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City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met Feb. 13.

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 Daniel McNeil (Ward 6)

Alderperson Anna Castro (Ward 7)

Alderperson James Patrick Schmidt (Alderperson At-Large)

ABSENT: None.

STAFF: Bob Vitas, City Administrator

Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator

Stephanie Murphy, City Clerk

Carol Barnes, Director of Finance ~ electronically

David Dryer, Director of Engineering

Eric Griffith, Director of Parks & Recreation

Chris Mathias, Director of Community & Economic Development

Bryon Lear, Director of Library Services

Tony Loete, Director of Utilities ~ electronically

Denver Schmitt, Director of Public Works

Leah Miller, Director of Human Resources

Darren Gault, Chief of Police

Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief

David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager

K.J. Whitley, Community Development Manager ~ electronically

OTHERS: Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel

David Silverman, Corporation Counsel ~ electronically

Alexandra Elias, Renew Moline

Jacob Foote, Quad Cities Chamber

Mayor Rayapati called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Mayor welcomed new Alderperson, Dan McNeil to the City Council.

Board Appointments

Mayor's appointment of Scott Raes to the Firefighters’ Pension Board to fill the unexpired term of Brian Vyncke to expire April 30, 2025

Mayor's appointment of Mark Beckwith to the Firefighters’ Pension Board to fill the unexpired term of Bill Grimes to expire April 30, 2025

Mayor’s appointment of Dan McNeil, Moline City Council 6th Ward Alderperson, to the Bi-State Regional Commission as City Council representative, concurrent with his aldermanic term

Mayor's appointment of Alex Spurgetis to the CACUP Board to fill the unexpired term of No "Hannah" Niang to expire July 31, 2024

Mayor noted that some of the vacancies being filled were due in part to attendance issues, as well as commissioners moving out of Moline.

Public Comment

Devon White, Moline citizen, spoke in favor of the City of Moline Compass ID program being presented for approval.

Questions on the Agenda

Committee-of-the-Whole Agenda Item #6.1 was pulled by City staff. The item is an ordinance authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Second Amendment to the Development Agreement between the City of Moline and Dolan Commons, LLC, related to the redevelopment of properties located at the northeast corner of 27th Street and Avenue of the Cities, Moline, Illinois.

Agenda Items

6.2 An Ordinance approving the tax increment redevelopment plan and project for the 5th Avenue (TIF 15) redevelopment project area. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, stated this item will appear later on in the agenda as we try to meet a rigorous deadline. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Timion. Motion passed unanimously.

6.3 An Ordinance designating the 5th Avenue (TIF 15) redevelopment project area. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.

6.4 An Ordinance adopting tax increment financing for the 5th Avenue (TIF 15) redevelopment project area. A motion was made by Alderperson Castro to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

6.5 An Ordinance amending Chapter 35, “ZONING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, by repealing Subsection 35-2208(e) in its entirety and reserving the subsection for future use. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, stated that Item 6.5 is code cleanup as recommended by the City attorney. The current language was created when comprehensive zoning was created. At this time, there is an appeal process that needs to be removed. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Murphy. Motion passed unanimously.

6.6 An Ordinance amending Chapter 35, “ZONING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, by enacting an amendment to the Zoning Map, incorporated therein as Section 35-3103 (3400 - 3600 blocks and 4100 - 5300 blocks of 38th Avenue). Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that staff is seeking approval on the rezoning, as presented. Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, shared that a neighborhood meeting was held at City Hall in December, 2023 and there was no negative feedback at that time. The amendment to the ordinance preserves all of the office space in use at the present time and also allows for more retail opportunities. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed unanimously.

