Rock Island Today

City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met Feb. 27.

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 Daniel McNeil (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

David Dryer, Director of Engineering ~electronically

Eric Griffith, Director of Parks & Recreation

Chris Mathias, Director of Community & Economic Development

Jennifer Bizarri, Assistant Director of Community & Economic Development

Lori Ulloa, Assistant Finance Director ~electronically

Bryon Lear, Director of Library Services

Tony Loete, Director of Utilities ~electronically

Denver Schmitt, Director of Public Works

Leah Miller, Director of Human Resources

Darren Gault, Chief of Police

Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief

David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager

OTHERS: David Silverman, Corporation Counsel

Grace Kinnecut, Dispatch/Argus

Maryam Ndiaye, Moline High School Student

Kelly Porumb, KONE

Sarah Colbrese, Estes Construction

Randy Steining, Parr Instrument Company

Tom Hepner, Russell Construction

Mayor Rayapati called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Approval of Remote Electronic Attendance

None.

Board Appointments

Mayor’s appointment of Andy Rodriguez to the Moline Housing Authority to fill the unexpired term of Pat O’Brien to expire July 31, 2026.

Proclamation

Kelly Porumb with KONE and Sarah Colbrese with Estes Construction were present to accept the proclamation on behalf of NAWIC Quad Cities Chapter No. 50 to declare the week of March 3-9, 2024, as “Women in Construction Week.”

Public Comment

Mayor Rayapati recognized Maryam Ndiaye, Moline High School wrestler, on her recent accomplishment as the Illinois High School Association Girls Wrestling State champion, who was present alongside her coach, Jacob Ruettiger. Mayor Rayapati presented Ndiaye with a certificate and congratulated her on her hard work and resilience.

Questions on the Agenda

None.

Agenda Items

7.1 An Ordinance authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Redevelopment and Economic Incentive Agreement, between the City of Moline and Parr Instrument Company, related to the Eastgate TIF Redevelopment Project Area. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, thanked Parr Instrument for their willingness to keep their business in Moline. The project itself has as a number of different items listed on the agenda for first reading and will appear for the second and final reading on March 12, 2024. The project at 211 53rd Street is a $22.7 million project which includes a 54,000 square foot manufacturing addition as phase one as well as renovation of the current Parr Instrument facility.

Vitas thanked David Silverman, Corporation Counsel, for all his work on the redevelopment and economic incentive agreement, the Parr attorneys for working with Silverman, Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, for his efforts, and Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, who introduced Vitas to Jim Nelson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Parr Instrument, two and a half years ago to begin this dialogue. Vitas stated approval is recommended on this item and the next several items related to Parr Instrument Company. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

7.2 An Ordinance approving the vacation and conveyance of title to certain public rights-of-way (a public alley in Block 4 in C. G. Thulin’s 2nd Addition to East Moline and portions of right-of way of 2nd Avenue and 52nd Street). Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that this project entails vacating the alley that separates the current property from the property they are acquiring. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Timion. Motion passed unanimously.

7.3 A Resolution approving the Final Plat of Subdivision for Parr Instrument Company Addition (Block 4 C.G. Thulin’s 2nd Addition to East Moline). Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that this part of the development process this is the final plat that puts the two properties together. A motion was made by Alderperson Castro to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.

7.4 An Ordinance approving a Reclassification of Zoning from “B-3” Community Business District and “I-1” Light Industrial District to “I-1” Planned Unit Development of a 4.342 acre tract of land located between 140 feet west of 52nd Street and 53rd Street and River Drive and 4th Avenue and a variance to Chapter 13, “FLOOD HAZARD PREVENTION,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, to grant the Petitioner a variance to Subsection 13-1106(a)(1) and (2) “PROTECTING BUILDINGS” (Parr Instrument Development). Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that this an essential part of the development of this project. One is the plan unit development which gave the City the ability to work directly with Parr to maximize the benefit of utility of both properties outside of standard zoning and then a flood hazard prevention variance allows them to go forward with elevation of building. Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, stated that everything new that is being built will be two feet above the base flood elevation, which is one foot above the City’s standard. The variance is for the existing building. The project would not be possible for Parr Instrument to stay on site unless the City varies the zoning ordinance. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed unanimously.

