Rock Island Today

City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met May 21.

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) ~electronically

ABSENT: None.

STAFF: Bob Vitas, City Administrator

Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator

Stephanie Murphy, City Clerk

Lori Ulloa, Assistant Director of Finance

David Dryer, Director of Engineering ~electronically

Eric Griffth, Director of Parks & Recreation ~electronically

Chris Mathias, Director of Community & Economic Development ~electronically

Tony Loete, Director of Utilities

Denver Schmitt, Director of Public Works

Leah Madsen, Director of Human Resources

Annette Roby, Human Resources Risk Management Administrator

Darren Gault, Chief of Police

Mitchell Cunningham, Fire Marshal

Kris Johnson, Deputy Fire Chief

David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager

OTHERS: Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel ~electronically

Joshua Shimkus, Dispatch/Argus

Craig DeVrieze, Illowa Construction Labor & Management Council ~electronically

Mayor Rayapati called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Chief Darren Gault shared that there is a storm west of the City with a tornado watch. Gault noted everyone is very safe in City Hall but if sirens go off everyone will move to center of the building away from the glass.

Approval of Remote Electronic Attendance

Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Timion, moved to approve the remote electronic attendance due to personal illness of Alderperson Schmidt. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

Roll Call

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

Oath of Office

Oath of office for promotional appointment to the rank of Sergeant to Cesar Lopez effective May 19, 2024.

Board Appointments

Mayor’s reappointment of Jeff Adamson to the Historic Preservation Commission for a full 3-year term to expire April 30, 2027.

Public Comment

One comment was received via email from Kim Ellis. Ellis would like the City and its residents to discontinue use of Roundup.

Questions on the Agenda

None.

Agenda Items

8.1 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 #1471, Moline Public Library Garden, for the amount of $1,287,000.00. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that the City is recommending approval of the contract with Centennial Contractors for the amount specified. The groundbreaking ceremony will be May 28, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.

A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

8.2 An Ordinance amending Chapter 20, “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Appendix 10 thereof, “PARKING PROHIBITED AT ANY TIME,” by adding Ninth Street, on the east side, from Railroad Avenue south for a distance of 110 feet. David Dryer, Director of Engineering, reported that the request was made by a new property owner who had redeveloped some of the property on the east side. The homeowner was having difficulty getting equipment in and out of the garage due to vehicles parking on the street. After review, it was the recommendation of the Traffic Engineering Committee to extend the no parking restriction. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Timion. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

8.3 An Ordinance amending Chapter 20, “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Appendix 10 thereof, “PARKING PROHIBITED AT ANY TIME,” by adding Thirteenth Street, on the east side, at the 11th Avenue intersection for a distance of 78.5 feet. David Dryer, Director of Engineering, reported this item is an item brought forward by a resident in a neighborhood. It is a “T” intersection in an older section of the City where streets are pretty narrow. With people parking close to the intersection and across the top of “T”, access was problematic. It was reviewed by the Traffic Engineering Committee and a recommendation was made to install some parking restrictions at the intersection. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

8.4 An Ordinance amending Chapter 20, “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Appendix 5 thereof, “ALL-WAY STOP INTERSECTIONS,” by adding Eighth Avenue and Thirty-sixth Street. David Dryer, Director of Engineering, reported this is “T” intersection of a newly reconstructed street. Since time of the reconstruction, there have been a couple complaints about sight distance at the corners. Residents were requesting the installation of mirrors so they could see around the corners. It was reviewed by the Traffic Engineering Committee who recommended an all-way stop. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Timion. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

8.5 An Ordinance amending Chapter 25, “PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 25-2100, “OFFICIAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; ADOPTED; TERRITORIAL APPLICATION,” by enacting thereto an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, Appendix Q, entitled “Avenue of the Cities Corridor Plan, Future Land Use Map,” incorporated therein as a portion of Zone 4 [page 11] (southwest corner of Avenue of the Cities and 44th Street). Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, noted that agenda items 8.5 and 8.6 are connected. The rezoning has been requested by a prospective buyer for a property located at 2307 4th Street. The prospective buyer discovered that the southernmost part was zoned for single family residential. This was previously zoned commercial in 2006 and has been used as commercial all along. Mathias noted that the comprehensive plan shows it as residential. To approve the rezoning in Item 8.6, staff also recommends approval of the comprehensive plan. This item did go before the Plan Commission and they are recommending approval with a vote of 9-0. Staff is also recommending approval. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

