City of Moline Committee-of-the-Whole met July 7.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
PRESENT: Mayor Stephanie Acri (Chair)
Alderman Scott Williams (Ward 1) ~electronically
Alderman David Parker, Jr. (Ward 2) ~electronically
Alderman Mike Wendt (Ward 3) ~electronically
Alderman Richard “Dick” Potter (Ward 4)
Alderman Sam Moyer (Ward 5)
Alderman Kevin Schoonmaker (Ward 6) ~electronically
Alderman Mike Waldron (Ward 7)
Alderman Sonia Berg (Alderman At-Large) ~electronically
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
Eric Griffith, Parks Recreation Director ~electronically
Don Goff, Information Technology Manager
Bryon Lear, Library Director ~electronically
Darren Gault, Chief of Police
Jeff Snyder, Fire Chief
Carol Barnes, Finance Director
Jeff Anderson, City Planner ~electronically
Chris Mathias, Property Management Coordinator
OTHERS: Derke Price, Ancel Glink
Mayor Acri called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Remote Electronic Attendance
A motion was made by Alderman Moyer, seconded by Alderman Potter, to approve the remote electronic attendance of Aldermen Williams, Parker, Wendt, Schoonmaker and Berg. Motion passed unanimously.
Mayor’s Board Appointments
Alderman Potter moved to approve Mayor’s appointment of Chris Mathias to serve on the Moline Community Development Corporation as staff representative. Seconded by Alderman Wendt. Motion passed unanimously.
Questions on the Agenda
There were no questions on the agenda.
Agenda Items
1. An Ordinance amending Chapter 35, “ZONING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 35-5209, “FENCE AND WALL REQUIREMENTS,” by repealing subsection (1) in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new subsection (1) dealing with the same subject matter. Chris Mathias, Property Management Coordinator, explained that the Plan Commission held a public hearing on June 24, 2020, to review and discuss changes to the City’s fencing regulations. The City’s Code currently allows a wire fence (including chain link) to be built in a front yard; the fence must be screened from adjoining properties, streets and rights-of-way with landscaping, unless the fence secures public service and utility uses. The Code also allows a fence to be built with unorthodox building materials if the fence is screened from other properties. Upon discussion, the Plan Commission and staff agreed that rather than requiring such fences to be completely screened from view, they should be prohibited, except for those securing public service and utility uses. The Plan Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the proposed changes to Section 35-5209(1) of the Code. A motion was made by Alderman Waldron to approve. Seconded by Alderman Moyer. Alderman Wendt requested that the Plan Commission revisit the exemption of utility companies, noting that it does not appear from the utility’s communication that it is a safety concern, but rather a cost concern. He also suggested that a time limit, such as 10 years, be given for chain link fence replacement. Staff will advise area fencing companies of this code change. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Potter, Moyer, Schoonmaker, Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker and Wendt; nays: none.
2. An Ordinance amending Chapter 35, “ZONING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Table 35-3401.1, “PERMITTED LAND USES,” by adding “Multiple-Family Dwelling” land use to the Neighborhood Center (NC) zoning district. Chris Mathias, Property Management Coordinator, stated that Rob Bermes, Bermes Properties Inc., owns a mixed-use property at 1806-1812 7th Street, Moline. Bermes is finding it difficult to obtain commercial tenants for the first floor spaces of the property, and he has submitted an application for a text amendment to Chapter 35 of the Code to allow a multi-family dwelling land use to the Neighborhood Center (NC) zoning district so that he may use one of the spaces as an apartment. Per the Code, apartments above the ground floor and single family residential uses are a permitted use within the NC district, whereas apartments on the ground floor are not permitted. The NC district is primarily found in the City’s Olde Town and Uptown neighborhoods and certain areas of Avenue of the Cities. The Plan Commission held a public hearing on June 24, 2020, to review and discuss Bermes’ proposed request. City staff recommended denial of the request for text amendment to rezone due to parking issues, and because it is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; the Plan Commission voted unanimously to recommend denial of the proposal. At the same public hearing, City staff presented an alternative solution for Bermes that does not require a Code amendment. Staff researched the Code and determined that duplexes and two-flat houses are allowed within the NC district. Because these two-unit buildings are allowed, staff formed an interpretation that buildings with one apartment on the first floor and one apartment on the second floor may be allowed within the NC district. Although staff and the Plan Commission are recommending denial of the request, the applicant is satisfied with staff’s recommendation, which will allow him to create an apartment on the first floor of the building. Pursuant to Chapter 35, the City Council is to act upon applications following Plan Commission review, and the Commission’s recommendation for denial requires a 2/3 affirmative vote of the City Council to be approved. Approval of this item will result in no text amendment to the Code and concur with the Plan Commission’s recommendation. A motion was made by Alderman Waldron to approve. Seconded by Alderman Moyer. There was discussion. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Potter, Moyer, Schoonmaker, Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker and Wendt; nays: none.
3. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a License and Concession Agreement between the City of Moline and Lil Stevie’s to sell food and beverages from a mobile food unit at the northeast parking lot of Stephens Park from July 17, 2020, through July 16, 2021, as weather permits, at the City’s sole discretion; and authorizing City staff to do any and all things necessary to fulfill the terms of the License and Concession Agreement. Eric Griffith, Parks Recreation Director, indicated that Lil Stevie’s desires a License and Concession Agreement for the purpose of selling food and beverages from a mobile food unit at the northeast parking lot of Stephens Park. The Park and Recreation Board supports the agreement and believes that this agreement will enhance services for residents and visitors utilizing Stephens Park. A motion was made by Alderman Potter to approve. Seconded by Alderman Waldron. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Potter, Moyer, Schoonmaker, Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker and Wendt; nays: none.
