City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met May 16.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Committee-of-the-Whole Call to Order
PRESENT: Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati (Chair)
Alderperson Debbie Murphy (Ward 1)
Alderperson Alvaro Macias (Ward 2)
Alderperson Abdur Razzaque (Ward 3)
Alderperson Matt Timion (Ward 4)
Alderperson Jessica Finch (Ward 5)
Alderperson Pat O’Brien (Ward 6)
Alderperson Anna Castro (Ward 7)
Alderperson James Patrick Schmidt (Alderperson At-Large)
ABSENT: None.
STAFF: Bob Vitas, City Administrator
Brandi Russell, Deputy City Clerk
Carol Barnes, Finance Director
David Dryer, Director of Engineering ~electronically
Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator
Darren Gault, Chief of Police
Eric Griffith, Parks Recreation Director
Bryon Lear, Library Director ~electronically
Tony Loete, Director of Utilities
Leah Miller, Human Resources Director
Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief
David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager
K.J. Whitley, Community Development Manager ~electronically
Rodd Schick, Municipal Services General Manager
Eric Wells & Joseph Kluever, Moline Police Department
OTHERS: Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel
Grace Kinnecutt, Dispatch/Argus
Mayor Rayapati called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Board Appointments
Mayor’s reappointment of Dee Runnels to the Library Board for a full 3-year term, to expire May 31, 2026.
Mayor’s reappointment of Bob Poor to the Library Board for a full 3-year term, to expire May 31, 2026. Mayor’s reappointment of Regina Nelson to the Library Board for a full 3-year term, to expire May 31, 2026.
Mayor’s reappointment of Rick Jennings to the Police Pension Fund Board for a full 2-year term, to expire April 30, 2025.
Mayor’s reappointment of Jeff Nelson to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners for a full 3-year term, to expire May 31, 2026.
Mayor's reappointment of Daniel Williams to the Moline Park and Recreation Board for a full five-year term, to expire May 31, 2028.
Mayor's appointment of Mark Harpole to the Plan Commission to fill the unexpired term of Bill Fitzsimmons, expiring June 30, 2027.
Mayor's appointment of Debbie Murphy, Moline City Council 1st Ward Alderperson, to the Keep Moline Beautiful Commission as City Council representative, concurrent with their aldermanic term.
Mayor's appointment of Anna Castro, Moline City Council 7th Ward Alderperson, to the Project Management Team as City Council representative, concurrent with their aldermanic term.
Mayor's appointment of James Patrick Schmidt, Moline City Council Alderperson-at-Large, to the Project Management Team as City Council representative, concurrent with their aldermanic term.
Mayor's appointment of Pat O'Brien, Moline City Council 6th Ward Alderperson, to the Rock Island County Waste Management Agency (RICWMA) and Bi-State Regional Commission as City Council representative, concurrent with their aldermanic term.
Mayor's appointment of Jessica Finch, Moline City Council 5th Ward Alderperson, to the Moline Park and Recreation Board as City Council representative, concurrent with their aldermanic term.
Mayor's appointment of Abdur Razzaque, Moline City Council 3rd Ward Alderperson, to the Library Board and the Moline Community Development Corporation (MCDC) Board as the City Council representative, concurrent with their aldermanic term.
Mayor's appointment of Alvaro Macias, Moline City Council 2nd Ward Alderperson, to the Moline Centre Main Street Commission as City Council representative, concurrent with their aldermanic term.
Proclamation
4.1 A Proclamation from Darren Gault, Chief of Police, to observe the week of May 14-20, 2023, as "National Police Week". Chief Gault recognized all fallen officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their communities and spoke about the valuable services that are provided by the Police Department.
4.2 A Proclamation by the American Public Works Association to declare the week of May 21-27, 2023, as "National Public Works Week". Rodd Schick, Municipal Services General Manager, thanked the City Council for this recognition. The services that Public Works provides are used by every resident in the City in some form.
Public Comment
None.
Questions on the Agenda
None.
