Rock Island Today

City of Moline Committee of the Whole met June 9.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

PRESENT: Mayor Stephanie Acri (Chair)

Alderman Scott Williams (Ward 1)

Alderman David Parker, Jr. (Ward 2) ~Electronically

Alderman Mike Wendt (Ward 3) ~Electronically

Alderman Richard “Dick” Potter (Ward 4) ~Electronically

Alderman Sam Moyer (Ward 5)

Alderman Kevin Schoonmaker (Ward 6) ~Electronically

Alderman Mike Waldron (Ward 7) ~Electronically

Alderman Sonia Berg (Alderman At-Large)

ABSENT: None.

STAFF: Marty Vanags, Interim City Administrator

Janine Hollembaek Parr, City Clerk

J.D. Schulte, Public Works Director ~Electronically

Alison Fleming, Human Resources Manager ~Electronically

Greg Johnson, Parks Operations Manager ~Electronically

Don Goff, Information Technology Manager

Bryon Lear, Library Director ~Electronically

Darren Gault, Chief of Police

Jeff Snyder, Fire Chief

Carol Barnes, Finance Director ~Electronically

Jeff Anderson, City Planner ~Electronically

Chris Mathias, Property Management Coordinator

Joe Kuhlenbeck, Building Official ~Electronically

Rodd Schick, Municipal Services General Manager ~Electronically

Eric Griffith, Parks and Recreation Director ~Electronically

OTHERS: Derke Price, Ancel Glink

Kathy Scheller, Metronet ~Electronically

Katelyn Hotle, Mediacom ~Electronically

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

Questions on the Agenda

Mayor Acri stated that there will be a public hearing this evening. Item #4 on the COW Agenda will be moved forward to immediately follow the public hearing.

Remote Electronic Attendance

Alderman Moyer moved to approve the remote electronic attendance of Aldermen Parker, Wendt, Potter, Schoonmaker, Waldron and Berg. Seconded by Alderman Williams. Motion passed unanimously.

Public Hearing

CMN-RUS Inc., dba Metronet Holdings, LLC (“Metronet”), non-exclusive franchise agreement. At 6:03, Mayor Acri opened the public hearing. Chris Mathias, Property Management Coordinator, reviewed pros and cons of the franchise, stating that the obvious advantage is that it would drive competition. Mathias referenced page 14 of the agreement, indicating that Metronet’s plan does not serve the entire city limits, with the northwest quadrant very underserved. Mathias also noted that Moline is 95% over-ground and that secondary poles would be added when there is no room on MidAmerican Energy’s utility pole. Staff has not yet resolved this issue with Metronet. Corporation Counsel has reviewed the agreement. Mayor Acri asked for public testimony. There was none. There was discussion by Council that Metronet’s plan must cover Moline’s entire footprint, including underserved areas. Alderman Wendt stated that perhaps a caveat could be added to the agreement to ensure coverage over time. Mayor Acri stated that low-to-moderate neighborhoods must be included; the entire City should be served in the initial build. Kathy Scheller, Metronet Director of Government Affairs, addressed the Council, explaining that Metronet follows an extensive business model and that density, not income level, is the consideration when deciding where to add service. Scheller explained that the company is open to discussion with the City and that one of Metronet’s goals is to provide internet access to underserved areas. It was noted that the map does not reflect this; the areas that are missing are densely populated and of low-moderate income. Scheller responded that Metronet’s plan is to identify customer interest in the service and then work to serve that underserved area. Alderman Wendt asked that the plan be included in the agreement. Council expressed concern that temporary poles will remain too long, indicating that a period of time (i.e. one year) for pole replacement might be stated in the agreement. Scheller shared that once MidAmerican Energy changes out a pole, Metronet then moves their equipment over to the new pole. Mayor Acri asked if Metronet has a contract with MidAmerican Energy defining how quickly Metronet will remove their equipment to allow a new utility pole to be placed. Metronet will share the pole attachment agreement that they have with MidAmerican Energy. Mayor Acri stated that she is not in support of adding secondary poles nor of service exclusion of some areas of the city. Scheller stated that it is Metronet’s intention to work with the City to address matters noted as high priority for inclusion in the agreement. Mayor Acri said that the introduction of competition drives profit margins down and the companies’ confidence in expanding their business profitably also deteriorates. If we do not go into this making sure that all of our city, including low-to-moderate income neighborhoods, are served, we will be fighting an uphill battle with all of our service providers. This is a very high priority in developing the franchise agreement. Alderman Moyer moved to direct staff to work with Metronet to incorporate the entire municipality of Moline and minimize, if not eliminate, the use of temporary, secondary poles, with a stated time frame for replacement. Seconded by Alderman Williams. Mayor Acri stated that alternatives that would support digital equity in the community may be considered. Alderman Potter echoed concern for limiting digital equity. Motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Acri closed the public hearing at 6:34 p.m.

