Rock Island Today

City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met April 23.

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 ~electronically

Chris Mathias, Director of Community & Economic Development

Jennifer Bizarri, Assistant Director of Community & Economic Development

Bryon Lear, Director of Library Services ~electronically

Tony Loete, Director of Utilities

Denver Schmitt, Director of Public Works

Leah Madsen, Director of Human Resources

Courtney Nelson, Budget and Revenue Manager ~electronically

Darren Gault, Chief of Police

Andrew Raya, Deputy Chief of Police

Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief

Kris Johnson, Deputy Fire Chief

David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager

K.J. Whitley, Community Development Manager

Charly Brown, Environmental Compliance Manager

Melissa Kodatt, Utilities Executive Coordinator

Elizabeth Hanson, GIS Specialist

OTHERS: Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel

David Silverman, Corporation Counsel

Alexandra Elias, Renew Moline

Steve Pennock, Bush Construction

Frances Williams, Director of Mercado on Fifth

Jonathan Fong, WQAD

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

Roll Call

Roll call was taken with Mayor Rayapati, Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, and Schmidt present. Absent: None.

Board Appointments

Mayor’s appointment of Nina Little to the Moline Commission on Youth to fill the unexpired term of Sarah Cross to expire March 31, 2025.

Presentation

Presentation of Life Saving Award to Sergeant Tyler McLaughlin & Officer Tyler Lewis-Bresnahan. Darren Gault, Chief of Police, introduced Sergeant Tyler McLaughlin and Officer Tyler Lewis-Bresnahan and shared details of a motor vehicle crash where they assisted individuals and, in the end, saved a life.

April 2024 Neighbor of the Month Awards - Commercial Award: G's Gourmet Popcorn (John Gnatovich), 1522 15th Street & Residential Award: Oswaldo Ojeda Vargas, 1821 10th Street. K.J. Whitley, Community Development Manager, presented Neighbor of the Month awards to G’s Gourmet Popcorn and Oswaldo Ojeda Vargas.

ISAWWA Water Ambassador Program Award – Gold Level Designation. Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, and Shaunna Richardson, Representative from ISAWWA, presented the gold level designation Water Ambassador Program award. The award was accepted by City of Moline employees Melissa Kodatt, Utilities Executive Coordinator, and Elizabeth Hanson, GIS Specialist.

2024 Water Art Contest Winner Announcement. Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, and Charly Brown, Environmental Compliance Manager, announced Emery Powell, 3rd grade student at Roosevelt Elementary, as the 2024 Water Art Contest winner.

Proclamation

A Proclamation from the American Water Works Association to declare May 5-11, 2024 as "Drinking Water Week." Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, addressed the council.

Public Comment

Diann Moore shared her opposition to the Accessory Dwelling Units.

Marcie Fosdick, Quad Cities Pickleball Club Tournament Director, shared that the Quad Cities Pickleball Club is a not-for-profit who gives back to the community both monetarily and through events. More information is in the agenda packet.

Jozett McCoy, Craig Loken, and Susana Aguilar shared their support for the Accessory Dwelling Units item.

Questions on the Agenda

Mayor Rayapati shared that Item 9.6 will also appear as 19.4 on the Council agenda.

Agenda Items

9.1 A Resolution authorizing the Chief of Police to execute an Equipment Sharing Agreement between the City of Moline and the City of Rock Island to jointly acquire and utilize certain public safety equipment. Darren Gault, Chief of Police, shared that this item was recently approved by the Rock Island City Council and the City of Moline is now seeking approval. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

9.2 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with The Sutphen Corporation, an Ohio Corporation, of Dublin, Ohio, for the purchase of one (1) heavy duty 100’ mid-mount aerial tower ladder truck utilizing the Sourcewell Cooperative Contract, #113021-SUT, for the amount of $2,131,799.00. Denver Schmitt, Director of Public Works, reported the City is looking to purchase the aerial tower ladder truck. Schmitt noted this item will also appear on the Council agenda on April 23, 2024, due to a 6% increase in price on May 1, 2024, which would raise the price of the equipment by $1,000. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Timion. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

