Rock Island Today

City of East Moline City Council met Aug. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

PLEDGE:

Mayor Reggie Freeman led the City Council and all those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

ROLL CALL

Mayor Freeman called the meeting to order and directed the Acting City Clerk Kathryn Motzer, to call the roll. The following Alderpersons were present: Olivia Dorothy, Nancy Mulcahey, Adam Guthrie, Rhea Oakes, Lynn Segura, and Jose Rico. Absent: Jeffrey Deppe

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

PRESENTATIONS or PROCLAMATIONS

Presentation and recognition of K-9 Argo and his handler by Chief Ramsey. K-9 Argo was born in May of 2015 and purchased by the East Moline Police Department in August of 2016, where he was assigned to his handler, Lieutenant David Rummery. They attended a 10-week Police K-9 Academy with the Illinois State Police from August 29th to November 4th, 2016. They maintained certifications through the Illinois State Police, Northern Michigan K9, Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, and the National Police Canine Association in illegal narcotics detection, tracking, evidence recovery, criminal apprehension, and handler protection. They completed numerous hours of continued training and education and have taken part in dozens of demonstrations and public events throughout the Quad Cities. K-9 Argo has been responsible for seizures of several types of illegal narcotics, currency related to illegal narcotics trafficking, and illegally possessed weapons. K-9 Argo has also been credited with the successful tracking and apprehension of multiple suspects in crimes, ranging from traffic offenses to burglary and homicide before his retirement on June 14th, 2024, after 8 years of dedicated service. This also included assistance in locating lost loved ones in instances where they may have wandered away into a dense wooded area.

Tragically, shortly after retirement, K-9 Argo became ill with a very serious medical condition that manifested quickly. K-9 Argo was unable to recover from this illness and passed away on June 28th, 2024.

K-9 Argo and Lt. David Rummery would like to thank the City of East Moline and the East Moline Police Department for the opportunity to serve the citizens of East Moline and to act as an ambassador to the surrounding community. They are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to be of service as well to the surrounding law enforcement agencies. K-9 Argo and Lieutenant David Rummery also cannot begin to thank the community enough for their support, including generous donations over the years from City Line Veterinary Clinic, Nestle Purina, numerous other K9 handlers and trainers, and various members of the East Moline community.

The City of East Moline Police Department is forever grateful for Lieutenant Rummery and K-9 Argo’s service in the K-9 program, and Argo will be forever remembered for all he did for his community and beyond. Thank you, Lt. Rummery, and K-9 Argo!

CONSENT AGENDA:

Acting City Clerk Motzer read the Consent Agenda that included the following:

a. Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of July 15, 2024.

b. Approval of Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes of July 15, 2024.

c. Approval of Salaries as of July 19, 2024 in the amount of $511,903.15.

d. Approval of Salaries as of August 2, 2024 in the amount of $479,505.71.

e. Approval of Overtime as of July 19, 2024 in the amount of $43,519.24.

f. Approval of Overtime as of August 2, 2024 in the amount of $33,267.27.

g. Approval of Bills as of July 19, 2024 in the amount of $1,729,836.10.

A motion was made by Alderperson Oakes, seconded by Alderperson Rico, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon roll call the following voted in favor: Rico, Dorothy, Mulcahey, Guthrie, Oakes, and Segura. Motion carried. .

ATTORNEY ROGER L. STRANDLUND - PRESENTED THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

ORDINANCES – 1st Reading

24-05 Places for Eating Tax – City Code Amendments for Noncompliance

A motion was made by Alderperson Dorothy, seconded by Alderperson Rico, to allow a 45-day grace period for Ordinance 24-05. Upon roll call the following voted in favor: Rico, Dorothy, Mulcahey, Guthrie, Oakes, and Segura. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Alderperson Guthrie, seconded by Alderperson Rico, 1st Reading as Amended of Ordinance 24-05. Upon roll call the following voted in favor: Rico, Dorothy, Mulcahey, Guthrie, Oakes, and Segura. Motion carried.

