City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met July 18.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Committee-of-the-Whole Call to Order
PRESENT: Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati (Chair)
Alderperson Debbie Murphy (Ward 1)
Alderperson Abdur Razzaque (Ward 3)
Alderperson Matt Timion (Ward 4)
Alderperson Jessica Finch (Ward 5)
Alderperson Pat O’Brien (Ward 6)
Alderperson Anna Castro (Ward 7)
Alderperson James Patrick Schmidt (Alderperson At-Large)
ABSENT: Alderperson Alvaro Macias (Ward 2)
STAFF: Bob Vitas, City Administrator
Amy Saunders, Legal Services Specialist/Deputy City Clerk
Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator
Darren Gault, Chief of Police
Jennifer Bizarri, Assistant Director of Community and Economic Development
Leah Miller, Human Resources Director
Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief
Mike Davis, System Administrator
K.J. Whitley, Community Development Manager
Lori Ulloa, Assistant Finance Director
Keith Verbeke, Finance Manager
Courtney Nelson, Finance and Purchasing Coordinator
Drake Daley, Building Official
OTHERS: Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel
Alexandra Elias, CEO/President, Renew Moline
Jinnel Choiniere, Executive Director, Moline Community Development Corporation
Brandon Tidwell, Historic Preservation Commission
Jacob Uhlmann, Summer Intern
Sam Gerstel, Summer Intern
Grace Kinnecutt, Dispatch/Argus
Mayor Rayapati called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Board Appointments
Mayor's appointment of Jeff Adamson to the Historic Preservation Commission to fill the unexpired term of Craig Mack to expire April 30, 2024.
Presentation
Thriving Neighborhoods Program. Alexandra Elias, CEO/President of Renew Moline, introduced Jinnel Choiniere, Executive Director of the Moline Community Development Corporation (MCDC). MCDC is now under the authority of Renew Moline. Ms. Elias shared that Moline neighborhoods are important to Renew Moline. Renew Moline wants to ensure that communities and neighborhoods are well supported and vibrant, and Ms. Elias is pleased to partner with Ms. Choiniere and MCDC. Together, there are opportunities to work on the housing shortage in all income categories.
Ms. Choiniere presented the Thriving Neighborhoods Program (TNP). Ms. Choiniere and MCDC have been working under the umbrella of Renew Moline since December 2022. Together, they are working with the City on the TNP. MCDC was established in 2008 and is a non-profit partner of the City of Moline. MCDC has renovated foreclosed homes, updated parks, and assisted neighborhood associations. Financial support from ARPA funding in 2022 and 2023 led to refocusing and building capacity. The TNP was developed with City staff. The TNP addresses two strategic pillars, quality of place and infrastructure, and was designed to complement City programs. TNP’s three main goals are: (1) to create meaningful neighborhood identities, (2) improve physical environments in the neighborhoods; and (3) support strong neighborhood associations by and for the residents. The initial target neighborhoods are The Bluffs, Overlook, Floreciente, Stephens Parkview, Uptown and Wheelock/Velie. TNP’s strategies are to build on work already done by the City of Moline, MCDC and other organizations; enhance existing neighborhood identities; collect input on needs and share with City staff; and provide tools and opportunities for resident connection. Lastly, Ms. Choiniere shared TNP’s timeline for the years 2023 and 2024.
Bob Vitas, City Administrator, commented that the City took a leap of faith a couple of years ago when MCDC was losing its Executive Director. MCDC has done great work with the City. Today, MCDC and Moline Centre Partners are housed within Renew Moline. Mr. Vitas credited Ms. Choiniere for her work to date with MCDC and where MCDC is now.
GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Award. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, recognized the outstanding work of the City’s Finance Department in preparing a distinguished budget that demonstrates to the public that the City of Moline is transparent in its accounting functions. He congratulated the Finance team on the receipt of this award and shared that not many cities pursue this level of financial reporting or reach this level of designation. Lori Ulloa, Assistant Finance Director, Keith Verbeke, Finance Manager, and Courtney Nelson, Finance and Purchasing Coordinator, were present to accept this distinguished award on behalf of the Finance Department. Ms. Ulloa thanked Mayor Rayapati, the City Council and other City departments for providing a lot of the information contained in the budget book. She also shared her appreciation for Courtney Nelson, Finance and Purchasing Coordinator, for putting the budget book together and organizing it so well. Mayor Rayapati read the Certificate of Recognition to the City Council and staff.
Public Comment
Alexandra Elias, CEO/President of Renew Moline, spoke concerning the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Demolition Ordinance that was on the City Council Agenda this evening. She shared that Renew Moline owns the JCPenney building in downtown Moline. She opined that the HPC Ordinance before the Council this evening may not apply to the JCPenney building, but she was not sure about that. Ms. Elias stated that said Ordinance appears to apply to structures that would not apply for a certificate of appropriateness. She communicated two observations: (1) this ordinance may allow the HPC to capture a bunch of historic resources that are not yet accounted for and shared that resources for developing historic buildings are very slim. There are other ways to renovate buildings, but they are very expensive options; and (2) the level of involvement of the HPC in evaluating buildings is laudable but not very realistic. Ms. Elias represents Renew Moline and wants people to understand that there is a tension between these interests and in striking a balance of economic development and feels there is an overreach in the Ordinance.