9.3 A Resolution authorizing a grant to Mercado on 5th, Inc., for the amount of $20,000 from the Special Events Fund to support the 2024 season of Mercado on Fifth. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported the Mercado on 5th, Inc. season kicks off in May 2024 and runs through September 2024. Vitas noted the $20,000 request is the same amount that has been requested in prior years. Vitas stated this item will be a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in future years. Absent an MOU, staff would not recommend approval of the funding request. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

9.4 A Resolution authorizing a grant to the Quad Cities Pickleball Club for the amount of $5,000 from the Special Events Fund to make the Quad Cities Classic Pickleball Tournament not only successful for the club, but also for the City in bringing visitors to our community. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that staff is recommending approval. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Schmidt. Motion passed unanimously.

9.5 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Purchase and Sale Agreement for Sale of Real Estate with Peter McDermott, for property located at 1719 5th Avenue, Moline, Illinois (PIN 08-32-221-003) for a purchase price of $25,000; and authorizing all appropriate City officials, officers, and staff to do all things necessary to complete each of the City’s responsibilities and enforce each of the City’s expected benefits as referred to in such agreement. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that staff is recommending approval to take ownership of the Peter McDermott property on 5th Avenue to create a pocket park and tie that directly into the City’s relationship with Bush Construction for the item that is forthcoming related to the JCPenney redevelopment and a potential use by Western Illinois University for daycare facility. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed unanimously.

9.6 An Ordinance authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Redevelopment and Economic Incentive Agreement, by and between the City of Moline, Renew Moline Properties, LLC, 1701 Series and 1701 5th Avenue, LLC, related to the 5th Avenue TIF 15 Redevelopment Project Area. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported this project had its start prior to his arrival in 2021. This property is directly adjoining a parking lot which was owned by RiverStone Group Inc. RiverStone Group Inc. donated the property to Renew Moline. Renew Moline acquired the property for the purpose of redevelopment. The project will allow for conversion of the vacant office to multi-family residential with 32 market rate units and the addition of a third story. The commercial tenant area will be a daycare run by Western Illinois University. The City of Moline will also enter into a lease agreement with Bush Construction for Lot W which will have 60 paid, reserved parking spaces at $35.00 per month to accommodate residents. Staff is recommending approval. Vitas thanked Alexandra Elias, Renew Moline, Bush Construction, and David Silverman, Corporation Counsel. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Timion. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

9.7 An Ordinance amending Chapter 6, “RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND PUBLIC PROPERTY USES,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 6-2104, “INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS; SPECIFICATIONS,” to remove an unnecessary endorsement for outdoor cafes with alcohol. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported this is a housecleaning item. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

9.8 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an agreement with Hutchison Engineering, Inc., to complete Phase I engineering services for Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Section 24-00296-00-SW, River Drive Streetscaping from 12th Street to 19th Street for an amount not to exceed $174,093.00. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported staff is recommending approval. This project is critical because it addresses a 31-year old streetscaping improvement project that happened along River Drive. A motion was made by Alderperson Macias to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.

9.9 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Porter Brothers Construction, Inc., for Project #1464, 2024 Sealcoat Ditch Restoration, for the amount of $128,289.10. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported staff is recommending approval of the annual sealcoat ditch restoration project. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed unanimously.

9.10 An Ordinance amending Chapter 4, “ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, ARTICLE III, “RETAIL LICENSES,” DIVISION 3, “PRIVILEGES CONFERRED BY VARIOUS CLASSES OF LICENSES,” by enacting a new Section 4-3318 entitled “OPTION 5. PACKAGED SALES OF BEER AND WINE ONLY FOR CLASS A LICENSEES,” and consecutively renumbering the remaining Sections of Division 3; and amending ARTICLE III, “RETAIL LICENSES,” DIVISION 2, “LICENSING PROCEDURE,” Section 4-3208, “LICENSE FEES,” by adding fee information for the new Option 5.

Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel, shared that legal counsel was advised that there was a request for expansion in package sales for Class A licensees. A proposed amendment is being brought forward tonight which provides for an Option for Class A (Restaurants) licensees only, that allows for packaged sales of beer and wine only. Kostopulos read the restrictions aloud. The business owner must still meet the primary purpose requirement of Class A licensees, which is that the sale of food must be at least 50% of their revenue. Restrictions are designed to ensure sales of packaged liquor does not overtake sales of food in Class A establishments, effectively turning it into a liquor store, while still trying to address business owners’ interest in the ability to expand their opportunities. Consideration was taken for expanding to Class B (Taverns) but counsel’s concern was that it would be very difficult because of the difficulty in differentiating between packaged sales and pouring sales with on-premise consumption. Therefore, Option 5 is being restricted to Class A only. As to the beer and wine only restriction, that was designed to ensure the business revenue would remain primarily from the sale of food as required by code.

Trimble Funeral Home has expressed some concern in this regard that to limit sales of packaged goods to only beer and wine, excluding spirits, would restrict their ability to actually expand in a successful way and it may be too limiting. Mayor suggested to Council that an amendment be made to the wording. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Discussion held. Mayor suggested tabling this item until the May 7, 2024 meeting.

A motion was made by Alderperson Castro, seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, to table Item 9.10 until the May 7, 2024 Council meeting. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: Alderperson Timion.

9.11 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Administrative Order on Consent Under- Section 309(a) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1319(a) with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relating to compliance with the Clean Water Act and its industrial pretreatment requirements and authorizing the Director of Utilities to execute any and all necessary documents related to this work. Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, reported that staff has attempted to keep Council abreast of this topic through the Status and Information report updates. The Clean Water Act requires owners of public operated treatment works, such as those that are operated in Moline, have an industrial pretreatment program. These treatment works are not designed to treat industrial waste and there is a concern that those discharges might interfere with or adversely impact the treatment works. Staff consulted with corporation counsel and the engineer who has been helping with this, and all have come to the conclusion that the cost to continue fighting outweighs the work that has to be completed to be in compliance. Staff is recommending approval. Loete declared that in no way was the industrial discharge adversely impacting the City’s treatment works or was there ever a point when the treatment works were out of compliance. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

Informational

Bob Vitas, City Administrator, thanked Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, for all of his work with JCPenney project and the diligence of his department.

2024-2026 Strategic Plan Dashboard FY24, Q1 Report. Bob Vitas stated there are 47 goals, 42 of which are on track, and two of the goals were previously completed. There is one project that is on hold and that is the rewriting of the municipal code that was placed on hold temporarily. Alderperson Timion commended the staff for all of the work done with this strategic plan dashboard.

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, McNeil, Castro, and Schmidt present. Absent: None.

Consent Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Committee-of-the-Whole, Council, and Executive Session meeting minutes of April 9, 2024, Council meeting minutes of April 16, 2024, and appointments made at Committee-of-the-Whole on April 23, 2024.

Resolutions

16.1 1059-2024 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.

16.2 1060-2024 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 foot (4’) wide concrete retaining wall topped by a privacy fence.

Omnibus Vote

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

Non-Consent Agenda

Resolutions

18.1 1061-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with The Sutphen Corporation, an Ohio Corporation, of Dublin, Ohio, for the purchase of one (1) heavy duty 100’ mid-mount aerial tower ladder truck utilizing the Sourcewell Cooperative Contract, #113021-SUT, for the amount of $2,131,799.00.

Approved. Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to approve Council Bill 1061-2024. Discussion held. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none.

18.2 1062-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Administrative Order on Consent Under Section 309(a) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1319(a) with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relating to compliance with the Clean Water Act and its industrial pretreatment requirements and authorizing the Director of Utilities to execute any and all necessary documents related to this work.

Approved. Alderperson Castro, seconded by Alderperson Finch, moved to approve Council Bill 1062-2024. Discussion held. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none.

First Reading Ordinances

19.1 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).

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to advance Item #19.1 to second reading. Alderperson Schmidt reminded everyone that his firm has worked with this organization but he does not have a financial stake in the Deere-Wiman House, Carriage House, or Grounds. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none.

19.2 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.

