Rock Island public meetings in 2022
29 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Preservation Commission
The Commission elected its Chair and Vice Chair and approved the 2023 meeting schedule. Members received a presentation on the Broadway Historic District nomination update and discussed the proposed demolition of Fire Station No. 5.
- Approved the agenda (7-0)
- Approved April 27, 2022 meeting minutes (7-0)
- Elected Robert Braun as Chair (7-0)
- Elected Linda Anderson as Vice Chair (7-0)
- Approved 2023 meeting schedule (7-0)
Library Board of Trustees
The Board approved an occupancy agreement addendum with the Two Rivers YMCA and increased the 2023 non-resident fee. The Board also approved November bills and noted a 4.43% decrease in the library's tax levy.
- Approved November bills totaling $50,443.05 (5-0)
- Approved Occupancy Agreement addendum with Two Rivers YMCA (5-0)
- Approved 2023 non-resident fee of $128, a $3 increase (5-0)
- Approved November 15, 2022 meeting minutes
Parks and Recreation Board
The Board approved $343,884.23 in bills for November and accepted a bid from Prairie State for zero-turn mowers. Members received updates on ARPA-funded projects for Highland Springs and the Carriage House.
- Approved November Park Board minutes (unanimous)
- Approved November bills totaling $343,884.23 (unanimous)
- Approved Prairie State bid for zero-turn mowers (unanimous)
City Council Agendas
The City Council approved the budget and property tax levy for the 2023 fiscal year. Several ARPA fund allocations were approved for public safety and recreation, and a moratorium on vape shops was extended. The council also approved the purchase of the former Bear Manufacturing Building for future redevelopment.
- Adopted budget for fiscal year Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2023 (7-0-0)
- Approved property tax levy for fiscal year 2023 (7-0-0)
- Approved $310,613.00 property tax levy for downtown Special Services Area (6-1-0)
- Allocated $600,000.00 in ARPA funds for Highland Springs clubhouse (7-0-0)
- Allocated $106,690.77 in ARPA funds for battery-powered extrication equipment (7-0-0)
- Approved $163,791.29 in CDBG-CV funds for Friendship Manor (6-1-0)
- Approved purchase of former Bear Manufacturing Building at 2016 5th Avenue (7-0-0)
- Extended vape shop moratorium through March 31, 2023 (7-0-0)
City Council Study Session
The City Council received an evaluation of water storage domes and the pump station, noting that existing facilities are near the end of their use and do not meet current standards. No formal votes were taken on the infrastructure projects, but a more detailed project scope will be presented at a later date. The session also included a quarterly economic development update from DARI.
- Approved motion to enter Closed Session (6-0-1)
- Tabled water infrastructure decisions pending a more detailed project scope
- Approved motion to adjourn (6-0-1)
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board approved two variance requests for residential properties. One allows a student group home with reduced separation requirements, and the other permits a garage addition with a reduced rear yard setback.
- Approved variance for 3415 7th Avenue to allow Unrelated Group Family Use with 20-foot separation instead of 300-foot (unanimous)
- Approved variance for 614 25th Street for a 24-foot reduction of the 30-foot rear yard setback for a garage addition (unanimous)
- Approved revised agenda moving Case #2022-15 to January 11, 2023 (unanimous)
- Approved October 12, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
Martin Luther King Center Board
The Board approved the recommendation of two new members for mayoral appointment and set the 2023 meeting calendar. The board also approved the minutes from the October 12, 2022 meeting.
- Approved meeting minutes from October 12, 2022
- Approved recommendation of Tameka Toney and Kai Swanson for three-year board terms
- Approved 2023 board meeting dates: Jan 11, Mar 08, May 10, Aug 16, Oct 11, Dec 13
Commercial Industrial Revolving Loan Fund
The committee approved the minutes from the October 11, 2022 meeting and reached a consensus on the 2023 meeting schedule. Members reviewed active loans and the status of bad debt write-offs. The committee recommended revisions to a third-party underwriter RFP to be re-issued by staff.
