City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met Aug. 22.
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
Brandi Russell, Deputy City Clerk
Carol Barnes, Director of Finance
David Dryer, Director of Engineering ~electronically
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
Bryon Lear, Library Director ~electronically
Tony Loete, Director of Utilities ~electronically
Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief
David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager
K.J. Whitley, Community Development Manager ~electronically
OTHERS: Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel
David Silverman, Corporation Counsel
Grace Kinnecut, Dispatch/Argus
Maria Ontiveros, Mercado on Fifth
Donald Zellefrow, MKSK ~electronically
Members of the Media
Boy Scouts, Troop 325
Walter Willis, Executive Director of Solid Waste Agency of Lake County K.J. Loerop, Lakeshore Recycling Systems
Alex Elias, Renew Moline
Mayor Rayapati called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Board Appointments
Mayor's reappointment of Adrian Ritchie to the Human Rights Commission for a full two-year term to expire August 31, 2025.
Mayor's reappointment of Jose Castro to the Human Rights Commission for a full two-year term to expire August 31, 2025.
Mayor's reappointment of Matt Stoefen to the Human Rights Commission for a full two-year term to expire August 31, 2025.
Public Comment
Diann Moore, Moline resident, stated that she was appalled to receive a postcard in the mail that was anonymous which was in opposition of the proposed Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) waster transfer station. She requested that Council to vote for what they feel is best for the City.
Paul Crosser, Coal Valley resident, stated he lives up the hill from the facility and that he believes the project is not suited for the chosen location. He proclaimed this is another project that works on paper but not in practice. He believes that residents and businesses along the route will be picking up trash, odors are inevitable, repairs will not be instantaneous, horrible pavement conditions will occur because of the trash haulers, and the creek will contaminate the storm water.
Ray Carter, General Manager of Republic Services, and a resident of the Quad Cities, stated safety and protection of the environment are the cornerstones of Republic. Carter believes the application submitted was incomplete. He noted the County already has three landfills in the area.
Matt Pivit, Municipal Manager at Republic Services, stated that while this facility may provide financial benefit to the City, it will come at the expense of neighboring communities and partners the City has relied on for many years.
Bob Marriott, Moline resident and Group O CFO, is not in support of transfer station. He stated it is not needed for our community and that additional traffic from the facility to Atkinson, Illinois, is not a sustainable solution.
Ben Leischner, Executive Director of the Quad Cities International Airport, met with Group O to hear some of their concerns firsthand. He noted that as they looked at the plan, they determined it is good for the community. He personally visited each transfer facility, including one in Mexico. He observed that the transfer stations were the cleanest areas in the industrial parks. He stated that there is an increased level of due diligence based on concerns raised by tenants, Group O.
Teresa Isaacson, Milan resident, presented public comment along with her husband, Chris. She is in opposition of the LRS facility and believes it will adversely affect the wildlife and the creek. She also stated the traffic generated will place excessive wear-and-tear on the roads as well as the Case Creek Bridge. They encourage consideration of an entrance off of the Milan Beltway to support heavy truck traffic.
Ann Hartley, Commissioner of Moline Public Art Commission, spoke on behalf of the Public Art Commission. She stated the Public Art Commission is grateful for the City’s support. The Public Art Commission is excited about their partnership with the Quad City Arts, a local non-profit organization that specializes in all aspects of arts in the community. Their expertise in public art has allowed them to plan ahead for any hurdles in projects. She thanked the City for making public art a focus in the community.
Gregg Ontiveros, CEO of Group O, shared his disappointment in the process and his concern about who the City has chosen for their partner.
Tom Keith, Moline resident, stated he believes the City does not listen to the pleas of the citizens and believes the landfill issues will end up the same way.
Dale Holmes, Moline resident, shared that he believes the LRS project is a bad idea. Gary Kerofsky signed up for public comment but did not appear.
Mary Ann Zimmerman, Moline resident, questioned recycling and is concerned the recycling just gets thrown away. Her other concern is regarding library books. She stated in Davenport and Bettendorf, Moline residents could check out their books and bring them back. She inquired about the current process of checking out books from other libraries.
Jeff Heuer, long-time business owner in the Quad Cities, has worked with LRS for the last three years. He has nothing but good things to say about LRS. He noted they are stand up people who have done an excellent job.
Lourdes Cortez, Rock Island resident, stated the citizens know what they want but she believes the City already made a decision on the voting for the LRS transfer station project.