6.7 An Ordinance amending Chapter 16, “LIBRARIES,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, by enacting one new ARTICLE III, “MOLINE COMPASS PROGRAM,” to establish the City of Moline Compass Program. Alderperson Macias stated the Moline Compass Program is a municipal identification program available to Moline residents. There are a number of different purposes and benefits. It can double as a library card. Minors can get an ID badge so if they should they become lost or have a medical emergency, they have an ID to identify them. The IDs will not supersede federal, State or other governmental laws. Alderperson Finch stated this helps not only emergency personnel but also connects Moline residents with programs that the City of Moline has to offer. Bryon Lear, Director of Library Services, was available to answer questions from Council. Discussion held. Mayor Rayapati shared that City of Moline Compass program opens up the ability for those who are currently without a bank account to get one, and then they can participate in the cashless system the MetroLINK systems are moving towards. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed unanimously.

6.8 A Resolution repealing Council Bill/Resolution No. 1080-2023 establishing a policy governing special events in the City of Moline, Illinois, and the formation of a special event committee; and approving the establishment of a new special event policy. Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator, shared that the policy regarding special events was edited by corporation counsel and they expanded some of the conditions where the City might grant funding requests. Ultimately, the policy gives the City an opportunity to have a highly vetted event. Dykhuizen noted that one procedure that is not new but is important to follow, is the request for an event 90 days prior to the event to ensure all necessary steps are followed. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Motion passed unanimously.

6.9 A Resolution approving the special event application for the Pride 5K event scheduled for Saturday, June 15, 2024, that is sponsored by The Project of the Quad Cities; authorizing a grant to The Project of the Quad Cities for the amount of $5,000 from the Special Events Fund to promote the event via print and digital media, branded items for giveaways, and other branded promotional items for distribution to attendees and sponsors; closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic; and authorizing the use of public right-of-way in conjunction with said event. Discussion held. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.

6.10 A Resolution approving the special event application for the TBK Quad Cities Marathon and road races scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024, and Sunday, September 22, 2024; certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic; and the use of public right-of-way in conjunction with said event. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

6.11 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to apply for a State Highway Permit from the Illinois Department of Transportation and to execute the necessary forms for temporary closure of the ramp along I-74 eastbound to Third Avenue (River Drive) in conjunction with the Quad Cities Marathon & Road Race, scheduled for Sunday, September 22, 2024. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.

6.12 A Resolution declaring vehicles and non-motorized assets as shown on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference as surplus property and authorizing the disposal of said vehicles and non-motorized assets by the Fleet and Facilities Manager through the legal disposal process that is most advantageous to the City, whether sealed bid, auction, negotiation or otherwise. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, shared that this is required for a vote by City Council. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed unanimously.

Informational

7.1 Urban Forestry Management Plan & Tree Grant Opportunities. Eric Griffith, Director of Parks & Recreation, presented a report on Urban Forestry Management Plan & Tree Grant Opportunities. Griffith reported this grant was received from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) through the help of Morton Arboretum. The Park Board hired Great Lakes Urban Forestry Management Company in the spring of 2023 and has been working with them since. The Parks & Recreation department approved the plan on October 26, 2023. Griffith stated that an ordinance update is a part of the grant. Griffith has worked with Ancel Glink on the ordinance updates. That item will be presented to council for approval at the February 27, 2024 meeting and, if approved, will align the ordinance with the urban forestry management plan. Discussion held. Alderperson Finch reported information regarding heat canopies. Griffith then reported there are two upcoming grant opportunities. One is due March 1, 2024. The next round will be due sometime in August, 2024. Griffith reported that the City will start implementing the Urban Forestry Management Plan. This plan will include creating a tree planting program with a cost share with residents and working with contractors for pruning, tree removal, and stumps removal. Griffith proposes paying for this program from the current budget and planning accordingly moving forward. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, commented stating tree maintenance is critical, sharing that there were a large number of trees that fell onto roadways with the latest winter storm. The fallen trees halted snow removal operations. Further discussion held.

7.2 2022-2024 Action Plan Dashboard, FY 23, Final Report. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported on the 2022-2024 Action Plan Dashboard, FY23, Final Report, stating that the plan had 85 different goals the Council wanted and 45 of 85 goal are completed. Thirteen of them are at 90% completion and will soon be completed. Vitas thanked Council for their efforts in allowing staff to plan the future of Moline and also thanked all the directors and employees who make this possible.

