Rock Island Today

City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met March 12.

Here is the agenda provided by the committee:

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

Lori Ulloa, Assistant Director of Finance ~ electronically

Bryon Lear, Director of Library Services ~ electronically

Tony Loete, Director of Utilities

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

K.J. Whitley, Community Development Manager

OTHERS: Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel

Maria Byler, Points Consulting LLC ~ electronically

Jeremy D. Gray, Mosaic Community Planning ~ electronically

Jonathan Fong, WQAD

Jim Nelson, Parr Instrument Company

Mayor Rayapati called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. in Council Chambers.

Oath of Office

Oath of office for promotional appointment of Omar Morales-Alvarado to the rank of Police Officer, effective March 4, 2024.

Public Hearing

Mayor Rayapati called the public hearing to order at 6:06 p.m., for the Moline Lead Service Line Replacement Project & Preliminary Environmental Impacts Determination (PEID). Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, stated the City of Moline made a project plan which was submitted to the Environmental Protection Agenda (EPA) for their review in pursuit of lead service line replacement funding through their state revolving loan fund. As a requirement for their consideration, City Council must hold a public hearing to allow individuals from the community to come forward to speak on behalf of the environmental impacts as well as the City’s project plan which has been available for inspection in the Clerk’s office and on the website. No one from the public presented to speak on the matter. Mayor Rayapati adjourned the public hearing and reconvened the City Council meeting at 6:07 p.m.

Board Appointments

Mayor's appointment of Daniel Otten to the Public Art Commission to fill the unexpired term of Amanda Augsburger to expire September 30, 2025.

Mayor’s reappointment of Emily Cummings to the Moline Commission on Youth for a full 3-year term to expire March 31, 2027.

Mayor’s reappointment of Krisann Bergo to the Moline Commission on Youth for a full 3-year term to expire March 31, 2027.

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

Questions on the Agenda

Mayor Rayapati reported that David Silverman, Corporation Counsel, handed out a document to City Council members related to the Parr Instrument Company agenda items. Agenda items 15.1, 15.2, and 15.3 will be pulled from the Consent agenda and will be voted on separately under the Non-Consent agenda items.

Agenda Items

8.1 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement for Professional Consulting Services Between and Amongst the Cities of Moline, Illinois, Rock Island, Illinois and Davenport, Iowa and MOSAIC Community Planning for a Regional Analysis of Fair Housing Choice Impediments for the purpose of sharing the cost to develop a "Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AIFHC).” K.J. Whitley, Community and Economic Development Manager, shared that the City of Moline is one of 1,300 Housing and Urban Development (HUD) entitlement communities and has been one since the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) began in 1974. As an entitlement community, the City is required to submit a five year consolidated plan. HUD requires a housing needs assessment report and an analysis of impediments to fair housing choice. Whitley reported that, with Council approval, two consultants will be hired to help with these required reports. Whitley introduced Jeremy D. Gray, Mosaic Community Planning, and Maria Byler, Points Consulting LLC. Gray presented an overview of the two different reports that Mosaic Community Planning will be working on. Byler shared that Points Consulting LLC will be conducting the housing needs assessment for the City. Whitely stated that once the data has been received, she will finish her report. The report will then go for public comment, the Citizen’s Advisory Council on Urban Policy (CACUP) board, City Council, and then HUD. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that agenda items 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4 are all collectively the items related to the intergovernmental agreements between the City of Moline, City of Rock Island, and City of Davenport, Iowa, as well as the agreements of professional services with Mosaic and Points Consulting LLC. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

8.2 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Consulting Agreement Between Mosaic Community Planning, LLC and the City of Moline, Illinois for the 2024 Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AIFHC) to complete a study that will provide essential housing and community needs for the development of the 2025 – 2029 consolidated plan. A motion was made by Alderperson Castro to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Schmidt. Motion passed unanimously.