Agenda Items

4. This item was pulled given Council’s directed changes to the agreement (see public hearing notes above). An Ordinance granting CMN-RUS Inc., its successors and assigns, the right and non-exclusive franchise to acquire, construct, erect, maintain and operate in the City of Moline, Rock Island County, Illinois, a cable system, and to provide cable service within the City of Moline for a period of ten (10) years. Property Management Coordinator Chris Mathias shared that CMN-RUS Inc., dba Metronet Holdings, LLC (“Metronet”), seeks to enter into a non-exclusive franchise with the City of Moline to construct and operate a cable system within the City’s public way, as defined within the franchise agreement. The City would receive a franchise fee equal to 5% of Metronet’s annual gross revenues collected from the cable system. It is expected that this 5% fee would be a neutral transaction for the City in terms of fiscal impact as most new Metronet customers would be former Mediacom customers.

1. An Ordinance establishing a temporary zoning moratorium for personal storage facilities, as defined by Section 35-3401(a) of the Moline Code of Ordinances, and as listed in corresponding Table 35-3401.1, Permitted Land Uses. Chris Mathias, Property Management Coordinator, explained that by a consensus at its March 17, 2020 meeting, the City Council requested that City staff collaborate with the Moline Plan Commission on a Code of Ordinances’ amendment to better regulate personal storage facilities/uses. Staff recommends that a six-month moratorium on new personal storage uses be enacted, during which time staff and the Plan Commission will research the Code and such uses and return to the Council with suggestions for amendment and implementation. A public hearing was convened by the Plan Commission on May 27, 2020, and the Commission recommended approval by a vote of 7-0 and made findings of fact for a temporary moratorium for personal storage facilities. A motion was made by Alderman Wendt to approve. Seconded by Alderman Moyer. Motion passed with Alderman Schoonmaker voting nay.

2. 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 (QC Investment Property Group, 1152 13th Avenue). Property Management Coordinator Chris Mathias indicated that this ordinance will rezone one parcel from R-2 (One Family Residential District) to R-4 (One to Six Family Dwelling District). The applicant, QC Investment Property Group, purchased the subject property as a real estate investment and wishes to convert the building into a duplex. If rezoned to R-4, the applicant would be allowed to convert the single-family home to a duplex or up to six dwelling units total. City staff believes that this rezoning, as proposed, would be considered a case of “spot zoning,” which has been declared unconstitutional. Staff also acknowledges that this request does not conform to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The Plan Commission voted 7-0 to deny the request at its May 27, 2020 meeting. Given the Plan Commission’s vote to deny the request, it would require a 2/3 supermajority of the City Council to approve the request. A motion was made by Alderman Moyer to approve. Seconded by Alderman Williams. There was discussion. Motion passed unanimously.

3. 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 (Wade Investments, 4101 John Deere Road). Chris Mathias, Property Management Coordinator, stated that this ordinance will rezone the western 1.6 acres of 4101 John Deere Road from O-1 (Office District) to B-3 (Community Business District). The applicant, Wade Investments, has purchased that portion of the subject property to build a two-tenant commercial building. A Panchero’s restaurant is planned for the southern space, and another restaurant or retail use is planned for the northern space. Staff is supportive of this request. The Plan Commission voted 8-0 to approve the request at its May 27, 2020 meeting. A motion was made by Alderman Moyer to approve. Seconded by Alderman Wendt. Motion passed unanimously.

