Rock Island Today

City of Moline Plan Commission met Jan. 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Present: Victoria Graves, Billy Allison, Brett Carter, Mark Harpole, Butch Trevor, Sam Moyer, Alan Silas, Cindy Wermuth, Craig Loken

Absent: None

Staff: Seán Foley, Jennifer Bizarri, Irene Muñoz, Savanna Cruz, Chris Mathias, David Silverman (Corporation Counsel, Virtual), Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati

Others: None

1. Call to Order

Chair Graves called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m.

2. Remote Electronic Attendance

No remote attendance by Commissioners.

3. Roll Call

4. Approval of Minutes from November 8, 2023

Motion made by Commissioner Wermuth, seconded by Commissioner Trevor to approve the November 8, 2023 Plan Commission minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

5. Public Comment - None

6. Public Hearing

2023-42-PC: A Public Hearing to consider a text amendment to the City of Moline’s Zoning and Land Development Code regarding proposed repeal of Section 35-2208(e) “Appeal of Amendment to Zoning Map,” and such other and further zoning approvals as may be required.

In 2001, the City Council adopted a new Comprehensive Plan for Moline. One of the Plan’s recommendations was to replace the City’s 1958 zoning ordinance, as amended, with an entirely new zoning code and map. That effort was completed, effective 18 April 2006 with the adoption of the entirely new Official Zoning Map. Prior to adopting the new zoning ordinance, state statutes mandated that a public hearing be held and that public notice be published in a local newspaper 15 to 30 days in advance. Due to cost constraints and the fact that the zoning map was changing citywide (as opposed to selected properties), the City did not provide a direct mailing to owners of all 18,000+ parcels. The notice of public hearings was published in the newspaper one time only on October 10, 2005.

After the comprehensive rezoning, it was noted that certain errors were found on the newly adopted zoning map. A little over a year after the zoning map amendment was adopted, an Ordinance (№ 3026-2007(2)) was adopted by the City Council in which it was found that “despite the City's efforts to notify the public, some property owners may have been unaware of the City's action to adopt a new citywide zoning code and zoning map.” And, further, the Council created a procedure whereby affected property owners were able to file an appeal with the City's Zoning Hearing Officer to grant the right to use a property with one or more previously allowable land uses under the ordinance. This policy change was enacted under a new Section 35-2208(e) of the Zoning and Land Development Code in the Moline Code of Ordinances on 18 September 2007.

Planning and Zoning Division staff have consulted with Corporation Counsel on the legal context and provisions of this “relief valve” related to the Zoning Map Amendment of 2006, as the second case last year of this type would have allowed multi-family dwellings in an “R-2” One-Family Residence District. The current Official Moline Zoning Map has been in place for over 17 years, and residents and developers rely on the current map and Zoning Code to inform them of property development entitlements and use and density regulations. The relief mechanism provided by Section 35- 2208(e) has been in place for over 16 years. Corporation Counsel advised city staff that the applicability and worthiness of Section 35-2208(e) has long since passed and should have been adopted with a sunset (expiration) clause and has recommended repeal of Section 35-2208(e) in its entirety. Therefore, staff recommends likewise that Section 35-2208(e) be repealed.

Motion made by Commissioner Loken, seconded by Commissioner Carter to recommend to City Council a text amendment to the City of Moline’s Zoning and Land Development Code regarding proposed repeal of Section 35-2208(e) “Appeal of Amendment to Zoning Map,” and such other and further zoning approvals as may be required, and to accept the findings-of-fact. Motion carried unanimously.

7. Old Business - None

8. New Business

a. Election of Officers

Commissioner Loken nominated Chair Victoria Graves to serve a second term as Chairperson. No other nominations were made.

Motion made by Commissioner Loken, seconded by Commissioner Carter to elect Chair Graves as Chairperson for the 2024 calendar year. Motion carried unanimously.

Commissioner Wermuth nominated Commissioner Sam Moyer to serve as Vice Chairperson. No other nominations were made.

Motion made by Commissioner Wermuth, seconded by Commissioner Carter to elect Commissioner Moyer as Vice Chairperson for the 2024 calendar year. Motion carried unanimously.

b. 2023 Year End Report

Mr. Foley created a draft 2023 Year End Report for the Commission to review. The draft report included a Plan Commission Members report, a brief overview of the Moline Plan Commission, 2023 Commission Goals & Priorities, 2023 Code Text Amendments & Zoning Petitions (yet to be completed), and a 2023 Plan Commission meeting synopsis. Mr. Foley will take feedback from Commissioners on the report, edit the report (if needed), and have Chair Graves review the final copy of the report. Chair Graves stated City Council has approved reducing members from 11 to 9 Plan Commissioners. Mr. Foley had included the ordinance for the reduction of members with the 2023 Year End handout.

c. 2024 Annual Work Plan

The Plan Commission discussed what they would like included in their 2024 Annual Work Plan. Mr. Mathias suggested adding a Plan Commissioner Training session with surrounding cities. Chair Graves suggested Plan Commission Membership with the Illinois Planners Association. Mayor Rayapati stated their plans for 2024 should align with the Strategic Plan, and Housing is listed as number 2 on the Strategic Plan. The following items were discussed to be included in the 2024 Annual Work Plan: The Comprehensive Plan, Accessory Dwelling Units, SouthPark Mall, Riverfront Development Master Plan, Tiny Homes, Signing & Fencing, Non-Conforming Lots, Eastgate TIF connecting with East Moline’s West End, Reduce Parking Minimums, Open Housing in Business Districts, 7th Street Bike Path & Trinity Development, U-Haul, and the Hazardous Intersection at 53rd Street & 48th Street Place. Mayor Rayapati suggested the Plan Commission review the Monthly Status and Information Report on City Council’s agenda, which will be on the first City Council meeting of each month.

d. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Discussion

Mr. Mathias presented a PowerPoint on ADUs to the Commission. Mr. Mathias stated on December 12, 2023, there were City Council actions on ADUs. Alderperson Timion introduced a draft ordinance on ADUs at City Council, to reintroduce discussion on the subject. City Council would like to refer this back to the Plan Commission for discussion. The PowerPoint Mr. Mathias created is the first discussion point. Restrictions on Airbnb’s and short-term rentals would be in the ordinance. Other items on the draft ordinance and discussions on ADUs included the following: 1) Amending the definitions for Accessory Structure and Accessory Use. 2) Amending the definition of Family. 3) Adding a new division in the code, definitions strictly for Accessory Dwelling Unit, Attached, Detached, Conversion, and Coach House. 3) General Limitations and Requirements for the different ADU types. 4) Restrictive Covenant. 5) Enforcement, Violations, and Penalties. ADUs are not exempt from the Rental Housing Program. Chair Graves suggested a work session on ADUs. Mr. Mathias said he would ask Alderpersons Timion and Macias to join a Plan Commission meeting for a work session.

9. Reports and Communications

a) Director’s Report(s)

b) Other Report(s), Announcements, & Upcoming Applications

Mr. Mathias stated Case 2024-01-PC: John Deere Road Corridor Rezoning from “O-1” Office to “B-3” Community Business will be on the agenda for the January 24, 2024 Plan Commission meeting.

Ms. Cruz reminded the Plan Commission that they will receive the Annual Statement of Economic Interest form in the mail soon, and each Commissioner is required by statute to submit the form by May 1, 2024.

10. Upcoming Meeting – Next Plan Commission Meeting is January 24, 2024

11. Public Comment – None

12. Adjournment

Motion made by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Wermuth to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 5:12 p.m.

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9717