Rock Island Today

City of Rock Island City Council met March 24.

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, Randy Tweet, 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.

Mayor Thoms announced that item 12a had been removed from the agenda and item 6 would be taken before item 5.

5. Public Comment

Tim Murphy, Kelly McKay, Nina Struss, Kathleen North, Sue Pienta, Tim Pressly, Carol Pressly, Curtis Lundy, Anne Sullivan, John Ewert, Lori McCollum, Jon Duyvejonck, Brian Ritter, Jodi Zimmerman, John Kirk, Joyce Singh and Tabitha DeFrieze all expressed their concerns regarding the proposed development in the Parkway/I-280 area and the impact the potential development may have on the wildlife and environment; they requested that Council table the vote on the Business Development District and TIF District and conduct further environmental studies.

Kayla Ballantyne spoke about the officer-involved shooting. She asked what measures were being taken to prevent the death of unarmed citizens and expressed her dissatisfaction with the City and Rock Island County.

Westasia Jackson spoke about the body cam footage from the officer-involved shooting of Jakarta Jackson and noted details she found questionable.

Latrice Jackson expressed her dissatisfaction with the results of the officer-involved shooting investigation and the City's response. She said she felt that the City was not supportive of the black community.

Destiny Jackson and Laprice Jackson also expressed their dissatisfaction with the City's response to the officer involved shooting investigation.

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

a. Proclamation declaring Thursday, April 3, 2025, as Junior Achievement Day.

City Clerk Gange read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read the declaration. Dougal Nelson, CEO of Junior Achievement of the Heartland, said a few words. A photo was taken.

b. Proclamation declaring April 6-12, 2025, as National Library Week.

City Clerk Gange read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read the declaration. Library Director Angela Campbell accepted the proclamation. She said a few words. A photo was taken.

Mayor Thoms presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Sisters of Saint Benedict at Saint Mary Monastery for their donation of $16,000 toward the City's tree-planting efforts. Sister Susan Hutchens and Sister Roberta Bussan accepted the certificate. A few words were said. A photo was taken.

7. Update Rock Island

Are you informed for the upcoming municipal election?

This Wednesday, March 26th, Rock Island High School students will host a forum for Rock Island City Council and mayoral candidates at the YWCA, 513 17th Street. The event is open to the public and starts at 6:30 p.m. The municipal election is April 1st.

Easter egg hunts

Hop in the pool to hunt for eggs in the RIFAC swimming pool on Sunday, April 6th, beginning at 3 p.m. Participants will grab empty eggs out of the pool to turn in for an egg-cellent goodie bag. As a safety precaution, eggs will float on the water, not sink to the bottom. Registration closes on Friday, April 4th.

If hunting for eggs on land is more your style, then hop on over to Lincoln Park on Saturday, April 12th at 9 a.m. Bring a basket and join in a mad dash to collect prizes and candy-filled eggs. Registration is limited to 300 participants. Call 309-732-PARK for details.

Tuneful Tuesdays continue at the Rock Island Public Library Downtown Branch

On Tuesday, April 1st, come to the downtown branch at 401 19th Street to enjoy a free concert over lunch by violist Deborah Dakin, adjunct assistant viola professor from Augustana College and former principal violist with the Quad City Symphony. The concert begins at noon.

Free Tax Assistance

Do you need help filing your taxes? The Martin Luther King Community Center is offering free tax filing services through April 5th. No appointment is necessary. Tax professionals will be available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The MLK Center is located at 630 9th Street in Rock Island.

8. Ordinances (First Readings)

a. Report from the Community Development Department regarding a final plan for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) and major subdivision plat with variances at 950 31st Avenue from Community Home Partners. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to approve the final and subdivision plat with variances; and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Tweet moved to approve the final and subdivision plat variances; and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderperson Healy seconded.

DISCUSSION:

Community Development Director Miles Brainard explained that the proposed project was permanent support housing for veterans that would include a community center.

VOTE:

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

b. Report from the Community Development Department regarding a request from the City of Rock Island to consider a rezoning from PUD district to B-3 (community business) district for the Solomon Site. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to approve the rezoning; and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Robinson moved to approve the rezoning; and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderperson Hurt seconded.

VOTE:

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

c. Report from the Community Department regarding the sale of City-owned property at part of 950 31st Avenue to Community Home Partners. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to approve the sales agreement; authorize the City Manager to execute the documents; and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Tweet moved to approve the sales agreement; authorize the City Manager to execute the documents; and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderperson Poulos seconded.

