City of Moline Committee of the Whole & Council met Jan. 20.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
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: Bob Vitas, City Administrator
STAFF: Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator
Bill Atkins, City Attorney
Stephanie Murphy, City Clerk
Carol Barnes, Director of Finance
Laura Klauer, Director of Engineering
Chris Mathias, Director of Community & Economic Development
Chris Parr, Chief Economic Development Officer
Laura Williamson, Director of Utilities
Bryon Lear, Director of Library Services ~electronically
Denver Schmitt, Director of Public Works
Leah Madsen, Director of Human Resources
Darren Gault, Chief of Police
Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief
David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager
KJ Whitley, Community Development Manager
Ashley Allen Smith, Community Engagement Manager
Chris Day, House Construction Specialist
OTHERS: Megan Olsen, Alzheimer’s Association
Mayor Rayapati called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Roll call was taken with Mayor Rayapati, Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, and Schmidt present. Absent: None.
January 20, 2026
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Board Appointments
Mayor’s reappointment of Jose Castro to the Human Rights Commission for a 2-year term to expire August 31, 2027.
Mayor’s reappointment of Matt Stoefen to the Human Rights Commission for a 2-year term to expire August 31, 2027.
Mayor’s appointment of Jabari Jackson to the Citizens Advisory Council (CACUP) to fill the unexpired term of Ashley Gomez to expire July 31, 2027.
Mayor’s appointment of Mgcini Mpofu to the Moline Housing Authority to fill the unexpired term of Andy Rodriguez to expire July 31, 2026.
Proclamation
A Proclamation from the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking and Braking Traffik to declare January 2026, as “Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.” Maggie Tinsman presented remarks on human trafficking and braking traffik awareness.
Questions on the Agenda
Item 8.4 has some revisions to the attached Administrative Services Agreement with Renew Moline. Each alderperson received an updated copy at their seat.
Mayor asked Chris Parr about the acreage listed in the Explanation Page and Council Bill for Item 8.2, the lease with Hyprlift, Inc. The two references (one in the Council Bill and one in the Explanation Page) will be updated from .09 to .12, regarding the acreage. Upon further physical review of the tower access points and the surrounding building(s) structural column layout, the change is necessary.
Agenda Items
8.1 A Resolution approving Change Order No. 1 and Final with Langman Construction, Inc., for Project #1481, 2025 Patching Program, for the amount of $458,280.40. Laura Klauer, Director of Engineering, stated this is the final change order. The overages are due to increase in emergency utility repairs, due to aging lead service lines, that occurred in FY25. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Discussion followed. Motion carried unanimously.
8.2 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Lease Agreement for the City-owned Property comprised of the vacant former elevator test tower and a portion of the immediately adjacent southerly shipping and receiving facility in the Moline Riverfront Area (“Property”) with Hyprlift, Inc.; and authorizing the City Attorney and staff to do all things necessary to complete each of the City’s responsibilities and enforce each of the City’s expected benefits as referred to in such Lease Agreement. Chris Parr, Chief Economic Development Officer, stated the City of Moline is the owner of the property. This property has been identified as property available for lease. $2,500 per month for two sequential five-year lease terms. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Chris Parr, Chief Economic Development Officer,stated this brings a solution to part of the downtown riverfront project. The proposed use and ongoing maintenance of the facility, including ensuring its structural integrity, are addressed through this solution. The company was described as innovative. The National Science Foundation is a direct funder of Hyprlift, Inc. Motion carried unanimously.
8.3 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Disposal Agreement with Millennium Waste Incorporated (MWI) for a term of five years beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2030. Denver Schmitt, Director of Public Works, in December there was a request for the first part of this bid, which was a joint bid with Milan and Rock Island for traditional refuse collection. This is for sludge and yard waste. As staff was trying to determine low bid for this, there was a discussion with Republic where they disclosed that there was an assess rate in addition to the regular rate. Therefore, staff is recommending MWI for a term of five years with an option to opt out. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion carried unanimously.
8.4 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an Administrative Services Agreement with Renew Moline, Inc., to define the scope of services and responsibilities for the Moline Centre Program and approving the FY 2026 Moline Centre Program budget allocation for the amount of $156,000. Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator, reported this is a budgeted allocation for $156,000 to Renew Moline. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion carried unanimously.
8.5 A Resolution approving the special event application for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, that is sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association; authorizing a grant to the Alzheimer’s Association for the amount of $500 from the Special Events Fund to support the Friends of Walk marketing distribution plan; closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic; and authorizing the use of public right-of-way in conjunction with said event. Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator, stated the request is for a similar route as previous years with the same financial request as 2025. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion carried unanimously.
