Rock Island Today

City of Moline Historic Preservation Commission met Oct. 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Commission Members	Present	Absent
Frank Ege	x
Jeff Adamson	x
Dan Mizner	x
Brandon Tidwell	x
Dick Potter	x
Barb Sandberg	x
Jeff Dismer	x
Jennifer Bizarri - Staff	x
Savanna Cruz - Staff	x
Chris Mathias – Staff	x
Seán Foley – Staff	x
Diane Moore – Moline Preservation Society	x

Meeting called to order: At 4:00 pm by Chairman Mizner.

Roll Call

Introduction of Guests – N/A

Approval of the Meeting Minutes for September 11, 2023 Meeting

Motion made by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Sandberg to approve the minutes from the September 11, 2023 meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

New Business:

• Code suggestion: HPC review buildings over 50 years prior to issuing a demolition permit.

Chairman Mizner stated the ordinance for the demolition of buildings built prior to 1950 drafted by city staff was good. Commissioner Sandberg liked how the word “principal” was incorporated into the ordinance. The Historic Preservation Commission had asked for Section 6(b) to be updated. Mr. Chris Mathias is going to update the Commission after legal counsel has reviewed the ordinance with the revisions.

• MHPC By-Laws

Commissioner Sandberg requested under Article II, Section 3, that the language include reasons why a Commissioner is able to attend a meeting virtually. Mr. Seán Foley suggested the Commission include language under Article VI to what month the election of officers take place. The HPC agreed the month of January would be when they would hold elections. According to the amendments under Section X, the By-Laws will need to come back for a second reading at the next HPC meeting for a motion to approve.

• Gordon Memorial Church 1330 26th St. Moline Redevelopment

Chairman Mizner stated Landeros & Sons are going to purchase the property. Mr. Mathias explained the plan for the property is to be a single-family home. If there are to be changes to the zoning, the case could possibly go to Plan Commission for approval. City Staff is still working out the details. Commissioner Tidwell noted it is a win for the Historic Preservation Commission, as the City of Moline has chosen to preserve and redevelop the Gordon Memorial Church.

• Depot Clock Monument

Mr. Mathias explained if the Commission plans on having the Depot Clock down by the I-74 Bridge and Spiegel Building, it could take up to a year of planning for it to be emplaced, as the national developers, MKSK, are working on the Riverfront Master Plan at this time. If the Commission would like to arrange another location, action could be quicker to have the clock emplaced. Commissioner Sandberg explained that the area by the Spiegel Building is where the Commission prefer the clock to be located.

• Post Office Sale

Commissioner Sandberg heard the City was going to purchase the old Post Office and add a solar farm on the property. Ms. Diane Moore, with the Moline Preservation Society, stated she is concerned that the historic property (Post Office) will be taken down for the addition of a solar farm. Mr. Mathias explained the city has not purchased the Post Office as of now, but will follow up if he hears different.

• City Hall Renovation

Commissioners had read an article that the City was going to renovate City Hall. Mr. Mathias is going to let the Commission know when he hears any updates of a renovation.

• Approval of HPC 2024 Meeting Schedule

Motion made by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Dismer to approve the Historic Preservation Commission 2024 Meeting Schedule (the second Monday of each month), with an amendment to move the November 2024 monthly meeting to the first Monday in November (November 4, 2024). Motion carried unanimously.

Old Business:

• Historic Mural Brick Repair

Mr. Mathias explained the city attorney found the license agreement between the previous building owner and the HPC did not transfer to the new property owner of the building, so there is no agreement.

• Redevelopment of the JCPenney Building

Mr. Mathias stated negotiations are continuing with the developer of the JCPenney Building.

• Draft RFP for the Historic Structures Survey (On Hold)

The draft RFP for Historic Structures Survey is on hold until either Chair Mizner or Mr. Foley hear back from the State.

Reports:

● Fire Station #3 (502 River Drive) - Damage & Neglect – N/A

● Public Arts Commission

Commissioner Dismer explained the Public Art Commission (PAC) had a great response to the Request for Proposal for the mural at 1405 5th Avenue. There were 70 submittals. The PAC reviewed the top 20 submittals at a special meeting and it was narrowed down to 3 submittals. The PAC and the building owner voted on one: Werc and Geraluz. The artists plan on having the mural finished this year. Commissioner Dismer stated the PAC is going to work with the Moline Parks and Recreation Department on another mural for the new Bass Street Landing restroom building to be built next year. Commissioner Dismer continued that the PAC is in the process of selecting sites for next year’s public sculpture program, and potentially incorporating art within the Floriciente’s Veteran’s Memorial Park.

● Proposed Riverfront Redevelopment

Mr. Mathias stated MKSK, Riverfront Master Plan developers, will be at the Bridgepointe 485 site on Saturday, October 14 from 4pm to 6pm to get public input on the Riverfront Master Plan. There will be live music, a food truck, and fall activities for the community to participate in.

● David B. Sears Recognition

Commissioner Ege is working on a presentation for the recognition. He has spoken with City Administrator, Bob Vitas, about putting signage on 15th Street and received an estimate on painted panels. He also has someone sending him information on brass plaques and panels.

● Main Street & Commercial Façade Improvement program – N/A

● Downtown Heritage Tour Web site and promotional materials

Commissioner Sandberg stated she has gotten all the buildings on the website. Mr. Mathias explained the City of Moline is in the process of updating their website, and stated there should be a better way for the public to view the Downtown Heritage Tour site on the Moline website. Commissioner Sandberg stated Kirk Marske, Moline Centre Program Manager, wanted to add the Heritage Tour website to the Moline Centre Partners webpage as well.

● Spiegel Building (1506 River Drive)

Mr. Mathias said the Spiegel Building is part of the MKSK Riverfront Plan. There are currently ideas for the building (possible food hall), but the City is now working with MKSK on ideas for the building.

● Leedy Building (1530 5th Ave) - N/A

● John Deere House (1217 11th Ave)

Commissioner Sandberg spoke with Mr. Vitas about the overgrown hillside of the John Deere House, and Mr. Vitas is to have city staff clear the hillside so it will look clean again.

● McKinley School (4th Ave & 41st St.) & Manual Arts Building Redevelopment

Mr. Mathias is looking for developers, and has scheduled a meeting with Gorman and Company. He is also speaking with the Moline Housing Authority about the Manual Arts Building.

● Other: Discussion had on sites for housing.

Public Comments

Announcements: Next meeting Monday, November 13, 2023

Adjournment: Motion made by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Sandberg to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 5:16 p.m.

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9525