City of Moline Committee of the Whole met March 30
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)
Alderman Sam Moyer (Ward 5)
Alderman Kevin Schoonmaker (Ward 6) -electronically
Alderman Mike Waldron (Ward 7)
Alderman Sonia Berg (Alderman At-Large)
ABSENT: None.
STAFF: Marty Vanags, Interim City Administrator
Janine Hollembaek Parr, City Clerk
Carol Barnes, Finance Director –electronically
Joe Kuhlenbeck, Interim Director of Public Works
Tony Loete, Director of Utilities
Eric Griffith, Parks Recreation Director -electronically
Leah Miller, Interim Human Resources Manager
David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager
Bryon Lear, Library Director -electronically
Darren Gault, Chief of Police
Jeff Snyder, Fire Chief
Geoff Manis, Moline Centre Main Street Manager
K.J. Whitley, Community Development Program Manager -electronically
Sarah Mark, Fleet & Facilities Manager
Tara Osborne, Grant & Project Accountant -electronically
OTHERS: Derke Price, Ancel Glink
Dougal Nelson, Junior Achievement of the Heartland
Alexandra Elias, Renew Moline
Dave Herrell, Visit Quad Cities
Kevin Maynard, Quad City Arts
Amanda Golden, Design Local
Mike McNeil, Façade Committee
Mayor Acri called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Approval of Remote Electronic Attendance
Alderman Moyer, seconded by Alderman Waldron, moved to approve the remote electronic attendance of Aldermen Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer, Schoonmaker, Waldron and Berg. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
Oath of Office
Oath of office for promotional appointment of Tony Loete to Director of Utilities, effective March 22, 2021
Oath of office for appointment of Joe Kuhlenbeck to Interim Director of Public Works, effective March 22, 2021
Proclamation
A Proclamation from Junior Achievement of the Heartland to declare April 1, 2021, as “Junior Achievement Day.” Dougal Nelson, President/CEO, addressed the Council.
Presentation
Alexandra Elias, Renew Moline, introduced a proposed Public Art and Place making Plan. Members of the steering committee, Dave Herrell, Director of Visit Quad Cities, and Kevin Maynard, Executive Director of Quad City Arts, addressed the Council in support of the Plan. Amanda Golden, Principal of Designing Local, led the presentation. There was discussion. Golden explained that 200 individuals participated in the survey and/or focus group. Those receiving a historic tax credit to restore a building would be exempt from contributing, because restoration is already an expensive process. Support of public art might be incorporated in the City’s development agreements. The City Council thanked the Public Art steering committee for all of their hard work on the Plan. On behalf of the Façade Improvement Design Committee, Mike McNeil, explained the role of the committee and shared his excitement for the Public Art Plan. The Facade Committee agrees that murals can be positive and are in favor of a Master Art Program for the City of Moline. The Façade Improvement Program has a limited amount of funding, and those funds are best allocated to brick and mortar projects. Public Master Art, including murals, should come out of a separate fund with its own review process.
Questions on the Agenda
Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, will present an “Other” item during Committee-of-the-Whole. Agenda Items
1. FFCRA Benefit Extension. Leah Miller, Interim Human Resources Manager, explained that staff seeks approval from the City Council to voluntarily extend the paid leave benefits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). This would include leave for Emergency Responders, as previously modified and approved, and leave for all other employees, similar to the previous requirements under the FFCRA and now also including: (1) when an employee is obtaining a COVID-19 vaccination; (2) when an employee is suffering or recovering from side effects related to the COVID-19 vaccination; and (3) when an employee is seeking or waiting the results of a COVID-19 test if the employee has either been exposed to COVID-19 or the employer has requested the COVID-19 test. As of April 1, 2021, all full-time employees shall be entitled to up to 80 hours of leave and part time employees shall be entitled to a prorated amount of that leave time based on their scheduled or average hours of work in a week, regardless of whether they had previously used or exhausted this voluntary FFCRA leave previously. This leave expires on September 30, 2021. Employees are not eligible for a payout of this unused leave. Staff recommends the leave benefits be implemented effective April 1, 2021, and extended through September 30, 2021. A motion was made by Alderman Berg to approve. Seconded by Alderman Moyer. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
2. 2019 Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment 3. K.J. Whitley, Community Development Program Manager, stated that as a CDBG-entitlement community, the City of Moline was awarded $268,780 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The proposed amendment includes the addition of three modified activities and additional CARES Act funding in the amount of $268,780 to the 2019 AAP, including a Small Business Relief Assistance Program, a Food Supplement Program and Administration. A motion was made by Alderman Parker to approve. Seconded by Alderman Wendt. There was discussion. Whitley was thanked for her hard work in transitioning $64,000 of administrative expense to program expense, specifically funding 22 forgivable loans of $10,000 each. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
Sarah Mark, Fleet and Facilities Manager, prefaced her presentation of the next 8 items by explaining that where there was a small cost disparity, staff proposes to purchase vehicles locally and thereby keep tax dollars within the City.