7.5 An Ordinance approving the 2024 Amendment to the Moline Centre Redevelopment Project Area (TIF No. 13); and adopting the 2024 Amendment to the Moline Centre Redevelopment Project Area (TIF No. 13). Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that, the JCPenney property and parts of 5th Avenue are already a part of the existing TIF 13. Therefore, TIF 15 became necessary to make the JCPenney and residential redevelopment project work financially on paper. The JCPenney and residential redevelopment properties will be removed from TIF 13 and TIF 15 will be approved on March 12, 2024. Discussion held. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

7.6 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an Equipment Sharing Agreement between the City of Moline and the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office to jointly acquire and utilize certain public safety equipment. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, shared that the City is looking for approval of the agreement between the Rock Island County Sherriff and the City of Moline to purchase mobile video equipment to be used for major events or crisis in the City of Moline, with a cost sharing approach. Darren Gault, Chief of Police, shared that the technology is from a different company but the cameras are from the same platform that the City currently has, Avigilon. Motorola will integrate the technology with the existing video management system. Mayor Rayapati called for a voice vote. No motion was made. Motion passed unanimously. Upon advice of Corporation Counsel, this item will reappear on the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting agenda for March 12, 2024 for a motion to approve. The item will then appear on the City Council meeting agenda for approval on March 12, 2024.

7.7 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor, City Clerk, and City staff to apply to the Morton Arboretum for an Urban and Community Forestry Grant for Government Entities, funding provided by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service through the Inflation Reduction Act under the direction of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program, for the amount of $150,000 to help fund a Forestry Operations Manager; and authorizing the Mayor, City Clerk, and City staff to do all things necessary to prepare and submit said grant application. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that staff is recommending approval to submit the Urban and Community Forestry grant based on the presentation by Eric Griffith, Director of Parks and Recreation, on February 20, 2024, as well as the item that will be presented on the Council agenda for February 27, 2024. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

7.8 A Resolution amending the annual meeting schedule for 2024 and authorizing City staff to do all things necessary to notify the media of the amended 2024 annual meetings schedule. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, noted that the Saturday October budget meeting for 2024 date will be moved back by one week, to be held on October 26, 2024 rather than October 19, 2024. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed unanimously.

7.9 An Ordinance amending Chapter 32, “VEGETATION,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, ARTICLE II, “TREES,” by repealing said Article II in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new Article II dealing with the same subject matter to align with the Urban Forestry Management Plan. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that the City is looking for approval to update ordinances related to the trees that Eric Griffith, Director of Parks and Recreation, presented on the urban forestry management plan. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

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, Castro and Schmidt present. Absent: None.

Consent Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Committee-of-the-Whole, Council, and Executive Session meeting minutes of February 13, 2024, appointments made during Committee-of-the-Whole on February 27, 2024, Consent Agenda Second Reading Ordinances Items 13.1 through 13.4, and Consent Agenda Resolutions 14.1 and 14.2, inclusively.

Second Reading Ordinances

13.1 3002-2024 An Ordinance creating a PACE Area and establishing the Illinois Finance Authority Property Assessed Clean Energy Program for record owners of property that, from time to time, may voluntarily request the levy of special assessments to secure the financing or refinancing of their PACE projects; authorizing program administrators to act thereunder; designating the Illinois Finance Authority as the sole issuer of bonds and notes; and approving related matters.

13.2 3003-2024 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 35, “ZONING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, by repealing Subsection 35-2208(e) in its entirety and reserving the subsection for future use.

13.3 3004-2024 An Ordinance amending Chapter 35, “ZONING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, by enacting an amendment to the Zoning Map, incorporated therein as Section 35-3103 (3400 - 3600 blocks and 4100 - 5300 blocks of 38th Avenue).

13.4 3005-2024 An Ordinance amending Chapter 16, “LIBRARIES,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, by enacting one new ARTICLE III, “MOLINE COMPASS PROGRAM,” to establish the City of Moline Compass Program.

Resolutions

14.1 1030-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Valley Construction Co., for Project #1443, 2024 Asphalt Maintenance Program, for the amount of $932,100.00.

14.2 1031-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Right of First Refusal Agreement between the City of Moline (“City”) and the Illinois Quad City Civic Center Authority (“Authority”) granting a Right of First Refusal to property, which is the subject of a ground lease upon which Moline Hotel, LLC (“Owner”) operates a hotel presently known as the Wyndham at John Deere Commons.

Omnibus Vote

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

Non-Consent Agenda

Resolutions

16.1 1032-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Centennial Contractors of the Quad Cities, Inc., for Project #1445, 2024 Patching Program, for the amount of $1,716,940.00.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Murphy, moved to approve Council Bill 1032- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, and Timion; nays: none.

16.2 1033-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor, City Clerk, and City staff to apply to the Morton Arboretum for an Urban and Community Forestry Grant for Government Entities, funding provided by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service through the Inflation Reduction Act under the direction of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program, for the amount of $150,000 to help fund a Forestry Operations Manager; and authorizing the Mayor, City Clerk, and City staff to do all things necessary to prepare and submit said grant application.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to approve Council Bill 1033- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, and Timion; nays: none.

Non-Consent Agenda

First Reading Ordinances

17.1 An Ordinance authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Redevelopment and Economic Incentive Agreement, between the City of Moline and Parr Instrument Company, related to the Eastgate TIF Redevelopment Project Area.

