Rock Island Today

City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met Nov. 7.

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

Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator

Stephanie Murphy, City Clerk

Brandi Russell, Deputy City Clerk

Carol Barnes, Director of Finance

David Dryer, Director of Engineering

Chris Mathias, Director of Community & Economic Development

Tony Loete, Director of Utilities

Leah Miller, Director of Human Resources

Annette Roby, Human Resources Risk Management Administrator

Bryon Lear, Director of Library

Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief

Todd Noe, Deputy Police Chief

Drake Daley, Chief Building Official

David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager

K.J. Whitley, Community Development Manager

Eric Griffith, Director of Parks & Recreation ~electronically

OTHERS: Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel

Adam Simon, Corporation Counsel ~electronically

Jim Nelson, Parr Instrument Company ~electronically

John Tiedt, Retail Strategies ~electronically

Alex Elias, Renew Moline

Kirk Marske, Moline Centre

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

Public Comment

None.

Questions on the Agenda

None.

Public Hearing

Public Hearing on 2024 Budget. Mayor Rayapati opened the public hearing at 6:00 p.m. Carol Barnes, Director of Finance, presented highlights of the proposed 2024 Budget (attached). The 2024 Budget as proposed is balanced and totals $144,800,000. The proposed budget document is available for public inspection on the City’s website as well as in the Finance department. Barnes noted that the budget aligns with City Council’s Strategic Plan as well as the three pillars of infrastructure, quality of place, and economy. Total property taxes levied are proposed to increase from $15,819,232 to $16,346,696 in 2024, with $586,800 being allocated directly to enhance funding for capital improvement projects. The 2023 tentative Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) is $919,774,446, which is up about $63.5M over 2022. This is attributable largely to City-wide increased reevaluations assigned by the County Assessor. Mayor Rayapati opened the floor for questions, comments, or objections. There were no further comments. Mayor Rayapati closed the hearing at 6:25 p.m.

Agenda Items

6.1 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Professional Services Agreement to Provide Consulting Services with Retail Strategies, LLC, to provide consulting services for retail and restaurant development recruitment. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, shared that the City had a contract with Retail Strategies, LLC, in the past, where there was great success in attracting retail development along the John Deere corridor and around SouthPark Mall. Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, shared that a three-year contract was agreed to. Mathias stated Retail Strategies, LLC will do an analysis and there will be regular updates from them.

Discussion held. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

6.2 A Resolution approving the proposed amendment, Substantial Amendment 1, to the City of Moline’s 2023 Annual Action Plan, approved by Council Bill/Resolution No. 1102-2023, for the purpose of program funding reallocation; and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to the program activity set forth in the City of Moline’s 2023 Annual Action Plan, Substantial Amendment 1, upon the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) approval of said Amendment 1. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, noted there is a reallocation of around $150,000. The funds will be reallocated to the Urban Homestead Program. K.J. Whitley, Community Development Manager, shared that the Urban Homestead Program will use the funding to acquire and rehabilitate abandoned, dilapidated, and vacant houses to provide affordable home ownership opportunities for low to-moderate income individuals/families. A motion was made by Alderperson O’Brien to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

6.3 A Resolution approving the 2024-2026 Strategic Plan. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, presented the final version of the Strategic Plan for adoption for 2024-2026. Vitas stated it is important to note that there are new goals included in this plan. Vitas reported that overall, fifty percent of all of the goals identified in 2021 are complete. That credit goes to everyone on City Council, as well as the department directors and their staff. Vitas noted the Strategic Plan document is on the front page of the City’s website.

A motion was made by Alderperson O’Brien to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.