3. Utility Vehicle Purchase. Mark indicated that staff is seeking approval for the purchase of three (3) mowers and two (2) utility vehicles and a v-plow from Prairie State Tractor, LLC, for the amount of $105,039.54. A motion was made by Alderman Waldron to approve. Seconded by Alderman Potter. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
4. Ford Escape SUV Purchase. Sarah Mark, Fleet and Facilities Manager, shared that staff is seeking approval for the purchase of three (3) 2021 Ford Escape S sport utility vehicles from Sexton Ford, Moline, IL, for the amount of $63,450. Staff is proposing to purchase these vehicles locally, rather than through a joint purchase contract with the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) to replace the hybrid Fusions in the Detective motor pool. A motion was made by Alderman Berg to approve. Seconded by Alderman Wendt. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
5. Solar/Electric Arrow Board Trailer Purchase. Sarah Mark, Fleet and Facilities Manager, explained that staff is seeking approval to replace the existing units and add an additional unit to have two (2) arrow boards for Streets and two (2) for Utilities to get back to the previous number of units. Staff received an estimate from Traffic and Parking Control Co., Inc. (TAPCO), for the amount of $22,648, that includes four (4) solar electric arrow board trailers and the authorization of disposal of current equipment in the City’s fleet by the Fleet and Facilities Manager through the legal disposal process that is most advantageous to the City, whether sealed bid, auction, negotiation, or otherwise. A motion was made by Alderman Berg to approve. Seconded by Alderman Moyer. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
6. Ford F-250 Purchase. Sarah Mark, Fleet and Facilities Manager, stated that staff is seeking approval for the purchase of two (2) 2022 Ford F-250 XL 4X2 Pickup Trucks from Sexton Ford, Moline, IL, for the amount of $65,863 and the authorization of the disposal of current equipment in the City’s fleet by the Fleet and Facilities Manager through the legal disposal process that is most advantageous to the City, whether sealed bid, auction, negotiation, or otherwise. A motion was made by Alderman Berg to approve. Seconded by Alderman Wendt. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
7. Western V-Plow Purchase. Sarah Mark, Fleet and Facilities Manager, indicated that staff is seeking approval for the purchase of two (2) Western V-Plows with installation from Bonnell Industries, Dixon, IL, for the amount of $14,180. Staff is proposing to purchase these plows on Sourcewell contract #080818-BNL. A motion was made by Alderman Williams to approve. Seconded by Alderman Moyer. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
8. 2021 Swaploader Hook Lift Purchase. Sarah Mark, Fleet and Facilities Manager, shared that staff is proposing to replace four single axle trucks and one tandem axle truck, each currently equipped with a hook lift system, that have exhausted their reliable, useful life. With the new trucks being proposed it is vital to have equipment that we can rely on, and that will work with existing equipment. Replacing the hook lift system ensures continuity of truck versatility by being able to use existing hook lift skids. Staff is seeking approval for the purchase of five (5) Swaploader Hook Lift Systems for the amount of $104,701.80. The purchase would be for four Swaploader SL-240 hook lift systems for the proposed single axle trucks and one (1) new Swaploader SL-400 hook lift system for one (1) proposed tandem axle truck. A motion was made by Alderman Waldron to approve. Seconded by Alderman Berg. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
9. 2022 Class 7 and 8 Truck Purchase. Sarah Mark, Fleet and Facilities Manager, explained that staff is seeking approval of the purchase of seven (7) 2022 Freightliner Cab & Chassis’ with complete central hydraulic system installation from Bonnell Industries, Dixon, IL, for the amount of $1,388,187. A motion was made by Alderman Wendt to approve. Seconded by Alderman Moyer. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
10. Declaration of Surplus Vehicles. Sarah Mark, Fleet and Facilities Manager, stated that staff has received confirmation that unit #605, a 2008 Dodge Caravan, VIN# 1D4HN11H18B168036, is in need of repairs that are in excess of the anticipated resale value, and recommends it be declared surplus property. A motion was made by Alderman Wendt to approve. Seconded by Alderman Moyer. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