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

17.2 An Ordinance approving the vacation and conveyance of title to certain public rights-of-way (a public alley in Block 4 in C. G. Thulin’s 2nd Addition to East Moline and portions of right-of way of 2nd Avenue and 52nd Street).

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, moved to advance Item #17.2 to second reading. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, and Timion; nays: none.

17.3 An Ordinance approving a Reclassification of Zoning from “B-3” Community Business District and “I-1” Light Industrial District to “I-1” Planned Unit Development of a 4.342 acre tract of land located between 140 feet west of 52nd Street and 53rd Street and River Drive and 4th Avenue and a variance to Chapter 13, “FLOOD HAZARD PREVENTION,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, to grant the Petitioner a variance to Subsection 13-1106(a)(1) and (2) “PROTECTING BUILDINGS” (Parr Instrument Development).

Advanced. Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to advance Item #17.3 to second reading. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, and Timion; nays: none.

17.4 An Ordinance approving the 2024 Amendment to the Moline Centre Redevelopment Project Area (TIF No. 13); and adopting the 2024 Amendment to the Moline Centre Redevelopment Project Area (TIF No. 13).

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Razzaque, moved to advance Item #17.4 to second reading. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, and Timion; nays: none.

Miscellaneous Business

Mayor Rayapati thanked Council for attending the State of the City on Monday, February 26, 2024, and thanked staff for all the preparation leading up to the event. Mayor Rayapati shared that there will be an open house on Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Rock Island County Children’s Advocacy Center. Mayor Rayapati thanked Council for everything that has been done to bring the Moline Compass Municipal Identification card to fruition. Mayor Rayapati reported that the City did receive some communications from the Illinois Municipal League (IML) on the grocery tax repeal and its impact on the City of Moline. Mayor Rayapati reached out to Lori Ulloa, Assistant Finance Director, to inquire about the impact. The information received was that the impact could not yet be calculated. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, affirmed Mayor Rayapati’s response and noted that the way the Illinois tax is structured and collected (the taxes are applied differently depending on the item), no one thought about reporting out the grocery tax separately from the overall tax. The Illinois Department of Revenue is being challenged to provide that information. Ulloa reported she has reached out to the Illinois Department of Revenue but had not heard back. Ulloa also tried to contact cities who are close to the size of the City of Moline, but had not received a response from them either. Mayor Rayapati shared that the difference between when it was enacted before and now is that the legislature crafted something in the budget that replaced those funds for municipalities.

Alderperson Macias thanked everyone for support with Moline Compass ID program. This will help a lot of different people who want to have a secondary ID. In addition, there will be economic impact that could help some businesses.

Alderperson Razzaque thanked those who came up with the Community ID program.

Alderperson McNeil noted he attended the latest Good Gathering and learned a lot about the Moline-Coal Valley School District’s Parent Mentor program. McNeil opined that the program is creating a lot of opportunities. Many parents are going back to school to continue their education. It is a nice program and was well attended. Mayor Rayapati noted the formalizing of good gatherings is using the vital conditions framework which talks about belonging and civic muscle as one of the vital conditions the City needs for a thriving community. Our next strategic planning session could be on how the City becomes a thriving community. The Good Gathering in March, 2024 is with Lutheran Social Services who just moved to Moline. They would like to talk about foster families and being a foster parent.

Alderperson Castro shared she attended the scam seminar that was hosted by the Human Rights Commission. There was a great turnout with over 30 participants in attendance. Castro thanked David Rowatt, IT Manager, and a couple members of the Moline Police Department. Castro shared that she hosted a 7th Ward meeting on February 26, 2024. She thanked staff and Mayor Rayapati for attending.

Alderperson Schmidt stated he had the opportunity to attend the Pokémon Day at the library with his children. Schmidt shared that the event was a reminder of all of the wonderful events at the library. There are so many different programs offered and people attending those programs. Schmidt shared that the library continues to be one of the great things about the City. Bryon Lear, Director of Library Services, shared that there is a fundraising event on March 6, 2024 at Pour Bros. Taproom where 10% of all sales will go to the library gardens project. Between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. there will be some silent auction items and raffle items that were donated by local businesses.

Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported the JCPenney item will be on the agenda again at the March 12, 2024 City Council meeting. Vitas encouraged everyone to give their input on the Riverfront Master Redevelopment project. The project is slated to be completed in July 2024.

Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, shared that he will be attending a student council presentation at Moline High School on February 28, 2024 with Dr. Rachel Savage, Superintendent of Schools for the Moline-Coal Valley School District, to gather input from students on the Riverfront Master Redevelopment project.

Public Comment

There was no additional public comment.

Adjournment of City Council

Upon motion of Alderperson Castro, seconded by Alderperson Finch, the Council meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9795