Lindsey Svetlick, Milan resident, stated she does not believe the Council opens their minds to listen to the needs of the citizens. She stated although the Quad Cities loves to welcome businesses in, it fails to think about the infrastructure behind it. She is against the LRS transfer station because of more traffic, more accidents, the condition of the road, and the smell. She believes it is important to have safety on our roads and that the residents are ultimately the ones who pay.
Alice Dailing, Rock Island resident, presented public comment along with her husband, Rich. She shared their opposition of the project and their concern of the environment, traffic, smell, the Quad Cities at large, and the future generations.
Elizabeth Nobilig, Moline resident, shared her opposition on the transfer station project. She would like to know why what the City is doing currently is not working. She stated it makes more sense to stay local. She is asking the City to think more broadly on the impact and stated she does not believe the payoff is worth it.
Steve Young, Coal Valley resident, lives up the hill from the proposed transfer station. He stated he is in opposition of the transfer station.
Deputy City Clerk, Brandi Russell, read public comments received via email. The first public comment was from Drew Sterling. He is against the proposed waste transfer station project, stating RICWMA voted no and the City should, too. The second public comment was from Brad and Wendi Reed, Milan residents, who are against the proposed waste transfer station. They are concerned property values will go down and traffic in the area will increase. The final public comment was received from Mary Schroeder, Milan resident, stated she is against the proposed waste transfer station. She believes there is a public safety health concern with the increased tonnage that would cross the Case Creek Bridge.
Corey Hardt, Coal Valley resident, stated the land surrounding the proposed waste transfer station lays adjacent to a flood plain that feeds into the Rock River. He believes LRS has not done their due diligence in completing an environmental study.
Mayor Rayapati stated the vote on the Lakeshore Recycling Systems, LLC Waste Transfer Station, will take place later in the meeting as there is other business to attend to before that item on the agenda.
Questions on the Agenda
Mayor Rayapati noted there was a scrivener’s error found and corrected on the minutes from the COW Council minutes of August 15, 2023. Alderperson Razzaque was corrected to state Alderperson Macias’ name.
Agenda Items
6.1 A Resolution amending the annual meetings schedule for 2023 to reflect the new meeting date and time of the Public Art Commission, to be set as the third Monday of each month at 3:30 p.m., effective October 16, 2023, and authorizing City staff to do all things necessary to notify the media of the amended 2023 annual meetings schedule. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.
6.2 A Resolution approving the special event application for the Dia de los Muertos Parade scheduled for Saturday, October 28, 2023, that is sponsored by Mercado on Fifth and closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Alderperson Schmidt questioned the parade route. Mayor invited Maria Ontiveros, President of Mercado on Fifth, to the podium. She approached the podium and Mayor stated she made it clear to Bob Vitas, City Administrator that the organizers must make it clear that there is no doubling back with the floats. The parade is to start at one part and end at another. Schmidt wants to be sure the City is making the route clear. Ontiveros stated the length of the parade was too short last year and she still considers it too short for the scheduled October 28, 2023 parade. Vitas stated staff will work with Mercado to clarify the beginning and ending points for the parade. Motion passed unanimously.
Informational
7.1 2023 August Budget Amendments. Carol Barnes, Finance Director, offered a high-level review of the August 2023 Budget Amendments as well as the preliminary 2024-2026 budget. The plan Council adopted involves conservative spending. The City remains in an excellent financial position. Barnes asked Council to move two major projects into the 2024 budget. One of the projects is traffic signals on 36th Avenue and 16th Street as well as Traffic Signals on 32nd Avenue and 41st Street. They are currently coming in at $450,000 more than what was planned. Engineering would like the authority to order the signals as it takes about six months for them to arrive. The traffic signals will not be paid for until 2024. Barnes noted two items that will be coming before Council for consideration on September 12, 2023. They are a one-time equipment purchase for a pilot program for a leaf vacuum truck as well as an in house asphalt resurfacing program. The other project is enhancement of building security at the City Hall and Public Works buildings. Barnes stated there will be a request for Council’s consideration of granting $55,000 as one-time contribution to a Moline Garden Art project. Barnes reiterated the City is in an excellent financial position. Barnes reviewed the revised 2024 budget schedule. She mentioned the plan is to present a balanced operating budget across all funds. Barnes asked for help from City Council to help define revenue sources for the potential unfunded projects within the Strategic Plan. Mayor Rayapati stated it is wonderful that Barnes and the team have kept the City in a great place but there are a lot of pressures coming regarding decision making. Schmidt stated the City has a lot of big projects that should be saved for and that is just what the City is doing. Alderperson O’Brien mentioned to Council that he would like to see more money put into streets. There was discussion regarding the cannabis funds. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, shared that $150,000 went to Mo.Live as per Council request. It is ultimately up to Council to decide do with these monies. Vitas stated the monies will not be spent before they are received.
