06 Aug 2013

Rep. Smiddy Invites Community Members to Share Concerns At His Colona Town Hall Meeting

By Rep. Mike Smiddy

PORT BYRON, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, invites community members to share their concerns about state and local issues at his upcoming Colona Town Hall Meeting to be held on Wednesday, August 7 from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Colona Public Library located at 911 - 1st Street in Colona.

"Knowing that there are many pressing issues that continue to weigh on our state and impact daily life in our district, it's crucial that I continue an ongoing discussion with local residents about their views and priorities," said Smiddy. "I encourage anyone who has questions or concerns or would simply like to listen to a legislative update to join me at this town hall meeting, because I need to hear from you to be a true voice for your needs."

Illinois' 71st District includes all of Albany, Cleveland, Coal Valley, Colona, Como, Cordova, Deer Grove, Erie, Fulton, Hampton, Hillsdale, Lyndon, Morrison, Port Byron, Prophetstown, Rapids City, Rock Falls, Savanna, Sterling, Tampico, and Thomson and portions of Carbon Cliff, East Moline, Moline and Silvis.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, contact Smiddy's full-time constituent service office at (309) 848-9098, RepSmiddy@gmail.com, or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

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05 Aug 2013

Rep. Smiddy Invites Community Members to Share Concerns At His Port Byron Town Hall Meeting

By Rep. Mike Smiddy

PORT BYRON, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, invites community members to share their concerns about state and local issues at his upcoming Port Byron Town Hall Meeting to be held on Monday, August 5 from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the River Valley District Library located at 214 S. Main Street in Port Byron.

"Knowing that there are many pressing issues that continue to weigh on our state and impact daily life in our district, it's crucial that I continue an ongoing discussion with local residents about their views and priorities," said Smiddy. "I encourage anyone who has questions or concerns or would simply like to listen to a legislative update to join me at this town hall meeting, because I need to hear from you to be a true voice for your needs."

Illinois' 71st District includes all of Albany, Cleveland, Coal Valley, Colona, Como, Cordova, Deer Grove, Erie, Fulton, Hampton, Hillsdale, Lyndon, Morrison, Port Byron, Prophetstown, Rapids City, Rock Falls, Savanna, Sterling, Tampico, and Thomson and portions of Carbon Cliff, East Moline, Moline and Silvis.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, contact Smiddy's full-time constituent service office at (309) 848-9098, RepSmiddy@gmail.com, or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

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05 Aug 2013

SISTER OF NEWTOWN VICTIM, SURVIVOR OF TUCSON SHOOTING, AND MAYOR COWNIE TO RALLY IN SUPPORT OF SENSIBLE GUN LAWS, HOLD SENATOR GRASSLEY ACCOUNTABLE FOR OPPOSING BACKGROUND CHECKS

By David Axelrod
Grassley Voted Against Background Checks Even Though 88 Percent of Iowans Support Them; Participants Set To Thank Senator Harkin for Supporting Sensible Gun Legislation
Event is Part of "No More Names: National Drive to Reduce Gun Violence" Bus Tour; www.NoMoreNames.org
On Wednesday, August 7th, the sister of a victim of the Newtown massacre, a survivor of the 2011 Tucson mass shooting, Mayor Frank Cownie, state lawmakers, law enforcement, and local advocates will gather at Union Park in Des Moines as part of the "No More Names: National Drive to Reduce Gun Violence" - a 25-state national bus tour over a period of 100 days aimed at urging America's leaders to support common-sense gun policies. Participants will come together Wednesday to voice their support for comprehensive background checks that would keep guns out of the wrong hands, and they will hold Senator Chuck Grassley accountable for voting against this life-saving measure. They will also thank Senator Tom Harkin for supporting bipartisan background checks legislation in April.
It remains far too easy for criminals, domestic abusers, the seriously mentally ill, and other dangerous individuals - people who know they can't pass a background check - to skirt the law and obtain guns by purchasing them online or at gun shows, where background checks are not required under federal law. Bipartisan legislation sponsored by NRA A-rated Senators Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey would have closed this dangerous loophole by extending background checks to commercial gun sales. But Senator Grassley voted to block this sensible legislation, despite the fact that 88 percent of Iowans support background checks for all gun sales.
While Senator Harkin stood with his constituents and voted to support this tough-on-crime bill, Senator Grassley voted to maintain a loophole that allows dangerous people to easily obtain guns.
Every day, 33 Americans are murdered with guns in this country. "No More Names: National Drive to Reduce Gun Violence" is part of Mayors Against Illegal Guns' ongoing, national effort to continue raising awareness to the issue of gun violence in America - and most importantly, to urge elected officials to prioritize the safety of the people they represent.
What: Rally to support common-sense background checks and hold Senator Grassley accountable for voting against bipartisan gun bill that would have helped keep guns out of the wrong hands
Who: - Carlee Soto, whose sister Victoria was killed in the Newtown massacre
- Pat Maisch, survivor of the 2011 Tucson mass shooting
- Mayor Frank Cownie of Des Moines
- Major Steve Waymire, Des Moines Police Department
- State Senator Jack Hatch
- State Representative Ako Abdul-Samad
- Rev. Cheryl Thomas, Executive Director of Iowans for Gun Safety
Where: Union Park
725 Thompson Ave.
Des Moines, Iowa
When: Wednesday, August 7th at 10:00 a.m.
05 Aug 2013