8.6 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, “MAP OF STANDARD ZONING DISTRICTS” (2307 44th Street). A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

8.7 A Resolution amending the annual meetings schedule for 2024 to reflect the new meeting time of the Keep Moline Beautiful Commission, to be held at 4:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month, effective June 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, stated that this item is very straightforward request. The request is to move the meeting time to 4:00 p.m. from 4:30 p.m. Since the calendar for all boards and commissions is adopted annually by Council, it is required that the amendment be brought forward to Council for approval. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Mayor Rayapati noted that the 4:30 p.m. time was very helpful in the previous Council because a council member worked until 4:00 p.m. and the later start time gave them time to get to the meetings. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

8.8 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Licensing Agreement with Trixie Rox Designs LLC to install, use and maintain pan faces in existing wall sign for advertising/identification purposes only above the entrance of 3156 Avenue of the Cities Moline, Illinois, that will overhang public right-of-way. Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, shared that this is a simple sign face change which would normally not require any kind of permit in the Code. Irene Muñoz, Planning/Zoning Technician, discovered there was no licensing agreement for this sign. Because it is overhanging into the right of way, there needs to be a licensing agreement so the City can have the insurance in place in case of an accident. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

8.9 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a First Amendment to Land Lease Agreement with GTP Acquisition Partners II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, for City owned property located at 4213 16th Avenue, Moline. Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, reported that GTP Acquisition Partners operates a monopole on the 42nd Street water tank site. They are requesting an amendment to the land lease agreement to extend the lease 15 years. Staff is recommending approval. The permissions the City would gain are 4% annual rent escalation as well as $15,000 cash up front. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

8.10 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Parking Lease Agreement with Monarch Investment and Management Group to lease thirty-six (36) parking spaces at the rate of $35/space located in Lot “R” to provide parking for the LeClaire Apartments, located at 421 19th Street Moline, Illinois and approving the waiver of the parking lease fees from April 2020 through March 2023. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported this is the last of the outstanding parking lot leases. This culminates all of the outdated parking leases. All parking leases will now be up-to-date and in force, which is a Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirement that went into place in 2023. Parking Lot “R” is located just to the east of the Renew Moline parking lot property along 4th Avenue. Staff is recommending approval at the rate of $35/space. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Discussion held. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

8.11 A Resolution approving the purchase of one (1) parcel of excess I-74 Bridge property from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the total fair market value of $196,000; and directing City Administration to pursue the purchase of said parcels with IDOT through its completion; and authorizing the Mayor, City Clerk, corporation counsel and City staff to do all things necessary to acquire said real property. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported this resolution represents the final parcel that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is relinquishing along the corridor. The parcel was first offered to Deere & Company who chose not to acquire the property. The property is located directly across from the off ramp leaving Iowa and entering Illinois at River Drive. There are also two small remnant parcels that would adjoin existing property owned by the City. Staff is recommending approval of this purchase. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

Informational

Lead Service Line Replacement. Tony Loete, Director of Utilities, reported that during the April 2024 roundtable discussion, discussion was held regarding staff recommendations and planning leading to lead service line replacements. The replacements are required as part of the Illinois Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act and potential future federal regulations that are coming forward. During those discussions, it was described that the service line is two pieces, one piece is in the street and owned by the City and the other piece is on private property which is maintained by the property owner. For efficiency and effectiveness of executing the plan, staff is recommending that the responsibility for the replacement of the private side be transferred over to the City for the purposes of compliance with the regulations. This informational is the introduction of proposed language in the Code in Sections 34-2102 and 34-2114 to effect the transfer from the property owner to the City. Staff is recommending this because it will make it easier to coordinate the installation of the entire line, which is required by the regulation. Another requirement is that letters be sent to property owners. This requirement was completed recently. Discussion held.

Loete noted the proposed cost of the replacement of the full service line is $10,000 per service. In the Western Illinois area it is projected to be lower than that projected cost. The City should receive $500,000 in funds from Congressman Eric Sorensen to replace lead service lines in 2024 for the 15th Street corridor. In addition to that, staff has submitted a project plan to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for the replacement in two census tracts. Staff is hopeful that within the next month news will be given that the City will receive principal forgiveness for a portion of those census tracts. Loete noted that since the Illinois Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act went into place in January 2022, property owners have already replaced their lead service lines. Staff will be coming forward with a recommendation for some sort of reimbursement for the property owners who have endured those costs.

