City of Moline Committee of the Whole met Aug. 4.
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, joined the meeting at 6:05 p.m.
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 ~electronically
Jeff Anderson, City Planner ~electronically
Chris Pickens, Police Sergeant
OTHERS: Derke Price, Ancel Glink
Dr. Rachel Savage, Moline-Coal Valley Superintendent of Schools ~electronically
Anthony Miceli, Speer Financial Inc. ~electronically
Lewis Greenbaum, Katten Muchin Rosenman, LLP ~electronically
Pat and Cecelia O’Brien, Residents
Mayor Acri called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Remote Electronic Attendance
Alderman Moyer, seconded by Alderman Waldron, moved to approve the remote electronic attendance of Aldermen Williams, Parker, Wendt, Schoonmaker and Berg. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Moyer and Berg; nays: none. Alderman Schoonmaker joined the meeting after the vote.
Public Comment
Residents Pat and Cecelia O’Brien addressed the Council and presented a gift of appreciation to Sergeant Chris Pickens for his work above and beyond the call of duty.
Presentation
Dr. Rachel Savage, Moline-Coal Valley Superintendent of Schools, provided an update of the Digital Equity Program. This initiative is a partnership of the City, including the Moline Police Department, the School District and Project NOW. Dr. Savage explained that it is currently only possible to offer a blended learning experience or a full remote learning experience. Families are facing burdens far beyond what the community can serve at this time; however, the digital equity partnership provides Internet access and remote learning, enabling students to continue moving forward with their learning and growth. Dr. Savage expressed appreciation for this unprecedented partnership, stating that the true test of a community is how its most vulnerable members are served. Mayor Acri expressed appreciation for the partnership and the School District’s openness to new ideas. Alderman Parker thanked Dr. Savage and inquired if a plan exists to extend the program beyond one year. Dr. Savage explained that 85% of families have connectivity on their own, which is notable in our community. The School District is procuring more internet hotspots, so that they may be loaned out to families once this initiative expires. Mobile wireless hubs are now available in some of our neighborhoods. Dr. Savage assured that the School District will continue to search for solutions.
Executive Session
Alderman Waldron, seconded by Alderman Moyer, moved for Executive Session, for the purpose of discussion of Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees-5 ILCS 120/2(C)(1) and Pending, Probable or Imminent Litigation-5 ILCS 120/2(C)(11). Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Moyer, Schoonmaker and Berg; nays: none.
City Council convened in Executive Session at 6:16 p.m. Committee-of-the-Whole reconvened in open session at 7:15 p.m.
Questions on the Agenda
There were no questions on the agenda.
Agenda Items
1. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 19, “MOBILE HOMES AND MOBILE HOME PARKS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, to modify the regulations for mobile homes in the City. Derke Price, Corporation Counsel, stated that staff is recommending to replace the current Chapter 19 with an updated and revised Chapter 19 incorporating modern performance standards for mobile homes and mobile home parks. The deteriorating environmental situation at AirView Mobile Home Park in unincorporated Rock Island County, and the potential for the City to be mandated to provide some services to the Park, has made the update to Chapter 19 even more urgent. This update will guide any annexation discussions, will be useful in negotiating the provision of any services to AirView, and will be useful in on-going regulatory discussions with Cloverleaf Mobile Home Park. There was discussion. AirView will be given a reasonable amount of time to come into compliance with the Code. There was no objection. No motion was made.
2. A Resolution approving the Final Plat for South-View First Addition, a two-lot subdivision to accompany the recent rezoning at John Deere Road and 41st Street. Chris Mathias, Property Management Coordinator, indicated that staff seeks approval of the Final Plat for South-View First Addition. This two-lot subdivision splits off the recently rezoned B-3 portion of 4101 John Deere Road to accommodate a two-tenant commercial building to include a new Panchero’s restaurant. A motion was made by Alderman Potter to approve. Seconded by Alderman Waldron. There was discussion. Staff will address watershed areas within the City’s commercial zones. Motion passed unanimously. This item will be placed on the August 11, 2020 Non-Consent Agenda.
3. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Moline and County of Rock Island setting forth the terms for submitting a joint application for funding and submission of the subsequent grant application currently available through the U.S. Department of Justice 2020 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. Darren Gault, Chief of Police explained that staff seeks approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Moline and the County of Rock Island, in regard to the joint application for funding available from the U.S. Department of Justice and submit the subsequent grant application. The Moline Police Department has received the JAG grant for the past 10+ years. A motion was made by Alderman Moyer to approve. Seconded by Alderman Waldron. Motion passed unanimously.
Informational
Administrator’s Update. Marty Vanags, Interim City Administrator, explained that responsibility for utility billing has been moved from the Water Department to the Finance Department, effective August 1, 2020. He thanked Carol Barnes, Finance Director, and Tony Loete, Utilities General Manager, for their hard work to make this a smooth transition. Vanags stated that much of his time in the past month has been spent on understanding the impact of COVID-19 on the City’s budget. GovHr has been engaged to assist in analyzing efficiencies and identifying potential service privatization within several departments. Vanags stated that staff is far from making any concrete recommendation, and any such recommendation will come after much thought and analysis, as well as input from the City Council. Vanags indicated that the issue of pigeon raising and sale is being researched and will be brought back to Council within the next two weeks.
Budget Update. Carol Barnes, Finance Director, indicated that revenue within the City’s top 18 sources is down approximately $1.7 million year-to-date. Barnes noted that the pandemic did not impact revenue for the first several months of this year. There was discussion. An amended budget review will be presented to Council the first week in September.
Anthony Miceli, Speer Financial Inc., addressed the Council to provide results of the recent bond sale, which saved the City $202,000 ($50,000 more than projected). Miceli explained that the ability to refinance is dependent on when the bonds are callable. Miceli stated that refinancing of outstanding debt will receive continuous attention.
Public Comment
View recorded meetings at http://www.moline.il.us/CivicMedia?CID=9 The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
https://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6481
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