- Approved October 11, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved proposed 2023 meeting calendar (consensus)
- Recommended revisions to third-party underwriter RFP for re-issuance
City Council Agendas
City Council approved the establishment of a downtown Special Services Area and a corresponding property tax levy of $310,613. The council also moved forward with the first reading of the 2023 budget and a five-year capital improvement plan. Various public works contracts and administrative appointments were also approved.
- Established downtown Special Services Area (6-1-0)
- Approved $310,613 property tax levy for downtown SSA (5-1-1)
- Approved 2023-2027 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (6-0-1)
- Awarded $288,150 water and sanitary repair bid to McClintock Trucking & Excavating, Inc. (5-0-1)
- Approved $608,409.82 budget transfer for snow equipment (6-0-1)
- Passed amendments to Human Rights Commission Ordinance (5-2-0)
- Approved one-year extension for DARI services agreement (6-0-1)
- Approved one-hour permit extension for 4401 7th Avenue (6-0-1)
City Council Study Session
The City Council reviewed proposed updates to the tobacco ordinance and a preliminary place management agreement for the downtown Special Services Area. No substantive votes were taken on these proposals during the study session.
- Adjourned meeting (6-0-1)
City Council Agendas
Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to establish a downtown Special Services Area with specific parcel removals. The board also approved amendments to the Human Rights Commission ordinance to grant subpoena powers. Several city claims and a fire department budget adjustment were approved.
- Approved first reading of downtown Special Services Area ordinance with parcel removals (6-1-0)
- Approved amendments to Human Rights Commission Ordinance granting subpoena power (5-2-0)
- Approved $58,771.00 ARPA fund budget increase for Fire Department (7-0-0)
- Approved purchase of four outdoor warning sirens for $58,771.00 using ARPA funds (7-0-0)
- Approved installation of 4-way stop signs at 26th Street and 16th Avenue (7-0-0)
- Approved second amendment to LRC Developers, Inc. redevelopment agreement (7-0-0)
- Approved $688,100.00 self-insurance package renewal with IPMG and $25,000.00 payment to USI (7-0-0)
- Approved payments to Youth Hope, EveryChild, and YWCA not to exceed $115,000.00 (7-0-0)
City Council Study Session
City staff presented a five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) totaling $24.1 million in requested funds. The session focused on planning for public safety, infrastructure, and parks projects, with $23.7 million in costs currently recommended. No final votes were taken on the CIP as it will be included in the annual budget and a future resolution.
- Approved moving forward with recommended software consulting choice
- Adjourned meeting (7-0-0)
City Council Budget Sessions
Finance Director Linda Barnes presented the CY 2023 budget, including projected revenues of $144,600,25 and expenditures of $158,398,891. Council discussed negative fund balances, property tax allocations, and the use of ARPA funds. No substantive votes were taken on the budget proposal during this session.
- Adjourned meeting (7-0-0)
Human Rights Commission
The commission approved the September meeting minutes and voted to reschedule the December meeting to December 1, 2022. Members also decided to close a specific complaint case (84-2022-AS) if the complainant fails to provide a release of information.
- Approved September meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Approved motion to close case 84-2022-AS if complainant does not sign release of information
- Rescheduled monthly meeting from 12/15/22 to 12/1/22 (Carried, one member opposed)
Fire and Police Commissioners Board
The board approved the minutes from the October 13, 2022 meeting. The board entered executive session twice to discuss a fire department issue and conduct police candidate interviews.
- Approved October 13, 2022 minutes
Library Board of Trustees
The Board approved $52,636.14 in monthly bills and updated policies regarding volunteers and PALS membership. Trustees also approved the Library Director's 2022 performance evaluation and a merit increase. The Board discussed a potential Downtown Library closure for elevator repairs and the purchase of a south parking lot.
