City of Rock Island City Council met March 9

City of Rock Island City Council met March 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. Call to Order

Mayor Harris called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. and welcomed everyone.

2. Roll Call

Mayor Ashley Harris asked City Clerk Amanda Torres to call the roll.

Present: Alderpersons Glen Evans, Randy Hurt, Jenni Swanson, Dylan Parker, Mark Poulos, Bill Healy, and Mayor Ashley Harris.

Absent: Alderperson Linda Barnes.

Staff: City Manager Todd Thompson, Attorney Leslie Day, City Clerk Amanda Torres, and other City Staff.

3. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Harris led in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

4. Moment of Silence

Mayor Harris requested a moment of silence. A moment of silence was observed.

5. Vote to Approve Agenda

a. Motion: Motion whether or not to approve the agenda.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to approve the agenda; Alderperson Swanson seconded.

DISCUSSION:

Mayor Harris asked for a motion to remove item 15b from the agenda.

MOTION:

Alderperson Swanson moved to amend the agenda and remove item 15b; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

VOTE ON ORIGINAL MOTION:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

6. Public Comment

Mayor Harris asked if anyone in the public wished to speak.

Tyler Schurr spoke about the Rock Island Grand Prix.

7. Update Rock Island

Rock Island Arsenal Lecture Series

Learn more about our nation’s history at the Rock Island Public Library this Wednesday, March 11 at 2 p.m. This year’s lecture series focuses on American Independence, from the colonial era to the writing of the Constitution. This month the topic is the French and Indian War and its importance to the future of the United States.

All lectures in this series are presented at the downtown library branch by a member of Army Sustainment Command’s Office of the Historian.

Get Your Green On!

The Annual St. Patrick’s Society Parade is this Saturday, March 14. It is the only bi-state St. Patrick’s Day parade in the nation! The parade begins at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of 4th Avenue and 23rd Street, downtown Rock Island.

Following the parade, head over to Arts Alley for the Shamrock Showcase, featuring pop-up shops from Blue Collar Bagels, Flaherty’s Irish Candy Co., Painted Dragon Face Painting, and more! From authentic Irish fare and festive drink specials to live music, hands-on crafts and leprechaun photo ops, participating businesses downtown are offering unique ways to celebrate the holiday beyond the parade route.

Free Tax Assistance

With help from volunteers from United Way of the Quad Cities, the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center is offering FREE tax services until April 4 on the following days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

The services are walk-in only and are on a first-come, first-served basis with limited spots available. For more information or questions about the program, call their office directly at (563) 355-4310.

8. Passage of Ordinances/Resolutions

a. Report from the Parks & Recreation Department and Clerk’s Office regarding a Highway Resolution for the closure of 1st Avenue between 17th and 20th Streets on Friday, July 3, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., along with a rain date of Friday, July 4, 2026, for the annual Red, White & Boom fireworks display and concert at Schwiebert Riverfront Park.

Motion: Motion to adopt the resolution.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to adopt the resolution; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

b. Report from the Public Work Department regarding a revised Motor Fuel Tax Resolution for bulk rock salt in the amount of $191,578.58.

Motion: Motion to adopt the resolution.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to adopt the resolution; Alderperson Poulos seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

c. An ordinance amending Chapter 16, Article II, Section 16-37 “Adjustment of Water Utility Charges” of the Code of Ordinances. (Second Reading)

Motion: Motion to pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to pass the ordinance; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

d. An ordinance approving the 2026 amendment to remove parcels from the North 11th Street TIF Redevelopment Project Area. (Second Reading)

Motion: Motion to pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Hurt moved to pass the ordinance; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

e. An ordinance approving the tax increment financing redevelopment plan and project for the North Rock Island Port District TIF. (Second Reading)

Motion: Motion to pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Evans moved to pass the ordinance; Alderperson Hurt seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

f. An ordinance designating the North Rock Island Port District TIF. (Second Reading)

Motion: Motion to pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Evans moved to pass the ordinance; Alderperson Hurt seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

g. An ordinance adopting tax increment financing for the North Rock Island Port District TIF. (Second Reading)

Motion: Motion to pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Evans moved to pass the ordinance; Alderperson Hurt seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

h. An ordinance providing for the purchase of real estate at 1031 10th Avenue (PIN 0734463010). (Second Reading)

Motion: Motion to pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Evans moved to pass the ordinance; Alderperson Swanson seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

i. An ordinance amending Chapter 13, Article III, Section 13-55 of the Code of Ordinances to update the standards for the installation and replacement of water service lines. (Second Reading)

