Rock Island Today

City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met Oct. 10.

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

Brandi Russell, Deputy City Clerk

Carol Barnes, Director of Finance ~electronically

David Dryer, Director of Engineering ~electronically

Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator

Todd Noe, Deputy Chief of Police

Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development

Bryon Lear, Library Director ~electronically

Tony Loete, Director of Utilities

Leah Miller, Director of Human Resources

Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief

David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager

K.J. Whitley, Community Development Manager ~electronically

OTHERS: Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel

Grace Kinnecut, Dispatch/Argus

LaDrina Wilson, Quad Cities Chamber

Brian Irby, Quad Cities Chamber

Julie Forsythe, Quad Cities Chamber

Ashley Velez, Humility Homes and Services Inc.

Leslie Kilgannon, Scott County Housing Council

Mayor Rayapati called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.

Presentation

3.1 Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance funding.

LaDrina Wilson, CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber, introduced her colleagues Brian Irby, Chief Strategy Officer, and Julie Forsythe, Senior Vice President of Business and Economic Growth. Wilson provided a brief history of the Quad Cities Chamber and its relationship with the City of Moline. An updated presentation is attached. Forsythe updated the City Council on business and economic development and attraction. Forsythe reviewed the FY 2021-2023 active and successfully completed projects, as well as options for attraction and expansion. Wilson discussed the second largest employer in the Quad Cities, the Rock Island Arsenal, and how the Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance (RIADA) promotes and ensures the sustainability of the Rock Island Arsenal. Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) is a threat. The City of Moline’s current investment to RIADA is $17,400, and the Chamber is looking for a future increase of $8,700 to promote future sustainability. They are reaching out to colleges and universities, as well as local and out-of-market business who have substantial contracts with the Rock Island Arsenal, for additional support. The City will consider the funding request at the upcoming budget workshops.

3.2 Winter Emergency Shelter.

Ashley Velez, Executive Director of Humility Homes and Services, Inc. provided a handout to the City Council (attached). Humility Homes and Services serves the Illinois and Iowa Quad Cities. Humility has been preparing for Year 5 of opening the Winter Emergency Shelter. The City of Moline previously funded $3,500 in Year 3 and $5,000 in Year 4. For Year 5, to open and close the Winter Emergency Shelter, Humility Homes has requested for a $20,000 contribution from the City. In the absence of additional funding, the Winter Emergency Shelter will not open on December 1, 2023. Leslie Kilgannon, Executive Director of the Scott County Housing Council spoke on the need for creation and preservation of affordable housing in the Quad Cities area, including rental housing. Currently, there are not enough physical units to support the level of need. The City will consider the funding request at the upcoming budget workshops.

Proclamation

4.1 A Proclamation request by Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief, to declare the week of October 8-14, 2023 as "Fire Safety Week". Mayor Rayapati explained that the proclamation should read “Fire Prevention Week”. Chief Regenwether shared that this year’s focus is on kitchen safety.

Public Comment

Toni Bare of Toni’s Smokin’ Grill, stated that she had been the recipient of racially charged comments which reinforces her belief and concern for the level of racism that still exists in the Moline community. She believes there is a lot of work to be done.

Questions on the Agenda

Mayor Rayapati announced that the COW-Council minutes for September 12, 2023 were edited to correct a scrivener’s error in the Council Bill numbering.

Agenda Items

7.1 A Resolution declaring a 2005 John Deere Motor Grader, serial # DW672DX596790, a City owned asset, as surplus property, and authorizing the Fleet and Facilities Manager to dispose of said vehicle through the legal disposal process that is most advantageous to the City, whether sealed bid, auction, negotiations, or otherwise.

Bob Vitas, City Administrator, said there needs to be authorization by City Council to approve of the disposal of this asset. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.

7.2 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to the Seventh Amendment to the Site License Agreement with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC related to AT&T cellular equipment at the 17th Avenue elevated water tank.

Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, shared that this is a routine amendment to the agreement with AT&T that has existed since 2002. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. This will bring in an additional $200 per month. Motion passed unanimously.

7.3 An Ordinance dissolving the special tax allocation fund and terminating the designation of the SouthPark Mall Redevelopment Project Area (TIF No. 8) within the City of Moline, Rock Island County, Illinois.

Bob Vitas, City Administrator, asked for authorization to dissolve TIF No. 8. Two years were spent working with site owners on ideas, opportunities, and redevelopment plans, but the site owners took no action. With the reduction in property value, the site owners were no longer receiving tax increments from the City, since Rock Island County had reduced the assessed value below the baseline. The recommended step to correct the situation is to close TIF No. 8, since it is not performing. A motion was made by Alderperson O’Brien to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.

7.4 An Ordinance dissolving the special tax allocation fund and terminating the designation of the Route 6/150 Redevelopment Project Area (TIF No. 9) within the City of Moline, Rock Island County, Illinois.

Bob Vitas, City Administrator, explained that TIF No. 9 has never performed. The property itself remains in place, but with changes to the Rock River flood plain maps, it rendered the area highly undevelopable. A motion was made by Alderperson O’Brien to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.

7.5 A Resolution approving a new special event application for Mercado on Fifth’s Mercado Navideño event scheduled for Friday, November 10, 2023, and closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic.