ORDINANCES – 2nd Reading - None

RESOLUTIONS

24-57 Approval of Design Guidelines for Downtown Redevelopment and Direct Design Assistance Alderperson Segura asked if there will be a Committee regarding the Downtown Redevelopment? Mayor Freeman stated yes.

Alderperson Dorothy asked if this needed to be in the City Code? Alderperson Dorothy stated the City would need an Ordinance, if the City was going to try to enforce the Code.

Mayor Freeman stated that would need to be City Code or continue going through the façade program which is through the Special Service Area (SSA). As we get closer, we can discuss that.

A motion was made by Alderperson Rico, seconded by Alderperson Oakes, to approve Resolution 24-57 as presented. Upon roll call the following voted in favor: Dorothy, Deppe, Mulcahey, Guthrie, Oakes, and Segura. Motion carried.

24-58 Approval of Playground Equipment Replacement at Butterworth

Alderperson Segura provided an update from the Park Board. The equipment was originally installed in 1996 due to its age, thought they could get a new tunnel and new slide but replacement parts are not available. The equipment is noncompliance and needs to be removed.

Alderperson Mulcahey asked if the equipment was taped off?

Jim Graham stated that the equipment was taped off, but someone removed the tape.

Alderperson Mulcahey stated that the reason forgoing bidding process was because of Safety of the kids. Alderperson Mulcahey mentioned to Alderperson Segura that other equipment needs updating.

Alderperson Mulcahey asked who applies for the Grant on the playground equipment? Jim Graham stated the business purchasing the equipment applies for the Grant.

Alderperson Oakes stated the next Tuesday, August 13, 2024 meeting the Park Board will be looking at Wiman Park, because they need some new equipment also.

Mayor Freeman stated that the Park Board was advised to start doing some future assessments of what will be needed for the Parks and get back with the City Council.

A motion was made by Alderperson Segura, seconded by Alderperson Guthrie, to approve Resolution 24-58 as presented. Upon roll call the following voted in favor: Dorothy, Deppe, Mulcahey, Guthrie, Oakes, and Segura. Motion carried.

24-59 Approval of Contract for Ravine A – Access Road Project

A motion was made by Alderperson Dorothy, seconded by Alderperson Guthrie, to approve Resolution 24-59 as presented. Upon roll call the following voted in favor: Dorothy, Deppe, Mulcahey, Guthrie, Oakes, and Segura. Motion carried.

CITY STAFF COMMUNICATION:

Each City Staff member present was given the opportunity to inform the City Council and those in attendance of events in their departments:

Mark Rothert, City Administrator – Mr. Rothert had a great time at the Softball tournament he thanked Maranda Porter and James Harrington for putting this event together.

Kimberly Rodriguez, Finance Director – Ms. Rodriguez provided the cash on hand report. The General fund was on target at 25% and Fund Balance is over 40%. Ms. Rodriguez will be sending out a finance packet this week. A presentation will be provided at the next meeting on August 19, 2024.

Jeff Ramsey, EMPD Chief – Chief Ramsey informed the City Council The Night Out of Crime will be held on August 6, 2024 at The Bend from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. the event was partnered with the Moline Police Department.

Antrena Trimble, WWTP – Ms. Trimble informed the City Council that there were a couple of incidents in July 2024 where the fecal count was over. With the first incident we thought we just needed to adjust. After the second incident the department realized receiving high numbers during high flow, needed routine maintenance adjustments. We notified the EPA; and received an email everything is fine.

Kathryn Motzer, Acting City Clerk – Ms. Motzer stated that Election packets were put in the Alderpersons mailboxes.

Mayor Freeman stated that there was a good turnout for the first City wide Softball tournament. Maintenance Services were the winners.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Alderperson Oakes, seconded by Alderperson Segura, to adjourn the City Council meeting. A voice vote was taken. Motion carried. 7:07 p.m.

https://www.eastmoline.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08052024-1047