Rock Island Today

City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met Jan. 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 Abdur Razzaque (Ward 3)

Alderperson Matt Timion (Ward 4)

Alderperson Jessica Finch (Ward 5)

Alderperson Anna Castro (Ward 7)

Alderperson James Patrick Schmidt (Alderperson At-Large)

ABSENT: Alderperson Alvaro Macias (Ward 2)

STAFF: Bob Vitas, City Administrator

Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator

Stephanie Murphy, City Clerk

David Dryer, Director of Engineering ~electronically

Eric Griffith, Director of Parks & Recreation

Bryon Lear, Director of Library Services ~electronically

Tony Loete, Director of Utilities

Leah Miller, Director of Human Resources

Carol Barnes, Director of Finance

Denver Schmitt, Director of Public Works

Rodd Schick, Municipal Services General Manager

Darren Gault, Chief of Police

Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief

David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager

K.J. Whitley, Community Development Manager

Dawn Temple, Management Analyst & Grant Coordinator

OTHERS: Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel ~electronically Alexandra Elias, Renew Moline

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

Oath of Office

Oath of Office for appointment of Denver Schmitt to the position of Director of Public Works, effective January 2, 2024.

Board Appointments

Mayor’s appointment of Diane Enani to the Library Board to fill the unexpired term of Kate Schaefer to expire May 31, 2024.

Proclamation

5.1 A Proclamation from the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking and Braking Traffik to declare January 2024, as “Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.”

5.2 A Proclamation from the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley to declare January 2024, as “National Mentoring Month.”

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

Questions on the Agenda

None.

Agenda Items

8.1 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Cooperation Agreement with the Moline Housing Authority for the housing development located generally at 1180 41st Street, Moline, Illinois and commonly known as “Spring Valley Village.” Bob Vitas, City Administrator, explained that properties owned by the Moline Housing Authority are tax exempt. Therefore, the Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Cooperation agreement was created. Spring Valley Village will contribute 5% of on-site generated revenues and those revenues will help offset costs associated with public service to those properties. Costs will include items such as street services and sanitation services. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.

8.2 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Emery Construction Group, Inc., for Project #1463 Bass Street Landing Toilet Rooms, for the amount of $415,000.00. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that Eric Griffith, Director of Parks & Recreation, began investigating installation of toilet rooms at Bass Street landing a few years ago. There are large volumes of people who visit Bass Street Landing, especially during the concert series. Up to this point, visitors have been using portable toilets. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

8.3 A Resolution approving the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS) as required to receive Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program funds from the United States Department of Energy (DOE). Dawn Temple, Management Analyst & Grant Coordinator, reported that City staff worked together on developing a strategy, which is a requirement of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EECBG) Block Grant. The main outline is to provide energy improvements. The project will be a lighting upgrade for the entire water treatment plant. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, shared that that the City’s reliance of energy from fossil fuels will be reduced by 25% by the year 2040. Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, stated that this strategy is something that Mayor Rayapati has worked on with her environmental working group. The City did receive bids that do require staff to bring this project back to Council, per the purchasing policy. In addition, a project labor agreement will be associated with the work. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

8.4 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an Addendum to the Agreement for Operation, Maintenance and Management Services for the Colona Wastewater Treatment Plant by and between the City of Moline and the City of Colona. Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, reported that the addendum to the agreement is a continuation of the partnership the City of Moline has with the City of Colona. The City of Moline operates and maintains the City of Colona’s wastewater treatment plant due to the retirement of Colona’s certified water operator. Moline will help Colona until their public works director is trained. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

8.5 A Resolution approving certain contracts for the purchase of treatment chemicals to be used by the Utilities Department for the calendar year 2024 as tentatively awarded through the Bi-State Regional Commission (BSRC) and authorizing the Director of Utilities to execute any and all necessary documents for purchase of said treatment chemicals in the quantities needed for calendar year 2024. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

Informational

January 2024 Status & Information Report. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported on the 2023 end of the year Status and Information Report. A few highlights include the Engineering department who have produced significant results across multiple departments, including utilities and streets. In addition, the East End Park saw some improvements in 2023. Mayor Rayapati shared her disappointment in that the new leadership at the Rock Island Arsenal has decided not to move forward with the work that was started on the 16th Street viaduct bridge that connects downtown Moline to the Rock Island Arsenal. Mayor Rayapati then noted that only 25.5% of rental housing landlords are in compliance with the rental housing licensure. Mayor Rayapati requested information for how the City plans to bring the landlords into compliance. Vitas reported that he had a conversation with Carol Barnes, Director of Finance. The City will follow-up with additional correspondence for those who are not in compliance. Then, should there still be landlords not in compliance after the additional correspondence, a third letter will be sent and penalties will be enforced at that time. Discussion held. Alderperson Timion noted that the majority of the City’s traffic lights are a little over budget but there is a project at 16th Street and 36th Avenue and another at 41st Street and 32nd Avenue that is almost $650,000 over budget. Timion asked for a recapitulation on the reasoning of that project being over budget. David Dryer, Director of Engineering, stated that there are issues with supplies and all the items rising in cost. In addition, there is also a good amount of pavement replacement, extensive ADA upgrades, and curb work at that location, which is the primary reason for the increase in cost.