11. Hiring – Mechanic II. Sarah Mark, Fleet and Facilities Manager, indicated that she has received written confirmation of an upcoming retirement on May 14, 2021, that will create an additional vacancy for a Mechanic II position. Staff requests that Council grant an exception to the moratorium on hiring pursuant to Resolution 1051-2020 to hire a Mechanic II. A motion was made by Alderman Berg to approve. Seconded by Alderman Moyer. Mark anticipates it will take 4-6 weeks to fill the position. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
12. Hiring – Resident Construction Inspector. Joe Kuhlenbeck, Interim Director of Public Works, shared that, to fill a retirement vacancy, staff requests that Council grant an exception to the moratorium on hiring and promotion, pursuant to Resolution 1051-2020, to hire a Resident Construction Inspector. A motion was made by Alderman Waldron to approve. Seconded by Alderman Williams. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
13. Complete Streets Policy. Joe Kuhlenbeck, Interim Director of Public Works, explained that the policy is a philosophy in construction and reconstruction of our roadways. The presentation is attached. It will guide how the City will build and rebuild infrastructure. A motion was made by Alderman Wendt to approve. Seconded by Alderman Moyer. Discussion had. Aldermen Wendt and Moyer thanked those who participated in policy development, noting implementation by staff will add value for residents; the new bike path will be a jewel in the City. There was discussion of sidewalk upgrades and repair options. Kuhlenbeck explained that staff will utilize the policy where possible. The Complete Streets and Traffic Committees will work together. In regard to grinding old sidewalks in some of the City’s more established neighborhoods, Kuhlenbeck explained the City’s equipment is not ideal for grading more than ½ inch of concrete. The surrounding property owners are educated prior to a project. Mayor Acri suggested that PEG funds might be used to further educate the community. Beyond performance measures, staff and Council will look at linear feet of infrastructure replacement annually in July to ensure budget inclusion. It is anticipated that budgeting processes will be improved through the use of this policy. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
14. Hiring – Environmental Manager. Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, stated that the Environmental Manager position has been vacant for one year. Existing staff have combined to fill the role during this interim period. Staff has analyzed work flows and demands and found that the Environmental Manager position is needed to coordinate the stormwater utilities regulatory compliance and responsibilities under municipal code. Staff requests that Council grant an exception to the moratorium on hiring and promotion, pursuant to Resolution 1051- 2020, to hire an Environmental Engineer. A motion was made by Alderman Berg to approve. Seconded by Alderman Williams. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
15. Hiring – Utilities Field Workers. Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, indicated that the WPC Sewer maintenance section has seven (7) funded positions as well as a manager. The manager position is vacant and under review. Of the seven front line employees, one is vacant and another will be off work for an extended period of time. Staff would like to fill these vacancies (one permanent and one temporary) with a newly created entry level position, Utilities Field Worker. The position description being developed will be more broad to allow easier sharing of resources with other sections. Staff requests that Council grant an exception to the moratorium on hiring and promotion, pursuant to Resolution 1051-2020, to hire one permanent Utilities Field Worker and one temporary Utilities Field Worker. A motion was made by Alderman Berg to approve. Seconded by Alderman Waldron. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
16. Amendment to Chapter 4, “Alcoholic Liquor,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances – License Fees. Derke Price, Corporation Counsel, explained that the amendment makes $250 of the $3,000 Application Fee non refundable. For all licenses other than Class I, II, III, and J, the application fee will now be paid in full at the time of filing. Upon a determination of eligibility for a license, all other fees will then be collected. Upon a determination that an applicant is not eligible for a license and the application is withdrawn, then all but $250 of the paid application fee will be refunded. The non-refundable fee is intended to cover the costs of preparing and reviewing property consents when applicable, pursuant to Section 4-3202, and reviewing the applicant and application, including but not limited to criminal background checks, as well as serving other regulatory purposes. A motion was made by Alderman Berg to approve. Seconded by Alderman Moyer. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
