City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met Aug. 15.
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 Alvaro Macias (Ward 2)
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: None.
STAFF: Bob Vitas, City Administrator
Stephanie Murphy, City Clerk
Amy Saunders, Legal Services Specialist
Carol Barnes, Director of Finance
Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator
Darren Gault, Chief of Police
Eric Griffith, Director of Parks & Recreation ~electronically
Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development
Jennifer Bizarri, Assistant Director of Community and Economic Development
Bryon Lear, Library Director
David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager
K.J. Whitley, Community Development Manager
OTHERS: Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel
Alexandra Elias, CEO/President, Renew Moline
Gary Koeller, Library Board of Trustees
Regina Nelson, Library Board of Trustees
Brett Weidl, PLA, ASLA, Principal in Charge, MKSK ~electronically
Donald Zellefrow, AICP, Project Manager, MKSK ~electronically
Jerry Miller, Resident
Members of the News Media
Mayor Rayapati called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Council Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation
Alderperson Murphy gave an Invocation.
Roll Call
Roll call was taken with Mayor Rayapati, Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro and Schmidt present. Absent: None.
Questions on the Agenda
There were no questions on the agenda.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Informational
8.1 Moline Library Gardens Project Update
Bryon Lear, Library Director, shared that the Library Gardens Project has been in the works for a couple of years and is closer to becoming a reality. For many years, the parcel of land adjacent to the Moline Public Library was not available. The adjacent property became available in 2020 and was purchased by the City in 2021. In 2022, the Public Works Department demolished the structures on the property. At the same time, the Library was developing its own strategic plan. In 2023, the Library has been working with Shive-Hattery to develop a schematic design of the plan. Library Board of Trustees members Gary Koeller and Regina Nelson were present. Mr. Koeller is on the Steering Committee, and Ms. Nelson is on the Fundraising Committee. Director Lear shared the attached slides. (See attached slides entitled, “Moline Library Gardens Project Update.”). Director Lear explained that the design includes 25 new trees as well as the existing magnolia tree. The design will contain an art feature, which will be the focal point, and a round activity space. There are several pergola shade structures and a stage. The emphasis will be on low-maintenance, and an irrigation system is in the plans. The Wi-Fi signal will extend to all outdoor areas, and there will be security cameras, as well. In addition, there will be a donor wall containing the names of people that donated to the project. The space is designed to complement traditional indoor services and offers a change of scenery and a place to get fresh air. Director Lear hopes to complete the design and engineering late this fall. The project will go out for bid in the winter, and the project will commence in the spring.
Alderperson Castro inquired as to the percentage of the project that will be funded by fundraising versus the percentage funded by the City taxpayers. Director Lear responded that 15 percent of the funds would come from fundraising.
Alderperson Timion inquired about including some native plants to assist with the low maintenance concept. Mayor Rayapati was also interested in native plants and pollinator gardens, as well. Director Lear responded that these options would be discussed with Shive-Hattery.
Mayor Rayapati inquired about the need or desire for a privacy fence like the one at the Botanical Center. Director Lear responded that the planned fencing is four (4) feet in height. The ordinance will need to be checked concerning the appropriate height for security fencing. Mayor Rayapati would like to focus on security.
Mayor Rayapati expressed appreciation for the attention to shade structures and mentioned adding misting stations to keep the outdoor space accessible and in use at least three seasons of the year.
Mayor Rayapati inquired as to whether the 16-story panels are interchangeable. Director Lear responded that they are.
Alderperson Macias asked how long the project would last from start to finish. Director Lear responded the project should be completed next year if all goes well. Alderperson Macias also inquired about maintenance. Director Lear responded that the Library is reviewing all the options, including in-house and contracted maintenance.
Alderperson Schmidt shared that he would love to see a little more incorporated in the plans targeting youth usage. He would like to see pieces that make the space more interesting and entertaining to younger persons.
Alderperson Finch mentioned the option of having puppet shows, which the kids seem to enjoy. She suggested possibly moving the puppet shows outside.
8.2 Review Green Valley Turf Project: 2024-2026 Budget Consideration & Open Space Land Acquisition & Development Grant - $600,000
Eric Griffith, Park & Recreation Director, shared that he is attending electronically tonight as he is at the National Park Directors School in Oak Brook tonight. He shared that he originally presented this item on June 13, 2023, at the round table meeting. However, he did not have all of the financial figures at that time. Director Griffith shared the attached slides. (See attached slides entitled, “Turf Infields at Green Valley Softball Complex.”). The slides contain information including the total cost of the Green Valley Turf Project, the OSLAD grant procedure, the timeline of the project, how the project will be funded, revenue and expenditures concerning the four current tournaments hosted at Green Valley, the economic impact the project will have in Moline and the Quad Cities area if additional tournaments are added, and two scenarios outlining the costs to replace the turf in 7.5 years or 9.5 years. Replacing the turf costs half as much as the original project, because the underground work does not need to be redone. The Parks Department would reimburse the general fund out of operating funds. The Parks Department has done this previously when it purchased the Musco lighting. Director Griffith is hoping to attract some national tournaments back to the area, because, in the event of rain, Green Valley will be able to have tournaments after the rain stops with the new turf in place.