Bob Vitas, City Administrator, shared with City Council that this is a one-day, first time event requiring the closure of 5th Avenue. The City will be working with Mercado on Fifth prior to its 2024 events to find ways to improve parking, access, movement of people, and security on site. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

7.6 A Resolution approving the special event application for the annual Lighting on the Commons event scheduled for Saturday, November 18, 2023, and closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic.

Bob Vitas, City Administrator, explained that this is the City’s annual holiday event, and would require closure of a portion of River Drive to allow for crowd control and increased safety. A motion was made by Alderperson Macias to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.

Informational

8.1 October Status & Information Report. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, updated the City Council and the public by highlighting key accomplishments of City staff. The Management Analyst and Grant Coordinator position was filled and employment began on October 9, 2023. Environmental submittals were discussed. David Dryer, Director of Engineering, said they were waiting on IDOT to review the plans and then they will secure the right-of-way. Dryer will send out an updated timeline for the project.

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

13.1 Council meeting minutes of September 19, 2023, and Committee-of-the-Whole, Council, and Executive Session meeting minutes of September 26, 2023.

Resolutions

14.1 1182-2023 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.

14.2 1183-2023 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 allow a temporary modification to delay the construction of sidewalk along the subject property located at 2500 53rd Street, Moline.

14.3 1184-2023 A Resolution authorizing the Director of Engineering to submit an application for funding to the Bi-State Regional Commission for Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) Program Grant funds for the amount of $757,285.46 to be administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation District 2 Office for Phase II of the Morgan Park Multi-Use Path project.

14.4 1185-2023 A Resolution authorizing the approval of a Resolution for Improvement under the Illinois Highway Code for Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Section Number 23-00293-00-PV, I-74 shared cost construction with Iowa and Illinois Departments of Transportation, for the amount of $310,000.00.

Omnibus Vote

Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to approve and adopt, by omnibus vote, these items. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien and Castro; nays: none.

Non-Consent Agenda

Second Reading Ordinances

16.1 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.

Adopted. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, moved to approve Council Bill 3039- 2023. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien and Castro; nays: none.

16.2 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.

Adopted. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to approve Council Bill 3040- 2023. Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Timion, moved to amend Section 15-2102(b), “CURBSIDE RECYCLING CARTS”, as read: “A residential refuse collection fee of ten and 79/100 dollars ($10.79) per month will be combined with the curbside recycling fee of three and 69/100 dollars ($3.69) per month, and the combined fee will be added to the property’s quarterly City utility bill. Said combined fee will be known as “solid waste collection and recycling fee” of fourteen and 48/100 dollars ($14.48) per month, and its payment shall be applied immediately after storm water fees and prior to water or sewer charges”. It was confirmed that future changes will be made when the change from quarterly to monthly billing occurs. The amendment carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien and Castro; nays: none. The motion as amended carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien and Castro; nays: none.

16.3 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.

Adopted. Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Finch, moved to approve Council Bill 3041- 2023. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien and Castro; nays: none.

16.4 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.

Adopted. Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Finch, moved to approve Council Bill 3042- 2023. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien and Castro; nays: none.

Resolutions

17.1 1186-2023 A Resolution approving and accepting proposed changes to prior contract language as agreed to by and between the negotiators for the City of Moline and the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 1132, relating to wages, hours of work and certain other conditions of employment, for the contract term January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2025 and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an agreement incorporating said changes with the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 1132, relating to wages, hours of work and certain other conditions of employment.

Approved. Alderperson Castro, seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, moved to approve Council Bill 1186- 2023. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien and Castro; nays: none.

17.2 1187-2023 A Resolution approving an agreement with UMR, Inc. (UMR) to provide administrative services for medical and prescription drug benefit plans, administrative services for dental, vision and flexible spending claims, and pharmacy benefit management services for a three year period commencing January 1, 2024.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, moved to approve Council Bill 1187- 2023. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien and Castro; nays: none.

Non-Consent Agenda

First Reading Ordinances

18.1 3043-2023 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).

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Timion, moved to advance Council Bill 3043- 2023 to second reading. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, O’Brien and Castro; nays: none.

Miscellaneous Business

Mayor Rayapati shared information about the upcoming Fall Fest at BridgePointe 485 on October 14, 2023, where residents can share their vision for Moline’s riverfront. The Community and Economic Development department has been coordinating neighborhood group work. Mayor Rayapati noted that this is the most diverse City Council Moline in history. Through work with the Human Rights Commission, and in our own actions, she hopes to bring the community together to have a better understanding of the issues faced.

Alderperson Macias stated that it is Moline High School’s Homecoming Week, and to remind kids to have good, healthy fun.

Alderperson Timion indicated he understood Toni Bare’s points during public comment, and stated that as leaders, we must also be teachers.

Alderperson Finch echoed Alderperson Timion’s comments.

Alderperson Castro shared that she is available to converse with Toni Bare about working together on improvements.

Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, announced that City staff have partnered with an engineering firm jointly with East Moline and Rock Island for options regarding PFAS treatment and that there may be media coverage.

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 Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees-5 ILCS 120/2(C)(1) and Property Acquisition-5 ILCS 120/2(C)(5). Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion,

Finch, O’Brien and Castro; nays: none.

City Council convened in Executive Session at 7:14 p.m.

Council reconvened in open session at 8:19 p.m.

Adjournment of City Council

Upon motion of Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Castro, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9452