City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met Sept. 26.
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 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 Abdur Razzaque (Ward 3)
STAFF: Bob Vitas, City Administrator
Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator
Stephanie Murphy, City Clerk
Brandi Russell, Deputy City Clerk
Carol Barnes, Director of Finance
Drake Daley, Building Official
David Dryer, Director of Engineering
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 ~ electronically
Tony Loete, Director of Utilities
Leah Miller, Director of Human Resources
Todd Noe, Deputy Chief of Police
Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief
David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager
Rodd Schick, Municipal Services General Manager
OTHERS: David Silverman, Corporation Counsel
Pam Tatum, Tabernacle Baptist Church
Dave Herrell, President & CEO, Visit Quad Cities
Kirk Marske, Moline Centre Manager, Renew Moline
Sam Moyer, Moline Resident
Jasmine Lee, Moline Resident
Mayor Rayapati called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Board Appointments
Mayor’s appointment of Eric VanSpeyBroeck to the Special Service Area #6 Board for a full 3-year term expiring September 30, 2026.
Mayor’s reappointment of Andrew Sivertsen to the Moline Centre Main Street Commission for a full 3- year term expiring September 30, 2026.
Mayor’s reappointment of Jeff Dismer to the Public Art Commission for a full 2-year term expiring September 30, 2025.
Mayor’s reappointment of Amanda Augsburger to the Public Art Commission for a full 2-year term expiring September 30, 2025.
Mayor’s reappointment of Lucie VanHecke to the Public Art Commission for a full 2-year term expiring September 30, 2025.
Presentation
Visit Quad Cities Annual Report. Dave Herrell, Visit Quad Cities President & CEO, publicly recognized Mayor Rayapati for her service on the Visit Quad Cities Board of Directors. Herrell expressed his gratefulness for Mayor Rayapati’s leadership. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Herrell thanked the City for their investment in Visit Quad Cities. Herrell shared the mission, vision, and brand promise of Visit Quad Cities with those present by means of a slide presentation. Herrell stated it is important to note that Visit Quad Cities is an accredited organization. There are three entities housed within Visit Quad Cities. Those are: Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau (dba Visit Quad Cities), Quad Cities Sports Commission (dba Sports QC), and friends of the Quad Cities (dba Quad Cities Destination, Inc.). Visit Quad Cities is holding its annual event on Saturday, October 26, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Quad-Cities Water Front Convention Center. Attendees are invited to join Visit Quad Cities to learn about the positive impact of tourism on the communities’ economic position and vitality.
Public Comment
Sam Moyer, Moline Resident, spoke in favor of Item 16.3, which is an ordinance amending the Chapter 8 “Buildings and Other Construction and Building Services”. Moyer supports the idea and asked City Council to do the same.
Questions on the Agenda
Mayor Rayapati stated Item 7.2, a resolution approving the special event application for the Tabernacle Baptist Church Fall Harvest Celebration scheduled for Saturday, October 21, 2023, was pulled from the agenda and will be moved to the October 10, 2023 meeting. A few details need to be worked out regarding traffic concerns between the Moline Police Department and the Tabernacle Baptist Church.
Agenda Items
7.1 A Resolution approving a new special event application for Mercado on Fifth’s Día de los Muertos Parade After-Party event scheduled for Saturday, October 28, 2023, and closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, stated Mercado is having its second annual Día de los Muertos Parade. The after party is the reason for this item as this goes one day beyond the original license agreement they have with the City. Vitas noted that staff is recommending approval. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.
7.3 An Ordinance amending Chapter 34, “WATER and SEWERS,” Section 34-4203, “DETENTION SYSTEM CRITERIA,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, by enacting one new subsection (c)(3). Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, noted this item is an addition to Chapter 34 in the stormwater code that gives staff another tool to assist developers. The proposed amendment adds language to Section 34-4203(c). A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.