Motion: Motion to pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Poulos moved to pass the ordinance; Alderperson Swanson seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

j. An ordinance authorizing a loan agreement to borrow funds from the Water Pollution Control Loan Program for the Southwest Treatment Plant Influent Pumping Station Replacement Project in the amount of $4,500,000. (Second Reading)

Motion: Motion to pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Hurt moved to pass the ordinance; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

k. An ordinance amending Chapter 6, Article II, of the Code of Ordinances to Adopt the 2021 International Fire Code. (Second Reading)

Motion: Motion to pass the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Swanson moved to pass the ordinance; Alderperson Healy seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

9. Ordinances (First Readings)

a. Report from the Economic Development Department regarding a development agreement with Troy Green. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to approve the agreement; authorize the City Manager to execute the document, subject to minor attorney modifications; and consider the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to approve the agreement; authorize the City Manager to execute the document, subject to minor attorney modifications; and consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance; Alderperson Poulos seconded.

DISCUSSION:

Alderperson Parker said he presumed an incentive policy for future development agreements was still being deliberated and that it would likely include a threshold that wouldn’t apply to a project this small. He reaffirmed his commitment to establishing a policy.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

b. Report from the Community Development Department regarding an ordinance amendment establishing permit extension procedures. (First Reading)

Alternative Motions:

Motion to consider the ordinance.

Motion to refer the ordinance back to the Inspections Commission for further review.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Swanson moved to consider the ordinance; Alderperson Healy seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

c. Report from the Community Development Department regarding an ordinance amendment establishing a fixed annual rental registration date. (First Reading)

Alternative Motions:

Motion to consider the ordinance.

Motion to refer the ordinance back to the Inspections Commission for further review.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Evans moved to consider the ordinance; Alderperson Healy seconded. Aldeperson Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

d. Report from the Community Development Department regarding an ordinance providing for a change in zoning at the Sunset South site from C-2 (nature conservation) to I-1 (light industrial).

(First Reading)

Alternative Motions:

Motion to approve the change in zoning from from C-2 (nature conservation) to I-1 (light industrial) and consider the ordinance.

Motion to refer the ordinance back to the Planning & Zoning Commission for further review.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Hurt moved to deny the change in zoning from C-2 to I-1 and refer the ordinance back to the Planning & Zoning Commission for further review; Alderperson Evans seconded.

DISCUSSION:

Alderperson Hurt expressed his concern that the $150,000 site-survey grant would require a match of approximately 20 percent.

City Manager Thompson said that regardless of the grant, rezoning the site would make it more marketable.

Community Development Director Miles Brainard noted that the match could be covered through the Port District TIF and, although the total amount of the grant to be secured was uncertain, $30,000 was the maximum conceivable match.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to amend the original motion to only refer the ordinance back to the Planning & Zoning Commission for further review; Alderperson Hurt seconded.

Attorney Day clarified that the zoning decision is separate from any future vote on applying for the grant or approving the City’s match.

Counsel reached a consensus they were comfortable approving the zoning itself.

Alderperson Hurt withdrew his second. Alderperson Parker withdrew his motion.

Alderperson Evans withdrew his second; Alderperson Hurt withdrew his motion.

MOTION:

Alderperson Hurt moved to approve the change in zoning from C-2 to I-1 and consider the ordinance; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion Passed on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

e. Report from the Public Works Department regarding an Illinois State Revolving Loan Program Loan Authorization Ordinance for the Mill Street Anaerobic Digester Rehabilitation Project. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to consider the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Hurt moved to consider the ordinance; Alderperson Evans seconded.

MOTION:

Alderperson Swanson moved to amend the ordinance and increase the project cost to $15.5 million; Alderperson Parker seconded.

DISCUSSION:

Public Works Director Mike Bartels said that the cost of the project had increased due to inflation. They originally started working on the project in 2021, and it won’t be completed until 2029. The project contingency and construction management were also included.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

VOTE ON ORIGINAL MOTION:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

f. Report from the Fire Department regarding an ordinance amending Chapter 8, Article II, Division 3 of the Code of Ordinances, Regulating Fire Alarm Systems and False Alarms. (First Reading)

Motion: Motion to consider the ordinance.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Swanson moved to consider the ordinance with the removal of residential properties; Alderperson Poulos seconded.