5. An Ordinance amending Chapter 20, “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Appendix 10 thereof, “PARKING PROHIBITED AT ANY TIME,” by including Twenty- Fifth Street, on the west side from Nineteenth Avenue, north 60 feet; and Twenty-Fifth Street, on the east side from Nineteenth Avenue, south 60 feet. Joe Kuhlenbeck, Building Official, explained that the Traffic Committee received a request for “No Parking Here to Corner” signs at the following intersections: Twenty-Fifth Street, on the west side from Nineteenth Avenue, north 60 feet; and Twenty-Fifth Street, on the east side from Nineteenth Avenue, south 60 feet. This request was made due to safety concerns from line-of-sight issues at said intersection. Prohibiting the parking will provide drivers with a better view of approaching traffic. The Traffic Committee reviewed the request and recommends prohibiting the parking. A motion was made by Alderman Moyer to approve. Seconded by Alderman Williams. Motion passed unanimously.

6. A Resolution authorizing approval of Change Order #1 with Miller Trucking & Excavating Company for Project #1333, 2020 Trenchless Water Main Project, in the amount of $32,602.10. Joe Kuhlenbeck, Building Official, indicated that Project #1333, 2020 Trenchless Water Main Project, includes the replacement of water main at two dead-end red water locations of 15th Avenue, west of 3rd Street, and 30th Street Court, south of 27th Avenue. Project #1333 is funded through local utilities, i.e., water and stormwater funds. The amount of $32,602.10 includes additional storm sewer work and additional concrete work that was not included in the original contract. The change order reflects actual quantities constructed, and it increases the original contract value of $361,008.00 by 9.0% to $393,610.10. Although this change marks an increase to both funds the adjusted contract total remains under the project’s budgeted total of $455,000.00, as shown below. A motion was made by Alderman Moyer to approve. Seconded by Alderman Williams. There was discussion. Kuhlenback confirmed accurate allocation of water and stormwater funds, and explained that changes are determined in the field with longevity in mind. Staff will continue to work in the most transparent way possible, notifying Council prior to the determination for change when possible. Carol Barnes, Finance Director, stated that it is expected that two positions will not be filled, and if all user fees come in as anticipated, the funds should balance. Motion passed unanimously.

7. A Resolution amending the City of Moline Investment Policy to comply with the Illinois Sustainable Investment Act; and authorizing the Interim City Administrator to implement the amended Investment Policy for and on behalf of the City of Moline. Derke Price, Corporation Counsel, stated that the City of Moline has adopted an investment policy pursuant to Illinois law and City Resolution No. 1111-2013, approved August 6, 2013. The State of Illinois recently enacted the Illinois Sustainable Investment Act, which requires all Illinois units of local government to amend their investment policies in order to include consideration of the following factors: corporate governance and leadership factors, environmental factors, social capital factors, human capital factors, and business model and innovation factors. It is in the best interests of the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City to amend the City of Moline investment policy in order to comply with the Illinois Sustainable Investment Act. A motion was made by Alderman Parker to approve. Seconded by Alderman Moyer. Motion passed unanimously.

8. A Resolution declaring City-owned property at 2307 6th Avenue, Moline, Illinois, previously acquired by the City of Moline as a residential property, to be surplus; and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an Agreement for Transfer of Real Estate and do all things necessary to convey the City-owned property at 2307 6th Avenue to Moline Community Development Corporation, an Illinois Not- For-Profit Corporation. Derke Price, Corporation Counsel, shared that as a result of City Council goal setting, the Moline Community Development Corporation (MCDC) was created in 2008. The City and MCDC partner with each other to provide increased opportunities for quality housing for low to moderate income families and to foster neighborhood improvement. The City recently acquired the property at 2307 6th Avenue prior to tax sale. To provide momentum to MCDC’s efforts, MCDC is interested in rehabilitating the home on the lot and selling it to a qualified family. In exercise of the City’s home rule powers, the City can donate the Property to MCDC for that purpose. The rehabilitation and sale of the home at this location will restore the blighted property and increase the property tax base in the future. A motion was made by Alderman Parker to approve. Seconded by Alderman Moyer. Motion passed unanimously.