7.4 A Resolution granting a variance to Chapter 28, “STREETS AND SIDEWALKS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 28-3200(a) and Chapter 35, “ZONING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 35-4218, to permanently waive the construction of sidewalk along 39th Street for the subject property located at 3715 39th Street, Moline, and accept payment in lieu of construction for the amount of $4,180 to be deposited into the sidewalk improvement fund. A motion was made by Alderperson O’Brien to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Schmidt. David Dryer, Director of Engineering, stated there is a residential site on 39th Street that is on a very steep location in a self-contained neighborhood that has no sidewalks to date. The City calculated the typical cost to build sidewalk at $11 per square foot. Brent Mosley, the property owner, is building a single-family residence and is requesting a permanent waiver and payment in lieu of constructing a sidewalk. The Engineering Department does not believe a sidewalk is feasible at this location and is not opposed to a waiver. The issue is that there a cost associated with it. Mosley can have a sidewalk installed more cheaply than what the City would be able to. The Engineering Department has calculated a cost of $4,180 to install a sidewalk of approximately 96 feet in length along 39th Street for the property located at 3715 39th Street. The question was proposed to City Council on how to handle the discrepancy of the City cost versus Mosley’s cost for installation of said sidewalk. Dryer reiterated it is a location that is very steep and noted a sidewalk would be problematic. Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, stated there are two options listed. Staff believes Option 1 is the best option at this time. Option 1 would delay the installation of a sidewalk until sidewalks are installed on either side. This is a temporary delay. The delay would occur until sidewalks are installed on either side of 39th Street. David Silverman, Corporation Counsel, shared that his concern is that this would be a temporary waive suspension of requirement to install a sidewalk in a subdivision that has no sidewalks. Silverman inquired as to whether or not there is a thought that a sidewalk would ever be built in the subdivision since the suspension is stated as temporary. Mathias replied stating the roads would be rebuilt and at that time, sidewalks would be installed.
An amended motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve Option 1, to allow a temporary modification to delay the construction of sidewalk along 39th Street for the subject property located at 3715 39th Street, Moline. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. The motion to amend passed unanimously. The motion as amended passed unanimously.
7.5 A Resolution granting a variance to Chapter 28, “STREETS AND SIDEWALKS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 28-3200(a) and Chapter 35, “ZONING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 35-4218 to permanently waive the construction of sidewalk along the subject property located at 2500 53rd Street, Moline, and accept payment in lieu of construction of sidewalk for the amount $14,700.00. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, stated this item is another situation where you have a small business owner who has purchased a lot but there are no sidewalks to connect to. This is another ordinance where the language will need to be changed. Staff recommendation is to pursue Option 1 which would allow the small business owner to start her to start her business at 2500 53rd Street. When development happens on either side, a sidewalk should be installed. Timion stated this is another unique property. Adjacent properties will likely not be redeveloped for a substantial amount of time. Mathias noted it could end up being fairly long term. An amended motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve Option 1, to allow a temporary modification to delay the construction of sidewalk along the subject property located at 2500 53rd Street, Moline. Seconded by Alderperson Schmidt. The motion to amend passed unanimously. The motion as amended passed unanimously. Schmidt shared that he wants to confirm the application had Option 2 selected. Applicant was present and stated yes, Option 2 was selected but she is in agreement with the motion as amended.
Informational
8.1 SSA #5 and SSA #6 Property Tax Levy for 2024. David Silverman, Corporation Counsel, stated there is a memo in the Council packet regarding the resolution of Rock Island County TIF and SSA tax extensions. The information shares a high overview of the latest information on SSAs 5 and 6. There are hearings scheduled with the SSA 5 board at 3:00 p.m. on October 16, 2023 and SSA 6 board at 3:00 p.m. on October 18, 2023, to explain the change and prepare the boards for a higher SSA tax extension on the property tax bills. The options are to stay with the current budget, increase the budgets, decrease the budgets, or begin the process to close out the SSAs. Once decisions have been made, this will return to City Council for approval. Discussion was held.
8.2 Enhanced Asphalt Repair Service. Rodd Schick, Municipal Services General Manager, stated the City is looking to enhance maintenance services. The equipment requested for approval is a small asphalt paver that will typically do 3-4 feet in width. The cost is $190,000. The item is available on a Sourcewell contract. There are also American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds designated to this item. Schick shared photos of sections of street throughout the City which were recently repaired via patch work. The purchase of the asphalt paver would allow the City to saw cut out three feet and run a continuous ribbon with the traffic flow. This will have a 10-15 year patching life. Discussion was held.
8.3 Annual Outside City Limits Utility Customers List. Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, stated Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances requires staff to report to City Council an annual list of utility customers who are outside city limits. The purpose for this is to hold the customers accountable. Loete shared a slideshow with the list of names. Loete noted the names highlighted in yellow are those who are ineligible for annex. There are names highlighted in red that are contiguous to the City of Moline borders and they are eligible to annex. There is one solitary address highlighted in white which has a pre-annexation agreement. Loete stated there are names at the bottom of the list of those who are ineligible because they are covered by an Investment Grade Audit (IGA) or otherwise related to the Quad Cities International Airport. Loete noted that in the coming weeks, there will be change in code coming forward. The current water code language does not mirror sewer code language. The change will allow those two sections to mirror one another. Also, in regards to the customers highlighted in red, the City will need to find a way to incentivize those customers to voluntarily annex. Loete requested a discussion on alternatives. One code suggests disconnecting customers but the City is not in favor of that option. The other option would be to force them to annex through a court proceeding. A third option would be to influence them to annex by adjusting the rate they pay. Loete requested some direction from City Council. Discussion was held.