Congress Skips Town

By Rep. Dave Loebsack
Today, Congressional leaders once again put a Closed for Business sign on the Capitol and sent Congress home for five weeks. Not that I won't enjoy being in Iowa, working and meeting with folks just as I do every weekend, but there is so much left to do, Congress should stay in Washington and get to work. One of the major issues Congress has failed to address is passing a commonsense, long-term farm bill that can be signed into law. I've been fighting for months to get the bill done. Last week, I brought a leader of the Agriculture Committee to Iowa to meet with Iowa farmers. They told us just how important it is to rural communities that a comprehensive farm bill is passed.
Take a look at this short "From Dave's Desk" video

Passing a farm bill is just one of the many issues that have not been addressed. Time and again, Congress has taken a pass on actually getting something done. For example, Congressional leadership has refused to come to the table to find a way to replace the thoughtless, across the board cuts known as sequestration. They also have yet to pass a budget this year.

I'm calling on Congress to stay in Washington and work to find a solution to these and other issues.

Please take a look at the latest "From Dave's Desk" video.

All the best,

Dave Loebsack


01 Aug 2013

Loebsack announces more than $113,000 for Blue Grass Volunteer Fire Department

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C.  - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that the Blue Grass Volunteer Fire Department will receive $113,193 in funding from the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program.

"Our firefighters and first responders stand ready to serve us the moment disaster strikes," said Loebsack.  "This funding will ensure that they are able to secure the resources and training they need to respond quickly to emergencies and keep our families and communities safe."

The AFG program allows our first responders to purchase firefighting equipment, implement wellness programs that focus on health, and improve facilities. Funds can be used for a myriad of needs, including new protective equipment, health and safety modifications to stations and training for emergency personnel.

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31 Jul 2013

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Tuesday, July 30, 2013**

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

Bill No.: SB 50

An Act Concerning: Wildlife

Allows Veterans to obtain a Hunter Education card upon completion of the online portion of the Hunter Education Program.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

Bill No.: SB 1170

An Act Concerning: Wildlife

Makes illegal the in-state possession of wildlife illegally harvested outside of the state or country.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 1287

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Prohibits a person who has committed a felony involving harm or threat to a minor from being appointed guardian of a person who is disabled or their estate.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 1303

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Broadens the definition of "student intern" to include graduate students under the Nursing Home Care Act.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

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31 Jul 2013

Rep. Smiddy Invites Community Members to Share Concerns At His Albany Town Hall Meeting

By Rep. Mike Smiddy

PORT BYRON, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, invites community members to share their concerns about state and local issues at his upcoming Albany Town Hall Meeting to be held on Wednesday, July 31 from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Albany Village Office located at 102 S. Main Street in Albany.

"Knowing that there are many pressing issues that continue to weigh on our state and impact daily life in our district, it's crucial that I continue an ongoing discussion with local residents about their views and priorities," said Smiddy. "I encourage anyone who has questions or concerns or would simply like to listen to a legislative update to join me at this town hall meeting, because I need to hear from you to be a true voice for your needs."

Illinois' 71st District includes all of Albany, Cleveland, Coal Valley, Colona, Como, Cordova, Deer Grove, Erie, Fulton, Hampton, Hillsdale, Lyndon, Morrison, Port Byron, Prophetstown, Rapids City, Rock Falls, Savanna, Sterling, Tampico, and Thomson and portions of Carbon Cliff, East Moline, Moline and Silvis.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, contact Smiddy's full-time constituent service office at (309) 848-9098, RepSmiddy@gmail.com, or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

30 Jul 2013

HARRISON STREET UPDATE

By Doing It in Davenport
On Thursday, August 1st, Harrison Street will have one lane closed for city crews to add parking on the west side of the street between 18th and 5th Street.

The work is expected to be finished by the end of the day and the changes to the street will be in effect upon completion.

Please use extra caution when traveling along Harrison Street and follow the signage indicating when to merge at or before 18th Street, one block south of Locust Street.
22 Jul 2013

Branstad names Sheila K. Tipton to the Iowa Utilities Board

By Tim Albrecht

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today named Des Moines attorney Sheila K. Tipton to the Iowa Utilities Board.