9. A Resolution declaring City-owned property at 3204 15th Street C, Moline, Illinois, previously acquired by the City of Moline as a residential property, to be surplus; and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an Agreement for Transfer of Real Estate and do all things necessary to convey the City-owned property at 3204 15th Street C to Moline Community Development Corporation, an Illinois Not-For-Profit Corporation. Derke Price, Corporation Counsel, explained that as a result of City Council goal setting, the Moline Community Development Corporation (MCDC) was created in 2008. The City and MCDC partner with each other to provide increased opportunities for quality housing for low to moderate income families and to foster neighborhood improvement. The City recently acquired the property at 3204 15th Street C prior to tax sale. To provide momentum to MCDC’s efforts, MCDC is interested in rehabilitating the home on the lot and selling it to a qualified family. In exercise of the City’s home rule powers, the City can donate the Property to MCDC for that purpose. The rehabilitation and sale of the home at this location will restore the blighted property and increase the property tax base in the future. A motion was made by Alderman Moyer to approve. Seconded by Alderman Williams. Mayor Acri stated that this project will provide $10,000 to support MCDC’s efforts to support lower income neighborhoods, and she thanked all who worked to make this happen. Motion passed unanimously.

Informational

COVID-19 Update. Marty Vanags, Interim City Administrator, and Carol Barnes, Finance Director, presented the update. Barnes explained that new data is available for Property Tax, Home Rule Sales Tax and Motor Fuel Tax (MFT). Comparing original budget to actual, an increase of over $502,000, year-to-date, is realized over those three revenue streams: 1) Property Tax, up $315,000 (6.6%) from the beginning of the year; 2) Home Rule Sales Tax, down $70,000 (1.88%). In July we will see the true picture from April due to the 3-month lag in Property and Sales Tax revenues; 3) MFT, with a 30-day lag, is up $117,000 (16%). Barnes recommended that the City continue to assume a $10 million revenue reduction until more data is available. MFT is not included in the General Fund, so there remains an approximate gap of $1.25 million. Staff will return in a few weeks with a recommendation as to how to fill that gap. Key indicators as to the health of our economy are starting to become available. As a result of the pandemic, the unemployment rate moved from 4.4% in March to 13.3% in May (down from April). Permits issued are down about 10% and fees about 34% from last year. The original $400,000 budget was reduced to $280,000 for COVID-19 impact, and it is anticipated that this goal will be met. On July 1, 2020, the minimum wage will move to $10/hour, and for some businesses, that will present an additional challenge. Vanags stated that some employees have returned to work, and he described a 7-step reopening plan developed by staff. Vanags indicated that some scenarios for balancing expenses to new revenue projections will be brought for Council consideration by the next meeting.

Plans for Green Valley and Tournaments. Mayor Stephanie Acri explained that she has received a continuous stream of complaints and, upon review, she noted a disturbing disparity in how the various parks are being maintained. Some aldermen indicated receipt of similar complaints from residents. Green Valley Park appears to be much better maintained than others. Park Board President John Knaack explained that in the absence of seasonal staff, the staff is very small and priorities have been set according to use by residents. Parks Recreation Director Eric Griffith explained prioritization of maintenance to most heavily used parks. Rain has increased grass growth and delayed mowing at Riverside Cemetery and Ben Butterworth Parkway. Initial priorities were to prepare cemeteries for Memorial Day and Mother’s Day. Maintenance then shifted to other parks, which may explain overgrowth in the cemeteries at this time. The planned use of chemicals around cemetery stones was abandoned. Rodd Schick, Municipal Services General Manager, stated that much of the work at Green Valley was done in the fall as soon as the tournaments ended. Mayor Acri stated that it would be helpful if the prioritization of parks maintenance might be shared with the Council. This way, elected officials could refer to this list when communicating with residents. Vanags will distribute the list to Council.

Execution Timeline for Outstanding Initiatives. Derke Price, Corporate Counsel, shared that there were a number of approved initiatives due to return to Council when the pandemic occurred. Staff seeks Council’s direction as to the priority of those initiatives:

 Crime-free Housing Program

 Single Family Inspection Program

 Mobile Home Park Overhaul

 Roll-off Subsidy Program

 41st Street Sewer Extension Project

 Retaining Wall Project

Staff was directed to proceed with the Crime-free Housing Initiative, provide an update on the Single Family Inspection Program within one month, and an update on remaining initiatives by Labor Day.

Public Comment

Alderman Parker read a comment from resident Elaine Kaple in support of the Library’s reopening. View recorded meetings at http://www.moline.il.us/CivicMedia?CID=9

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6350