Rock Island Today

City of Rock Island City Council met May 12.

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, Bill Healy and Mayor Mike Thoms.

Absent: Alderperson Mark Poulos.

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

a. Proclamation declaring May as Mental Health Month.

Clerk Gange read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read his declaration.

b. Proclamation recognizing Narratives QC and the Rock Island Public Library for their Mental Health Awareness efforts in the City of Rock Island.

Alderperson Hurt read the proclamation and declaration. Library Director Angela Campbell and Dr. Annette Clevenger, founder of Narratives QC, were present to accept the proclamation. A photo was taken. Dr. Clevenger and Ms. Campbell said a few words.

c. Proclamation declaring May 16, 2025 as National Bike to Work Day.

Clerk Gange read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read his declaration. Rock Island Downtown Alliance Director Jack Cullen and Morgan Milner of Modern Woodmen were present to accept the proclamation. A photo was taken. Mr. Milner said a few words.

d. Proclamation declaring May 17, 2025 as River Cleanup Day.

Clerk Gange read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read his declaration. Andy Tysma of the Clean River Advisory Council was present to accept the proclamation. A photo was taken. Mr. Tysma said a few words.

e. Proclamation designating the week of May 18-24, 2025, as National Public Works Week.

Clerk Gange read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read his declaration. Public Works Director Mike Bartels was present to accept the proclamation. A photo was taken. Mr. Bartels said a few words.

f. Proclamation recognizing Royal Neighbors of America's 130th Anniversary.

Clerk Gange read the proclamation. Mayor Thoms read his declaration. Representatives of Royal Neighbors were present to accept the proclamation. A photo was taken. Royal Neighbors Operations Executive Karen Hayes said a few words.

6. Public Comment

Mayor Thoms asked if anyone in the public wished to speak.

Kelly McKay and Tim Pressly spoke about Milan Bottoms.

Yosava Robinson spoke about her husband Alderperson Robinson's time as a Council Member. TerRay McDowell spoke about justice and Jakarta Jackson.

7. Update Rock Island

Revive Rock Island: Spring Market Fest

Spend your day at Schwiebert Riverfront Park on Sunday, May 18th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the second annual Spring Market Fest. Enjoy a day filled with shopping, food, drinks and community vibes! Shop from dozens of local artisan vendors, food trucks, a beer garden and more. This is the perfect chance to support small businesses and find something special.

Support our local police while donating to a good cause

Join the Rock Island Police Department at Dunkin' Donuts on Friday, May 16th for Cop On a Rooftop. From 5 a.m. to noon, officers will be taking turns on the roof of Dunkin', at 2711 18th Avenue in Rock Island, as they raise money for the Special Olympics. Donating to the cause will get you a free donut coupon. Customers who donate $10 or more will get a free medium coffee coupon.

Visit the Mobile Library

One of the many stops the Mobile Library makes is at the MLK Community Center every Monday from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Grab a book, pick up a movie, hop on the WiFi, or just come hang out. Library2Go brings the library right to YOU.

Illinois State Representative Gregg Johnson presented Mayor Thoms with a certificate of appreciation and recognition for his service.

8. Passage of Ordinances

a. A special ordinance to ban parking on the north side of 86th Avenue West, from the driveway of 1807 86th Avenue West westward to Ridgewood Road. (Second Reading)

Motion: Motion to pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

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

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Tweet, Swanson, Parker, Healy, Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Poulos.

9. 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 April 18 through April 24 in the amount of $336,595.28; for the week of April 25 through May 1 in the amount of $795,755.07; and payroll for the weeks of April 14, 2025 through April 27, 2025 in the amount of $1,881,798.97.

b. ACH Report for the month of March 2025 in the amount of $943,324.21.

c. Purchase Card Claims for the period of February 27, 2025 through March 28, 2025 in the amount of $116,806.42

d. International City/County Management Association (ICMA) claims for the weeks of April 19 through May 2 in the amount of $29,674.79

e. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding payment in the amount of $195,815.00 to Tyler Technologies, Plano, TX, for the new ERP system annual Software as a Service (SaaS) fee.

f. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding the quarterly software maintenance renewal agreement with Harris GEMS from April 1, 2025 through July 31, 2025 in the amount of $33,332.88.

g. Report from the Mayor's office regarding appointments to the Human Rights Commission.

h. Report from the Public Works Department requesting authorization to purchase paper yard waste bags from Pabco Industries, LLC, Newark, NJ, in the amount of $35,497.44.

i. Minutes from the March 24 and April 14, 2025, Closed Sessions.

j. Minutes from the April 28, 2025 Study Session and City Council meeting.

