Rock Island Today

City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met April 9.

Here are the minutes 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 Anna Castro (Ward 7)

Alderperson James Patrick Schmidt (Alderperson At-Large)

ABSENT: Alderperson Daniel McNeil (Ward 6)

STAFF: Bob Vitas, City Administrator

Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator

Stephanie Murphy, City Clerk

Chris Mathias, Director of Community & Economic Development

Tony Loete, Director of Utilities

Denver Schmitt, Director of Public Works

Leah Miller, Director of Human Resources

Brandon Tidwell, Human Resources Manager

Darren Gault, Chief of Police

Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief

David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager

OTHERS: Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel

Kirk Marske, Moline Centre

Alexandra Elias, Renew Moline

Frances Williams, Director of Mercado on Fifth

Shirley Johnson, Progressive Action for Common Good

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

Oath of Office

Oath of office for promotional appointment to the rank of Deputy Chief to Andrew Raya effective April 07, 2024.

Alderperson James Patrick-Schmidt entered the meeting at 6:02 p.m.

Oath of office for promotional appointment to the rank of Lieutenant to Jason Smith effective April 10, 2024.

Presentation

Dougal Nelson, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of the Heartland, presented a slideshow sharing the idea of having a replica of Moline City Hall at Junior Achievement BizTown. Junior Achievement is requesting $7,500 for the first year build out cost and then an annual sponsorship cost of $10,000 per year with a three-year commitment. Discussion held. Nelson noted the new facility will open on October 14, 2024. The Council is in consensus to move forward with this item.

Proclamation

A Proclamation from the Progressive Action for Common Good (PACG) to declare April 2024 as “EARTH MONTH”.

A Proclamation from the Quad City Federation of Labor AFL-CIO to declare the week of April 15 through April 19, 2024 as “NATIONAL WORK ZONE SAFETY WEEK”.

Public Comment

Diann Moore shared her concern that the City is not following the Open Meetings Act. Moore came to City Hall at 5:15 to attend a meeting and the door was locked. City staff will look into this.

Jeff Dismer, Chair of Moline Public Art Commission, spoke in favor of the agenda item related to the public art sculpture program.

Heather Calvert, Executive Director of Butterworth Center and Deere Wiman House, spoke in favor of the landmark status for the Deere Wiman House.

Alexandra Elias, Renew Moline, shared that Renew Moline is supportive of the public art program. Elias also shared her thoughts on the best way to present public art, should the Council approve the placement of the sculptures along 5th Avenue.

Questions on the Agenda

The Council meeting minutes from March 26, 2024 reflect that Alderperson Castro gave an invocation. This was a scrivener’s error. The meeting minutes will be approved as amended.

Agenda Items

8.1 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an agreement between the City of Moline and Quad City Towing, Inc., to provide towing services for the City of Moline. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that staff is recommending approval of the agreement with Quad City Towing, Inc. Quad City Towing, Inc. has been a long-time partner in Moline. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

8.2 An Ordinance designating the Deere-Wiman House, Carriage House, and Grounds as a local historic landmark site in accordance with Chapter 25, “PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT,” Article IV, “HISTORIC PRESERVATION,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances (817 11th Avenue). Alderperson Schmidt disclosed that the Deere Wiman house has conducted business with his current employer. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that the Deere Wiman House has a great history and is a great property. Vitas shared that it is a pleasure to see this process move forward through the City’s Historic Preservation Commission. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