4. A Special Ordinance closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic; and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Licensing Agreement with Lunda Construction Company and its representatives for use of public right-of-way, as well as certain Park property and City-owned property, in conjunction with the I-74 Bridge construction. Eric Griffith, Parks Recreation Director, shared that Lunda Construction Company has previously been granted use of public right- of-way and greenspace located between 54th Street and 55th Street, and Old River Drive and First Avenue, for use as an arch deck laydown yard, from February 18, 2019, through August 21, 2020, for the I-74 Bridge construction project. Said use, including road closures, has allowed the contractor to assemble the bridge’s arch sections on land in a more efficient operation than could be accomplished in the river channel, potentially saving several weeks to the overall construction schedule. Lunda seeks to extend said use from August 21, 2020, through December 31, 2021, and to enter into a Licensing Agreement with the City for use of the right-of-way and certain Park property and City-owned property (collectively, the “Premises”) for that time period. Pursuant to the Licensing Agreement, Lunda agrees to pay to the City the $150 Licensing Agreement annual charge; $17,600 in lost rental fees for Ben Butterworth park shelters for the months of May through September 2020; and $200 per month, beginning September 1, 2020, for any month, or part thereof, that the right-of-way/roadways are not fully open. Upon expiration of the Licensing Agreement, Lunda agrees to restore the Premises to its pre-construction condition, including repair and/or restoration to the bike path and parking lots and street pavement, and replacement of a memorial tree currently on the Premises that will be removed by the City. The term of the Licensing Agreement may be extended upon written agreement of the parties, and the parties acknowledge that an extension will require approval by the City Council and Lunda’s agreement to remit payment to the City for lost rental fees as well as staff time and equipment necessary to reroute traffic during an extended time period. A motion was made by Alderman Parker to approve. Seconded by Alderman Moyer. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Potter, Moyer, Schoonmaker, Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker and Wendt; nays: none.
5. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an agreement between the City of Moline and the Board of Education of Moline School District No. 40 setting forth the terms for assignment of four police liaison officers to Moline schools for the 2020-2021 school year. Darren Gault, Chief of Police, explained that this annual reimbursement agreement includes four police officers assigned to Moline School District No. 40 (“District”) during the 2020-2021 school year. The District will reimburse 40% of the salary and benefit costs for the officers assigned at Moline High School, the Alternative High School, and Wilson and John Deere Middle Schools. A motion was made by Alderman Moyer to approve. Seconded by Alderman Waldron. There was discussion. Chief Gault explained that the Moline Police Department (MPD) has a very good relationship with the school district and works to build relationships and foster positive interactions with students. The MPD is always looking for ways to expand the role of social services and do more for the community. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Potter, Moyer, Schoonmaker, Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker and Wendt; nays: none.
Informational
Administrator’s Update. Marty Vanags, Interim City Administrator, indicated that Council should be receiving an email with the first bi-weekly report. Work has begun on Project Colossus to review all TIF and development agreements, and Vanags will provide a report by year-end. The strategy is to recharge and rejuvenate the TIF districts.
COVID-19 Update. Carol Barnes, Finance Director, provided a revenue update and recommended maintaining a conservative COVID-19 revenue loss of $10 million. It is encouraging that a re-estimate of revenue loss with recent data would be $8.8 million. In comparing the COVID-19 adjusted budget to actual data, June revenues came in over $1 million to the good and YTD for the first 6 months is up $169,000. Of note: the first installment of property tax was received of over $300,000; state and home rule sales tax came in over the COVID-19 budget projection, but are a bit lower than this time last year; food and beverage tax, personal income tax and utilities tax continue to hold; replacement tax came in almost $120,000 more for July than anticipated; local use tax is almost double the COVID-19 budget projection and Motor Fuel Tax is also higher than projected; hotel/motel tax continues to be slow, but has jumped from May, and water/sewer use fees are down. Barnes stated that IML projections are used closely, and the quarterly projections are favorable. April Sales Tax data (3-month lag) will be an important indicator this month. Unemployment has dropped, although at a lesser degree than seen at the state and national level.
Interim City Administrator Marty Vanags shared that Human Resources has completed COVID-19 training City- wide, and there are no reported cases among staff at this time.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Intergovernmental Cooperation (OCDETF). Darren Gault, Chief of Police, explained that the OCDETF is an independent component of the U.S. Department of Justice under the direction of the Attorney General. The OCDETF investigates and prosecutes major drug trafficking, money laundering and other organized high crime networks. It has been determined that a segment of ongoing local investigations by the Moline Police Department (MPD) fit into a larger OCDETF investigation. Many local, state and federal agencies are participating in a strategic initiative under the Department of Justice. An opportunity exists, and the City is eligible, for reimbursement of $23,400 in overtime reimbursement from the OCDETF. The agreement, approved by Corporation Counsel Derke Price, is not a contract or obligation. It may be terminated within 10-days’ notice, and if the investigation ends and has no activity for 90 days, the funds will be automatically de-obligated. The agreement is for fiscal year 2020, ending in October on the federal cycle. This is important as the City attempts to reduce or eliminate overtime, be fiscally responsible and make its streets safer.
Public Comment
There was no public comment. View recorded meetings at http://www.moline.il.us/CivicMedia?CID=9 The meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
https://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6426
Alerts Sign-up