Director Griffith requested approval to submit the OSLAD application for the Green Valley Turf Project. He explained that during the budgeting process, the application may be removed if there is not enough money in the general fund to do the project. There was discussion that included concerns about the project cost, the cost to replace the turf, the need to retain current tournaments, the desire to attract national tournaments back to Green Valley, other projects that have been surveyed by the public but for which there is no current funding source, and the possibility of the turf project being revenue neutral. After discussion, the City Council unanimously agreed to move this project forward, which includes the submittal of the OSLAD grant application. Director Lear will come back to the City Council next week with more information.
8.3 I-74 Corridor Riverfront Master Plan Proposal
Alexandra Elias, CEO/President of Renew Moline, and Chris Mathias, Director of Community & Economic Development, were present in support of the Riverfront Master Plan. Ms. Elias presented that this project has been a long time coming for the Community and Economic Development Department and Renew Moline. She shared that MKSK would give a presentation this evening via electronic attendance. Ms. Elias shared a little history concerning this plan from the last five years while she has been the CEO/President of Renew Moline. The new I-74 bridge was still under construction when she returned to the Quad Cities. At that time, she questioned how the new bridge was going to impact the downtown area and result in public and private development opportunities. She also wondered how the City could make people feel like the water is close. The acquisition of the Bridgepointe property was crucial to this plan. A request for proposals (RFP) was eventually published, and MKSK was unanimously recommended by the interview panel for the Riverfront Master Plan contract. City Administrator Bob Vitas thanked Chris Mathias for his previous work with the City on this matter and for coming back to the City at the right time. He shared that MKSK is a quality firm with great success across the country. The presentation was turned over to Brett Weidl, Principal in Charge at MKSK, who attended the meeting electronically, along with Donald Zellefrow, Project Manager at MKSK.
The presentation information for Item 8.3 is contained in the attached slides. Alexandra Elias from Renew Moline presented slides 20-42, and Brett Weidl from MKSK presented slides 43-92.
After the presentation, MKSK invited and fielded questions from the Council. Per Mayor Rayapati, this matter will come before the City Council for formal action next week. The project document will be shared with the City Council this Friday, which includes the contract with MKSK. If all goes well, the Riverfront Master Plan will launch in September 2023 and will be completed by this time next year or sooner. Alderperson Timion thanked the City Council and MKSK for the time spent on this matter.
Miscellaneous Business
Mayor Rayapati shared that she attended five days of bi-partisan leadership training last week. Some of the topics covered were very important to the work done here at the City of Moline. The training took state level and regional level looks at education, economic development, criminal justice, crime and punishment, and the environment and transportation. She shared this information with City staff that work on related business.
Mayor Rayapati advised that there is an Overlook Neighborhood meeting tomorrow at 6:30 p.m., at the house across from Valley Park with the big porch.
Mayor Rayapati reminded the City Council to study the August 22, 2023 COW/Council Agenda over the weekend, as there is a lot to study to be prepared for the LRS item.
Mayor Rayapati noted that the Park Board is working with a consultant to do grant writing. She inquired about the status of the grant writing position. City Administrator Bob Vitas responded that the City is currently interviewing candidates, and he hopes to have a decision sometime next week.
Alderperson Macias reminded City Council and staff that summer is almost over. He encouraged everyone to participate in the Friday Mercado events and the Mo-Live, Mo-Art events next week.
Alderperson Timion indicated that he posted on Facebook today that he was able to ride the new stretch of 12th Avenue on his bike. It is very smooth. He also noticed a calming change in the traffic pattern, which benefits the area. He thanked the Engineering Department and the City Council who voted for the change in traffic patterns. The neighbors now feel safe to walk down the street with their children.
Bob Vitas, City Administrator, mentioned that the Mo-Live event starts on Thursday, August 24, with John Deere hosting its own musical event at the Bass Street Landing Pavilion. The City will then hold events on Friday, August 25, and Saturday, August 26, which includes the annual Touch-A-Truck event. There are some great music and vendors lined up for this event.
Bob Vitas, City Administrator, introduced the new City Clerk, Stephanie Murphy, who commenced her employment with the City yesterday. He thanked her for joining the City of Moline team and hopes that she will enjoy a long tenure with the City.
Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator, echoed Alderperson Timion’s sentiments concerning the new 12th Avenue bike lane.
Darren Gault, Chief of Police, advised that last Wednesday, the Moline Police Department conducted a full-scale exercise simulating an active shooter call coming in just after 7:00 a.m., and concluded just before 3:00 p.m. It tested the entire department. The training began with a simulated tabletop exercise at John Deere Seeding and a hostage situation at Bridgepointe. Chief Gault previously emailed several things about incident command, MIMS training, etc. They plan to prepare City staff with some training, as well. They are also going to continue with training through FEMA. There will be tours and training involving the City Council, as well. The Police and Fire Departments will be involved in additional training this week at the Vibrant Arena. He shared that the City Council should be proud of the Police Department, the Fire Department and City staff who continue to be better prepared for these types of situations.
Public Comment
Jerry Miller, a Moline resident residing on 34th Avenue, stated that a couple of years ago, the City repaved the street in front of his house. However, there are no markings for bicycles on his street, and it is very unsafe. He was glad to see the new markings on 12th Avenue. He requested a traffic signal at the intersection of 41st Street and 34th Avenue. He opined that it is a very busy intersection, and there are lots of traffic backs ups there due to the traffic signal by the Moline Public Library and vehicles traveling through the area.
Adjournment of City Council
Upon motion of Alderperson Macias, seconded by Alderperson Murphy, the Council meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9285
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