Rock Island Today

City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met Oct. 8.

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

Brandi Russell, Deputy City Clerk

Carol Barnes, Director of Finance

David Dryer, Director of Engineering ~electronically

Chris Mathias, Director of Community & Economic Development

Jennifer Bizarri, Assistant Director of Community & Economic Development

Bryon Lear, Director of Library Services

Charly Brown, Interim Director of Utilities

Denver Schmitt, Director of Public Works

Leah Madsen, Director of Human Resources

Darren Gault, Chief of Police

Derek Cullison, Police Lieutenant

Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief

David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager

K.J. Whitley, Community Development Manager ~electronically

OTHERS: Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel

David Silverman, Corporation Counsel

Joshua Shimkus, Dispatch/Argus

John Afoun, Moline Housing Authority ~electronically

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

Approval of Remote Electronic Attendance

None.

Roll Call

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

Proclamation

4.1 A Proclamation from the Moline Fire Department to declare October 6-12, 2024 as "Fire Prevention Week." Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief, spoke on the history of Fire Prevention Week and the importance of fire safety education.

Public Comment

Danyelle Pinkerton, 1733 13th Avenue, spoke on agenda items #7.9 and #7.10. She asked City Council to take note of the traffic issues in the neighborhood and safety issues that come with doubling the amount of residents in this area.

Brandi Russell, Deputy City Clerk, read aloud public comments received via email from Terry Verbeke and Patty Sinnott, 1827 13th Avenue, regarding agenda items #7.9 and #7.10. The comments included concerns about the proposed rezoning and the adverse impacts on the capacity or safety of the portion of street network influenced by the rezoning, parking problems, flooding issues, and environmental impacts. (See Attachment No. 2)

Questions on the Agenda

Mayor Rayapati noted that Item #17.2 on the City Council Agenda did not have the correct ordinance attached to the agenda. The ordinance was provided to the City Council.

Agenda Items

7.1 A Resolution approving the temporary, full closure of 12th Street between mid-block of 4th/5th Avenue and mid-block of 5th/6th Avenue for a special event that is sponsored by Mercado on 5th, Inc., in conjunction with the Día de los Muertos Parade and After Party scheduled for Saturday, November 2, 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, stated that the Special Events Committee had reviewed the request to close 12th Street. Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator, discussed the public safety issues involved, and noted that the Placer.AI software used to confirm crowd size justified the staff recommendation. Saturday access connecting 12th Street to River Drive also remains as an important concern. A motion was made by Alderperson Castro to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Macias, Razzaque, McNeil, Castro, and Mayor Rayapati; nays: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Timion, and Finch. Mayor Rayapati reiterated that staff time should be reimbursed by the applicant.

7.2 A Resolution approving the special event application for the annual Lighting on the Commons event scheduled for Saturday, November 23, 2024, closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic, and authorizing the use of public property in conjunction with said event for the uses and purposes more particularly described in Exhibit A. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, stated that this is an annual event. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

7.3 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to accept and attest to one (1) Deed of Dedication for Street Right-of-Way more particularly described herein to allow construction to proceed on Capital Improvement Project #1450, 38th Street Reconstruction, 32nd to 35th Avenue. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, stated that staff is recommending approval at the Engineering department’s request. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed unanimously.

7.4 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a lease agreement with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to utilize BridgePointe 485, 1 Montgomery Drive, for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Program and approving the waiver of the lease fees from October 2024 through December 2024. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, spoke on the history of Toys for Tots, and stated that this would be the last year they would be utilizing BridgePointe 485. They will provide security on the premises. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

7.5 A Resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Moline, the Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District (MetroLINK), and Quad City Arts for consulting services for a public art installation at 1315 4th Avenue. Chris Mathias, Director of Community & Economic Development, introduced the item and stated that approval of the intergovernmental agreement would allow the City to move to the next phase of this major public art project. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

7.6 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Licensing Agreement with 5 & 15 Moline Apartments, LLC, to utilize an existing awning to additionally install, use, and maintain a sign cabinet for advertising/identification purposes only adjacent to the main lobby entrance door frame and attached to the building façade at 501 15th Street that will overhang public right-of-way. Chris Mathias, Director of Community & Economic Development, stated that this item is routine in nature. A licensing agreement is required for this to proceed. A motion was made by Alderperson Macias to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.