6.4 An Ordinance amending Chapter 8, “BUILDINGS AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING SERVICES,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, regarding rental housing licensing requirements, including amendments to ARTICLE 7, DIVISION 2, “RENTAL HOUSING INSPECTION PROGRAM.” Bob Vitas, City Administrator, summarized the amendment to Chapter 8, specifically to Article 7, Division 2, Rental Housing Inspection Program. Drake Daley, Chief Building Inspector, shared how the program and costs came to fruition, noting the extra income will help to cover costs incurred in the future. This would be an increase in revenue of approximately $52,500 for single rentals and approximately $7,080 for multi-family. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve. Seconded by Alderperson O’Brien. Discussion held. Alderperson Schmidt moved to amend the table in Section 8-7207 to replace the language “Application fee for each dwelling unit within the occupied building” to state “Application fee for each additional dwelling unit within the occupied building”. Motion died for lack of second. Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Finch, moved to amend the table in Section 8-7207 to add an effective date of July 1, 2024 for late application fees. Motion to amend passed unanimously. Discussion held. Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Razzaque, moved to modify the amendment to include only the year 2024. Motion to modify the amendment passed unanimously. The original motion, as amended, passed on roll call with the following votes: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque; nays: Alderperson Schmidt.

6.5 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Ragan Mechanical, Inc., for the Water Treatment Plant Boiler Replacement Project for the amount of $189,950 and authorizing the Director of Utilities to execute any necessary documents related to this work. A motion was made by Alderperson O’Brien to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, shared that the boiler failed due to an electrical panel and it will be covered by insurance for the full amount. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias and Razzaque; nays: none.

Informational

7.1 An Ordinance amending Chapter 27, “PURCHASING,” Section 27-3100, “COMPETITIVE SEALED BIDDING,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, by repealing subsection (c), “Bid evaluation, recommendation and acceptance,” in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new subsection (c), dealing with the same subject matter. Alderperson Schmidt reported that the ordinance amending Chapter 27, “Purchasing”, specifically Section 27-3100, was a reaction to poor contractor work the City has experienced over the last construction season. Schmidt proposed changing the language in the responsible bidder ordinance to take away some of the latitude given to other portions of City operations and keep that in the hands of the City Council. Also, all Public Works projects over a certain size should use a project labor agreement, specifically, the Illowa IMPACT Agreement. Using these agreements provides the opportunity to help with pre-planning and steps upfront by having meetings and ensures that work stoppages will not impact the work, and also ensures contractors will have access to local labor to supplement their workforce. It is a way to help ensure that the City is getting high-level, quality craftsmanship, keeping local people involved in that process, and ensuring the City is investing in its workforce. Mayor Rayapati noted this item will return for first reading at the November 14, 2023 City Council meeting.

Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, moved to suspend the rules and allow for voting on amendments to the proposed budget. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

7.2 Budget Work Session #3. Carol Barnes, Director of Finance, shared there are two options available regarding the Franchise Fees. The two options are a slower phase-in implementation of the franchise fees at 1.5% for 2024 and 2025 and 3% in 2026, or implementing franchise fees at 1% in 2024, 2% in 2025 and 3% in 2026. Discussion held. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson O’Brien, to adopt Option 1 for Franchise Fees. Alderperson Timion withdrew the motion as there was no change to the current Option 1 which was approved at the September 19, 2023 City Council meeting.

7.3 November Status & Information Report. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, stated that the Status and Information Report is up-to-date through the end of October 2023.

Adjournment of the Committee-of-the-Whole and Council Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Invocation

There was no invocation

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

Council meeting minutes of October 21, 2023 and Committee-of-the-Whole, Council, and Executive Session meeting minutes of October 24, 2023.

Omnibus Vote

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

Non-Consent Agenda

Second Reading Ordinances

14.1 3044-2023 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.

Adopted. Alderperson O’Brien, seconded by Alderperson Finch, moved to approve Council Bill 3044- 2023. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

14.2 3045-2023 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.

Adopted. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson O’Brien, moved to approve Council Bill 3045- 2023. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

Resolutions

15.1 1193-2023 A Resolution authorizing a change in the City’s contribution to Visit Quad Cities.