- Approved October monthly bills of $52,636.14 (8-0)
- Approved CY 2023 meeting times (8-0)
- Approved updated Volunteer Policy (8-0)
- Approved updated Volunteer Application & Waiver of Liability Form (8-0)
- Approved PALS Membership Form (8-0)
- Approved disposal of surplus property (8-0)
- Approved GWI for non-affiliated Library employees at City Council rate (8-0)
- Approved Library Director's 2022 performance evaluation and merit increase (8-0)
Parks and Recreation Board
The Board approved a contract for uniforms and set the 2023 meeting dates. Members also approved October bills totaling $367,396.92 and the October meeting minutes.
- Approved October bills for $367,396.92
- Approved Power Grafix as the winner of the Uniform RFP
- Approved 2023 meeting dates for the third Tuesday of the month
- Approved October Park Board minutes as amended
City Council Study Session
The City Council concluded the final public hearing regarding the establishment of a Special Service Area (SSA) for downtown Rock Island. Council members also received a presentation on the city's economic development ecosystem and strategy. No final vote on the SSA establishment was recorded during this session.
- Adjourned the final Public Hearing on the downtown Special Service Area (7-0-0)
City Council Agendas
The City Council allocated $500,000 in ARPA funds for HVAC upgrades at the new Watts-Midtown Library and $50,000 for the Façade Improvement Program. The council also approved several Public Works vehicle purchases and a hunting exemption for Mike McMillan. Other actions included approving new handicapped parking spaces and a 4-way stop sign installation.
- Approved $500,000 ARPA funds for Watts-Midtown Library HVAC upgrades (7-0-0)
- Approved $50,000 ARPA funds for Façade Improvement Program (7-0-0)
- Approved hunting exception for Mike McMillan (7-0-0)
- Approved purchase of eight vehicles from RDO Truck Centers for $1,104,480.00 (7-0-0)
- Approved outfitting of eight trucks from Bonnell Industries for $1,062,479.92 (7-0-0)
- Approved $173,960.00 contract with CDM Smith, Inc. for Phosphorus Removal study (7-0-0)
- Approved installation of 4-way stop signs on 26th Street at 16th Avenue (7-0-0)
- Approved purchase of tax auction property at 710 7th Avenue for $750.00 (7-0-0)
Arts Commission
The commission approved the 2023 meeting schedule, moving meetings to the third Wednesday of the month in the City Council Chambers. Staff provided updates on the relocation of two sculptures. The commission also received a report on Artist Market T-shirt sales.
- Approved 2023 meeting schedule and move to City Council Chambers (5-0)
- Approved November 9, 2022 agenda (5-0)
- Approved October 12, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
Library Board of Trustees
The committee reviewed compiled evaluations for the Library Director. Members discussed performance categories and reached a consensus on the Director's evaluation.
- Reached consensus on Library Director's performance evaluation
Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Revenue Administrative Board
The Board approved several equipment purchases, including water and air hose projects and investigation tools. The 2023 meeting dates and general election schedule were adopted. A request for extrication gloves was tabled pending member reviews of demonstrations.
- Approved August 5, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved financial report of $129,144.39
- Approved IML Collection and Disbursement adoption
- Approved 2023 meeting dates (Feb 3, May 5, Aug 4, Nov 3)
- Approved 2023 General Election for 3 Trustees (Jan 3-5)
- Approved Water Hose, Air Hose, Mediacom Service, 4 desk lamps, projector/screen, 8 head lamps, and 8 voice recorders
- Tabled extrication gloves purchase
- Approved 3 education lodging requests
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission approved the 2023 public meeting schedule and the minutes from the September 7, 2022 meeting. One rezoning request (Case #2022-6) was removed from the agenda following a withdrawal by the applicant.
- Approved 2023 Planning Commission Public Meeting Schedule (7-0)
- Approved September 7, 2022 meeting minutes (7-0)
- Approved revised agenda removing Case #2022-6 (7-0)
Fire Pension Board of Trustees
The Board approved a tax levy request of $4,510,003 based on a new actuarial valuation. Members also established a cash reserve balance between $700,000 and $1,000,000 and authorized monthly fund transfers of $400,000 starting January 2023.