8.3 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement for Professional Consulting Services Between and Amongst the Cities of Moline, Illinois, Rock Island, Illinois and Davenport, Iowa and Points Consulting, LLC for a Regional Housing Needs Assessment for the purpose of sharing the cost to develop a regional "Housing Needs Assessment (HNA)." A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

8.4 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Points Consulting, LLC, for a Housing Needs Assessment to research and develop a regional Housing Needs Assessment for the Cities of Moline, Illinois, Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa. )." A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed unanimously.

8.5 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an Intergovernmental Agreement for Temporary Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations and Maintenance for the East Moline Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant by and between the City of Moline and the City of East Moline. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that for several months the City of Moline has been working with the City of East Moline to provide management and oversight of their wastewater treatment plant in the absence of a Class I Operator. As of March 12, 2024, East Moline hired a new Class I Operator. Until the person has adapted to the new plan and is comfortable in operating the wastewater treatment plant, the City of Moline will continue to provide services to East Moline as it has the past several months. Vitas reported that Council will be advised when the services come to an end. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed unanimously.

8.6 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute and attest to a Pipeline License Agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) which authorizes the city to access storm culverts located within the railroad right-of-way to perform maintenance work and authorizing the Director of Utilities to execute any and all necessary documents related to this work. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that anytime there is any maintenance work above or below any rail line, a license must be in place. These will be between the major culverts underneath the railroad and the outfall sewers that go to Mississippi River just to the west of the Marina and Catfish Charlie’s. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

8.7 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an 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, reported that this item is back on the agenda because at the February 27, 2024 meeting, there was no motion or second made. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

Informational

9.1 March 2024 Status & Information Report. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, complimented the City staff for staying on track, keeping the course, and reporting monthly on strategic goals and the efforts which support every day operations in the City. Human Resources (HR) continues to recruit and hire new staff members. There will be training on LGBTQ+ through the HR Department. There will be a new HR Manager joining the City next week. The Parks and Recreation Master Plan has been presented and will guide the City with investments in the Parks long term. Public Works has completed safety training. Mayor Rayapati thanked Denver Schmitt, Director of Public Works, for his creativity in reaching out to the community regarding snow removal volunteers as well as the communication plan for helping community members stay up-to-date with all information related to Public Works.

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 McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, and Finch present. Absent: None.

Consent Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Committee-of-the-Whole and Council meeting minutes of February 20, 2024, Committee-of-the-Whole and Council meeting minutes of February 27, 2024, and appointments made at Committee-of-the-Whole on March 12, 2024.

Second Reading Ordinances

15.4 3006-2024 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).

15.5 3007-2024 An Ordinance Approving the Tax Increment Redevelopment Plan and Project for the 5th Avenue (TIF 15) Redevelopment Project Area.

15.6 3008-2024 An Ordinance designating the 5th Avenue (TIF 15) Redevelopment Project Area.

15.7 3009-2024 An Ordinance adopting Tax Increment Financing for the 5th Avenue (TIF 15) Redevelopment Project Area.

Resolutions

16.1 1034-2024 A Resolution approving the Final Plat of Subdivision for Parr Instrument Company Addition (Block 4 C.G. Thulin’s 2nd Addition to East Moline).

16.2 1035-2024 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.

16.3 1036-2024 A Resolution approving a request for a street light at 9th Street A, between 33rd Avenue and 34th Avenue.

16.4 1037-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Emery Construction Inc., for Project #1446, 2024 Alley Reconstruction Program, for the amount of $418,337.30.

Omnibus Vote

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

Non-Consent Agenda

Resolutions

18.1 1038-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Valley Construction Co. for Project #1466, Riverside Parking Lot Phase 2, for the amount of $381,438.40, including the alternate bid.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to approve Council Bill 1038- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, and Finch; nays: none.

18.2 1039-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an agreement between the City of Moline and the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office to jointly acquire and utilize certain public safety equipment.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, moved to approve Council Bill 1039- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, and Finch; nays: none.

Non-Consent Agenda

First Reading Ordinances

19.1 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.

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Timion, moved to advance Item #19.1 to second reading. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, and Finch; nays: none.