Tipton, 61, is a shareholder of the Belin McCormick law firm in Des Moines, primarily practicing in the area of the law of essential infrastructure, where she represented energy, telecommunications and water public utilities, renewable energy developers and customers, as well as other business entities, in certification, siting, ratemaking, rulemaking, merger, reorganization, compliance and other litigated proceedings before state and federal administrative agencies and in the state and federal courts.

She begins her new role on August 19, 2013.

"Sheila Tipton brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Iowa Utilities Board, and I am pleased she is taking on this important role for the state," said Gov. Branstad. "As we develop regulatory policies that promote energy production, and provide for the preservation and improvement of important infrastructure in Iowa, while protecting consumers, her perspective and voice will be extremely valuable."

Tipton is listed in The Best Lawyers in America® in the areas of Energy, Communications and Administrative Law (1991-present.) She was awarded Best Lawyers' 2012 Des Moines Communications Law Lawyer of the Year. She is involved in numerous community and professional activities, including the Downtown Community Alliance and Energy Bar Association.

"I am excited to begin my work on the Iowa Utilities Board," said Tipton. "Regulatory policy, including energy policy, is vitally important to Iowa's future, and affects everyone. I want to ensure Iowa's families, schools, businesses and nonprofits have access to regulatory policy and standards they deserve."

Tipton is replacing Swati Dandekar, who resigned from the board earlier this month.

Tipton and her husband, William L. Dawe, reside in Clive. They have four sons.