8.4 Green Moline Special Event Checklist. Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, shared that the Green Moline initiative is from Mayor Rayapati’s environmental working group. The Green Moline special event checklist was created to incentivize businesses to become more environmentally friendly when hosting events. Andy Parer, Environmental Manager, is a member of the environmental working group that has been working with the City’s Special Events Committee to incentive businesses to take part in the initiative. The special event checklist would be initiated and policed by the City’s code enforcement department and Alexandra Jones, Environmental Health Specialist. There would be three levels of incentives. Loete reviewed those incentives. The idea is for the initiative to prompt event organizers to think about sustainability, it informs attendees that it is a sustainable event, and it advances the City Council’s goal of pursuit of environmental best practices. Discussion was held.
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 Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Timion, Finch, and O’Brien present. Absent: Alderperson Razzaque.
Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes and Appointments
Committee-of-the-Whole, Council, and Executive Session minutes of September 12, 2023, and appointments made at Committee-of-the-Whole on September 26, 2023.
Resolutions
14.1 1174-2023 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Hera Property Registry, LLC, to provide vacant and foreclosure property registration services in the City of Moline.
14.2 1175-2023 A Resolution approving the special event application for the Moline High School Homecoming Parade scheduled for Friday October 13, 2023, that is sponsored by the Moline High School and closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic.
14.3 1176-2023 A Resolution approving the special event application for the Walk to Emmaus event scheduled for Saturday, October 7, 2023, that is sponsored by the Diocese of Peoria and closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic. Suggested Action: Approval
14.4 1177-2023 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Memorandum of Understanding by and between Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District (MetroLINK) and the City of Moline, Illinois to facilitate the creation and operation of electric vehicle (“EV”) charging networks.
14.5 1178-2023 A Resolution authorizing the acceptance of a Traffic Planning Study of Avenue of the Cities performed by Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc.
14.6 1179-2023 A Resolution approving a Grant Agreement with Project Now Affordable Housing, LLC, for the administration of the “Level Up” Program.
Omnibus Vote
Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to approve and adopt, by omnibus vote, these items. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Timion, Finch, and O’Brien; nays: none.
Non-Consent Agenda
Second Reading Ordinances
16.1 3036-2023 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.
Adopted. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to adopt Council Bill 3036-2023. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Timion, Finch, and O’Brien; nays: none.
16.2 3037-2023 A Zoning Text Amendment Ordinance amending Chapter 35, “ZONING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, regarding Minimum Off-Street Parking and Traffic Circulation Standards for In-Vehicle Sales and Service Uses.
Adopted. Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Murphy, moved to adopt Council Bill 3037-2023. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Timion, Finch, and O’Brien; nays: none.
16.3 3038-2023 An Ordinance amending Chapter 8, “BUILDINGS AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING SERVICES,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, by repealing ARTICLE VII, “MISCELLANEOUS,” DIVISION 2, “RENTAL HOUSING INSPECTION PROGRAM,” in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new ARTICLE VII, “MISCELLANEOUS,” DIVISION 2, “RENTAL HOUSING INSPECTION PROGRAM,” dealing with the same subject matter.
Adopted. Alderperson O’Brien, seconded by Alderperson Timion, moved to adopt Council Bill 3038-2023. Alderperson Schmidt asked Drake Daley, Building Official, how the City of Moline’s rates compare to neighboring cities as well as the cost of the program in its entirety. Daley replied stating that for the 2023 budget, Davenport has $952,409 coming from its general fund to support their rental program. They also have trust fund where they are getting $285,000. They are only bringing in $345,000. Discussion had. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Timion, Finch, and O’Brien; nays: none.
Non-Consent Agenda
Resolutions
17.1 1180-2023 A Resolution declaring the property at 1316 26th Street and 1330 26th Street, Moline, as surplus; and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an Agreement for Sale of Real Estate and do all things necessary to convey the City-owned property at 1316 26th Street and 1330 26th Street, Moline, to Landeros & Sons Construction, Inc.