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

Pledge of Allegiance

Invocation

Alderperson Murphy gave an Invocation.

Roll Call

Roll call was taken with Mayor Rayapati, Alderpersons Murphy, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, Castro and Schmidt present. Absent: Alderperson Macias.

Consent Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Committee-of-the-Whole and Council meeting minutes of December 12, 2023, Committee-of-the-Whole, Council, and Executive Session meeting minutes of December 19, 2023, and appointments made at Committee-of-the-Whole on January 10, 2024.

Omnibus Vote

Alderperson Finch, 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 Murphy, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, Castro, and Schmidt; nays: none.

Non-Consent Agenda

Resolutions

16.1 1001-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Municipal Services General Manager to purchase a LeeBoy Model 5300B Paver for the amount of $189,383.00 and a LeeBoy Model L300 Tack Distributor for the amount of $23,383.60 from Road Machinery & Supplies Co. utilizing the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract #060122-VTL.

Approved. Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Murphy, moved to approve Council Bill 1001- 2024. Discussion held. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Murphy, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, Castro, and Schmidt; nays: none.

16.2 1002-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to appoint a Local Government Director for the Illinois Quad Cities Land Bank Authority.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Timion, moved to approve Council Bill 1002- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Razzaque, Timion, Finch, Castro, and Schmidt; nays: Alderperson Murphy.

Non-Consent Agenda

First Reading Ordinances

17.1 An Ordinance amending Chapter 34, “WATER AND SEWERS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 34-2104, “SPECIAL SERVICE,” Section 34-2121, “CHARGES AND COLLECTIONS,” Section 34-3107, “SPECIAL AGREEMENTS,” and Section 34-3200, “SEWERAGE RATE SYSTEM,” to address outside customers desiring connection to the City’s water and sewer systems and future annexation.

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Timion, moved to advance Item #17.1 to second reading. Discussion held. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Murphy, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, Castro, and Schmidt; nays: none.

Miscellaneous Business

Mayor Rayapati shared she had a phone conversation with Thrive Quad Cities, an organization funded by the State of Illinois, which helps with workforce development and economic opportunities. Mayor Rayapati reported the process of filling Mr. O’Brien’s seat continues and is on track, with the timeline of the new alderperson being seated at the February 13, 2024 City Council meeting. Mayor Rayapati attended a New Year’s mixer at the Arsenal on Saturday, January 6, 2024. She noted she will need an alderperson who is available to attend the upcoming Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance (RIADA) board meeting as she will be out of town for the United States Conference of Mayors Winter Conference from January 17-19, 2024. Last, Mayor Rayapati stated she is still waiting to hear the status of a $10,000 DollarWise Innovation Grant that can be added to the Level Up program. At the Mayors Innovation Project Conference, Level Up will be featured in the Innovation Showcase.

Alderperson Murphy acknowledged that on Monday, January 15, 2024, the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Rock Island, Illinois, will be having their annual memorial service and awards at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Dwight L. Ford, Executive Director of Project NOW, Inc., will be the keynote speaker.

Alderperson Timion stated that he attended the Illinois Legislative Review Summary on January 10, 2024, where he learned that Illinois House Bill 1066 amends the Open Meetings Act to add that if a quorum of the public body is physically present, a majority of the public body may allow a member of that body to attend the meeting by other means if the member is prevented from physically attending because of, among other circumstances, childcare obligations. As of January 10, 2024, the Bill has not yet gone to the Senate or the Governor of Illinois. Timion shared the Level Up information with the principal at his child’s school and encouraged those in attendance to do the same.

Alderperson Castro thanked the Public Works department for all their work with clearing the streets on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, due to the snowstorm event.

Alderperson Schmidt echoed Alderperson Castro’s comment.

Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported there are new programs up and running for 2024. Vitas is pursuing discussions with the Colonel of the Rock Island Arsenal, which Mayor Rayapati mentioned earlier in the meeting. The City has expended resources and Vitas would like to know how the City will recoup those funds or if the Arsenal will use the plans at some point in the future.

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 Murphy, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, Castro, and Schmidt; nays: none.

City Council convened in Executive Session at 6:46 p.m.

Council reconvened in open session at 7:53 p.m.

Adjournment of City Council

Upon motion of Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Castro, the Council meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9662