7.7 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the 2024 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) between the City of Moline (“Moline”), City of Rock Island (“Rock Island”), and County of Rock Island (“County”) setting forth the terms for submitting a joint application for funding to be utilized for criminal justice purposes; and authorizing City staff to do all things necessary to submit the subsequent grant application currently available through the U.S. Department of Justice 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. Darren Gault, Chief of Police, stated that this is an annual agreement and that staff recommends approval. Funds would be used to purchase equipment including upgraded gas masks. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

7.8 A Resolution approving an amendment to the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners of the City of Moline, Illinois, 2024, to reflect the new process of appointing a Deputy Fire Chief. Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief, introduced the item. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Schmidt. Motion passed unanimously.

7.9 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, Chapter 10, entitled “Future Land Use” (1809 14th Avenue and 1803 13th Avenue). Chris Mathias, Director of Community & Economic Development, presented the Official Comprehensive Plan Amendment (See Attachment No. 1). Mathias explained that the Explanation page should have stated that the change is from “Low Density Residential (6 or less units per acre) to Medium Density Residential (6–14 units per acre)”. The proposed zoning reclassification is from an R-2 - One Family Residence to an R 4 Planned Unit Development (PUD) - One to Six Family Residence. The PUD must follow the site plan. All PIN numbers were listed in the Public Notice published September 10, 2024 and a Public Hearing was held on September 25, 2024. Mathias addressed the slopes of the property and the topography. He reviewed the proposed development’s site plan including building design. Drainage issues in the neighborhood would be addressed with stormwater detention. The landscape plan will be 100% in compliance with Code requirements. Removal of mature trees will occur, but more greenery will be added back into the site. The site will need to be re-graded. Mathias reviewed the history of past Comprehensive Plans in the area and addressed other concerns brought forward by residents in the affected area. Any traffic and drainage issues will be addressed in the future by the City Engineering and Utilities departments. Mathias stated that the Plan Commission and staff are recommending approval for the Comprehensive Plan Amendment as well as the approval of a PUD and Rezoning from an R-2 to an R-4 PUD. Discussion held. Alderperson Razzaque noted he has received concerns from several residents and shared the residents’ concerns with City staff. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.

7.10 An Ordinance approving a Preliminary/Final Development Plan for a Planned Unit Development Site and Rezoning from “R-2” One-Family Residence District to “R-4 PUD” for an approximately 2.24 acre tract of land commonly known as 1809 14th Avenue and 1803 13th Avenue (PINs 17-05-200-024 and 17-05-200-022). (Moline Housing Authority). Mayor Rayapati thanked Chris Mathias, Director of Community & Economic Development, for working with the Moline Housing Authority to create an opportunity to add more housing in the City and for addressing residents’ concerns in his presentation. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

7.11 An Ordinance amending Chapter 16, “LIBRARIES,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 16-3103, “PROGRAM APPLICATION,” by repealing Section 16-3103 in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new Section 16-3103 relating to the same subject matter; and amending Section 16-3107, “FEES,” by repealing subsection (a) in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new subsection (a) relating to the same subject matter concerning the City of Moline Compass Program. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.

Informational

8.1 2024 Budget Amendments Summary. Carol Barnes, Director of Finance, reported on the first budget amendments through August of 2024. The August 2024 budget amendments reflected Council action taken by resolution, inflationary adjustments, staffing changes, updated CIP project costs, changes in capital equipment and vehicle costs, etc. since the budget was adopted on November 21, 2023. Formal budget amendments adopted by Council are required to reflect recent changes to the current budget and to avoid any adverse effect to the City’s legal budgetary compliance. Barnes highlighted the amendments:

The proposed August 2024 amendments equate to a net reduction in fund balances of $6,374,675 from the adopted 2024 budget, primarily due to authorizing spending authority for unspent Capital Projects in 2023, carried over into 2024. The net result equates to a projected ending fund balance at December 31, 2024 of $172,711,741. August amended revenues total $158,543,177, an increase of $11,539,497 from the original budget adopted November 21, 2023.

Proposed revenue amendments are primarily due to the following:

• Property Taxes & TIF Taxes: Minimal change due to final certification from County in May 2024.

• Other City Taxes: projected down $140,008 or .69% based on Y-T-D actual. Primary decreases include Hotel/Motel Tax $50K, Cable Franchise Tax $30K, Gasoline Tax $20K and Gas & Electric Taxes $85K, and AOC Business District $106K, offset by increases in Home Rule Sales Tax of $152.5K.

• Licenses & Permits: Down $233,970 due largely to a reduction in projected Rental Housing Licenses.

• Use of Money: up $883,930 or 25% due to increased interest rates.

