Rock Island Today

City of Rock Island City Council met Oct. 28.

Here are 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. Roll Call

Mayor Thoms asked City Clerk Samantha Gange to call the roll.

Present: Alderpersons Moses Robinson, Randy Hurt, Kevin Maynard, Jenni Swanson, Dylan Parker, Mark Poulos, Bill Healy and Mayor Mike Thoms.

Absent: None.

Staff: City Manager Todd Thompson, Attorney Leslie Day, City Clerk Samantha Gange, and other City Staff. 3. Pledge of Allegiance

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

4. Moment of Silence

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

5. Public Comment

Judy Elliott explained she is representing 13 of her neighbors, and they are all in opposition to the City selling Realtor Park to the Baptist Church. She said she was surprised to receive a letter in the mail notifying her of the sale and nobody came to her door or any of the other neighbors' doors asking if they were interested in acquiring the park.

Chad Jacobs thanked City Council members for their support of the "Fill the Boot" campaign to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy. He said they raised $9,000 with a total of $12,000 raised for the cause.

Mike Purvis said he was also representing neighbors that are opposed to Realtor Park being sold to the church. He expressed several concerns, including safety concerns about possible increased traffic patterns in a school zone.

6. Awards and Honor Presentations, Officer Swearing in Ceremony, and Proclamations

a. Presentation of the 2024 Labor Day Parade awards.

The Labor Day Parade Committee representatives and Mayor Thoms and Alderperson Mark Poulos presented the 2024 award winners. Trophies were given for each category and photos were taken.

A special award was presented to Rock Island Milan School Band Director Pete Carlin for his support and facilitation of getting the University of Illinois Fighting Illini Band to the parade. A slideshow presentation was given featuring the band. A photo was taken.

b. Proclamation declaring Monday, October 28, 2024, as Community Comfort Cart Rollout Day.

Alderperson Hurt read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read the declaration. Library Director Angela Campbell said a few words about the comfort carts and had one stocked and displayed for members to view. A photo was taken with library staff and Mayor Thoms.

7. Update Rock Island

Trick-or-Treating

City-wide trick-or-treating will take place this Thursday, October 31 st from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please turn on porch and outdoor lights and make sure walkways are well lit and free of debris or tripping hazards.

First Ward Trunk-or-Treating

Families are invited to take part in Trunk-or-Treating, hosted by First Ward Alderman Moses Robinson on Thursday, October 31st from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. along 9th Street in front of the MLK Center. This free and fun event offers a safe alternative for kids going door-to-door. Candy, hot dogs, chips and music will be provided. In case of rain, the event will be held inside the MLK Center.

Thanksgiving Meals

The Martin Luther King Center is hosting its 35th Annual Thanksgiving Meal giveaway on November 22nd, 23rd and 24th. Volunteers are needed to help with this year's event. To sign up and for more information please visit www.mlkcenter.org/events.

Holiday Gift Giveaway

Registration for the MLK Center 48th Annual Children's Holiday Gift giveaway opens online on November 1st, please visit www.mlkcenter.org/events for event details.

8. Ordinances (First Readings)

All items under the Ordinances (First Readings) will be enacted by a single motion and subsequent roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless an Alderperson requests it, in which case, the item will be moved and considered after approval.

a. Report from the Community Development Department regarding the acquisition of a property at 1213 7th Avenue for $824 (First Reading).

Motion: Motion to approve the purchase; consider the ordinance; and authorize the City Manager to execute the documents.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION: Alderperson Robinson moved to approve the purchase; consider the ordinance; and authorize the City Manager to execute the documents; Alderperson Parker seconded.

VOTE: Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Maynard, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt. Nay:

None. Absent: None.

b. A report from Administration regarding an Ordinance repealing Chapter 15 Taxation, Article V. Motor Fuel Tax of the Rock Island Code of Ordinances in its entirety (First Reading).

Motion: Motion to consider the Ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION: Alderperson Hurt moved to consider the ordinance and amend the ordinance to make an effective date of November 30, 2024; Alderperson Maynard seconded.

VOTE: Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Maynard, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: None.