8.6 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Joint Funding Agreement for Federally Funded Construction for Section No. 24-00299-00-SG, Safe Routes to School Signing Project. Laura Klauer, Director of Engineering, stated this is an agreement between the City and the Illinois Department of Transportation to construct a Safe Routes to School project. The City received $250,000 in Safe Routes to School funding to install some electronic signage around seven schools in Moline. There is no local match. The project is budgeted in 2026. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion carried unanimously.
8.7 An Ordinance amending Chapter 4, “ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 4-3104, “NUMBER OF LICENSES,” by increasing the number of Class B Tavern liquor licenses in the City at the request of Ritesh Singh, S&R Core Group LLC, d/b/a QC Fun Factory, at 1624 Avenue of the Cities, Moline, Illinois. Bill Atkins, City Attorney, stated this request is conditional in nature. The applicant is currently in the process of obtaining the required property consents. Atkins explained that approval of this item by Council does not constitute approval of a license, nor does it authorize the immediate operation of the facility. The site may only become operational once all required application documentation has been completed and approved, including the necessary property owner consents.
A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Timion. Motion carried unanimously. Discussion followed. Ritesh Singh, potential owner of property located at 1624 Avenue of the Cities, stated he has not signed the lease for the property because he would have to invest $1M. If Council does not approve the license, he does not want to invest the money. He believes he can get the property consents signed in two weeks, before the next council meeting.
8.8 An Ordinance amending Chapter 5, “AMUSEMENTS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 5-1101(c), by increasing the number of Video Gaming Terminal licensed establishments in the City at the request of Ritesh Singh, S&R Core Group LLC d/b/a QC Fun Factory, at 1624 Avenue of the Cities, Moline, Illinois. Bill Atkins, City Attorney, reported that the matter pertains to the same facility and that approval of the liquor license is required before a video gaming license may be issued to the applicant. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion carried unanimously.
8.9 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Agreement for Professional Services with Walker Consultants, Inc., to perform a Parking Management Study and Plan of Downtown Moline for the amount of $124,945.00 plus reimbursable expenses. Laura Klauer, Director of Engineering, reported that in October 2025, staff issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) and received six proposals from consultants. Following staff review, Walker Consultants was selected based on their experience and qualifications. Although the project was not included in the adopted budget, Finance has confirmed that sufficient funds are available in the Parking Fund.
A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Timion. Discussion followed. Alderperson Timion noted that a City-owned parking lot behind the Highland building, which is located at the southwest corner of Avenue of the Cities and 31st Street, is being used almost exclusively at this time by the residents of Highland Manor Apartments. He expressed support for implementing paid parking on City-owned lots and asked whether this City-owned parking lot could be included in the study. Mayor Rayapati responded that because the RFP had already been issued and was written specifically for downtown Moline, the additional lot could not be added to the current study but could be addressed in the future. Motion carried unanimously.
Informational
2024-2026 Strategic Plan Dashboard FY25, Q4. Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator, presented an update on the 2024-2026 Strategic Plan Dashboard FY25, Quarter 4. Among the highlights are the launch of the Riverside Riverslide pool, creation of a landlord certification program, establishment of an investigative group/gun unit in the police department, and creation and adoption of an I-74 redevelopment master plan. Looking ahead, Engineering had its first bid opening for 2026 and staff will to continue to work on the new Strategic Plan for 2026-2029.
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, McNeil, Castro, and Schmidt present. Absent: None.
Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes and Appointments
A motion was made by Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Castro, to approve the Committee-of the-Whole and Council meeting minutes of January 6, 2026. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none.
Alderperson Castro inquired as to whether she should recuse herself from the appointments read aloud at the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting on January 20, 2026. Her husband, Jose Castro, is being appointed to the Human Rights Commission. Mayor Rayapati stated the Clerk will read the three parts of the omnibus vote separately so Alderperson Castro can recuse herself from the approval of the appointments. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Razzaque, to approve the appointments made at Committee of-the-Whole on January 20, 2026. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none; recusal: Alderperson Castro.
Second Reading Ordinances
17.1 3003-2026 An Ordinance amending Chapter 4, “ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 4-3104, “NUMBER OF LICENSES,” by increasing the number of Class B Tavern licenses in the City at the request of Jeffrey Close, J.D. Close Entertainment LLC, purchaser of the Broken Saddle Saloon, 1417 5th Avenue, Moline.
17.2 3004-2026 An Ordinance amending Chapter 22, “OFFENSES MISCELLANEOUS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 22-1105, “TOBACCO PRODUCTS, TOBACCO ACCESSORIES, SMOKING HERBS AND ALTERNATIVE NICOTINE PRODUCTS,” by increasing the number of Class B Incidental Tobacco Dealer’s Licenses in the City of Moline at the request of J.D. Close Entertainment LLC, dba the Broken Saddle Saloon.