• Intergovernmental Revenue: Projected up $4,324,613 due primarily to increases in the following estimates; 6.9M in Federal and State Grants for capital projects in MFT and CIP, offset by decreases of $1.5M in the PPRT per the State of Illinois “clawback” and $754K reduction in in qualified ARPA expenditures.

• Charges for Services: $2,030,938 or 4% due to increases in Riverside Pool admissions, ambulance service fees, and utility fee increases.

• Miscellaneous: up $503,222 or 17.4% largely due to increased donations for the Library Garden.

• Transfers In: up $4,217,902 largely due to $2M from General to Special Capital Projects $1M from Special Capital Projects to Capital Projects, $447K from Library to Library Garden, and $770K from ARPA to other funds based on project timing.

• Amended expenditures total $162,686,674, up $17,914,172 or 12.4%.

Proposed August expenditure amendments are mainly due to the following:

• Capital projects and MFT projects up $11.5M, due largely to a carryover of unused funds from 2023.

• $800K for filling open full time positions across all funds (from 33 vacant positions to currently 19 vacant) and funding the first year of the Evergreen comp & class study.

• $321K in overtime due to vacancies largely in the Fire department (up $250K).

• $700M in additional qualified ARPA expenditures.

• $120K in outside legal expenses.

• $155,270, various expenditures across all funds.

• Transfers Out: up $4.2M (see same as Transfers In above).

The resolution to approve the August 2024 budget amendments will appear on the October 22, 2024 City Council meeting for approval. Barnes noted that the timing of the State of Illinois return of funds will appear as a dip, but it is not of concern because the money was already set aside. Barnes noted that the City received its first cannabis tax payment for July, 2024 for $53,000, which was higher than anticipated.

Additionally, there is an Illinois Opioid Allocation, for which funds received must be used on very specific things. This is money that the City will get back over a span of 14-15 years. In 2024, the amount received will be $70,000. Over 15 years, the anticipated amount will go down. It will equate to approximately $220,000 over that time period.

8.2 October 2024 Status & Information Report. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported successes in the City and highlighted several accomplishments. Three Neighborhood Identification and Communication (NIC) signs were purchased for the Floreciente, East End, and Uptown neighborhoods. Vitas reported there were 18,844 visitors to new pool this summer. The dedication of O’Brien Park recently occurred. The Utilities department has installed new turbidimeters which are up and running at the North Slope Wastewater Treatment Plant. Vitas shared that the City’s Information Technology department is close to rolling out the Community Development software to be used for licensing and permitting. Vitas mentioned a recent news release regarding the official status of Moline as a “Gigabit City”. Metronet has completed construction of a 100% fiber optic network (See Attachment No. 4). Alderperson Castro thanked the Human Resources department for their work on the “Inclusive Moline” training.

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 and Council meeting minutes of September 24, 2024.

Second Reading Ordinances

14.1 3033-2024 An Ordinance amending Chapter 5, “AMUSEMENTS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 5-1101(c), by increasing the number of Video Gaming Terminal licensed establishments in the City at the request of Nick Bowes, potential purchaser of Rosy’s Watering Hole, 1731 7th Street, Moline.

14.2 3034-2024 An Ordinance amending Chapter 4, “ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 4-3104, “NUMBER OF LICENSES,” by increasing the number of Class B: Tavern licenses in the City at the request of Jeremy Webb, Webb Services LLC, potential purchaser of the former Casey’s Tavern, 1512 15th Street, Moline.

14.3 3035-2024 An Ordinance amending Chapter 4, “ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 4-3104, “NUMBER OF LICENSES,” by increasing the number of Class B Tavern licenses in the City at the request of Dieter and Nancy Rebitzer, Rebitzer’s Bar & Grill Illinois LLC, current owners of Broken Saddle, 1417 5th Avenue, Moline.

Omnibus Vote

Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, 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, McNeil, and Castro; nays: none.

Non-Consent Agenda

Resolutions

16.1 1140-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the 2024 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) between the City of Moline (“Moline”), City of Rock Island (“Rock Island”), and County of Rock Island (“County”) setting forth the terms for submitting a joint application for funding to be utilized for criminal justice purposes; and authorizing City staff to do all things necessary to submit the subsequent grant application currently available through the U.S. Department of Justice 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to approve Council Bill 1140- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, and Castro; nays: none.

16.2 1141-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a lease agreement with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to utilize BridgePointe 485, 1 Montgomery Drive, for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Program and approving the waiver of the lease fees from October 2024 through December 2024.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Razzaque, moved to approve Council Bill 1141- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, and Castro; nays: none.