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

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Robinson moved to approve Consent Agenda items a through j; Alderperson Swanson seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Tweet, Swanson, Parker, Healy, Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Poulos.

10. Claims/Purchases

a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to McClintock Trucking and Excavating, Inc., Silvis, Illinois, for Water Service Repair Program repairs in the amount of $18,820.42.

b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to Langman Construction, Rock Island, Illinois, for a Water Service Repair Program repair in the amount of $18,279.83.

Motion: Motion to allow claims a and b.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to allow claims a and b; Alderperson Tweet seconded.

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

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Tweet, Swanson, Healy, Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Poulos.

c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding approval to award bids for the Sunset Marina electrical upgrades and 400 dock replacement.

Motion: Motion to award the bids as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute all contract documents.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Hurt moved to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute all contract documents; Alderperson Robinson seconded.

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

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Tweet, Swanson, Healy, Robinson. Nay: None. Absent: Poulos.

11. Special Presentations

a. Recognition of outgoing City Council Members and Mayor.

Mayor Thoms presented Alderpersons Moses Robinson and Randy Tweet with recognition plaques. A photo was taken. He thanked them for their service. Alderpersons Robinson and Tweet said a few words.

Alderperson Hurt thanked Mayor Thoms for his service and presented him with a recognition plaque. Public Works Director Mike Bartels presented Mayor Thoms with a street sign. A photo was taken. Mayor Thoms said a few words and thanked City staff, Council and his family.

12. Motion to Adjourn Sine Die

a. RC Roll Call vote is needed.

Oath of Office - Mayor Ashley Harris, Alderman Glen Evans, Alderwoman Linda Barnes, Alderman Dylan Parker and Alderman Bill Healy.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to adjourn; Alderperson Swanson seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Robinson, Hurt, Tweet, Swanson, Parker, Healy. Nay: None. Absent: Poulos.

The meeting concluded at 7:49 p.m.

Clerk Gange administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Ashley Harris, First Ward Alderperson Glen Evans, Third Ward Alderperson Linda Barnes, Fifth Ward Alderperson Dylan Parker and Seventh Ward Alderperson Bill Healy.

13. Call to Order

Mayor Harris called the meeting to order at 7:59 p.m.

14. Roll Call

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

Present: Alderpersons Glen Evans, Randy Hurt, Linda Barnes, Jenni Swanson, Dylan Parker, Bill Healy and Mayor Ashley Harris.

Absent: Poulos.

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

15. Ordinances (First Readings)

a. Report from the Community Development Department regarding the sale of City-Owned Property at 1214 2nd Avenue for $570 plus closing costs. (First Reading)

b. Report from the Community Development Department regarding the sale of City-Owned Property at 1011 11th Avenue for $600 plus closing costs (First Reading).

c. Report from the Community Development Department regarding the sale of City-Owned Property at 814 12th Street for $480 plus closing costs. (First Reading)

d. Report from the Community Development Department regarding the sale of City-Owned Property at 423 6th Street for $736 plus closing costs. (First Reading)

e. Report from the Community Development Department regarding the sale of City-Owned Property at 1625 7th Street for $447 plus closing costs. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to approve the sales; authorize the City Manager to execute the agreements; and consider, suspend the rules, and pass ordinances a through e.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Evans moved to table ordinances a through e until the first meeting in June; Alderperson Parker seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Barnes, Swanson, Parker, Healy, Evans. Nay: None. Absent: Poulos.

f. Report from the Public Works Department regarding the Sewer Use Ordinance Local Limit updates. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to approve the proposed amendments and to consider the ordinance. RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to approve the proposed amendments and consider the ordinance; Alderperson Hurt seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Barnes, Swanson, Parker, Healy, Evans. Nay: None. Absent: Poulos.

g. Report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request from Lisa Vinar, Dan Vinar Furniture, 500 20th Street, to place their parking lot under City ordinance control. (First Reading)

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

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to approve the request and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderperson Healy seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Barnes, Swanson, Parker, Healy, Evans. Nay: None. Absent: Poulos.

