City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met May 2.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Call to Order
PRESENT: Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati (Chair)
Alderperson Scott Williams (Ward 1)
Alderperson-elect Debbie Murphy (Ward 1)
Alderperson Alvaro Macias (Ward 2)
Alderperson-elect Abdur Razzaque (Ward 3)
Alderperson Matt Timion (Ward 4)
Alderperson Sam Moyer (Ward 5)
Alderperson-elect Jessica Finch (Ward 5)
Alderperson Pat O’Brien (Ward 6)
Alderperson Mike Waldron (Ward 7)
Alderperson-elect Anna Castro (Ward 7)
Alderperson James Patrick Schmidt (Alderperson At-Large)
ABSENT: Alderperson Mike Wendt (Ward 3)
STAFF: Bob Vitas, City Administrator
Brandi Russell, Deputy City Clerk
Carol Barnes, Finance Director
David Dryer, Director of Engineering
Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator
Darren Gault, Chief of Police
Eric Griffith, Parks Recreation Director
Ryan Hvitløk, Director of Community and Economic Development
Bryon Lear, Library Director
Tony Loete, Director of Utilities
Leah Miller, Human Resources Director
Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief
David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager
K.J. Whitley, Community Development Program Manager
Rodd Schick, Municipal Services General Manager
Charles Brown, Utilities Lab Manager
Robin Markle, Utilities Lab Technician
Staff from Finance Department
OTHERS: Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel
Grace Kinnecutt, Dispatch/Argus
Guests of newly-elected Alderpersons
Kinsley Bonjour, Water Art Contest Winner
Mayor Rayapati called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Approval of Remote Electronic Attendance
None.
Presentation
Government Finance Officers Association's "Award of Financial Reporting Achievement”. Carol Barnes, Finance Director, shared with City Council that this was the 30th consecutive year being a recipient of this award. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of financial reporting recognition in municipal government. She introduced and thanked her team of dedicated and hard-working staff.
2023 Water Art Contest Winner Announcement. Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, and Charles Brown, Utilities Lab Manager, presented Kinsley Bonjour (Bicentennial Elementary School), as the winner of the 2023 Water Art Contest. The purpose is to advance creativity in students and promote the City’s water. The 2023 theme was “Healthy Water, Healthy You”. The art teachers picked each school’s winner, then the Water Division voted and conducted an online poll. Mr. Brown thanked the art teachers and young artists of the City. The art finalists were posted at City Hall and the Moline Public Library.
Proclamation
A Proclamation from the American Water Works Association to declare May 7-13, 2023, as "Drinking Water Week".
A Proclamation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) to declare the week of April 30-May 6, 2023, as "Professional Municipal Clerks Week".
Questions on the Agenda
None.
Informational
May 2023 Status & Information Report. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, invited questions from Council on the report’s content. Mayor inquired about an update on the 3:00am liquor license discussions.
Public Comment
None.
Adjournment of the Committee-of-the-Whole and Council Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation
None.
Roll Call
Roll call was taken with Mayor Rayapati, Alderpersons Williams, Macias, Timion, Moyer, O’Brien, Waldron and Schmidt present. Absent: Alderperson Wendt.
Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes
Committee-of-the-Whole and Council meeting minutes of April 25, 2023 were approved.
Second Reading Ordinances
13.1 3017-2023 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 (1522 and 1526 46th Avenue).
13.2 3018-2023 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 (161 5th Avenue).
Omnibus Vote
Alderperson Moyer, seconded by Alderperson O’Brien, moved to approve and adopt, by omnibus vote, these items. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Waldron, Schmidt, Williams, Macias, Timion, Moyer, and O’Brien; nays: none.
Adjournment Sine Die
A motion to adjourn this portion of the Council meeting Sine Die was made by Alderperson Moyer, seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Rayapati thanked the outgoing Council members for their partnerships, perspectives, and progress made together.
Oath of Office
Mayor Rayapati administered oaths of office to newly elected Alderpersons Debbie Murphy (Ward 1), Abdur Razzaque (Ward 3), Jessica Finch (Ward 5), and Anna Castro (Ward 7). Alderpersons Williams, Moyer, and Waldron left their seats.
Council Call to Order
Roll Call
Roll call was taken with Mayor Rayapati, Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro and Schmidt present. Absent: None.
Roundtable
Strategic Planning Overview. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, presented an overview and history of the 2022-2024 Strategic Action Plan. Strategic planning translates into a synergy of day-to-day operations and how the City’s resources are allocated, with budgets and capital improvement projects. Implementation. All of these things are reported via monthly Status and Information Reports and Quarterly Action Plans. City staff and City Council members will engage residents and key stakeholders and involve them in critical decisions. Mr. Vitas discussed the mission, vision, and three pillars: Infrastructure, Quality of Place, and the Economy. Challenges are faced by the City and its investors to deliver services in a difficult economy. The City is focused currently on rebuilding the Community and Economic Development department. Mr. Vitas asked City Council members to read the 2024-2016 Strategic Plan Workbook in advance of the May 9 Strategic Planning Roundtable, at which time a deep dive will occur with all City directors. Potential new goals will be reviewed, including funding for charging and alternative fueling stations, a new fire station and expansion of fire station #2, a comprehensive housing program, City Hall renovations, and SouthPark Mall redevelopment plans. Mr. Vitas reminded the new City Council members that residents will share with them what they want to see in their neighborhoods.
Miscellaneous Business
Mayor Rayapati shared information on several upcoming events. On Thursday, May 4, a childcare discussion with Birth to Five in the Floreciente neighborhood will occur at 6:00 p.m. A birthday celebration and open house for Dexter Johnson, a well-known community member, will occur from 6- 8:00 p.m. at Wharton Field House on Thursday, May 4. She thanked those within the school district who planned the event. Mayor also encouraged members of Council to keep everyone apprised of events around the community and to report back during miscellaneous business.
Alderperson Macias inquired about the impact of the flooding. Mr. Vitas said that River Drive will be closed for a minimum of two weeks and then cleanup will begin. Rodd Schick, Municipal Services General Manager, provided information about the City’s work on the flood. This flood is potentially #7 in the top 10 largest crests of the Mississippi River. Public Works has been pumping around the Bridgepoint property. The river levels will slowly recede, and the cleanup process will be lengthy. Mr. Schick reminded the public that they should never drive through standing water.
Alderperson Timion welcomed the new members of City Council. He will be attending next week’s roundtable meeting remotely. He attended the Poverty Now Conference last week. Alderperson Timion plans to focus more on zoning with the goal of helping remove barriers for affordable housing in general.
Alderperson O’Brien welcomed new members to City Council. He thanked the Parks department and Illinois Rotary for the tree planting event held on Friday, April 28 in honor of his late wife, Cecelia O’Brien. He also attended the Poverty Now Conference and said it was well-attended.
Alderperson Schmidt shared that there is an initial design session for the Moline skate park on Thursday, May 4 at 6:30 p.m. He welcomed the new Council members and thanked them for answering the call to come serve the community.
Tony Loete and Charles Brown shared an award, received for the 30th consecutive year from the Illinois Department of Public Health, for maintaining the highest level of compliance with the Illinois Fluoridation Act. Utilities Lab staff were recognized for a job well done. The award was presented to Mayor Rayapati.
Public Comment
There was no additional public comment.
Executive Session:
None.
Adjournment of City Council
Upon motion of Alderperson Macias, seconded by Alderperson Timion, the Council meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/8988
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