Rock Island Today

City of East Moline City Council met Oct. 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

PLEDGE:

Mayor Freeman led the City Council and all those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

ROLL CALL

Mayor Freeman called the meeting to order and directed City Clerk Wanda Roberts-Bontz, to call the roll. The following Alderpersons were present: Kenneth Porter, Gary Almblade, Nancy Mulcahey, Jayne O’Brien, Rhea Oakes, Maria Tapia and Jose Rico.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None

CITY CLERK’S REPORT

City Clerk Roberts had no items for discussion.

ADDITIONS/CORRECTIONS TO AGENDA:

None

CONSENT AGENDA:

City Clerk Wanda Roberts-Bontz read the Consent Agenda that included the following:

a. Approval of the City Council Minutes of October 3, 2022. PULLED

b. Approval of the Committee-of-the-Whole Minutes of October 3, 2022.

c. Approval of Salaries of October 14, 2022 in the amount of $453,703.84.

d. Approval of Overtime of October 14, 2022, in the amount of $30,900.48.

e. Approval of Bills in the amount of $1,027,803.44.

A motion was made by Alderperson Porter, seconded by Alderperson Oakes, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon roll call the following voted in favor: Rico, Porter, Almblade, Mulcahey, O’Brien, Oakes and Tapia. Motion carried.

REPORT BY MAYOR

Mayor Freeman turned the floor over to Chief Ramsey.

Chief Ramsey informed the City Council that the Police Department has recently instituted an awards and recognition. Chief Ramsey is here to recognize a couple officers: One of the Officers is no longer employed with the East Moline Police Department. The Award of Valor is the highest award at the Police Department. The Award of Valor is to recognize outstanding performance of courage under duress while acting in the line of duty and is presented to Officers for acts of exceptional bravery performed at very high risk to their own lives with full awareness of the danger involved.

On May 25, 2019, Officer Brian Clark and Officer Logan Wolfe attempted to stop a vehicle that was wanted for an investigation. The vehicle that was wanted for an investigation. The vehicle fled and was soon stopped at the intersection of 7th Street and 40th Avenue in East Moline. The passenger exited the vehicle and immediately fired a handgun at the Officers. Officer Clark and Officer Wolfe fired back in defense of their lives, injuring the suspect and soon taking him into custody, also recovering the suspects firearm. The suspect, Darold Strunk, was charged with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm in the direction of a Peace Officer (Class X Felony). Mr. Strunk pleaded guilty to the charge in 2021 and was sentenced to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Chief Ramsey commented, “We all train for these types of situations, but we all also hope we never have to encounter this type of situation.” The East Moline Police Department and the City of East Moline are forever grateful for the courageous actions these Officers took that day to not only protect themselves, but also the citizens of East Moline.

ATTORNEY ROGER L. STRANDLUND - PRESENTED THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

ORDINANCES – 1st Reading (None)

ORDINANCES – 2ND Reading (None)

RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION 22-67: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST MOLINE, ILLINOIS, AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS 101 BEACON HARBOR PARKWAY (VISITOR’S CENTER AT THE QUARTER) PULLED

RESOLUTION 22-68: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST MOLINE, ILLINOIS, APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH FLOCK GROUP, INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES RELATED TO LICENSE PLATE READER (LPR) CAMERAS

A motion was made by Alderperson Almblade, seconded by Alderperson Mulcahey, to approve Resolution 22-68 as presented. Upon roll call the following voted in favor: Rico, Porter, Almblade, Mulcahey, O’Brien, Oakes and Tapia. Motion carried.

COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE (Alderperson Rico)

Alderperson Rico had no items for discussion, all items have been covered under the Consent Agenda, Ordinances and Resolutions.

CITY STAFF COMMUNICATION:

Each City Staff member present was given the opportunity to inform the City Council and those in attendance of events in their departments:

Mr. Maxeiner, City Administrator – Mr. Maxeiner informed the City Council regarding Resolution 22-67 we meet with an individual that had a proposal for the use of that property, we are still valuating that and will be brought back at a later date. Mr. Maxeiner will be on vacation next week from October 24, 2022 through October 28, 2022 with limited communication, Annaka Whiting will be acting Administrator for Statutory and City Code purposes.

Todd Stickler – Maintenance Services Director – Mr. Stickler informed the City Council that he is looking into purchasing two additional commercial lawn mowers for the parts department and will have more information at the next meeting.

Chief DeFrance, EMFD – Chief DeFrance informed the City Council about a fire that occurred in East Moline started on the 7th floor with flames to the ceiling in the kitchen. The owner locked himself out of his apartment trying to get a fire extinguisher. The sprinkler system kicked in with fire damage only to the kitchen and minimal smoke damage.

Mayor Freeman asked if there was any other business to bring before this meeting?

Alderperson O’Brien informed the City Council that she had received two calls in the past couple of weeks, good news was they both called back stating thank you for the quick response and quick resolution. Thank you to the City Staff and Departments.

Alderperson O’Brien stated she went to the early childhood center today, October 17, 2022. Please take a moment and spend 30 minutes there such an asset to our future young community leaders. The Center’s curriculum is inclusive, diverse to address all abilities of learning. Alderperson O’Brien feels this is an asset to the community.

Alderperson Porter added that he has received a couple of calls today on things that is occurring in the 1st Ward and things are getting resolved. The Department Heads are working to get things done. The folks are very happy about the things that are getting done.

A motion was made by Alderperson Almblade, seconded by Alderperson Rico, to adjourn the City Council meeting. Upon roll call the following voted in favor: Rico, Porter, Almblade, Mulcahey, O’Brien, Oakes and Tapia. Motion carried. 6:43 p.m.

https://www.eastmoline.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10172022-837