8.3 An Ordinance amending Chapter 2, “ADMINISTRATION,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, by repealing Division 8, “MOLINE CENTRE MAIN STREET COMMISSION,” in its entirety and reserving Division 8 for future use; and amending Section 2-4100, “LIST OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS,” by repealing subsection (a)(15) in its entirety and consecutively renaming the remaining subsections of subsection (a); and amending Section 2-4601, “COMMISSION COMPOSITION,” by repealing Section 2-4601 in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new Section 2-4601 dealing with the same subject matter; and amending Section 2-4604, “FUNCTIONS, GENERALLY,” by repealing Section 2-4604 in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new Section 2-4604 dealing with the same subject matter. Kirk Marske, Moline Centre Manager, reported the background of the Moline Centre Main Street Commission. Marske noted the State of Illinois discontinued the Main Street program in 2015 as there was a move away from Main Street programming in a lot of communities. Within the last five years in Moline, there has been a move away from the Main Street program being the driving force of what happens downtown. The recommendation Moline Centre made to the Main Street Commission is to solidify the program and shift some resources over to the other parts of the program through the SSA 6 Board. The Commission voted to dissolve the Main Street Commission. Many members of the commission are also on the SSA 6 Board. With Council approval, the functions of the Main Street Commission would shift to the SSA 6 Board. Marske stated it is a restructuring and addition of specificity as well as creation of an organization that has more clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Discussion held. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

8.4 An Ordinance amending Chapter 34, “WATER AND SEWERS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 34-2129, “READING ZONES; COLLECTING ZONES; PAYMENT DATES; PENALTIES,” subsection (c), to further adjust quarterly utility billing references as the City transitioned to monthly utility billing effective January 2024. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported the ordinance amendment is a housecleaning matter brought forward by the Finance and Legal departments. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Timion. Motion passed unanimously.

8.5 A Resolution approving the licensing agreement for the 2024 Mercado on Fifth season scheduled for May 24, 2024 through September 27, 2024; closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic; and authorizing the use of public right-of-way in conjunction with said event. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that staff is recommending approval of the licensing agreement that will allow the closure of 12th Street and 5th Avenue as laid out in the agreement and discussed at a previous council meeting. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

8.6 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an Easement Encroachment License Agreement with Michael and Angie Jones for property located at 6109 34th Avenue A Court, to allow for improvements that include the installation of a four (4’) wide concrete retaining wall topped by a privacy fence. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that he is not a strong supporter of allowing any encroachments in any public right of way or any public utility easements because of the complications it presents for the future. Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, shared that this request initially came to Planning and Zoning department. They then forwarded it to the Utilities department. When the Beaver Woods Subdivision was built within the last 20 years, it included a utility/draining easement along the northern edge, which is also adjacent to the 34th Avenue right-of-way. This easement contains a fire hydrant that comes into the easement by a few feet. The encroachment will not affect the City’s ability to operate or maintain the fire hydrant. The City’s stormwater manager has also looked at this and has concluded that the construction of these improvements would not affect the drainage. There may be some privately owned utilities also in this utility easement. The petitioner would be obligated to engage into a licensing agreement with those privately owned utilities. Discussion held. Loete reported this request has been approved by the Utilities department as well as the Planning and Zoning staff. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

Informational

9.1 Law Enforcement Grant Opportunities. Darren Gault, Chief of Police, shared an update with the Council on grants the police department is considering. There are a few that require no cost match from the City and a few that require a cost match from the City. The purpose of bringing this forward is to educate the Council on grants that are available and determine how the Council would like to move forward. Discussion held.

9.2 Public Art Commission Request for Rotating Sculpture Program. Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, reported that staff would like to get some direction from the Council to better assist the Public Art Commission on how to move forward. Quad City Arts prepared a proposal that has a total program cost of $13,600 to place sculptures throughout Moline Centre. If staff is given direction to move forward, a sole source approval and agreement will come forward for approval. Staff’s role in this process is to support the Public Art Commission, but also to ensure the City is complying with that plan. Also, the other attachment to the agenda showed maps of different locations. Staff has ruled out the locations marked “A”. They do not meet the City Engineer or Planning and Zoning requirements. The “B” locations have been approved by the City Engineer and Mathias, but, the height and size of the sculptures at each location needs to be determined to ensure they are not blocking downtown cameras. Discussion held.

9.3 April 2024 Status & Information Report. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, shared that March, 2024 was a good first quarter for the City. Parr Instrument Phase I is a major win for the City. The groundbreaking is April 12, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. In regards to records disposal, Vitas reported that Stephanie Murphy, City Clerk, has worked with City departments and the State and the City is ready to dispose of old records. In the future, the City will look at ways to digitize records. Vitas complimented the Human Resources department noting they brought on a new Human Resources Manager, Brandon Tidwell. Last, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) tentatively approved a permit for the skate park/pump track, should the City decide to move forward with that project. Discussion held.