9. Passage of Ordinances and Resolutions

All items under the Passage of Ordinances and Resolutions will be enacted by a single motion and subsequent roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless an Alderperson requests it, in which case, the item will be moved and considered after approval.

a. An Ordinance regarding a franchise agreement between MidAmerican Energy and the City of Rock Island to provide natural gas service (Second Reading).

b. An Ordinance regarding a franchise agreement between MidAmerican Energy and the City of Rock Island to provide electric service to Rock Island (Second Reading).

Motion: Motion to pass ordinances a and b and authorize the City Manager to execute the documents.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION: Alderperson Robinson moved to pass ordinances a and b and authorize the City Manager to execute the documents; Alderperson Healy seconded.

VOTE: Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Maynard, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: None.

10. Consent Agenda

All items under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine in nature and will be enacted by a single motion and subsequent roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless an Alderperson so requests, in which case, the item will be moved from the Consent Agenda and considered as the first item after approval of the Consent Agenda.

a. Minutes from the October 14, 2024 Study Session and City Council Meeting.

b. Minutes from the October 14, 2024 Closed Session.

c. Claims for the week of August 30 through September 5, 2024, in the amount of $426,642.78; for the week of September 6 through September 12, 2024, in the amount of $1,722,238.58; and payroll for the weeks of August 5 through August 18, 2024, in the amount of $1,902,687.30.

d. International City/County Management Association (ICMA) claims for the weeks of August 24 through September 6, 2024, in the amount of $35,227.64.

e. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding a payment in the amount of $42,380.31 to Tyler Technologies of Plano, TX for the ERP System quarterly Software as a Service (SaaS) fee using ARPA funds (unrestricted).

f. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding the annual renewal of the Fleet and Fuel Software maintenance contract in the amount of $13,683.36 to Assetworks LLC, Berwyn, PA.

g. Report from the Police Department regarding the renewal of the dry cleaning services contract with Burke Cleaners for one year in the amount of $11,766.15.

h. Report from the Police Department regarding a one-year extension of the towing services contract with Quad City Towing, Inc.

i. Report from the Police Department regarding the renewal of parts A, B, and C of the uniforms and equipment contract for one year with Ray O'Herron Company, Inc.

j. Report from the Clerk's office regarding requests from Alderperson Moses Robinson to use sound amplification and to close 9th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues on Thursday, October 31, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the 1st Ward's annual Trunk or Treat event.

Motion: Motion to approve Consent Agenda items a through j.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION: Alderperson Maynard moved to approve Consent Agenda items a through j; Alderperson Robinson seconded.

VOTE: Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Maynard, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: None.

11. Claims/Purchases

a. Report from the Police Department regarding the purchase of a InVeris VR System for $64,100 using $40,000 in ARPA funds (restricted).

b. Report from the Public Works Department to authorize a purchase in the amount of $11,746.73 from APG-Neuros, Quebec, Canada, for aeration blower replacement filters for the Wastewater Treatment Plants.

c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $98,446 to the Quad Cities Arts, Rock Island, Illinois, for the Arts Alley murals.

d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a payment in the amount of $13,942 to Bi State Regional Commission for the Andalusia Road and Indian Bluff Road Corridor Study.

e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding a payment in the amount of $10,523.20 to the Illinois Department of Transportation for the resurfacing of IL 92 as part of the IDOT Local Agency Agreement.

Motion: Motion to approve Claims items a through e.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION: Alderperson Parker moved to approve claim items a through e; Alderperson Swanson seconded. Alderperson Maynard recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.

VOTE: Motion PASSED on a 6-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: None.

f. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment in the amount of $75,607.91 to Langman Construction, Rock Island, Illinois, for emergency storm sewer repairs at 25th Avenue and 15th Street in front of the RIHS parking lot.

Motion: Motion to approve the Claim.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION: Alderperson Poulos moved to approve the claim; Alderperson Healy seconded.

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: Maynard, Swanson, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: None.

12. Contracts/Agreements

a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding an extension of the cellular lease agreement with Crown Castle for their monopole at the Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Motion: Motion to approve the lease agreement extension and authorize the City Manager to execute the documents.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION: Alderperson Hurt moved to approve the lease agreement extension and authorize the City Manager to execute the documents; Alderperson Healy seconded.