Questions on the Agenda
Mayor Rayapati inquired about questions concerning the Executive Session Minutes review and whether Executive Session was necessary tonight. The Committee-of-the-Whole did not have any questions. As such, there was no Executive Session tonight.
Agenda Items
7.1 A Resolution approving the special event application for the Stunnings Summer Showcase amateur boxing and fundraiser event scheduled for Saturday, August 12, 2023, that is sponsored by Stunnings Boxing Club, and closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, confirmed that this group is independent of Mercado. Alderperson Schmidt confirmed that Mercado is allowing this group to use its property previously owned by the City. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.
Informational
8.1 Chapter 30 “CABLE/VIDEO SERVICE PROVIDER FEE AND CUSTOMER PROTECTION” of the Moline Code of Ordinances – Housekeeping. Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel, shared that efforts have been made to update and review all chapters in the Code, and Chapter 30 is one such chapter. Staff and Corporation Counsel suggested some housekeeping amendments and updated Chapter 30 to conform to state statute. Chapter 30 addresses the cable fee for non-franchise businesses. As such, this Ordinance does not pertain to Metronet or MidAmerican Energy. The fees referenced therein are for other service providers. There have been no substantive changes made to this Ordinance. Alderperson Schmidt requested confirmation that these fees are for things that are already in place and already happening. Corporation Counsel Kostopulos confirmed the same. This item will proceed to first reading on the City Council Agenda on July 25, 2023.
8.2 An Ordinance amending Chapter 31, “TAXATION,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, by repealing Chapter 31 in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new Chapter 31 dealing with the same subject matter. Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel, shared that efforts have been made to update and review all chapters in the Code, and Chapter 31 is one such chapter. She shared that this informational item contains fee changes or tax changes in certain areas. Specifically, it increases the amusement tax from 5% to 10%, it increases sales tax from 1% to 1.25%, and it increases the prepared food and liquor tax from 1% to 1.5%. In addition, Corporation Counsel and staff made other suggestions for changes, which are in the margins of the attachment, to streamline some definitions and to consider, concerning the amusement and video taxes, which does not change in amount, whether the City may want to allow the businesses to retain a portion of the tax in consideration of collecting it. Corporation Counsel Kostopulos shared that many communities do this. Chapter 31 was also reorganized for the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, now appearing later in the chapter, which made more sense for formatting. The proposed fee increases, incorporated in the proposed amendments, were previously discussed by the City Council at a previous round table meeting.
Mayor Rayapati shared that she does not understand why the City Council would institute an increase before budgeting. She is not sure that the City Council is at a place to make these determinations outside of budget talks. Alderperson Schmidt agreed.
Corporation Counsel Kostopulos shared that the City Council’s earlier recommendations were incorporated in the draft Chapter 31. She shared that this informational item does not have to proceed to a vote at any time soon, but it was simply put on tonight’s agenda for consideration, and the City Council may address competing interests and use this draft as a guide during budgeting. Alderperson Timion asked for clarification as to whether the SSA taxes increase in this draft. Corporation Counsel Kostopulos confirmed that the SSA taxes are not increased in this draft.
Corporation Counsel Kostopulos indicated that this informational item was not presented for adoption this evening. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, confirmed that this item is for informational purposes only and that fees will be addressed in September 2023, such as, hotel-motel taxes in comparison to similar local communities, and amusement taxes, which are geared for people who take advantage of amusements versus the general public. This informational item gives the City Council time to discuss these matters before budget season.
Alderperson Schmidt shared that he would like this item to remain on the Committee-of-the-Whole Agenda to remove any changes to the tax structure. He opines that the rest of Chapter 31 needs to be handled on its own with a strong memo from staff for consideration.
Mayor Rayapati wants to be very clear to the public. The City Council is not, as a whole, interested in increasing fees. The City Council knows that stormwater fees have already increased. She does not want the public to feel like the City Council is entertaining any further fee increases at this time. She would like to see this item come back without fee increase information. The primary goal of the previous round table meeting was to attempt to maintain status quo without burdening the public.
Corporation Counsel Kostopulos replied that Corporation Counsel and staff are not proponents of fee increases at this time. This agenda item was solely for discussion as an informational for this very reason. She made it very clear to the City Council that Corporation Counsel and staff are not presuming that the City Council wants to increase fees or that this item contains inappropriate increases.
