fireworks. We are not able to that this year. If there is someone who is interested in sponsoring this event, the expenses average around $8,000-$9,000, and Alderman Stablein would be more than willing to give them the contact info for the pyrotechnics and insurance companies used in the past.

MAYOR'S REPORT:

COMMITTEE REPORTS: NONE

CONSENT AGENDA:

1. Approve payment of bills/Claims by Vendor report for the period May 14-May 30,2024

2. Approve payroll for the period May 11-25, 2024

3. Approve Special Session City Council Minutes from Tuesday May 7, 2024

4. Approve Minutes from May 13, 2024 City Council Meeting

5. Approve Minutes from May 15, 2024 Emergency City Council Meeting

Alderman Stablein made a motion to approve Consent Agenda Items 1-5.

Alderman Jones seconded. Discussion offered, hearing none. Roll Call: Alderman Stablein, Swemline, Jones, Painter, and Shady-Dahl voted yes. Alderman Dooley and Lack were absent. Motion passed with 5 ayes and 2 absent.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Motion take from table the appointment of Christina Ford to the unexpired term of City Clerk

• Alderman Shady-Dahl made a motion to take from table the appointment of Christina Ford to the unexpired term of City Clerk. Alderman Jones seconded. Discussion offered, hearing none. Roll Call: Alderman Stablein, Swemline, Jones, Painter, and Shady-Dahl voted yes. Alderman Lack and Dooley were absent. Motion passed with 5 ayes and 2 absent.

2. Consent to the appointment of Christina Ford to the unexpired term of City Clerk

Alderman Jones made a motion to consent to the appointment of Christina Ford to the unexpired term of City Clerk. Alderman Shady-Dahl seconded.

Discussion offered, hearing none. Alderman Stablein, Swemline, Jones, Shady-Dahl, and Mayor Ropp voted yes. Alderman Painter voted no.

Alderman Lack and Dooley were absent. Motion passed with 5 ayes, 1 nay, and 2 absent.

NEW BUSINESS:

ADJOURNMENT:

Alderman Stablein made a motion to Adjourn. Alderman Swemline seconded. Discussion offered, hearing none. Roll call; Alderman Dooley and Lack were absent. Alderman Stablein, Swemline, Jones, Painter, and Shady-Dahl voted yes. Motion passed with 5 ayes and 2 absent. Meeting Adjourned: 6:49 PM

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