17. Amendment to Chapter 3, “Advertising and Signs,” and Chapter 20, “Motor Vehicles and Traffic,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances – Soliciting in the Roadway. Derke Price, Corporation Counsel, shared that the amendment is intended to promote the general health, safety and welfare of City residents and ensure that the flow of pedestrian and vehicle traffic is not impeded by solicitation activities without a license agreement, right of-way permit, or other applicable City approval. A motion was made by Alderman Potter to approve. Seconded by Alderman Moyer. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
18. Legal Services Agreement – PFAS Contamination. Derke Price, Corporation Counsel, explained that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has alerted the City to the presence of, and hazards associated with, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) in its source drinking water; and on-going litigation has determined that PFAS may constitute a mass tort and that the manufacturers that used PFAS have an obligation to the City of Moline for the damages caused by PFAS. The City Council wishes to engage The Driscoll Firm, et al, and join other Illinois river towns in the mass tort litigation to protect its residents and steward its resources. Price noted that PFAS has been around since the 1930s and that the City’s drinking water is acceptable at the moment. A motion was made by Alderman Berg to approve. Seconded by Alderman Moyer. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
19. Lease Extension with Bealer Family Trust. Derke Price, Corporation Counsel, stated that since September 23, 2010, the City of Moline has leased vacant property from the Donald R. Bealer Family Limited Partnership, L.P. (“Landlord”) for various municipal purposes, and the lease has expired. Both parties desire to extend the lease through September 22, 2025, and staff recommends approval. A motion was made by Alderman Berg approve. Seconded by Alderman Wendt. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
20. Other. Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, shared that staff is recommending that a variance be granted for a failing septic system at 3706 9th Avenue, with the condition that the property be required to connect, and participate in associated costs when a public gravity sewer becomes available. A motion was made by Alderman Berg to approve. Seconded by Alderman Moyer. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Waldron, Berg, Williams, Parker, Wendt, Potter, Moyer and Schoonmaker; nays: none.
Informational
Downtown Camera System. Darren Gault, Chief of Police, shared details of a proposed camera system, explaining that Avigilon is a significant software system which is extremely effective, targeting downtown, parks and schools. In the downtown area, there will be 15 cameras installed from Mercado to Bass Street Landing. Chief Gault explained that video is the future of policing, and the community has come to expect and demand it. There was discussion. The cameras can be pulled up on a mobile app. The Avigilon software system is currently used by the Quad City Airport and TaxSlayer Center. It is very secure; video streams can be encrypted across the network. Analytics are on the camera system, not the server. The price includes installation, and it has a 5- year warranty. A license plate reader is not included.
Administrator’s Update. Marty Vanags, Interim City Administrator, stated that the City will negotiate an agreement with Geneseo Communications, Inc, for city-wide broadband that includes all households. Vanags explained that Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill, and Moline will receive $20 million. Four criteria are provided for use. Staff has compiled projects that total $65 million. Council will be asked to review and provide guidance.
Public Comment
The attached statement, emailed from Morgan Park Neighborhood residents Chris Volquardsen and Stephen Steely, was read. View recorded meetings at http://www.moline.il.us/CivicMedia?CID=9
The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.
http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6996
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