VOTE: Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Maynard, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: None.

b. Report from the Community Development Department regarding a license agreement with the Quad City Botanical Center Foundation for the North Garden.

Motion: Motion to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the documents.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION: Alderperson Healy moved to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the documents; Alderperson Parker seconded.

VOTE: Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Maynard, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: None.

c. Report from the Economic Development Department regarding a consultant services agreement with TPMA for the creation of the Economic Development Strategic Plan.

Motion: Motion to approve a contract with TPMA, subject to minor attorney modifications, and authorize the City Manager to execute the document.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION: Alderperson Parker moved to approve a contract with TPMA, subject to minor attorney modifications, and authorize the City Manager to execute the document; Alderperson Poulos seconded.

Economic Development Director Flaherty explained that this contract will assist the City in developing a strategic plan, which will include business retention and attraction and entrepreneurial support. This firm stood out to staff because of their expertise in a bi-state environment. The firm will use location quotient to assist the City with identifying and targeting specific industries to pursue.

Community Development Director Brainard said the plan will also assist with developing a vision to further the economic development interests of the community.

VOTE: Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Maynard, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: None.

d. Report from Administration and the Mental Health Committee regarding an agreement with the YWCA, Rock Island, IL for youth mental health services in the amount of $70,000 (ARPA unrestricted).

Motion: Motion to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the documents.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION: Alderperson Hurt moved to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the documents; Alderperson Swanson seconded.

VOTE: Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Maynard, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: None.

13. Budget/Finance Items

a. Report from the Finance Department regarding a budget amendment to the General Fund (101) in the amount of $34,575.00.

Motion: Motion to approve the budget adjustment as recommended.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

14. Traffic Engineering Requests

a. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Gurlen Kaurr, Hilltop Wine and Spirits, to place their parking lot at 1407 30th Street under city ordinance control. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to waive the fees; and consider, suspend the rules and pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION: Alderperson Poulos moved to waive the fees; and consider, suspend the rules and pass the ordinance; Alderperson Parker seconded.

Alderperson Poulos said this has been an area with noise complaintss. This ordinance will allow our police to patrol as it will be under a private parking lot ordinance, which allows the towing of vehicles that shouldn't be in the lot.

VOTE: Motion on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Maynard, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: None.

15. Appointments to Boards/Commissions/Committees

a. Report from the Mayor's office regarding reappointments to the Housing Authority and Inspections Commission and appointments to the Police Community Relations Commission.

Motion: Motion to approve the appointments and reappointments as recommended. RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION: Alderperson Parker moved to approve the appointments and reappointment as recommended; Alderperson Maynard seconded.

VOTE: Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Maynard, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: None.

16. Other Business/New Business

Alderperson Healy thanked the Public Works Department for a job well done. He said he had a constituent use See Click Fix to report a pothole, and it was fixed the next day.

Alderperson Swanson commented on an event she recently attended for Visit Quad Cities and the wonderful job they did marketing Rock Island.

Mayor Thoms thanked Alderperson Maynard for his dedication and service and presented him with a plaque. A photo was taken. Alderperson Maynard said a few words.

17. Closed Session

a. 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding must be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.

5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(6) The setting of a price for the sale or lease of property owned by the public body.

Motion: Motion to enter Closed Session for the exceptions cited.

VV Voice vote is needed.

MOTION: Alderperson Poulos moved to enter closed session for the exceptions cited; Alderperson Healy seconded.

VOTE: Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 voice vote. Aye: Maynard, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: None.

18. Adjourn

a. Motion to Adjourn to November 11, 2024.

Motion: Motion to adjourn.

VV Voice vote is needed.

Upon entering back into the council meeting, Clerk Gange took the roll and all council members and Mayor were present.

MOTION: Alderperson Poulos moved to adjourn the meeting; Alderperson Parker seconded.

VOTE: Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 voice vote. Aye: Maynard, Swanson, Parker, Poulos, Healy, Robinson, Hurt. Nay: None. Absent: None.

The meeting concluded at 8:15 p.m.

https://www.rigov.org/301/Agenda-Minutes