Approved. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Finch, to approve Council Bill 1180-2023. Mayor Rayapati shared that she had requested this item be moved from Consent to Non-Consent because she wanted to inform City Council she had received an email from Jinnel Choiniere with Moline Community Development Corporation (MCDC) who wanted the City to be aware that in her experience with Landeros & Sons Construction, Inc., there have been significant delays on a house they are doing work on for MCDC. Mayor Rayapati shared that she spoke with Brad Hauman, Neighborhood Improvement Officer, and Amy Saunders, Legal Services Specialist, for clarification. After further discussion with MCDC, Mayor Rayapati stated that everyone is working well together and everything is fine. Alderperson Timion began a discussion regarding options for the church building if it is not a single family residence. Mayor Rayapati stated that the motion on the floor needs to be addressed, which is Phase One. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Timion, Finch, and O’Brien; nays: none.
17.2 1181-2023 A Resolution granting a variance to Chapter 28, “STREETS AND SIDEWALKS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 28-3200(a) and Chapter 35, “ZONING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 35-4218, to permanently waive the construction of sidewalk along 39th Street for the subject property located at 3715 39th Street, Moline, and accept payment in lieu of construction for the amount of $4,180 to be deposited into the sidewalk improvement fund.
Approved. Mayor Rayapati requested confirmation that this item was also listed on the Committee-of the-Whole agenda of September 26, 2023. David Silverman, Corporation Counsel, confirmed that it was on the Committee-of-the-Whole agenda. Mayor Rayapati then asked if it needs to be amended or if the City Clerk needs to re-read the motion as amended. Silverman stated it does not need to be re-read as amended. Silverman confirmed it will need to be amended based on Item 7.4 on the Committee-of-the Whole agenda. Alderperson Schmidt made a motion to suspend the rules to have a discussion on Item 17.2. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously. Alderperson Schmidt questioned if there is a timing concern that brings this forward from the Committee of the Whole agenda because he would prefer to table the item and have it come back to City Council written with the amendment. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, stated that in fairness to property owner, City Council needs to know that the property owner has waited for months on end to get a response from the City. In fairness to his construction timeline, Vitas thinks City Council should seek approval this evening. Otherwise, the property owner is going to be delayed even further. Alderperson Schmidt made a motion to approve Council Bill 1181-2023 consistent with the amended version of Item 7.4 on the Committee-of-the-Whole agenda, seconded by Alderperson Timion. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Timion, Finch, and O’Brien; nays: none.
Non-Consent Agenda
First Reading Ordinances
18.1 3039-2023 An Ordinance amending Chapter 35, “ZONING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, ARTICLE 1, “GENERAL PROVISIONS AND ADMINISTRATION,” DIVISION 2, “WORD USAGE, ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS,” Section 35-1203, “Definitions;” ARTICLE III, “ZONING,” DIVISION 4, “LAND USE REGULATIONS,” Section 35-3401, “REGULATION OF ALLOWED USES,” Table 35-3401.1, “PERMITTED LAND USES;” Section 35-3408, “PRINCIPAL COMMERCIAL LAND USES;” Section 35-3414, “ACCESSORY COMMERCIAL LAND USES,” regarding zoning text amendments concerning food trucks or motorized food vendors.
Advanced. A motion was made by Alderperson Castro, seconded by Alderperson Finch, to advance Council Bill 3039-2023 to second reading. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Timion, Finch, and O’Brien; nays: none.
18.2 3040-2023 An Ordinance amending Chapter 15, “GARBAGE AND TRASH,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 15-2200, “FEE FOR RESIDENTIAL REFUSE COLLECTION,” by repealing said section in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new Section 15-2200, dealing with the same subject matter.
Advanced. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Finch, to advance Council Bill 3040-2023 to second reading. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Timion, Finch, and O’Brien; nays: none.
18.3 3041-2023 An Ordinance amending Chapter 34, “WATER AND SEWERS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 34-4400, “IN GENERAL” by repealing said sections in their entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new Section 34-4400, dealing with the same subject matter.
Advanced. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Finch, to advance Council Bill 3041-2023 to second reading. Alderperson Schmidt commented that as City Council moves forward on fee increases, he is glad that City Council is making the moves necessary to keep the enterprise funds functional. This will set the City on a path of stability to ensure it does not face crumbling infrastructure in the future. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Timion, Finch, and O’Brien; nays: none.
18.4 3042-2023 An Ordinance amending Chapter 34, “WATER AND SEWERS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 34-3200, “SEWERAGE RATE SYSTEM,” by repealing said section in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new Section 34-3200, dealing with the same subject matter.
Advanced. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Finch, to advance Council Bill 3042-2023 to second reading. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Timion, Finch, and O’Brien; nays: none.
