Rock Island Today

City of Moline City Council met July 30.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

PRESENT: Mayor Stephanie Acri (Chair)

Alderman Scott Williams (Ward 1)

Alderman David Parker, Jr. (Ward 2)

Alderman Mike Wendt (Ward 3)

Alderman Richard “Dick” Potter (Ward 4)

Alderman Sam Moyer (Ward 5)

Alderman Kevin Schoonmaker (Ward 6)

Alderman Mike Waldron (Ward 7)

Alderman Sonia Berg (Alderman At-Large)

ABSENT: None

STAFF: Lisa Kotter, City Administrator

Janine Hollembaek Parr, City Clerk

J.D. Schulte, Public Works Director

Alison Fleming, Human Resources Manager

Lori Wilson, Parks Recreation Director

Don Goff, Information Technology Manager

Bryon Lear, Library Director

Darren Gault, Chief of Police

Jeff Snyder, Fire Chief

Scott Hinton, City Engineer

Randi Haley, Interim Finance Director

Jeff Anderson, City Planner

OTHERS: Derke Price, Ancel Glink

Sarah Hayden, The Dispatch

Alexandra Elias, President/CEO Renew Moline

Mayor Acri called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers

Oath of Office

Oath of office for appointment as Chief of Police to Darren Gault effective July 31, 2019.

Oath of office for probationary appointment as Firefighter to Isaac Tanksley effective July 29, 2019

Questions on the Agenda

There were no questions on the Agenda.

2019 Special Goal Work Session (3 of 4) ~ in the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting room

1. Urban Land Institute (impressions, engagement and funding)

Lisa Kotter, City Administrator stated that Council direction is requested in regard to engaging Urban Land Institute (ULI). Kotter stated that this program is TIF eligible and explained the cost break-out. Alexandra Elias, President/CEO Renew Moline explained that the Urban Land Institute (ULI) technical assistance proposal has evolved into a 5-day effort and is justified by the level of complexity of the opportunity presented by the I-74 bridge deconstruction as well as downtown development opportunities. ULI Executive Director Cindy McSherry sees big potential and big vision. The program will look at what it will take to recruit young people to Moline and what it will take for them to stay here. Elias stated that preparation for this effort is critical. An excellent foundation will support an excellent result. Elias emphasized that this brings a perspective dependent on civic leadership and the partnership of Renew and City staff. Of this $135,000 investment, $10,000 will be received from ULI in the form of a grant/rebate, $20,000 will be contributed by Renew Moline, and the remaining $105,000 is eligible to be paid with TIF funds. Kotter explained that the TIF will be $600,000 to the good at the end of the year. Alderman Wendt, seconded by Alderman Potter, moved to support the ULI 5-day study, up to $105,000 financed with TIF 1 funds. There was discussion. Mayor Acri indicated that she wished to be one of two elected officials, in addition to staff, to be included in the discussion with Renew. Kotter indicated that Renew has unallocated funds, from the City, that could be earmarked for this study. Alderman Schoonmaker expressed concern that ULI used large cities like Chicago and Pittsburgh as comparisons to Moline. Alderman Potter indicated an understanding of ULI’s objectives for the study. Alderman Wendt stated that ULI offers contacts to development partners that may not already be familiar with Moline. Alderman Parker stated that creating a plan for the future of Moline, and specifically young people looking to work and live in the City, is vital and outside eyes are needed in this analysis. The study, and resulting plan, will help position the City for where we want to be. Elias stated that the redevelopment plan needs to be realistic and implementable. She stated that it is important that the City-Renew Moline team provide parameters to ULI. The plan does expand beyond the acquisition footprint. ULI would configure a panel to provide the technical assistance. To participate, prospective panel members must be a member of ULI in good standing. Kotter stated that Ancel Glink, and other financial consultants familiar with the area, should be engaged. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Acri asked Council what resources, both staff and financial, should be allocated to the study? Alderman Potter stated that there will be much funding needed to acquire property. Alderman Schoonmaker suggested that the project may present an opportunity to partner with Deere & Company. Alderman Waldron shared his vision for a partnership with Renew and its leadership of the project. Alderman Schoonmaker stated that whatever we do must be streamlined, and inclusive of diverse stakeholders. Mayor Acri requested that members of Council share their willingness to participate in discussion. Mayor indicated that the community recognizes the potential impact of the program and may be willing to contribute to the cost. Mayor Acri indicated a sense of urgency for assigning project leadership. This will appear on the August 6, 2019, Committee-of-the-Whole Agenda.

2. 2020 Budget Input

Randi Haley, Interim Finance Director, and Lisa Kotter, City Administrator, presented the attached 2020 proposed budget information. Consensus of Council is to provide a break-out of legal fees expensed to various departments. Staff will provide Council with a monthly trend report. The goal is to begin talking about Capital Improvements (2-phase) in September, and then the entire budget.

3. 2019 Remaining Work Session Topics

Alderman Mike Wendt presented the attached proposed work session schedule. Alderman Potter suggested that goal-setting take place every two years. Mayor Acri indicated that it might be done in a non-election year.

Public Comment

There was no public comment

The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.

https://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5715