16. Adoption of Resolutions

a. Report from the City Clerk's Office regarding an activity application from QC Pride, Inc. to hold their Unity Pride Parade and a resolution for the closure of the Master Sergeant Stanley Talbot Memorial Bridge and 15th Street (U.S. Highway 67) on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Motion: Motion to approve the event and adopt the resolution.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Swanson moved to adopt the resolution; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Barnes, Swanson, Parker, Healy, Evans. Nay: None. Absent: Poulos.

b. Report from the Public Works Department requesting authorization to adopt the Sewer Use Ordinance Local Limits Updates Resolution.

Motion: Motion to adopt the resolution.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to adopt the resolution; Alderperson Parker seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Barnes, Swanson, Parker, Healy, Evans. Nay: None. Absent: Poulos.

17. Contracts/Agreements

a. Report from the Community Development Department regarding a single source procurement of the cultural liaison.

Motion: Motion to approve the single source procurement and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Swanson moved to approve the single-source procurement and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Barnes, Swanson, Parker, Healy, Evans. Nay: None. Absent: Poulos.

b. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding a Fiber Optic Cable Use Agreement with Modern Woodmen of America.

Motion: Motion to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement, subject to any minor City Attorney modifications.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement, subject to any minor City Attorney modifications; Alderperson Healy seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Barnes, Swanson, Parker, Healy, Evans. Nay: None. Absent: Poulos.

c. Report from the Fire Department regarding bids to repair the air conditioning unit at the Central Fire House, recommending the bid be awarded to Northwest Mechanical, Inc., Davenport, Iowa, in the amount of $12,852.

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

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to approve the service agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the documents; Alderperson Swanson seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Barnes, Swanson, Parker, Healy, Evans. Nay: None. Absent: Poulos.

18. Department Reports

a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding authorization to surplus vehicles and equipment.

Motion: Motion to approve the declaration of surplus vehicles and equipment and grant permission to dispose of the surplus vehicles and equipment in a manner

that will be advantageous to the City of Rock Island.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to approve the declaration of surplus vehicles and equipment and grant permission to dispose of the surplus vehicles and equipment in a manner that will be advantageous to the City of Rock Island; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Hurt, Barnes, Swanson, Parker, Healy, Evans. Nay: None. Absent: Poulos.

19. Rock Island Port Authority

a. Motion: Motion to close the regular City Council meeting and convene the Rock Island Regional Port District meeting.

VV Voice vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Hurt moved to close the regular City Council meeting and convene the Regional Port District meeting; Alderperson Parker seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Hurt, Barnes, Swanson, Parker, Healy, Evans. Nay: None. Absent: Poulos.

b. Other Business/New Business

There was no new business to discuss.

c. Motion: Motion to exit the Rock Island Regional Port Authority and reconvene the regular City Council meeting.

VV Voice vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Swanson moved to exit the Rock Island Port Authority and reconvene the regular City Council meeting; Alderperson Healy seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Hurt, Barnes, Swanson, Parker, Healy, Evans. Nay: None. Absent: Poulos.

20. Other Business/New Business

Alderperson Parker welcomed Mayor Harris and Alderpersons Evans and Barnes.

Alderperson Healy thanked former Mayor Thoms and former Alderpersons Robinson and Tweet for their service and said he looked forward to working with Mayor Harris and Alderpersons Evans and Barnes.

Alderperson Evans thanked his family and the community and encouraged everyone to work together to better the community.

Alderperson Barnes expressed her excitement and determination to serve the community. Mayor Harris thanked his family and the community and said he looked forward to serving his constituents.

21. Adjourn

a. Motion: Motion to Adjourn to May 19, 2025.

VV Voice vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Evans moved to adjourn; Alderperson Hurt seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Hurt, Barnes, Swanson, Parker, Healy, Evans. Nay: None. Absent: Poulos.

The meeting concluded at 8:11 p.m.

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