7.3 February 2024 Status & Information Report. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, shared information on the February 2024 Status & Information Report. Vitas reported projects are being completed. An administrative assistant was hired to help coordinate the rental housing and neighborhood improvement program. Engineering has implemented IonWave, an electronic bidding software. All parking leases, except one, have been updated. This had not been completed since 2010. All other parking leases suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic have been brought up-to-date and people have paid. The utility billing transition is going smoothly. By March, 2024 all residents will be on monthly billing. Year-end payroll reports are out on time, which is a federal requirement. Discussion held. Alderperson Schmidt requested that future rental housing inspection program letters state that if the person received the letter in error and the property is not a rental, they need to contact City staff so staff is aware. Otherwise, the property owner could be responsible for paying unnecessary fines. Vitas responded stating staff would look at a way to add language to the second letter before it goes out so those who receive the letters can let the City know if the property is not a rental property.

Adjournment of the Committee-of-the-Whole and Council Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Invocation

There was no Invocation.

Roll Call

Roll call was taken with Mayor Rayapati, Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, Castro and Schmidt present. Absent: None.

Consent Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Committee-of-the-Whole, Council and Executive Session minutes of January 23, 2024, and appointments made at Committee-of-the-Whole on February 13, 2024.

Second Reading Ordinances

13.1 3001-2024 An Ordinance amending Chapter 34, “WATER AND SEWERS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 34-2104, “SPECIAL SERVICE,” Section 34-2121, “CHARGES AND COLLECTIONS,” Section 34-3107, “SPECIAL AGREEMENTS,” and Section 34-3200, “SEWERAGE RATE SYSTEM,” to address outside customers desiring connection to the City’s water and sewer systems and future annexation.

Resolutions

14.1 1013-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Director of Engineering to release a Notice of Intent to Create a Quiet Zone within the City of Moline in compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) guidelines.

14.2 1014-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Ostrom Painting & Sandblasting, Inc., for Project #1441, 2024 Pavement Marking Program, for the amount of $242,390.00.

14.3 1015-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Five Cities Construction Company for Project #1458, City Hall Parking Lot Reconstruction, for the amount of $440,309.28.

14.4 1016-2024 A Resolution authorizing Change Order No. 4 with Leander Construction, Inc., to adjust the schedule for the North Slope Wastewater Treatment Plant Biosolids Dewatering Project and authorizing the Director of Utilities to execute said change order and any and all necessary documents related to this work.

14.5 1017-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an IMPACT Memorandum of Understanding with the Illowa Construction Labor and Management Council and Tri-City Electric Co. for the Water Plant Lighting Improvement Project.

14.6 1018-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to Addendum No. 1 to the Employment Agreement between the City of Moline and Bogdan Vitas, extending the terms of the Agreement through July 31, 2025, to align with personnel policies and practices.

Omnibus Vote

Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Finch, moved to approve and adopt, by omnibus vote, these items. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias; nays: none.

Non-Consent Agenda

Resolutions

16.1 1019-2024 A Resolution approving a final change order with McCarthy Improvement Company for Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Section #21-00279-00-RP, 26th Avenue Reconstruction, for the amount of $33,665.47. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias; nays: none.

16.2 1020-2024 A Resolution approving a Supplemental Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code for Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Section Number 21-00279- 00-RP, 26th Avenue Reconstruction, 3800 Block to 41st Street, for the amount of $96,248.69. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias; nays: none.

16.3 1021-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and Chief of Police to execute an Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification between the Federal Government and the City of Moline Police Department setting forth the requirements for participation in the Equitable Sharing Program and certifying all receipts and expenditures of federal forfeiture funds, property, and interest during the last fiscal year. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias; nays: none.

16.4 1022-2024 A Resolution approving Payment No. 10 and Final with Centennial Contractors of the Quad Cities, Inc., for Project #1415, 2023 Patching Program, for the amount of $372,922.21. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias; nays: none.