Informational
7.1 Evergreen Class & Comp Study. Leah Miller, Human Resources Director, introduced the Evergreen Classification and Compensation study. The City wants to remain competitive in recruiting and retaining well-qualified staff. The City had issued a Request of Proposals (RFP) in 2022, and Evergreen Solutions was selected. Rob Williamson, Evergreen Solutions, presented the results from the Study (presentation linked in agenda). Williamson reviewed the study process and remaining steps. The City of Moline had very high staff participation rates in the study. The ultimate goal is to create a proposed pay plan that is fair internally, competitive externally, and fiscally responsible. To solve the issue of wage compression, a hybrid parity model was introduced. Hybrid parity moves employees in their pay range based on their hybrid years, where 100 percent credit is received for time spent in one’s current job title and 50 percent credit is received for time spent in other positions within the City. Mayor Rayapati requested more information about the 60th percentile, and Mr. Williamson explained that roughly 75percent of clients he has worked with were at the 50th percentile of the market, a typical starting point. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, stated that we are currently at the 55th percentile with the old plan. Discussion had. Pay should be based on a combination of tenure and merit. Williamson said that ideally, a cost of living adjustment would be made along with the hybrid parity implementation. Vitas shared that this has been a lengthy process, spanning over several years. At that time, the City Council had decided that the 55th percentile was where they wanted to be. Vitas asked the current Council members if they were comfortable being at the 60th percentile. Alderperson Schmidt said he is comfortable with that percentile, or even increasing it, if it would retain and recruit employees. Schmidt asked City staff to look into where our bargaining units stand in relation to this. Alderperson Timion echoed support of the 60th percentile in order to edge out competition. Alderperson Razzaque agreed with the suggested 60th percentile to retain skilled employees. Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel, asked for clarification from Alderperson Schmidt’s comment, and he stated that he would like meetings to be convened with the unions to gain feedback before this item returns to the agenda.
7.2 Chapter 22, "OFFENSES - MISCELLANEOUS" Amendments. Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel, reminded the City Council that review of the Moline Code of Ordinances continues, in order to update, revise and clean-up outdated language, and make non-substantive changes. Chief Gault reviewed some of the changes in a high-level overview. The ordinances in Chapter 22 should mirror current Illinois Compiled State Statutes, which gives the City a civil remedy as an alternative to a state offense. Significant but non-substantive changes were made to sections including curfew, truancy, penalties, and tobacco. Section 22-1105(o), “Offenses on School Grounds” will be added, which describes how schools apply discipline for the first two offenses, after which police will issue tickets upon the third offense. Alderperson Timion questioned Section 22-1105(m)(1-5), and it was suggested that “Mayor” be changed to “Liquor Commissioner”. Alderperson Schmidt inquired about Section 22-1108(b), “Swimming in Rivers Prohibited”, and said it is unclear, in reference to violating a contract about embarking from shore. Chief Gault will follow up with the City’s legal team and Corporation Counsel about revisions.
7.3 Chapter 26, "POLICE" Amendments. Darren Gault, Chief of Police, explained that the Chapter 26 amendments contained no substantive changes. Legal definitions and titles were updated, and the rules and regulations section regarding sidewalk defect reporting was deleted, as this is no longer reported by ordinance.
Adjournment of the Committee-of-the-Whole and Council Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation
Alderperson Murphy gave an Invocation.
Roll Call
Roll call was taken with Mayor Rayapati, Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro and Schmidt present. Absent: None.
Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes
Committee-of-the-Whole and Council minutes of May 2, 2023, Committee-of-the-Whole and Council minutes of May 9, 2023, and appointments made at Committee-of-the-Whole on May 16, 2023.
Resolutions
13.1 1095-2023 A Resolution authorizing the approval of a Resolution for Improvement under the Illinois Highway Code for Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Section Number 22-00290-00-ES, Engineering Services for 7th Avenue Reconstruction, for the amount of $157,061.00.
13.2 1096-2023 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to acceptance of a Sanitary Sewer and Drainage Easement with Moline-Coal Valley School District #40, for the property located at 4205 48th Street, commonly known as Butterworth School.
13.3 1097-2023 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Walter D. Laud, Inc. for Project #1417, 45th Street Reconstruction, for the amount of $665,503.17.
13.4 1098-2023 A Resolution granting a revision to a permanent waiver of Section 28-3200(a) and Section 35-4218, of the Moline Code of Ordinances, and estimated payment into the sidewalk fund in lieu of construction of sidewalk along 10th Avenue for property located at 1002 27th Street, Moline, PIN 0833407001.
13.5 1099-2023 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an agreement between the City of Moline and the Board of Education of Moline-Coal Valley School District No. 40 setting forth the terms for assignment of four police liaison officers to Moline schools for the 2023-2024 school year.
13.6 1100-2023 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Lease Agreement between the Moline Parks and Recreation Board and the Quad City Skyraiders, for a lease term of April 1, 2023 through April 30, 2028.
13.7 1101-2023 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an amendment to an Intergovernmental Agreement providing for the Rock River Valley Regional Sewage System.