Miscellaneous Business
Mayor Rayapati shared that on Thursday, September 21, 2023, she had the opportunity to speak directly with MKSK consultants regarding the Riverfront. Alderpersons Timion and Macias are on the task force. They will meet in October along with other people invested in Riverfront development in the community. Mayor Rayapati also shared that she had an opportunity, alongside Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, and Alexandra Elias, CEO/President, Renew Moline, to attend an event for the Mayors’ Institute on City Design (MICD). Professionals from the University of South Florida at Tampa completed a site visit and they spent the better part of two hours sharing three ideas for places for redevelopment. The three projects discussed were the mall area, the Eastgate TIF, and the Riverfront. The people at the MICD will pick one of the three projects and give City Council ideas for redevelopment. There will be more information coming back to City Council in November. Mayor Rayapati will then present on whichever project they choose and area experts will weigh in on the project. Mayor Rayapati also shared that she was able to meet with representatives from the Farm Bureau. Mayor Rayapati gathered ideas with Alex Elias, President and CEO of Renew Moline, professionals from both the Rock Island County Farm Bureau, and the economic development person with the Illinois Farm Bureau. Mayor Rayapati noted that any ideas around urban farming can come with inherent risk. Elias will talk to City Council on what was learned from the different farm bureaus. The Farm Bureau is looking to move beyond the traditional rural farming focus they have had historically, and look to see what can be done in urban spaces. Last, Mayor Rayapati shared that on Wednesday, September 27, there will be a group of city administrators, mayors, and elected officials meeting to discuss the development environment in Illinois.
Alderperson Murphy noted the MICD event was very interesting. Some of the ideas that came forth can be used in Moline. Murphy shared that the most interesting thing was the disparity in the cost of how much rent is that is unsubsidized and how unaffordable it really is.
Alderperson Macias shared that last year he presented information regarding a community ID program alongside Quad Cities Interfaith. One of the recommendations of previous council members was to talk to Rock Island County and the other counties because the idea was QC Interfaith would work with Scott County, Iowa, to get it up and running. Macias stated since November of 2022, he has been in contact with both counties and has had meetings with representatives of both counties. They have talked to their people and there was a meeting for an update in early September 2023. Both counties had their reasons why they did not want to move forward with the Community ID program. Since then, Macias stated he has also talked to a city architect in Chicago. As a City, we can be a lot more nimble when implementing such a project. The next step is to bring it back to City Council so we can move forward with this project.
Alderperson Timion indicated he appreciated the time this morning at the MICD event. Timion noted he was glad the two houses that burnt down on 13th Street were vacant so no one was harmed and he was also saddened. Twenty-four hours before the houses burnt down, the City had two houses that could be occupied by two families, but 24 hours after the fires, the City had two houses at the present time that are uninhabitable, and, due to the zoning code, the City has two pieces of land on which no new homes can be built in the future. Timion shared that the City Council has the ability to fix that. The City has 35-40 lots where houses once stood but new houses cannot be built again. Timion noted that, with work, the City Council has the privilege of being part of that solution.
Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported he lives next door to the two houses which burnt to the ground. Both stood vacant; one for over seven years. One was owned by a property management company and the other house will likely need to be condemned. The chimney on that property collapsed on the neighboring property so it is highly unlikely it is salvageable. Vitas stated staff will be reaching out to all City Council members to set up meetings with himself and Carol Barnes, Finance Director, to discuss major unfunded and partially funded capital projects. Staff does need to prioritize those projects and review those items. Vitas noted that staff can present recommendations to City Council, but it will ultimately be the choice of the City Council. Vitas shared that Mayor Rayapati received a congratulatory letter dated September 21, 2023 from Representative Gregg Johnson, Representative with the Illinois General Assembly, issuing a $450,000 grant to City of Moline for a solar project. It was included in the new State budget at end of the spring 2023 session. The funds are earmarked and now staff waits to see that it gets approved through bonds.
Mayor Rayapati noted that in the 2022 budget, then Representative Mike Halpin, Illinois General Assembly, received money for a higher education study. She has received the initial outreach from the company doing the research and she will be responding to a survey. Last, Mayor Rayapati stated she attended a wonderful dinner Monday, September 25, at the Axis Hotel put together for people from community, the Chamber, John Deere, etc., and the chancellors and head of the University of Illinois System.
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 Collective Negotiating Matters-5 ILCS 120/2(C)(2), and Pending, Probable or Imminent Litigation-5 ILCS 120/2(C)(11). Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Timion, Finch, and O’Brien; nays: none.
City Council convened in Executive Session at 7:53 p.m.
City Council reconvened in open session at 8:17 p.m.
Adjournment of City Council
Upon motion of Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Finch, the City Council meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.
http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9391
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