ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Several times a year, Rock Island officials hold a casual forum where residents can ask questions and get immediate answers.
"How it's helped us when we have done it is to learn a little bit what the concerns and issues people are thinking about throughout the community," Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms said.
On Wednesday, Oct. 23, each council member gave an update on their ward, celebrating their progress and their plans for the future.
A big topic was the new street improvement utility fee. That takes the place of the gas tax and raises more money for fixing city roads. Some residents said the fee calculation is unfair — the monthly fee is calculated based on the size of a property.
The council said calculating based on property size was the most fair way they could raise the money needed. They said the city needs about $2 million a year to maintain its roads. Adding the fee to the water bill also means nobody is exempt.
"I pay it just like everybody else is gonna pay it. I would much rather pay this lower rate than be assessed $10,000 for my road to be fixed in front of my house," Alderwoman Jenni Swanson said. She shared a story where she and her neighbors were charged $10,000 each for their road to be replaced.
Alderman Dylan Parker said the council worked with the Public Works Department to come up with a fee structure.
"The proposed system was sort of the most fair way to go about it," Parker said. "We knew we needed to raise X amount of dollars, and so then we worked our way backwards, 'Okay, so how much per parcel are we gonna need?'"
Here's the update from each ward:
Ward 1
Mayor Mike Thoms gave the update, as Alderman Moses Robinson, Jr. was out sick.
- The Friends of Douglas Park have raised about $2 million to renovate the park.
- The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center has taken the lead on the West End revitalization project.
Ward 2
Mayor Mike Thoms gave the update, as Alderman Randy Hurt was out sick.
- Nature's Treatment of Illinois will be moving in across from Bally's Casino & Hotel, and Stern Beverage Center will move to the Campbell's Sports Complex.
- The 11th Street site where Wal-Mart was supposed to build a Supercenter has new interest. Thoms said it has to be the right fit financially.
- The city's designation as a port district gives it more grant opportunities in the Sunset Business Park.
- Dredging is underway at Sunset Marina.
Ward 3
Alderman Kevin Maynard, director of Quad City Arts, took a new position in Florida. He joined city council about six months ago.
Thoms said he was just getting his feet wet, and it's a loss for the council. Thoms didn't have major updates for this ward, as it's largely residential.
Ward 4
Alderwoman Jenni Swanson, also on the Rock Island Library Board of Trustees, said the Watts-Midtown Branch has been a huge success since the 30/31 Branch closed. It's one of a few in the country partnered with the YMCA.
She addressed the street improvement utility tax, saying the gas tax became less effective as people got their gas across the river in Iowa.
Ward 5
Alderman Dylan Parker gave the update on his ward.
- As the Rock Island Downtown Alliance enters its second year, Parker said its downtown ambassadors have been doing a good job keeping the neighborhood clean.
- The alliance's outreach coordinators are working to connect homeless people and others who are struggling with resources. That includes rides around town, job opportunities and shelter.
- The city is working on a strategic housing plan for the first time. Parker said it will address the city's shrinking housing pool, as houses aren't currently being replaced when they're destroyed or abandoned.
Ward 6
Alderman Mark Poulos gave the update on his ward.
- Poulos said he's proud of the work Rock Island Police officers do to help homeless people downtown.
- The city is working with Augustana College to bring new homes and businesses to 14th Avenue, 18th Avenue and 30th Street.
- Poulos said the city's ARPA funds manager has been doing well, and council is having ongoing discussions on how to best spend the remaining funds.
- Poulos asked his constituents to reach out by phone and email if they have questions or concerns.
Ward 7
Alderman Bill Healy gave the update on his ward.
- Healy said he benefitted from the downtown TIF when purchasing the Stern Center for his business, but was burned by the city when his purchase of the Hauberg Estate was cancelled last-minute.
- Healy said the use of ARPA funds in the downtown construction is a good idea.
- The current council has hired the city manager, fire chief, police chief and director of economic development. He said the council is sending the city into a better future.
- The Commercial Industrial Revolving Loan Fund is being revamped to incentivize businesses to stay and bring new businesses. Healy said it hasn't given a loan in seven years and needs to do more to keep businesses in town.
- The new Saukie Club House is in progress. Healy said its good maintenance and affordable prices bring families in to have fun on the golf course.