Discussion Regarding Fireworks and Section 11-1104 of the Code of Ordinances. Darren Gault, Chief of Police, held a preparatory Fourth of July discussion with Council to discuss what can and most likely cannot be done to address fireworks. Gault noted that while firework complaints are very serious to people being affected by them, should there be a fight or shooting, that incident would take precedence over the fireworks. The fireworks would then fall into the nuisance category. There is not enough manpower through the police department and fire department to cover all of the incoming calls. Mitch Cunningham, Fire Marshal, reported there was recently networking to see what strategies other communities are using, noting there is really no enforcement mechanism. Businesses are allowed to sell them to consumers and it is not regulated. The Fire Department’s strategy this year is to increase social media awareness. Gault noted Section 11-1104 of the Code which states that the fine for fireworks is $50. If the fine is paid within seven (7) days it is $25. The maximum amount the fine can be due to State statute is $750. Discussion held.

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 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 May 7, 2024, and appointments made at Committee-of-the-Whole on May 7, 2024 and May 21, 2024.

Resolutions

15.1 1073-2024 A Resolution approving a special event that is sponsored by the Glen Oaks Neighborhood Association for the Morgan Park 4th of July Parade scheduled for Thursday, July 4, 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.

15.2 1074-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Junior Achievement of the Heartland JA BizTown® Sponsorship Agreement between the City of Moline and Junior Achievement of the Heartland (“JAHL”) to sponsor and have access to a storefront in JA BizTown® inside the Junior Achievement Inspiration Center located at 6600 44th Avenue, Moline, Illinois.

15.3 1075-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Local Agency Engineering Services Agreement with Hutchison Engineering, Inc., to complete Phase I and Phase II engineering services for Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Section Number 22-00290-00-ES, 7th Avenue Reconstruction Project from 15th Street to 19th Street, for an amount not to exceed $399,666.00 and approving a Supplemental Resolution for Improvement under the Illinois Highway Code for Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Section Number 22- 00290-00-ES, Engineering Services for 7th Avenue Reconstruction, for the amount of $399,666.00.

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 Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

Non-Consent Agenda

Resolutions

17.1 1076-2024 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 #1471, Moline Public Library Garden, for the amount of $1,287,000.00.

Approved. Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Finch, moved to approve Council Bill 1076-2024.

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

17.2 1077-2024 A Resolution approving the purchase of one (1) parcel of excess I-74 Bridge property from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the total fair market value of $196,000; and directing City Administration to pursue the purchase of said parcels with IDOT through its completion; and authorizing the Mayor, City Clerk, corporation counsel and City staff to do all things necessary to acquire said real property.

Approved. Alderperson Finch seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to approve Council Bill 1077-2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

Non-Consent Agenda

First Reading Ordinances

18.1 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 FOR OFF PREMISES CONSUMPTION 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.

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to advance Item #18.1 to second reading. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, and Razzaque; nays: none.

Miscellaneous Business

Mayor Rayapati asked that Council remain aware of all of the upcoming major groundbreaking events such as the Riverside Riverslide Pool and Moline Library Gardens. Mayor noted that Alderperson McNeil is unable to attend the Bi-State Regional Commission meeting on May 22, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. at the Rock Island County Office Building. Mayor requested that any interested Council member reach out to her after the meeting.

Alderperson Macias stated he had his Ward 2 meeting and it was attended by staff. In spite of there not being a big attendance by Ward 2 residents, staff was able to have a great conversation. Macias thanked staff for their attendance.

Alderperson Timion encouraged everyone to check out the Moline Police Department’s new podcast.

Alderperson McNeil acknowledged the effort of residents at the east end of Moline past two weekends. There was a cleanup and tree planting. McNeil exclaimed his excitement about the progress at the East End Park. McNeil thanked the City’s park maintenance staff for all of their efforts.

Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that the Moline Community Development Corporation (MCDC) program planted 100 trees in two days. Vitas noted there are at least 30 more available for planting. In addition, half of the non-public safety personnel helped to clean up the City on May 15. Vitas will attend the Park Board meeting on May 23, 2024 to request the renaming of East End Park O’Brien Park, in memory of the late alderperson, Pat O’Brien. Vitas noted he will bring the item to City Council for formal approval.

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)(2) 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 7:08 p.m.

Council reconvened in open session at 7:47 p.m.

Adjournment of City Council

Upon motion of Alderperson Castro, seconded by Alderperson Finch, the Council meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is on June 4, 2024. View recorded meetings at http://www.moline.il.us/remotecouncil

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/10018