- Requested $4,510,003 tax levy from the City (5-0)
- Accepted Actuarial Valuation recommending $4,510,003 municipal contribution (5-0)
- Set cash reserve balance minimum of $700,000 and maximum of $1,000,000 (5-0)
- Authorized monthly $400,000 transfers to BMO Harris Bank account starting Jan 14, 2023 (5-0)
- Approved $162,509.74 in disbursements from Vendor Check Report (5-0)
- Approved $795 for IPPFA membership dues (5-0)
- Authorized annual independent medical examination for Andrew West (5-0)
- Established 2023 meeting dates for January 25, April 26, July 26, and October 25 (5-0)
Police Pension Board
The Board approved a tax levy request of $4,701,935 based on a Nyhart actuarial valuation. Members also established cash reserve limits and approved several retirement and survivor benefits.
- Requested $4,701,935 tax levy from the City (4-0)
- Approved $220,261.74 in disbursements (4-0)
- Set cash reserve balance between $1,000,000 and $1,500,000 (4-0)
- Approved $2,551.44 monthly surviving spouse benefit for Dorothy Wilson (4-0)
- Approved regular retirement benefit for Eduardo Starks (4-0)
- Directed monthly $500,000 transfers from State Street to BMO Harris Bank starting Jan 15, 2023 (4-0)
- Continued disability benefits for Jonathan Cary (4-0)
- Approved QILDRO payment to alternate payee for Ed Stark (4-0)
City Council Study Session
City Council held a public hearing to gather input on establishing a Special Service Area (SSA) in downtown Rock Island. After hearing testimony from residents and business owners, the council voted to adjourn the hearing and continue the discussion at a later date.
- Adjourned Public Hearing on Special Service Area to November 14, 2022 (7-0-0)
Library Board of Trustees
The committee discussed planning for the library's 150th anniversary, including a stone placement event and a yearlong celebration. They also discussed creating a multi-tier membership for the PALS group and how it would provide funds to the library. Additionally, the committee discussed creating an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City of Rock Island to better define their relationship. No votes or formal decisions were recorded.
- Discussed 150th anniversary stone placement event and kickoff event
- Discussed volunteer opportunities for yearlong 150th anniversary celebration
- Discussed creating multi-tier membership for PALS group
- Discussed process for PALS group to provide raised funds to library
- Discussed creating an IGA with the City of Rock Island
City Council Agendas
The Rock Island City Council approved a signature waiver and liquor license for Skylight Luxury Lounge at 1325 30th Street after a public hearing. The council also passed an ordinance accepting a land donation of 23 parcels in Southwest Rock Island from Riverstone Group for $1 plus closing costs, with Alderperson Gilbert voting no. Numerous other items were approved, including a $442,605.80 road reconstruction contract and a $761,391.69 write-off of uncollectible business loans.
- Approved liquor license signature waiver for Skylight Luxury Lounge at 1325 30th St (7-0)
- Passed ordinance accepting 23-parcel land donation from Riverstone Group for $1 (6-1, Gilbert nay)
- Awarded $442,605.80 bid to Five Cities Construction for 46th St at 37th Ave reconstruction (7-0)
- Approved $761,391.69 write-off of uncollectible CIRLF loan balances (7-0)
- Authorized $95,220 ERP needs assessment contract with Plante Moran (7-0)
- Approved $148,402 housing rehabilitation project at 1830 32nd St (7-0)
- Adopted resolution supporting creation of Rock Island Regional Port District (7-0)
- Approved $56,464.79 payment to McClintock Trucking for water/sewer repairs (6-0, Parker recused)
Human Rights Commission
The Rock Island Human Rights Commission voted unanimously to oppose the city manager meeting individually with council members to discuss subpoena power, and requested a vote on the issue at the next two council meetings. Minutes from September were approved. A new complaint (84-2022-AS) was discussed and will be investigated further.
- Approved September meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Voted to oppose city manager meeting individually with council on subpoena power, requesting a vote at next two council meetings (unanimous)
- New complaint 84-2022-AS to be investigated further; Gregg volunteered to contact complainant