Alderperson Schmidt requested that, in the future, no tax or fee increases be brought before the City Council unless the City Council is interested in the tax or fee increases. He further stated that he may be interested in the potential diversion of taxes to local businesses. However, he wants to learn and understand more about the pros and cons of doing something like this.
Alderperson O’Brien opined that staff should present options to the City Council, and he appreciated this informational item coming forward as an option tonight. The City Council needs to know where money is coming from and where it is going. He further opined that the City’s Finance Department has a balanced view of the revenue the City needs and how to acquire it. He indicated that the stormwater fee increase was well overdue. He shared that he thinks it is beneficial to hear from staff concerning options.
Adjournment of the Committee-of-the-Whole and Council Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation
Alderperson O’Brien gave an Invocation.
Roll Call
Roll call was taken with Mayor Rayapati, Alderpersons Murphy, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro and Schmidt present. Absent: Alderperson Macias
Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes
Committee-of-the-Whole, Council and Executive Session minutes of July 11, 2023, and appointments made at Committee-of-the-Whole on July 18, 2023.
Second Reading Ordinances
3025-2023 An Ordinance amending Chapter 2, “ADMINISTRATION”, Article IV, “BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS”, Division I, “IN GENERAL”, Section 2-4100, LIST OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS”, Subsection (e), “EXCESSIVE ABSENTEEISM”.
3026-2023 An Ordinance amending Chapter 2, “ADMINISTRATION”, Article IV, “BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS”, Division 2, “MOLINE COMMISSION ON YOUTH”, Section 2-4201 “EX OFFICIO MEMBERS”.
3027-2023 An Ordinance amending Chapter 4, “ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR,” Article III, “RETAIL LICENSES,” Division 1, “IN GENERAL,” Section 4-3103, “LICENSES TO BE USED ONLY FOR PREMISES FOR WHICH ISSUED: NON-TRANSFERRABLE” and Division 2, “LICENSING PROCEDURE,” Section 4-3208, “LICENSE FEES.”
3029-2023 An Ordinance amending Chapter 27, “PURCHASING,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, to provide for updated procedures, standards and streamlined procurement processes.
Omnibus Vote
Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Timion, moved to approve and adopt, by omnibus vote, these items. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Razzaque, Timion and Finch; nays: none.
Non-Consent Agenda
Second Reading Ordinances
3028-2023 An Ordinance amending Chapter 4, “ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR,” Article III, “RETAIL LICENSES,” Division 3, “PRIVILEGES CONFERRED BY VARIOUS CLASSES OF LICENSES,” Section 4-3315, “OPTION 2 EXTENDED HOURS 3 A.M.”
Adopted. Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson O’Brien, moved to approve Council Bill 3028- 2023. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Razzaque, Timion, and Finch; nays: none.
3030-2023 An Ordinance amending Chapter 4, “ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances increasing the number of Class C licenses in the City at the request of HS Stores, LLC, d/b/a Essentials.
Adopted. Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson O’Brien, moved to approve Council Bill 3030- 2023. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Razzaque, Timion, and Finch; nays: none.
Non-Consent Agenda
First Reading Ordinances
17.1 An Ordinance amending Section 8-2101 (“Amendments to the Building Code”) of Division 1 (“Moline Building Code”) of Chapter 8 (“Buildings and Other Construction and Building Services”) of the City of Moline Code of Ordinances, regarding the City’s adopted Building Code and adding a new Section 25- 4112 (“Demolition of Structures Fifty Years Old or Older”) to Article IV (“Historic Preservation”) of Chapter 25 (“Planning and Development”) to create procedural safeguards prior to the demolition of potential landmarks.
Tabled. Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to advance Item 17.1 to second reading. Discussion had. Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Timion, made a motion to table Item 17.1 and return it to the Committee-of-the-Whole in the future for further discussion. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Razzaque, Timion, and Finch; nays: none.
3031-2023 An Ordinance amending Chapter 8, “BUILDINGS AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING SERVICES,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, by repealing Chapter 8 in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new Chapter 8 dealing with the same subject matter.
Advanced. Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Timion, moved to advance Council Bill 3031- 2023 to second reading. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Razzaque, Timion, and Finch; nays: none. Mayor Rayapati indicated that any fee changes would come before the City Council in September 2023.
Miscellaneous Business
Alderperson Timion indicated that he will be absent from the City Council meeting on July 25, 2023, as he will be riding his bike across Iowa.
Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reminded City Council and staff that the Illinois Municipal League (IML) Conference is scheduled for the end of September 2023. If anyone is interested, they should contact Macy McManus, Executive Coordinator, and she will make reservations.
Police Chief Darren Gault announced that Tuesday, August 1, 2023, is the 40th National Night Out Against Crime. It will take place at the Ben Butterworth Parkway, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Chief Gault advised that there is no City Council meeting that night, so everyone may come out and enjoy this fun, free event.
Public Comment
There was no additional public comment.
Adjournment of City Council
Upon motion of Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Finch, the Council meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9191
Alerts Sign-up