7.2 An Ordinance amending Chapter 22, “OFFENSES-MISCELLANEOUS,” ARTICLE 1, DIVISION 1, Section 22-1105, “TOBACCO PRODUCTS, TOBACCO ACCESSORIES, SMOKING HERBS AND ALTERNATIVE NICOTINE PRODUCTS,” of the City of Moline Code of Ordinances, regarding tobacco dealer’s licenses. Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel, addressed the ordinance amendment by sharing that in the past year, there have been changes to liquor licenses and caps/restrictions, so that if a business wishes to apply for a license, and if they exceed the cap, then Council votes to approve or deny the increase. Similarly, the City is looking to do the same with tobacco licenses. This would control the number of tobacco licenses in the City and encourage a diverse business makeup in the City. Amendments include a cap consistent with the current number of tobacco licenses, which is currently 48. If licenses lapse or are revoked, then the number of available licenses is reduced. This is very similar to the caps on certain liquor license classes. Licenses are specific to the business location. A business or licensee cannot take their tobacco license from one location move to another location. The tobacco license is non-transferrable. Alderperson Timion thanked Council for moving forward with this ordinance. Discussion had.
At 7:30 p.m., Mayor Rayapati called for a five-minute recess of the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting. A motion was made by Macias, seconded by Finch. Motion passed unanimously.
The Committee-of-the-Whole meeting resumed at 7:35 p.m.
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 Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, and Schmidt present. Absent: None.
Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes
Committee-of-the-Whole and Council meeting minutes of August 8, 2023, Council meeting minutes of August 15, 2023, and appointments made at Committee-of-the-Whole on August 22, 2023.
Resolutions
13.1 1158-2023 A Resolution approving the special event application for the QC Crimestoppers 5K event scheduled for Saturday, August 26, 2023, that is sponsored by Quad City Crimestoppers and closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic.
13.2 1159-2023 A Resolution approving the special event application for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event scheduled for Saturday, October 7, 2023, that is sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association and closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic.
13.3 1160-2023 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a sole source Public Art Agreement – Moline Public Art Commission (MPAC) with Quad City Arts for consulting services for an amount not to exceed $45,000.
Omnibus Vote
Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Murphy, moved to approve and adopt, by omnibus vote, these items. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none.
Non-Consent Agenda
Resolutions
15.1 1161-2023 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an Independent Contractor Agreement for Professional Services with MKSK, an Illinois corporation d/b/a MKSK to develop the Moline Riverfront Master Plan.
Approved. Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to approve Council Bill 1161- 2023. Alderperson Timion expressed appreciation for the City. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, stated he has worked with Alex Elias, President and CEO at Renew Moline for some time now. Vitas thanked all of those who worked tirelessly to review the applications and interest the project drew. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none.
15.2 1162-2023 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Moline, the City of Rock Island, and the County of Rock Island setting forth the terms for submitting a joint application for funding available from the U.S. Department of Justice 2023 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG), and authorizing Police Department staff to do all things necessary to submit the subsequent grant application.
Approved. Alderperson O’Brien, seconded by Alderperson Finch, moved to approve Council Bill 1162- 2023. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none.
15.3 1163-2023 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an intergovernmental Grant Agreement between the State of Illinois, Department of Human Services and the City of Moline setting the terms for acceptance of a grant award to the police department for the amount of $9,683.
Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to approve Council Bill 1163- 2023. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none.
15.4 1164-2023 A Resolution approving and adopting the decision of the corporate authorities for the City of Moline on the application for local siting approval for Lakeshore Recycling Systems, LLC Waste Transfer Station.
