Introduction
The City Council meeting in Rock Island, Illinois, held on June 11, 2018, covered a range of topics and updates that are important for community members to be aware of. In this article, we will discuss the key points addressed during the meeting, including the “Tell On Your Neighbor Awards,” an informational meeting on how to acquire land for new home construction, the Starlite Review Summer Concerts, community crime prevention partnership meetings, and the achievements of the Rock Island girls softball team. We will also highlight the proclamations made during the meeting, including Bonus Fund Giving Week, Rock Island County NAACP Day, and Pride Month.
Tell On Your Neighbor Awards
The City of Rock Island encourages residents to participate in the “Tell On Your Neighbor” initiative by nominating yards in their neighborhood that are most appealing or most improved. The nominations will be reviewed by the Rock Island Beautification Commission, and awards will be presented at the city council meetings on August 27, 2018. Nominations can be made until August 9, 2018, and digital photos of the nominated yards are required. It is important to note that nominations should not involve going on private property. Instead, the photos and addresses of the nominated properties should be sent to the Community and Economic Development Department via email or by calling the provided phone number.
Informational Meeting on Land Acquisition
On Tuesday, June 12, 2018, an informational meeting will be held to provide guidance on acquiring land lots for new home construction. The meeting will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Rock Island. City staff members, lenders, and home builders will be present to provide information and answer any questions. This meeting is essential for individuals interested in building new homes and will provide valuable insights into the process.
Starlite Review Summer Concerts
The Parks and Recreation Department of Rock Island will be organizing free summer concerts at Lincoln Park. This series of concerts, which is celebrating its 62nd year, offers entertainment for the community. The concerts will take place every Tuesday night throughout the summer. The upcoming concert will feature The Tail Fins performing at 7 p.m., with dance lessons in single swing starting at 6:30 p.m. Attendees can also enjoy food and drinks available for purchase from Hy-Vee Grill, starting at 5 p.m.
Community Crime Prevention Partnership Meetings
The City of Rock Island Police Department invites community members to attend their monthly crime prevention meeting on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. This month’s meeting will focus on the 911 center and its use. These educational meetings aim to strengthen the partnerships with the citizens of Rock Island and the police department. The meeting will be held at the community room of the police department on Fifth Avenue in Rock Island at 6 p.m.
Rock Island Girls Softball Achievements
The City Council congratulated the Rock Island girls softball team on their recent achievements. The team won the Class 4A Illinois State Championship after a successful journey through the playoffs. They beat their crosstown rival, Moline, 11-1 in the regional championship and went on to win the sectional and super sectional games. Their remarkable performance in the state tournament led them to victory with a final score of 2-1. The City Council and city staff commended the team on their great accomplishment.
Proclamations
During the City Council meeting, several proclamations were made to recognize important community events and initiatives.
Bonus Fund Giving Week
The City of Rock Island declared the week of June 17th through the 23rd, 2018 as Bonus Fund Giving Week. This proclamation aims to raise awareness and encourage citizens to contribute to the John Deere Classic Bonus Fund. The John Deere Classic is a community event that supports over 500 area charities through the Birdies for Charity program. The charitable giving through this program has reached nearly $100 million to date, benefiting local nonprofit organizations. The John Deere Foundation matches the direct contributions to the Bonus Fund dollar-for-dollar, amplifying the impact of donations.
Rock Island County NAACP Day
June 23rd, 2018, was declared Rock Island County NAACP Day in recognition of the Rock Island County NAACP branch’s commitment to the struggle for civil and political rights for citizens of color. The branch organizes numerous community events, such as political candidate forums, workshops, and recognition dinners, to promote justice and equality for all residents of Rock Island. The City expressed its support and appreciation for the NAACP’s important work.
Pride Month
June was proclaimed as Pride Month in Rock Island to celebrate and commemorate the contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities. The proclamation acknowledged the integral role that the LGBT community plays in the cultural, academic, economic, artistic, and social spheres of Rock Island. Pride Month honors the history of the LGBT rights movement, with the month of June being significant due to the Stonewall Riots in 1969, which marked a turning point in the fight for LGBT rights. The City recognized the efforts of the LGBT community in organizing various events and activities during Pride Month.
In conclusion, the Rock Island City Council meeting on June 11, 2018, covered a range of important topics and updates for the community. The meeting highlighted initiatives such as the “Tell On Your Neighbor Awards,” an informational meeting on land acquisition, and the Starlite Review Summer Concert series. Additionally, the City Council celebrated the achievements of the Rock Island girls softball team and made proclamations for Bonus Fund Giving Week, Rock Island County NAACP Day, and Pride Month. These initiatives and events contribute to the growth, unity, and inclusivity of Rock Island, fostering a vibrant and thriving community.