Rock Island Today

The City of Moline Historic Preservation Commission met Monday, April 11.

The Historic Preservation Advisory Commission was established in December 1991 to promote Moline's educational, cultural and economic wellbeing -- in addition to benefiting its residents -- by pursuing the identification and preservation of the community’s historically significant resources.

Here are the meeting minutes as provided by the Moline Historic Preservation Commission:

MOLINE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

MINUTES

Monday April 11, 2016 at 4:00 P.M.

Commission Member Present Absent

Jolene Keeney X

Craig Mack X

Dan Mizner X

Scott Perkins X

Dick Potter X

Curtis Roseman X

Barbara Sandberg X

Jeff Anderson - Staff X

Introduction of Guests: Mayor Scott Raes and Diann Moore

Approval of Minutes from March 14, 2016: On a motion by Commissioner Dick Potter and seconded by Commissioner Dan Mizner. The March minutes were unanimously approved.

Reports: DRI &NE Depot: TheMayor reported that he was not aware if bids for the demolition of the train depot and other facilities were out for bid. A decision on the demolition contractor was suppose to be announced around the end of April. Commissioner Mack will call Jerrod Miller to find out if they are aware if the project is out for bid and if they were given an opportunity to bid on the project. Once he received this information he would inform the Commission and Diann Moore.

Sears Warehouse, “The Q”: The Mayor reported that Senator Durbin is in town and there is federal money for the “Q”. The Mayor, Lou Steinbrecher and Jeff Nelson are going to Chicago in the next weeks to discuss the Tiger Grant for the high speed rail. Moline has received assistance for the Tiger Grant on how to leverage the multi-modal station. The City is applying for another Tiger Grant for 7th Avenue. The Element hotel is scheduled to be opened 1 January 2017. The developer will be bringing over 1000 contractors to the area to complete this project on time.

Wilson House: The listing on the house has expired but it is still for sale. The current asking price is $22,500. Diann Moore mention that someone she knows is interested at looking at the house and property.

Sylvan Island Bridge 2017: The muscle study was performed last Fall. They are still planning on using the original abutments to support the new structure.

Prospect Park Pavilion: Shive Hattery is working on the study for the Pavilion. Their preliminary report is that the hillside is not moving. Now they are looking further on why the structure is slumping.

City Comprehensive Plan Update: Still working on the plan. Should have the third piece soon so they can meet with the PMT and Planning Commission and then the City Council.

Brick Streets: Streets stayed in good shape over the winter. From Commissioners’s observation the main brick streets remain in good shape.

Collector Center Site: The City is looking for developers for this property. One concept would build a parking structure, some retail and a hotel. The Mayor explain even with the new Element, additional hotel space is needed in the community.

Downtown Heritage Tour: Commissioner Sandberg reported that at 10 AM on Saturday May 14 is the date of the tour. The tour will be divided into multi groups and walk through the downtown area. People will be stationed along the walk and will relate the history of the building and the business or the people that worked there. So far they want to have people at Model Printers; Lagomarcino; Malcom Jewelry and a music performance remembering the nationally famous local drummer Louie Bellson. She asked if Commissioner Mizner and Potter would help lead the tours. There will also be a contest in the downtown area for people to identify architectural details on some downtown structures. Hopefully the downtown merchants will contribute gift cards for the winners.

National Geographic Mississippi River Geotourism: Commissioner Keeney is working on a document for 11th Avenue and the downtown.

Chase Building: The project is moving forward.

Scottish Rite Cathedral: Its “For Sale” sign is up.

Spiegel (Eagle Signal) Building: Its development is being re-evaluated. Anderson reported that people are asking about further use of the building.

Riverbend: Three Corners is looking at developing the land east of McLoughlin on River Drive for residential and mixed use. They are working with a possible grocery store for the area.

Old Business:

John Deere House and 12th Street retaining wall: Good progress has been made on the 12th Street wall renovation and the decision about adding decorative fencing will wait until the wall is completed. Chris Baker is still struggling with getting access to the property.

Main Street/Facade Rehabilitation: Looking for applications.

Future Plans for Garfield School: Anderson reported that Gorman Company is waiting on the funding of this project. They should find out in May. They are applying for 90% tax credits.

Future development of Ray’s Appliance property: nothing new

List of Moline’s historically and architecturally survey/inventory: nothing new

Nominations of Commission Officers: The following nominations were made for officers of the Moline Historic Preservation Commission:

Chairman Dick Potter

Vice Chairman Jolene Keeney

Recording Secretary Barbara Sandberg

Voting will be held at the May meeting:

Annual Report Information: Anderson asked that Commissioners submit to him information to be used in his report.

New Business: none

Announcements: May will be National Historic Preservation Month.

Adjournment: 5:20 p.m. Next Meeting: May 9, 2016

Respectfully Submitted,

Commissioner Craig S. Mack