DISCUSSION:

Alderperson Swanson said she was concerned about how the false alarm policy might affect residences. She noted that residents may ignore carbon monoxide alarms if they don’t see visible danger. Fire Chief Bob Graff said there’s no issue excluding residential properties as the main concern is commercial alarms.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

VOTE ON ORIGINAL MOTION:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

10. Consent Agenda

All items under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine in nature and will be enacted by a single motion and subsequent roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless an Alderperson so requests, in which case, the item will be moved from the Consent Agenda and considered as the first item after approval of the Consent Agenda.

a. Claims for the week of February 13 through February 19 in the amount of $891,679.76; claims for the week of February 20 through February 26 in the amount of $713,425.10; and Payroll for the weeks of February 2, 2026 through February 15, 2026 in the amount of $1,865,538.40.

b. Purchase Card Claims for the period of December 27, 2025 through January 26, 2026 in the amount of $67,732.89

c. Report from the Clerk’s Office regarding requests from Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse to use sound amplification and to close a half block of 3rd Avenue between 18th & 19th Streets on Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for a Music On The Marquee outdoor show.

d. Report from the Clerk’s Office regarding a request from Christ Temple Church to close 9th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. for the Illinois State Council of the PCAFI Community Day.

e. Minutes from the February 23, 2026 City Council meeting.

Motion: Motion to approve Consent Agenda items a through e.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Hurt moved to remove item 10b from the Consent Agenda; Alderperson Healy seconded. 

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to approve Consent Agenda items a, c, d, and e; Alderperson Parker seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

MOTION:

Alderperson Hurt moved to approve item 10b; Alderperson Evans seconded.

DISCUSSSION:

Finance Director Jessica Sager clarified that the coded account numbers differed because some departments coded their entries using the old software’s chart of accounts and others used the new software’s chart of accounts. She confirmed they would only be using the new software’s chart of accounts going forward.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

11. Claims/Purchases

a. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to J.C. Dillon, Peoria, Illinois, for an emergency water main repair at 1327 14th Street in the amount of $21,860.64.

b. Report from the Public Works Department regarding payment to J.C. Dillon, Peoria, Illinois, for Water Service and Sewer Lateral Repair Program repairs in the amount of $38,073.04.

Motion: Motion to allow claims a and b.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to allow claims a and b; Alderperson Evans seconded.

Alderperson Parker recused himself from the vote due to the nature of his employment.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

c. Report from the Police Department regarding a payment in the amount of $64,249.60 to Axon Enterprise Inc. for year 3 of the five-year contract for the in-car squad camera system.

d. Report from the Finance Department regarding a payment in the amount of $10,860 to Harris Govern of Chicago, IL for the renewal of the maintenance contract for GEMS Land Management and Accounts Receivable software.

Motion: Motion to allow claims c and d.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to allow claims c and d; Alderperson Poulos seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

e. Report from the Community Development and Information Technology Departments regarding the purchase of Bluebeam software in the amount of $11,199.

Alternative Motions:

Motion to approve the purchase.

Motion to refer the purchase back to staff for further review.

RC Roll Call vote is needed. 

MOTION:

Alderperson Swanson moved to approve the purchase; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

12. Contracts/Agreements

a. Report from the Fire Department regarding a bid from Builders Sales & Service Company for the Central House Mandoor Replacement Systems in the amount of $31,400.

Motion: Motion to accept the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, subject to minor attorney modifications.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Poulos moved to accept the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, subject to minor attorney modifications; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

b. Report from the Police Department regarding bids for Police uniforms and equipment, recommending the bid be awarded to Uniform Den.

Motion: Motion to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract, subject to minor attorney modifications.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Poulos moved to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract, subject to minor attorney modifications; Alderperson Evans seconded.

DISCUSSION:

Mayor Harris expressed disappointment that a local business wasn’t able to secure the contract. Alderperson Healy said the local bidder was 22 percent higher.

City Manager Thompson added that, if there is added value to going local, it is taken into account, but a big gap is hard to close.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

c. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for an automated gate at the Utilities Maintenance Division, recommending the bid be awarded to Fence Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, in the amount of $25,290.

Motion: Motion to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract, subject to minor attorney modifications.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Swanson moved to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract, subject to minor attorney modifications; Alderperson Hurt seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

d. Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for an asphalt trench paver, recommending the bid be awarded to ALTA Equipment Company, South Elgin, Illinois, in the amount of $16,340.

Motion: Motion to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract, subject to minor attorney modifications.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to award the bid as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract, subject to minor attorney modifications; Alderperson Poulos seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

e. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding a contract with MercyOne Genesis for on-site medical services.

Motion: Motion to allow staff to negotiate a contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the document, subject to minor attorney modifications.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Hurt moved to allow staff to negotiate a contract as recommended and authorize the City Manager to execute the document, subject to minor attorney modifications; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

f. Report from the Information Technology Department regarding a contract with MetroNet for phone serivces.