9.4 Moline Fire Department – Chief Fire Officer Designation; Fire Chief Steve Regenwether. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, read the news release from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, dated April 4, 2024, as attached to the agenda. Fire Chief Steve Regenwether is the first Fire Chief in the City of Moline to receive this designation.

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: Alderperson McNeil.

Consent Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Committee-of-the-Whole and Executive Session meeting minutes of March 26, 2024 as presented, and Council meeting minutes of March 26, 2024 as amended.

Second Reading Ordinances

15.1 3014-2024 An Ordinance amending Chapter 20, “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Appendix 10 thereof, “PARKING PROHIBITED AT ANY TIME,” by extending Forty-First Street, on the east side, from Fourth Avenue south for a distance of 50 feet to 138 feet.

Resolutions

16.1 1052-2024 A Resolution considering all Rules and Regulations of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners of the City of Moline, Illinois, 2024, promulgated, proposed, adopted, or approved by such Board on Exhibit A, attached hereto and approving same as an exercise of the City’s home rule powers.

16.2 1053-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Billing Agreement with Professional Billing Services of Illinois, Inc., for ambulance billing and collection services, at a commission of four percent.

16.3 1054-2024 A Resolution approving the special event application for the Quad Cities Distance Classic event scheduled for Sunday, May 12, 2024, that is sponsored by the Cornbelt Running Club; authorizing a grant to the Cornbelt Running Club for the amount of $500 from the Special Events Fund for event marketing efforts; closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic; and authorizing the use of public right-of-way in conjunction with said event.

16.4 1055-2024 A Resolution approving the special event application for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2024, that is sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association; authorizing a grant to the Alzheimer’s Association for the amount of $450 from the Special Events Fund to support the Friends of Walk marketing distribution plan; closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic; and authorizing the use of public right-of-way in conjunction with said event.

16.5 1056-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Ragan Mechanical, Inc., for phase two of the Water Treatment Plant Boiler Replacement Project for the amount of $184,950 and authorizing the Director of Utilities to execute any necessary documents related to this work.

Omnibus Vote

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

Non-Consent Agenda

Resolutions

18.1 1057-2024 A Resolution declaring the property at 4625 Avenue of the Cities, Moline (“Property”), as surplus, immediately upon acquisition of same in early May 2024; and the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an Agreement for Sale of Real Estate and do all things necessary to convey the future City-owned Property to Joel J. Knox, and/or his assignees.

Approved. Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to approve Council Bill 1057- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, and Castro; nays: none.

18.2 1058-2024 A Resolution approving the licensing agreement for the 2024 Mercado on Fifth season scheduled for May 24, 2024 through September 27, 2024; closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic; and authorizing the use of public right-of-way in conjunction with said event.

Approved. Alderperson Castro, seconded by Alderperson Finch, moved to approve Council Bill 1058- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, and Castro; nays: none.

Miscellaneous Business

Mayor Rayapati thanked Alderperson Razzaque for leading the March 26, 2024 meeting as Mayor Pro Tem. Mayor reported staff is working diligently on a variety of projects, especially some of the new strategic objectives from the strategic plan. Mayor shared that there have been conversations for over a year about possible solutions for the health issues in the community. Mayor then read aloud a letter that she mailed on April 1, 2024 to Unity Point Health. Mayor has a meeting scheduled with the Unity Point regional representative on April 19, 2024. On Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., there is a Transportation and Infrastructure seminar with keynote speaker Ray LaHood, former US Secretary of Transportation, at Bally’s Quad Cities Casino and Hotel.

Alderperson Timion indicated he had the pleasure of talking to some public works employees as they were working on sidewalks in his neighborhood. He thanked them for all the work they are doing.

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). Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, and Castro; nays: none.

City Council convened in Executive Session at 7:48 p.m.

Council reconvened in open session at 8:08 p.m.

Adjournment of City Council

Upon motion of Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Macias, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9896