16.3 1142-2024 A Resolution approving and accepting proposed changes to prior contract language as agreed to by and between the negotiators for the City of Moline and the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council #77 (FOP) relating to wages, hours of work and certain other conditions of employment effective for the contract period of January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027; and the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Memorandum of Understanding incorporating said changes with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council # 77 (FOP) relating to wages, hours of work and certain other conditions of employment effective for the contract period of January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to approve Council Bill 1142- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, and Castro; nays: none.

First Reading Ordinances

17.1 An Ordinance amending Chapter 15, “GARBAGE AND TRASH,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 15-2102, “CURBSIDE RECYCLING CARTS,” by repealing subsection (b) in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new subsection (b), dealing with the same subject matter; and amending Section 15-2200, “FEE FOR RESIDENTIAL REFUSE COLLECTION,” by repealing said section in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new Section 15-2200, dealing with the same subject matter.

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to advance Item #17.1 to second reading. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, and Castro; nays: none.

17.2 An Ordinance amending Chapter 34, “WATER AND SEWERS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 34-2121, “CHARGES AND COLLECTIONS,” by repealing said section in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new Section 34-2121, dealing with the same subject matter.

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to advance Item #17.2 to second reading. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, and Castro; nays: none.

17.3 An Ordinance amending Chapter 34, “WATER AND SEWERS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 34-4400, “IN GENERAL,” by repealing said section in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new Section 34-4400, dealing with the same subject matter.

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to advance Item #17.3 to second reading. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, and Castro; nays: none.

17.4 An Ordinance amending Chapter 34, “WATER AND SEWERS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 34-3200, “SEWERAGE RATE SYSTEM,” by repealing said section in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new Section 34-3200, dealing with the same subject matter.

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Razzaque, moved to advance Item #17.4 to second reading. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, and Castro; nays: none.

17.5 An Ordinance amending Chapter 16, “LIBRARIES,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 16-3103, “PROGRAM APPLICATION,” by repealing Section 16-3103 in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new Section 16-3103 relating to the same subject matter; and amending Section 16-3107, “FEES,” by repealing subsection (a) in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new subsection (a) relating to the same subject matter concerning the City of Moline Compass Program.

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, moved to advance Item #17.5 to second reading. Bryon Lear, Director of Library Services, stated that November 1, 2024 is the planned launch date. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, and Castro; nays: none.

Miscellaneous Business

Mayor Rayapati shared information from the Quad City Health Initiative. They provide a comprehensive health assessment report every three years. Experts from the State shared information about adverse health effects in the community. The City isfocused on improving economic conditions and finding opportunities for affected people. Mayor Rayapati also noted that she received a letter from The Arc of the Quad Cities Area requesting funding from the City (See Attachment No. 3). The request was received after the City’s

discussion on payments to agencies at the last City Council meeting. The request will be discussed soon.

Alderperson Macias stated that Friday, October 11, 2024 is the ribbon cutting for Take Cover Tiki Club, a unique new spot in the Quad Cities area. Another Chillin’ in the Courtyard event is being held on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Macias also shared that he was thanked by a resident for the work the City Council is doing.

Alderperson Timion spoke on two recent events. He attended the East End neighborhood group picnic at O’Brien Park, and on Sunday evening, Alderpersons Timion and McNeil met with another neighborhood group. They listened to concerns and answered questions from local residents.

Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported on the recent Project Management Team (PMT) meeting and the Kone tower. He reported the Kone tower was deemed structurally sound and could be used as an observation deck. The demolition of Bridgepointe 485 is being planned around the tower. The long range plan will be discussed with MKSK. The traffic analysis study for the project is also due in October. The Community Engagement Manager position has been filled by an in-house candidate from the Community & Economic Development department. Ashley Allen will be transitioning into the position in the next 30 days. She will attend ward meetings, neighborhood meetings, and other meetings, and will enhance how the City communicates to the public.

Darren Gault, Chief of Police, wanted to bring City Council’s attention to Lieutenant Derek Cullison’s presence at the council meeting. Police Lieutenants are being required to attend meetings as part of the Police Department’s long-term succession planning. Each lieutenant will attend least one meeting of the City Council to see how the City’s government operates.

Public Comment

There was no additional public comment.

Executive Session:

Alderperson Murphy, seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, 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, McNeil, and Castro; nays: none.

City Council convened in Executive Session at 7:23 p.m.

Council reconvened in open session at 7:36 p.m.

Adjournment of City Council

Upon motion of Alderperson Castro, seconded by Alderperson Finch, the Council meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/10398