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19 Jul 2013

City Council Meeting Agenda for July 24, 2013

By Jackie E. Holecek
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
City of Davenport, Iowa
Wednesday, July 24, 2013; 5:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
I. Moment of Silence
II. Pledge of Allegiance
Ald. Meeker
III. Roll Call
IV. Meeting Protocol and Decorum
V. Approval of Minutes of the July 10, 2013 City Council Meeting
VI. City Administrator Update
VII. Report on Committee of the Whole and Standing Committees
VIII. Appointments, Proclamations, Etc.
A. Appointments
1. RiverCenter Advisory Board (reappointments)
Bob Fox
Steve Jobman
Judy McNamara
IX. Presentations
A. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley Impact Award to City of Davenport
Jay Justin, Executive Director
X. Petitions and Communications from Council Members and the Mayor
City Council Meeting 2
July 24, 2013
XI. Individual Approval of Items on the Discussion Agenda
1. Second Consideration: Ordinance adding Chapter 13.16.107F entitled "Sanitary
Sewer Rates-Amount" to include a residential customer surcharge of $2.00 per
quarter to fund the no-fault sewer backup reimbursement program. [All Wards]
COMMITTEEE RECOMMENDS AMENDMENT
2. Second Consideration: Ordinance amending Chapter 2.56 entitled "Airport
Commission" by abolishing the commission and replacing it with an Iowa Code
Chapter 392 administrative agency. [All Wards]
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS SUSPENSION OF THE RULES AND PASSAGE ON SECOND CONSIDERATON
1. Motion for suspension of the rules
.
2. Motion for passage of 3rd consideration.
XII. Approval of All Items on the Consent Agenda
**NOTE: These are routine items and will be enacted at the City Council Meeting by one roll call vote without separate discussion unless an item is requested to be removed and considered separately.
Reports on Standing Committees
Community Development Committee
1a. First Consideration of Ordinance for Case No. REZ13-03, being an amendment to City
Ordinance 89-37 which rezoned 11.4 acres of real property, more or less, located at
110 West 53rd Street to PDD Planned Development District and limited the use(s) to a
home improvement store. The amendment would allow conversion of the existing
retail and lumber yard buildings to self-storage units. This would allow an operational
use of the property while it is still being marketed. (Tyler Edwards on behalf of
Menard, Inc, petitioner). [8th Ward]
1b. Resolution approving the PDD Final Development Plan (FDP13-10) on 11.4 acres, more or less, located at 110 West 53rd Street to allow Menards, Inc. to develop self- storage units after moving the retail operation to its new location. This is a companion action to Case No. REZ13-03. (Tyler Edwards on behalf of Menard, Inc., petitioner) [8th Ward].
City Council Meeting 3
July 24, 2013
Community Development Committee
2. First Consideration of Ordinance for Case No. REZ13-04, being .25 acres, more or less, of real property located at 1219 Perry Street from "R-4" Moderate Density Dwelling District to "R-5M" Medium Density Dwelling District. The purpose of the rezoning is to utilize the property for multiple-family residential units (Etie S. O'Connell, petitioner). [3rd Ward]
3. Resolution approving Case No. F13-13 being the final plat of Grand Retreat Estates
located at 4760 Rockingham Road containing two (2) residential lots. [1st Ward]
4. Resolution approving Case No. CP13-01 being the adoption of the Planning Area 12
Small Area Plan as an element of the Davenport 2025 Comprehensive Plan.
[7th, 8th Wards]
5. Resolution approving Case No. CP13-02 being the adoption of the Village of East
Davenport Master Plan as an element of the Davenport 2025 Comprehensive Plan.
[5th, 6th Wards]
6. Resolution establishing an East Village TIF District in the existing South Economic
Development Area (SEDA).
7. Resolution accepting State CDBG HDR Grant for the 5th Street Lofts Project.
Public Safety Committee
1. Second Consideration: Ordinance amending Schedule VII of Chapter 10.96 entitled "No Parking" by deleting 46th Street along the north side from 150 feet west of Welcome Way to 300 feet west of Welcome Way. [Ward 7]
2. First Consideration: Ordinance amending Schedule II of Chapter 10.96 entitled "One-Way Streets" by deleting 8th Street from 50 feet east of Pershing Avenue to Iowa Street. [Ward 3]
3. First Consideration: Ordinance amending Schedule XI of Chapter 10.96 entitled "Resident Parking Only" by adding 15th Street in front of the property at 121 West 15th Street. [Ward 3]
4. First Consideration: Ordinance amending Schedule XI of Chapter 10.96 entitled "Resident Parking Only" by adding Pine Street in front of property at 324 South Pine Street. [Ward 1]
5. First Consideration: Ordinance amending Schedule XVII of Chapter 10.96 entitled "No Stopping, Standing or Parking" by deleting Iowa Street along both sides from 100 feet north of 8th Street to 100 feet south of 8th Street between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on school days. [Ward 3]
City Council Meeting 4
July 24, 2013
6. Resolution closing various streets, lanes or public grounds on the listed dates to hold outdoor events. [Wards 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7]
7. Motion approving beer and liquor license applications:
7A. New license, new owner, temporary permit, temporary outdoor area, location transfer, etc. (as noted):
NAME ADDRESS LICENSE WARD
La Finca 916 West Second Street B Beer 3
La Finca L.L.C. NEW LICENSE (ON-PREMISES
AND CARRY-OUT BEER)
(SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPROVED
BY ZBA ON JULY 11, 2013)
River Roots Live LeClaire Park B Beer 3
QC Chamber of Commerce TEMPORARY PERMIT
OUTDOOR AREA
AUGUST 16-17, 2013
Hooters of Davenport 110 East Kimberly Road C Liquor 7
Hooters of Davenport L.L.C. NEW OWNER
OUTDOOR AREA
7B. Annual license renewals (with outdoor area renewals as noted):
NAME ADDRESS LICENSE WARD
Kwik Shop No. 584 3624 West Locust Street C Beer 1
Kwik Shop Inc.
Hickory Garden Restaurant 3311 Hickory Grove Road Beer/Wine 2
Fazliu Inc. OUTDOOR AREA
Mantra 220 Harrison Street C Liquor 3
Sharnam Inc.
Express Lane Gas and Food Mart 3622 Brady Street C Beer 7
Expresslane Inc.
Hi Ho Mongolian Grill 901 East Kimberly Road Beer/Wine 7
Hi Ho Mongolian Grill Inc.
City Council Meeting 5
July 24, 2013
Public Works Committee
1. Resolution authorizing the filing of applications with the Federal Transit Administration for assistance authorized by 49 U.S.C chapter 53, title 23 United States Code and other Federal statutes administered and authorizing the mayor to sign. [All wards]
2. Resolution approving Davenport Public Transit "Citibus" Title VI Program report update. [All wards]
Finance Committee
1. Resolution making provision for the issuance of not-to-exceed $32,400,000 General
Obligation Corporate Bonds, Series 2014. [All Wards]
2. Resolution approving a 28E Intergovernmental Agreement governing the Quad City
Metropolitan Enforcement Group. [All Wards]
3. Resolution allowing the Levee Improvement Commission and the Parks and
Recreation Department to proceed with a REAP (Resource Enhancement and
Protection) grant application in the amount of $300,000 for River Heritage Park.
[Ward 3]
4. Motion awarding the purchase of a John Deere endloader for the Compost Facility to
Martin Equipment of Rock Island, IL in the amount of $136,000. [All Wards]
5. Motion awarding the purchase of two used crack sealers for the Streets Division to
Logan Contractors Supply of Bettendorf in the amount of $62,630. [All Wards]
XIII. Other Ordinances, Resolutions and Motions
XIV. Public with Business
PLEASE NOTE: At this time individuals may address the City Council on any matters of City business. This is not an opportunity to discuss issues with the Council members or get information. In accordance with Open Meetings law, the Council can not take action on any complaint or suggestions tonight, and can not respond to any allegations at this time.
Please state your Name and Ward for the record. There is a five (5) minute time limit. Please end your comments promptly.
XV. Reports of City Officials
XVI. Adjourn

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