13.8 1102-2023 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to make application, to enter into an agreement, and to execute all necessary assurances and certifications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for CDBG entitlement funding under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, of certain projects and programs for fiscal year 2023; and approving projects and program recommendations of the Citizens Advisory Council on Urban Policy (CACUP) for the use of 2023 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and the 2023 Annual Action Plan, which contains said projects and programs; and authorizing the Mayor to implement those approved projects and programs upon the approval of the City of Moline 2023 Annual Action Plan by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and to exercise any and all powers required to obtain such funding and to implement those approved projects.
Omnibus Vote
Alderperson O’Brien, seconded by Alderperson Timion, moved to approve and adopt, by omnibus vote, these items. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, and Schmidt; nays: none.
Non-Consent Agenda
Resolutions
15.1 1103-2023 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Davenport Electric Contract Company for Project #1419, Traffic Signal Improvements at 12th Avenue & 27th Street, for the amount of $93,874.75.
Approved. Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to approve Council Bill 1103- 2023. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, and Schmidt; nays: none.
15.2 1104-2023 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to amend the current agreement with Mission Square Retirement (formerly International City Management Association Retirement Corporation) to include changes to retiree health insurance benefits implemented for IAFF employees hired on or after January 1, 2020.
Approved. Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson O’Brien, moved to approve Council Bill 1104-2023. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, and Schmidt; nays: none.
Miscellaneous Business
Mayor Rayapati stated that 1) Thursday, May 18 at 6:00 p.m. is the kick-off for the Bass Street Landing Summer Concert Series, and asked City Council for a volunteer to attend and open with a greeting; 2) there is a Q.C. Christian School invitation for the gymnasium ribbon cutting at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, if any alderperson is interested in attending; 3) there is a June 1 ribbon cutting for Hotworx Moline and she will email information out to Council; 4) she is headed to Madison, WI for the Mayors Innovation Project to speak, and she will also soon be attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Columbus, OH; 5) she was the only mayor at the Forum for Social Connection, and she was invited to speak at their national conference in October; 6) the environmental working group is considering participating in a plastic-free July; Rock Island and East Moline may also join us.
Alderperson Timion indicated that he traveled to Palo Alto, California, last week, and noted there were many housing options. He also noticed that the City still has a lot of overhead power lines, which he finds surprising for a modern and affluent city.
Alderperson O’Brien attended his first RICWMA meeting as a liaison and inquired about the transfer station project, but he was reminded that we are in a 90-day silent period. Bob Vitas said there are hearings scheduled in the last week of June. He reminded Council members that they should attend the hearings if possible. Mayor Rayapati reminded Council to closely read the email sent by David Silverman, Corporation Counsel. O’Brien also shared information on free disposal for tires.
Alderperson Macias suggested an option to dispose of non-recyclable plastics, at a church in the 2nd Ward behind El Mariachi.
Alderperson O’Brien volunteered for the Bass Street Landing Concert Series event that was previously mentioned by Mayor Rayapati.
Alderperson Castro shared that the Human Rights Commission is holding a Community Dinner at the Islamic Center on June 17th, and directed Council members to email Amy Saunders, Legal Services Specialist, for more information.
Alderperson Schmidt reported that at their last meeting, the Library Board had approved going fine-free moving forward, as many other local libraries have already done. Patrons are still expected to pay for lost items. Going fine-free has proven to increase the rate of return of books.
Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that work is being done on the strategic plan with the input gathered from Council at last week’s roundtable. He also stated that the Community and Economic Development Department is fully staffed, aside from the new position of Economic Development Manager. The City’s IT Department has also launched a new chatbot on the City’s website with positive results thus far. The more often it is used, the more it will “learn”.
Mayor Rayapati added that Brad Hauman, Neighborhood Improvement Officer, has issued many citations recently. She reminded Council that residents have one week to respond to the notice. She is reinstituting listening posts, which are community discussions that are sometimes themed, and it is Alderperson’s Schmidt’s turn to co-host. This will occur Tuesday, May 23rd at the Moline Public Library Gold Room.
Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief, shared information about the annual Moline Local 581 Memorial Service at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 20th at the Central Fire Station.
Chief of Police Darren Gault encouraged everyone to visit Dunkin Donuts on Avenue of the Cities for “Cop on a Rooftop” this Friday, May 19th from 5:00 a.m. to Noon, with proceeds benefitting Special Olympics. Also, on May 23rd, the Moline Police Benevolent Association will begin grave marking for police officers for Memorial Day, starting at 7:00 a.m. at Flip’s Pancake House.
Public Comment
There was no additional public comment.
Adjournment of City Council
Upon motion of Alderperson Macias, seconded by Alderperson Timion, the Council meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9019
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