VOTE:

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

d. Report from the Community Development Department regarding the sale of City-owned property at 1411 9th Street for $939 plus closing costs. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to approve the sale; authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement; and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

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

VOTE:

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

e. Report from the Community Development Department regarding the sale of City-owned property at 1015 9th Street for $680 plus closing costs. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to approve the sale; authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement; and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

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

VOTE:

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

f. Report from the Public Works Department and Administration regarding amending the Sewer Use Ordinance for Industrial Pretreatment and a resolution adopting the Industrial Pretreatment Program Enforcement Response Plan and Legal Authority Letter for the Modification of the Sewer Use Ordinance. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to approve the proposed amendments; and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; adopt the resolution; and authorize staff to execute the letter and plan.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Poulos moved to approve the proposed amendments; consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; adopt the resolution; and authorize staff to execute the letter and plan; Alderperson Healy seconded.

VOTE:

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

g. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Shawn Krakliow to remove the handicapped parking space at 1015 22nd Street. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to approve the request and consider the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

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

VOTE:

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

9. Passage of Ordinances and Resolutions

a. An Ordinance establishing the Parkway I-280 Business District; approving a business district plan; authorizing the imposition and collection of a sales tax within such business district; and approving certain actions in connection with the establishment of such business district. (Second Reading)

Motion: Motion to pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to amend the Business Development District Plan Section E – Review of Findings & Qualifications of the District and include the following language in the fifth paragraph:

"In the western portion of the Area, development will be prohibited or limited to such things as low impact recreation to protect the wetlands, which are critical for natural floodplain functions and play a vital role in ensuring resilient communities and wildlife along with a robust Rock Island economy. These natural areas can soak up and store excess flood water, both reducing the need to build costly flood reduction structures and improving the resilience to existing infrastructure, like levies. It is well-documented that severe weather events continue increasing in intensity and frequency. The City of Rock Island intends to harness the power of natural systems as one of many tools to protect its communities, wildlife, and economy from future disasters.

Wetlands, in addition to providing significant flood risk reduction benefits, are well-documented economic assets. Utilizing wetlands for low-impact outdoor recreation can generate revenue while maintaining natural floodwater storage and native wildlife habitat. The City is focused on creating a lasting legacy for future generations by establishing a conservation easement within the Area to permanently protect the wetlands, reduce flood risks, preserve wildlife habitat, and generate economic and community benefits.

Outside of the protected wetland area, the City is committed to exploring potential opportunities for implementing sustainable and adaptive planning measures such as designing resilient infrastructure, utilizing natural features for recreation and conservation activities for community benefit, and leveraging grants and other funding programs for flood mitigation and resilience projects along with local economic development tools;" Alderperson Poulos seconded.

VOTE:

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

MOTION:

Alderperson Hurt moved to pass the ordinance; Alderperson Tweet seconded.

DISCUSSION:

Alderperson Tweet explained that the Business Development District did include the proposed Parkway/I-280 project but is mostly made up of other properties, including those along Andalusia Road.

VOTE:

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

b. Report from Administration regarding a Resolution declaring the City of Rock Island's commitment to Wetland Conservation.

Motion: Motion to adopt the Resolution.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Hurt moved to adopt the Resolution; Alderperson Swanson seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 7-0-0 roll call vote. Aye: Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Tweet, Swanson, Parker, Poulos. 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. Claims for the week of February 28 through March 7 in the amount of $995,594.47; for the week of March 8 through March 13 in the amount of $1,463,768.30; and special payroll for AFSCME A signing bonus and retro payments for the week of February 28, 2025 in the amount of $75,339.80; and payroll for the weeks of February 16, 2025 through March 2, 2025 in the amount of $1,819,825.86.

b. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding a payment in the amount of $10,560.00 to Tyler Technologies of Plano, TX for the ERP System implementation services using ARPA funds (unrestricted).

c. Report from the Mayor's Office regarding an appointment to the Commercial/Industrial Revolving Loan Fund (CIRLF).

d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to Brandt Construction, Milan, Illinois, for an emergency water main repair at 42nd Street and 22nd Avenue in the amount of $15,529.40.

e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to Brandt Construction Co., Milan, Illinois, for emergency stormwater manhole repairs at 28th Street and 5th Avenue in the amount of $15,917.72.

f. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of mechanical joint restraining glands from Ferguson Waterworks, Dekalb, IL, in the amount of $10,463.

g. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of two-bolt water main repair couplings from Ferguson Waterworks, Dekalb, IL, in the amount of $22,500.25.

h. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of resilient seated gate valves from Ferguson Waterworks, Dekalb, Illinois, in the amount of $60,632.21.

i. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of 5 1/4" dry barrel fire hydrants from Ferguson Waterworks, LLC, Dekalb, Illinois, in the amount of $99,034.82.

j. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to John Robert Westpfahl, Milan, IL, for land set aside in the amount of $3,300.

k. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to Kraft Power Corporation, Gaylord, Michigan, for the Wet Weather Treatment Pump Engine Maintenance in the amount of $10,800.

l. Report from the Public Works Department requesting authorization to repair Fire Truck 7792 T31 by Legacy Fire Apparatus, Shorewood, IL, in the amount of $21,940.50.

m. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to Utility Service Co., Dallas, Texas, for the 2025 38th Street water tower maintenance in the amount of $15,000.

n. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to Utility Service Co., Dallas, Texas, for the 2025 Ridgewood Road water tower maintenance in the amount of $25,000.

o. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to Utility Service Co., Dallas, Texas, for the 2025 24th Street water tower maintenance in the amount of $247,203.00.

p. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to Utility Service Co., Dallas, Texas, for the 2025 37th Street water tower maintenance in the amount of $273,899.

q. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to Utility Service Co., Dallas, Texas, for the 2025 14th Street water tower maintenance in the amount of $15,000.

r. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the purchase of ten 2025 Ford F150 XL 4x4 pickups and one 2025 Ford F350 Cab and Chassis from Sexton Ford Inc., Moline, Illinois, in the amount of $511,388.

s. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 2025 Tree Planting Contract recommending the bid be awarded to Sancen Outside Services LLC, Moline, Illinois, in the amount of $41,538.70.

t. Report from the Finance Department regarding a budget carryover from CY 2024 in the MLK Activity Fund (901) in the amount of $8,455.76.

u. Report from the Finance Department regarding a budget adjustment to the MLK Activity Fund (901) in the amount of $25,000.

v. International City/County Management Association (ICMA) claims for the weeks of February 22 through March 7, 2025 in the amount of $30,000.71.

w. Report from the Finance Department regarding a budget carryover from CY 2024 in the Community/Economic Development Fund (207) in the amount of $69,995.55.

x. Report from the Finance Department regarding a budget adjustment to the Park and Recreation Fund (555) in the amount of $5,000.

y. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding Reimbursement of Contents and Reconstruction to Brandy Johnson at 2450 27th Street for damage to her basement due to a sewer incident.

z. Minutes from the March 10, 2025 Study Session and City Council meeting.

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

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to approve Consent Agenda Items a through z; Alderperson Swanson seconded. VOTE:

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

11. Claims/Purchases

a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to Langman Construction, Rock Island, Illinois, for an emergency sewer main repair at IL92 and 13th Avenue in the amount of $32,287.41.

b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to McClintock Trucking and Excavating, Inc., Silvis, Illinois, for Water Service Repair Program and Sewer Later Repair Program repairs in the amount of $40,684.56.

c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to McClintock Trucking and Excavating Inc., Silvis, Illinois, for Water Service Repair Program and Sewer Lateral Repair Program repairs in the amount of $69,582.56.

d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to Miller Trucking and Excavating, Silvis, IL, for an emergency sanitary sewer main repair at 2451 26th Street in the amount of $12,004.82.

Motion: Motion to approve the claims a through d.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Robinson moved to approve claims a through d; 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: Healy, Robinson, Hurt, Tweet, Swanson, Poulos. Nay: None. Absent: None.

12. Contracts/Agreements

a. Report from the Economic Development Department regarding a Consultant Services Agreement with Planet Holly.

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

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

This item was removed from the agenda.

b. Report from Administration regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Rock Island, City of Davenport and the Downtown Davenport Partnership for three years (2025- 2027) the Red, White & Boom July 3, 2025, event.

Motion: Motion to approve the MOU as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the document.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to approve the MOU as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the document; Alderperson Swanson seconded.

VOTE:

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

13. Department Reports

a. Report from the Community Development Department regarding the 2024 CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).

Motion: Motion to approve the report and direct staff to submit it to HUD. RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Swanson moved to approve the report and direct staff to submit it to HUD; Alderperson Tweet seconded.

VOTE:

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

b. Report from the Economic Development Department regarding entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with Alter Logistics and a resolution adopting, ratifying, and authorizing the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding and filing of the grant application.

Motion: Motion to approve the MOU, authorize the City Manager to execute the MOU, and adopt the Resolution.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to approve the MOU; authorize the City Manager to execute the MOU; and adopt the Resolution; Alderperson Tweet seconded.

VOTE:

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

c. Report from the Community Development Department regarding a final subdivision plat for the Solomon Site.

Motion: Motion to approve the subdivision plat.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Tweet moved to approve the subdivision plat; Alderperson Swanson seconded.

VOTE:

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

14. Other Business/New Business

There was no new business to discuss.

15. 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 shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.

b. 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body (or legal counsel for the public body).

Motion: Motion to go into Closed Session for the exceptions cited.

VV Voice vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Poulos moved to go into Closed Session for the exceptions cited; Alderperson Swanson seconded.

VOTE:

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

The City Council entered Closed Session at 8:29 p.m.

16. Adjourn

a. Motion: Motion to Adjourn to April 14, 2025.

VV Voice vote is needed.

After reconvening the regular meeting, Clerk Gange called the roll. All Council members and Mayor Thoms were present.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to adjourn; Alderperson Poulos seconded.

VOTE:

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

The meeting concluded at 8:42 p.m.

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