Advanced. Alderperson Macias, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to advance Item #19.2 to second reading. Discussion held. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none.

19.3 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.

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Razzaque, moved to advance Item #19.3 to second reading. Discussion held. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none.

19.4 An Ordinance authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Redevelopment and Economic Incentive Agreement, by and between the City of Moline, Renew Moline Properties, LLC, 1701 Series and 1701 5th Avenue, LLC, related to the 5th Avenue TIF 15 Redevelopment Project Area.

Advanced. Alderperson Macias, seconded by Alderperson Murphy, moved to advance Item #19.4 to second reading. Discussion held. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none.

19.5 An Ordinance amending Chapter 35, “ZONING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, ARTICLE I, “GENERAL PROVISIONS AND ADMINISTRATION,” DIVISION 2, “WORD USAGE, ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS,” Section 35-1203, “DEFINITIONS;” and amending ARTICLE III, “ZONING,” DIVISION 4, “LAND USE REGULATIONS,” Section 35-3401, “REGULATION OF ALLOWED USES,” Table 35-3401.1, “PERMITTED LAND USES;” and amending Section 35-3411, “ACCESSORY RESIDENTIAL LAND USES,” regarding zoning text amendments concerning accessory dwelling units. Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, thanked the staff for all of the hours that have been put in to this project. Mathias explained what an Accessory Dwelling Unit is and shared a presentation. Mathias also shared elements of the ordinance. The Plan Commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval. Mathias noted that David Silverman, Corporation Counsel, has been a big help on this and his insight is appreciated.

Advanced. Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to advance Item #19.5 to second reading. Discussion held.

A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Castro, to allow for additional questions on ADUs. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, and Murphy; nays: none. Discussion held.

The original motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, and Schmidt; nays: Alderperson Castro, Murphy.

Miscellaneous Business

Mayor Rayapati shared she is pleased to report that at the Quad Cities Transportation Policy Committee meeting with the Bi-State Regional Commission today, April 23, 2024, attendees were informed that they voted to approve the Transportation Alternatives Set Aside (TASA) funds for Phase 2 of the Morgan Park multimodal pathway in their 2026 budget. It was approved at 80%. Also, Rochelle Carlin-Krueger, Executive Director with MCDC, is looking for volunteers to plant trees. The trees they have received are from a grant through Trees Forever. Last, Mayor reported she had good conversations with Visit Quad Cities about the return on investment that they bring. There will be an item on the May 7, 2024 agenda regarding Visit Quad Cities.

Alderperson Macias stated that on May 14, 2024, he will be having a Ward 2 meeting at the Mercado on Fifth building from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Alderperson Timion reported that May 28, 2024 is the Ward 4 meeting at the Riverside Garden Center. Additionally, Timion shared that Alderperson Macias, City Administrator Bob Vitas, Alexandra Elias with Renew Moline, and other staff members have been part of a task force for the downtown redevelopment project. Last, Timion noted that May 11, 2024 is the next meeting at the Mercado building for community feedback on the Riverfront Master Plan.

Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief, shared he handed out an event flyer for the 18th annual Reverend Jack Hollenback memorial pancake breakfast and invites everyone to attend this Sunday, April 28, from 7:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the Moline Viking Club.

Darren Gault, Chief of Police, stated that since the weather warms up, there will be a lot more people walking and that has historically generated traffic complaints to the alderpersons. Gault advised alderpersons to submit speeding or traffic complaints to the police. Then, the police traffic unit would set up a speed survey by setting up speed signs to gather data on the speeds and the volume of traffic. Then, the traffic unit works with the traffic committee to procure potential solutions.

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 Collective Negotiating Matters-5 ILCS 120/2(C)(2), Property Acquisition- 5 ILCS 120/2 (C)(5), and Pending, Probable or Imminent Litigation-5 ILCS 120/2(C)(11). Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias and Razzaque; nays: none.

City Council convened in Executive Session at 7:35 p.m.

Council reconvened in open session at 8:51 p.m.

Adjournment of City Council

Upon motion of Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Macias, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is on May 07, 2024. View recorded meetings at http://www.moline.il.us/remotecouncil

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9948