Motion: Motion to waive the formal RFP process outlined in the City’s Purchasing Policy and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract, subject to minor attorney modifications.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Swanson moved to waive the formal RFP process outlined in the City’s Purchasing Policy and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract, subject to minor attorney modifications; Alderperson Parker seconded.

DISCUSSION:

Council discussed the lack of MetroNet’s coverage in some areas of the City and whether the City should use the contract as leverage to renegotiate broader service. City Manager Thompson said the phone services would no longer be provided later in the year under the current provider. Alderperson Parker encouraged reopening the agreement with MetroNet regarding covering the entire City. He also suggested awarding the phone services contract to the second-highest bidder instead. Alderperson Swanson suggested approving the contract and bringing MetroNet in to negotiate their coverage area in the City.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 5-1-1 roll call vote. Aye: Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: Parker. Absent: Barnes.

13. Budget/Finance Items

a. Report from the Finance Department regarding a budget adjustment to the Community Development Fund (420) in the amount $100,000.

b. Report from the Finance Department regarding a budget adjustment to the ARPA Fund (475) in the amount of $835,741.41 and the Library Fund (480) in the amount of $28,444.96 (ARPA Unrestricted Funds)

c. Report from the Finance Department regarding a budget adjustment to the TIF 3 North 11th Street Fund (401) in the amount of $170,000.

Motion: Motion to approve budget adjustments a through c.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to approve budget adjustments a through c; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

14. Department Reports

a. Report from the Human Resources Department regarding the reclassification of the Building Official.

Motion: Motion to approve the salary grade recommendation.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to approve the salary grade recommendation; Alderperson Poulos seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

15. Events/Misc Requests

a. Report from the Clerk’s Office regarding a request from the Rock Island Grand Prix to hold their 31st annual go-kart street race on Saturday, September 5, 2026 through Sunday, September 6, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Motion: Motion to approve the event.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Parker moved to approve the event; Alderperson Healy seconded.

DISCUSSION:

Alderperson Parker asked for confirmation that an events professional would evaluate the Grand Prix and provide broader guidance on event programming for the City. City Manager Thompson said there has been some discussion but not a firm commitment yet. Aldeperson Evans raised concerns from downtown businesses about tailgating and lost revenue during the race. Alderperson Parker agreed there were ongoing tensions between race operations and business impacts and emphasized the need for a neutral third party to help balance interests and improve the event going forward.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

b. Report from the Clerk’s Office regarding a request from Shakenya Wright to close 12th Street between 29th & 31st Avenues for a Celebration of Life event.

Motion: Motion whether or not to approve the request.

RC Roll Call vote is needed.

This item was removed from the agenda.

16. Rock Island Port Authority

a. Motion: Motion to close the regular City Council meeting and convene the Rock Island Regional Port District meeting.

VV Voice vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to close the regular City Council meeting and convene the Rock Island Regional Port District meeting; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

b. Other Business/New Business

Economic Development Director Tom Flaherty reminded Council that the port plan will conclude in the spring.

c. Motion: Motion to exit the Rock Island Regional Port Authority and reconvene the regular City Council meeting.

VV Voice vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Healy moved to exit the Rock Island Regional Port Authority and reconvene the regular City Council meeting; Alderperson Poulos seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

17. Other Business/New Business

Alderperson Swanson reminded residents that the City maintains only the trees located in the public right-of-way; trees on private property are the homeowner’s responsibility.

18. Closed Session

a. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired.

5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered int the minutes of the closed meeting.

Motion: Motion to enter Closed Session for the exceptions cited.

VV Voice vote is needed.

MOTION:

Alderperson Poulos moved to enter into Closed Session for the exceptions cited; Alderperson Healy seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

Council entered Closed Session at 6:58 p.m.

19. Adjourn

a. Motion to adjourn to March 23, 2026.

Motion: Motion to adjourn.

VV Voice vote is needed.

After reconvening the regular meeting, Clerk Torres called the roll. All Council members and Mayor Harris were present except Alderperson Barnes.

MOTION:

Alderperson Poulos moved to adjourn; Alderperson Evans seconded.

VOTE:

Motion PASSED on a 6-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Parker, Poulos, Healy, Evans, Hurt, Swanson. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes.

The meeting concluded at 7:28 p.m.

https://rockislandil.api.civicclerk.com/v1/Meetings/GetMeetingFileStream(fileId=1806,plainText=false)