16.5 1023-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Real Estate Donation Contract between M & M Lawn & Snow LLC and the City of Moline, for Parcel No. 08-32-412-004, located at the northeast corner of 7th Avenue and 14th Street, in Moline, Illinois; and authorizing the Mayor and City staff to do any and all things necessary to accept said parcel pursuant to the Real Estate Donation Contract. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that M&M Lawn & Snow LLC has offered their property to the City as a donation. City staff pursued that with Matt Stern, co-owner of Stern Beverage, Inc. The document prepared by legal and approved by Mr. Stern and his legal counsel for the donation to take place. The property will be demolished and in its place we will find another use for the space. Discussion held. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias; nays: none.

16.6 1024-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to the First Amendment to the Grant Agreement with Project Now Affordable Housing, LLC, for the administration of the “Level Up” Program. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Timion. Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to amend the document “Level Up Grants: Economic Mobility Program”, in the section “How to Qualify”, under subsection “Level A” to add at the end of the subsection “Preference will be given to applicants who are currently enrolled in a credentialing or licensing program”. Motion to amend passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias; nays: none. The original motion, as amended, passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias; nays: none.

First Reading Ordinances

17.1 An Ordinance approving the tax increment redevelopment plan and project for the 5th Avenue (TIF 15) redevelopment project area. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, moved to advance Item #17.1 to second reading. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias; nays: none.

17.2 An Ordinance designating the 5th Avenue (TIF 15) redevelopment project area. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to advance Item #17.2 to second reading. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias; nays: none.

17.3 An Ordinance adopting tax increment financing for the 5th Avenue (TIF 15) redevelopment project area. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, moved to advance Item #17.3 to second reading. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias; nays: none.

17.4 An Ordinance creating a PACE Area and establishing the Illinois Finance Authority Property Assessed Clean Energy Program for record owners of property that, from time to time, may voluntarily request the levy of special assessments to secure the financing or refinancing of their PACE projects; authorizing program administrators to act thereunder; designating the Illinois Finance Authority as the sole issuer of bonds and notes; and approving related matters. Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Razzaque, moved to advance Item #17.4 to second reading. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias; nays: none.

Miscellaneous Business

Mayor Rayapati shared that there is potential for a special meeting if a development agreement for the Parr Industries project becomes available. Mayor Rayapati reported that she spoke at Mayor’s breakfast at a Quad Cities Chamber event on Friday, February 9, 2024. More information from that event will be shared at State of the City Address on Monday, February 26, 2024. Mayor Rayapati stated that she represented the City with Governor Pritzker at a childcare center in East Moline today, February 13, 2024. At the event, the owner, Paquita Richardson, who was helped by the City’s American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funded program, was mentioned. Mayor Rayapati revealed she is proud of this organization for being ahead of the game and appreciates all the work that has been done.

Alderperson Castro shared that on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m., the Moline Human Rights Commission is holding a Scam Seminar at the Moline Public Library. The event is presented by the Moline Police Department, the IT Department, and the Moline Human Rights Commission. Mayor Rayapati asked that this information be shared on our social media platforms. Alderperson Macias reported that in the financial service industry, fraudsters are taking advantage of a lot of people and this is a trend that continues to grow.

Public Comment

Paul Roesner spoke against the Ordinance amending Chapter 35, “ZONING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, by enacting an amendment to the Zoning Map, incorporated therein as Section 35-3103 (3400 - 3600 blocks and 4100 - 5300 blocks of 38th Avenue).

Executive Session:

Alderperson Murphy, seconded by Alderperson Timion, moved for Executive Session, for the purpose of discussion of Property Acquisition-5 ILCS 120/2(C)(5) and Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees-5 ILCS 120/2(C)(1). Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias; nays: none.

City Council convened in Executive Session at 7:19 p.m.

Council reconvened in open session at 8:03 p.m.

Adjournment of City Council

Upon motion of Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Macias, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is on February 20, 2024. View recorded meetings at http://www.moline.il.us/remotecouncil

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9760