Approved. Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, moved to approve Council Bill 1193- 2023. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

15.2 1194-2023 A Resolution approving the collection of franchise fees from MidAmerican Energy Company for natural gas and electric systems.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Murphy, moved to approve Council Bill 1194- 2023. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

15.3 1195-2023 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an Administrative Services Agreement by and between the City of Moline and Renew Moline, Inc.; and authorizing Renew Moline, Inc., to administer the Moline Centre program.

Approved. Alderperson Macias, seconded by Alderperson Finch, moved to approve Council Bill 1195- 2023. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

15.4 1196-2023 A Resolution granting a variance to Chapter 13, “FLOOD HAZARD PREVENTION,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 13-1106, “Protecting Buildings,” to allow the property at 225 50th Street to construct a 24’ by 24’ accessory building without raising the lowest floor above the base flood elevation; and, as a condition of approval, requiring the petitioner/property owner to construct the accessory building with the proper flood vents and be anchored to resist flotation.

Approved. Alderperson Razzaque, seconded by Alderperson Finch, moved to approve Council Bill 1196- 2023. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

Non-Consent Agenda

First Reading Ordinances

16.1 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; and authorizing the increase of the Amusement Tax from 5 percent to 10 percent, effective January 1, 2024.

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson O’Brien, moved to advance Item 16.1 to second reading. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

16.2 An Ordinance levying and assessing taxes for the City of Moline, Illinois, for the tax levy year 2023, collectible in the year 2024, and enacting an ordinance relating to the same subject matter.

Advanced. Alderperson Castro, seconded by Alderperson Timion, moved to advance Item 16.2 to second reading. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

16.3 An Ordinance levying a Special AD VALOREM TAX within the City of Moline, Illinois, Special Service Area #5, of the City of Moline, Illinois.

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to advance Item 16.3 to second reading. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

16.4 An Ordinance levying a Special AD VALOREM TAX within the City of Moline, Illinois, Special Service Area #6, of the City of Moline, Illinois.

Advanced. Alderperson Macias, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to advance Item 16.4 to second reading. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

16.5 An Ordinance amending Chapter 8, “BUILDINGS AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING SERVICES,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, regarding rental housing licensing requirements, including amendments to ARTICLE 7, DIVISION 2, “RENTAL HOUSING INSPECTION PROGRAM.”

Advanced. Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Razzaque, moved to advance Item 16.5 to second reading, as amended at Committee-of-the-Whole on November 7, 2023. Motion as amended passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: Alderperson Schmidt.

Miscellaneous Business

Mayor Rayapati thanked Alderperson Castro for being Mayor Pro Tem for the month of November. Mayor Rayapati shared that Rouse Consulting Group would be conducting a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. to unveil a new mural. From November 8-10, 2023, Mayor Rayapati will be representing the City of Moline at the Mayors’ Institute on City Design. Mayor Rayapati thanked Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, and Alex Elias, Renew Moline, for their help in prepping the project. Three project options had to be prepped and SouthPark Mall was chosen. Mayor Rayapati will present the history of SouthPark Mall and the history of Moline to gather ideas on how to improve the area around SouthPark Mall.

Alderperson Timion thanked City staff for bringing fiber internet to the City. Timion shared that he has heard nothing but great feedback from those who have received it.

Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, shared that all are welcome to attend Holiday Hop this weekend, November 10 and 11, 2023.

Bob Vitas, City Administrator, shared that the Christmas tree up on top of the BridgePointe tower is ready to go. Vitas thanked Rodd Schick, Municipal Services General Manager, and his team. The tree will be lit during Lighting of the Commons on November 18, 2023.

Public Comment

There was no additional public comment.

Executive Session:

Alderperson Murphy seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, moved for Executive Session, for the purposes of discussion of Property Acquisition-5 ILCS 120/2(C)(5) and Pending, Probable, or Imminent Litigation 5 ILCS 120/2(C)(11). Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons, Timion, Finch, O’Brien, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

City Council convened in Executive Session at 7:36 p.m.

Council reconvened in open session at 8:03 p.m.

Adjournment of City Council

Upon motion of Alderperson O’Brien, seconded by Alderperson Finch, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9515