17.3 3005-2026 An Ordinance amending Chapter 22, “OFFENSES MISCELLANEOUS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 22-1105, “TOBACCO PRODUCTS, TOBACCO ACCESSORIES, SMOKING HERBS AND ALTERNATIVE NICOTINE PRODUCTS,” by increasing the number of Class B Incidental Tobacco Dealer’s Licenses in the City of Moline at the request of Central Store LLC d/b/a Central Store.
Resolutions
18.1 1007-2026 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Moline and Moline-Coal Valley School District No. 40 to establish terms and conditions under which the City will provide fuel, pretreated road salt, and use of the drive-through vehicle wash for purchase to the School District for a term of ten (10) years.
18.2 1008-2026 A Resolution approving Change Order No. 1 and Final with Otto Baum Company, Inc., for Project #1499, 2025 Midtowne Parking Ramp Repairs, for the amount of $4,609.55.
18.3 1009-2026 A Resolution approving the City of Moline Public Art Commission’s recommendation of Skunk Control as the choice artist and said artist’s proposed design for a public art installation at Project Area No. 1 (the Q Multimodal Station), cited in the Moline Public Art and Placemaking Plan; and authorizing the Mayor to execute a Leading Light Public Art Project Agreement between the City of Moline, the Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District, the Quad City Arts and Skunk Control, for the design and installation of a large-scale, interactive and illuminated public art installation at Project Area No. 1, pursuant to the Intergovernmental Agreement adopted by Resolution No. 1145-2024; and authorizing City staff to do all things necessary to implement the proposed public art installation at said Project Area No. 1.
18.4 1010-2026 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Independent Consultant Agreement for Professional Services with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. (CMT), for 2026 Intersection Improvements, for an amount not to exceed $392,120.
Omnibus Vote
Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Razzaque, moved to approve and adopt, by omnibus vote, Consent Agenda Items 17.1 through 18.4. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none.
Non-Consent Agenda
First Reading Ordinances
20.1 An Ordinance amending Chapter 35, “ZONING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, regarding certain corrections, additions and/or clarifications to the zoning and land development regulations, including text amendments to ARTICLE I, “GENERAL PROVISIONS AND ADMINISTRATION,” DIVISION 2, “WORD USAGE, ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS,” and amending ARTICLE III, “ZONING,” DIVISION 4, “LAND USE REGULATIONS,” Section 35-3401, “REGULATION OF ALLOWED USES,” Table 35-3401.1, “Permitted Land Uses;” concerning small institutional group homes.
Referred to Plan Commission. Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Finch, moved to refer Item #20.1 to the Plan Commission. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none.
Alderperson Timion reported that he spoke to many of the Plan Commission members about this amendment and the potential of sending it back to the Plan Commission for discussion. Timion further explained that the members felt comfortable with having the discussion. Discussion followed. This item will return to City Council in the near future.
Miscellaneous Business
Mayor Rayapati reported the State of the City will be held on Monday, February 2 at 8:30 a.m. at The Moline Club, 1530 5th Avenue. On Wednesday, January 21, there will be a press conference at Bridgepointe, 1 Montgomery Drive, to discuss the opening of the temporary winter shelter, Lift Now Shelter, to facilitate operations and services for individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.
Alderperson Murphy shared that Sunday, January 18, she attended the neighborhood meeting for Stephens Park. They brought up a concern of seeing graffiti on the signs that looks like gang symbols of the Latin Kings. Police Chief Gault reported that he encourages everyone to report any graffiti so the police can respond. Brad Hauman, Neighborhood Improvement Officer, works with private property owners to make sure the graffiti ordinance and abatement protocol is followed.
Alderperson McNeil shared that the Faith Leader Summit on January 15 was great. Mayor Rayapati reported there will be follow-up meetings to have a discussion focused on youth outreach.
Alderperson Castro inquired if Mayor could share a list of the churches that showed up to that Faith Leader Summit.
Darren Gault, Chief of Police, shared that the Police Academy would begin on Wednesday, January 21 and will conclude the first part of April. There will be a Spanish-language version of the class would be offered sometime in 2026. Chief Gault further stated that, regarding parking on the Avenue of the Cities not being in the Parking Management Study referenced earlier by Alderperson Timion, once downtown parking and its enforcement component were studied, a potential template could be developed for consideration and applied to areas outside the downtown parking district.
Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator, reported that on Tuesday, January 20, the Community and Economic Development team moved out of City Hall and the Public Works building and into the City Services Center located at 1830 6th Avenue. Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Department will move in to the City Services Center on Monday, January 26.
Public Comment
There was no additional public comment.
Adjournment of City Council
Upon motion of Alderperson Castro, seconded by Alderperson Finch, the Council meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is on February 3, 2026. View recorded meetings at http://www.moline.il.us/remotecouncil