Second Reading Ordinances

15.1 3010-2024 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. Adopted. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that there have been a lot of people involved in this very complex project. Vitas thanked Jim Nelson, owner of Parr Instrument Company, for his patience with the City and sticking with the City of Moline after 125 years. This project means a lot to the City in the terms of the redevelopment of the east end of the City. This $22.7 million project will allow Parr to remain on 53rd Street and to build a 54,000 square foot manufacturing addition in Phase 1 and renovations to their current 44,000 square foot space in Phase 2. The City’s commitment to this is to provide stormwater management. The stormwater improvements will improve Parr Instrument Company and the entire east end of the City. David Silverman, Corporation Counsel, provided City Council with copies of the proposed language to be added to the Redevelopment and Economic Incentive Agreement (RDA). Silverman went on to explain that the items had to be pulled off of the Consent agenda and considered separately because of an amendment to the language. Friday, March 7, 2024, the City was alerted by Parr Instrument Company’s attorneys that the aforementioned language would need to be added to ensure the private sector financing is secure for the project. The intent of the language is to establish a priority lien in favor of the private sector lenders and investors in the project. The City’s lien becomes subordinate to the private sector. Without this language, there was the potential that $20 million could have been pulled from the project. The risk is measured as low that the City would need to exercise its lien rights. There are also other rights within the agreement that are not affected by this amendment. Silverman stated that on the sheet of paper provided, the exact language listed was provided by Parr Instrument’s attorneys. It secures $19.8 million in private sector financing, which is a combination of traditional bank loans as well as new market tax credits. Silverman noted there will need to be a motion to amend the document to include Subsection 11.L on Page 19 of the RDA, immediately above Section 12. Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Timion, moved to approve Council Bill 3010-2023 as amended. Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Timion, moved to amend the RDA in Subsection 11.L on Page 19, immediately above Section 12, as presented by Corporation Counsel (See Attachment). Discussion held. Motion to amend carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, and Finch; nays: none. The original motion, as amended, passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, and Finch; nays: none.

15.2 3011-2024 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).

Adopted. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to approve Council Bill 3011- 2024. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, noted that this is to vacate the alley that runs between 4th Avenue and 2nd Avenue that runs between the existing building and the property they have acquired. There is also the requirement of the relocation of the power lines that run between the two properties. Discussion held. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch; nays: none.

15.3 3012-2024 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).

Adopted. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Timion, moved to approve Council Bill 3012- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch; nays: none.

Miscellaneous Business

Mayor Rayapati shared an update on Renew Moline, who has been doing a great job with everything related to the JCPenney project. There was a Project Management Team (PMT) meeting where the Spiegel building project was discussed along with the services that will be provided. By the end of 2024, there will be concrete information with which to make some major financial decisions. Mayor Rayapati thanked Renew Moline for their partnership. There was a miscommunication from the Chamber about a ribbon cutting at Zimmerman Honda. Mayor Rayapati expressed to the alderpersons that if they wished to reach out, she had contact information. She shared she believes it is worth supporting and recognizing another business that is investing in Moline.

Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that the City has launched its initial task force discussions on the MUNI ID program. The library staff is working on the program implementation and plans to visit Johnson County, who currently has the program in place, to gather information. At this time, the City is looking at a July, 2024 implementation.

Eric Griffith, Director of Parks and Recreation, shared that business cards were handed out to each City Council member. The card shows that the Parks department is hiring for workers at the new pool. There have been over 80 applicants so far. Griffith asked members to share the business card they received. The City of Moline pays a competitive wage when compared to other swimming pools in the Quad Cities area.

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 Property Acquisition-5 ILCS 120/2 (C)(5) and Discussion of Closed Session Minutes-5 ILCS 120/2 (C)(6). Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, and Finch; nays: none.

City Council convened in Executive Session at 6:51 p.m.

Council reconvened in open session at 7:20 p.m.

Adjournment of City Council

Upon motion of Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Castro, the Council meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is on March 26, 2024. View recorded meetings at http://www.moline.il.us/remotecouncil

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9836