Approved. Alderperson O’Brien, seconded by Alderperson Finch, moved to approve Council Bill 1164- 2023. Alderperson Finch shared that she believes the nine criteria required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Act have been met. Alderperson Schmidt stated he remains in support because he believes all conditions were met. Schmidt noted if any residents, either Moline or outside, see that Lakeshore Recycling Systems LLC (LRS) is not living up to any of the aforementioned criteria, they should bring it to his attention so he can follow-up with City staff. Alderperson Castro shared agreement with other Council members. She believes there has been some misinformation going around. Castro noted public comment has been available through the City website since the beginning of the process and believes the process was very open and transparent. Castro attended all hearings, read all transcripts, and read all information sent from citizens, and believes all nine criteria have been met. Alderperson Timion appreciated the engagement of the public on this matter. Based on facts and evidence presented by the applicant, as well as information from those opposed, he would vote in favor. Alderperson Razzaque stated he, like Timion, received few correspondences regarding the transfer station. Razzaque shared that the applicant met the criteria and would vote in favor. Alderperson O’Brien believes this will be good for not only the City of Moline but for Rock Island County as well. Alderperson Macias shared that the process was fair and that a solid case was presented, and that he would vote in favor. Alderperson Murphy said she had attended the public hearings and had done research on the proposed transfer station. Murphy stated the nine criteria were met and that she would vote in favor. She implored the public to reach out to City Council if they have concerns with LRS in the future. Schmidt noted that a lot of conversations were had related to the RICWMA objection, and that he was swayed by the fact that through all of the objections, none were willing to step up and become part of hearing process. Discussion had. Mayor Rayapati expressed gratitude for all public comments this evening, noting that engagement is essential for a good working democracy. Mayor Rayapati stated she has believed in the process since the beginning, as it would limit monopolies, which impacts rates for customers. It also decreases costs for all, allows for more competition, and promotes development. Mayor Rayapati shared that should City Council approve this tonight, it would then go to the State of Illinois for its approval. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none.
15.5 1165-2023 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor, City Clerk, and City staff to apply to the Illinois Department of National Resources (IDNR) for an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant (OSLAD), for the amount of $600,000 to turf the infields at the Green Valley Softball Complex and authorizing the Mayor, City Clerk, and staff to do all things necessary to prepare and submit said grant application.
Approved. Alderperson O’Brien, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to approve Council Bill 1165- 2023. Alderperson Timion is glad the grant is being applied to, but noted he has mixed feelings on the project itself. Timion requested that before the City moves forward with the project, Eric Griffith, Parks and Recreation Director, should provide the proposal with a more detailed accounting, included prorated costs and replacement to get a better idea of the profit/loss, including a more detailed cost savings of seasonals. Mayor Rayapati addressed projects in the queue, noting that those projects had been vetted through meetings, surveys, and more. Mayor Rayapati suggested that this be amended to allow for some public vetting before it goes through the budgeting process, should the grant be awarded. Alderperson Castro said she received calls from residents about Riverside items not being completed, and would like to be sure the City takes into consideration all other projects before moving forward with a project like this. Castro also requested that Griffith provide more thorough breakdown of the income to be expected, specific to the City of Moline. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none.
Non-Consent Agenda
First Reading Ordinances
16.1 3034-2023 An Ordinance amending Chapter 20, “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Appendix 35, “ALTERED SPEED LIMITS,” by reducing the speed limit along 34th Street between 5th Avenue and 12th Avenue to 35 mph.
Advanced. Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Finch, moved to advance Council Bill 3034- 2023 to second reading. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none.
16.2 3035-2023 An Ordinance amending various sections of Chapter 4, “ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, to be more business friendly and to streamline the liquor licensing process.
Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to advance Council Bill 3035- 2023 to second reading. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none.
Miscellaneous Business
Mayor Rayapati thanked everyone who was able to attend the picnic on Saturday, August 19, 2023. A report was received from Tory Brecht, Communications Coordinator, regarding the Rep’d highlight video. It was very well utilized. In terms of transparency and connection, the video was a great opportunity and more will come on how it will be utilized in the future.
Alderperson Macias stated that he attended Mercado on Fifth on August 18, 2023, and noticed there are City trucks present at their events. He mentioned a possible opportunity for the City to present a banner on the City trucks sharing that the City is hiring.
Alderperson Razzaque informed City Council he will be away in September, and residents will be able to email him or reach out to Alderperson Schmidt in his absence.
Alderperson Timion indicated he was at the ribbon cutting for the Esperanza Center, and said it was a victory to create more spaces for early childhood development. He thanked the Boy Scouts who attended the City Council meeting that evening.
Alderperson Schmidt added that he spoke to the Boy Scouts, who expressed that they had attended a very lively meeting.
Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported on the Mo.Live event which kicks off Thursday, August 24, 2023, at the John Deere Pavilion and runs through the weekend.
Public Comment
There was no additional public comment.
Executive Session:
Alderperson Murphy, seconded by Alderperson Timion, moved for Executive Session, for the purpose of discussion of Property Acquisition-5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) and Pending, Probable or Imminent Litigation-5 ILCS 120/2/(c)(11). Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none.
City Council convened in Executive Session at 8:10 p.m.
Council reconvened in open session at 8:54 p.m.
Adjournment of City Council
Upon motion of Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Castro, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is on September 12, 2023. View recorded meetings at http://www.moline.il.us/CivicMedia?CID=9
http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9319
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