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City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met Oct. 22.

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 Jessica Finch (Ward 5)

Alderperson Daniel McNeil (Ward 6)

Alderperson James Patrick Schmidt (Alderperson At-Large)

ABSENT: Alderperson Matt Timion (Ward 4)

Alderperson Anna Castro (Ward 7)

STAFF: Bob Vitas, City Administrator

Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator

Stephanie Murphy, City Clerk

Carol Barnes, Director of Finance

David Dryer, Director of Engineering ~electronically

Eric Griffith, Director of Parks & Recreation ~electronically

Chris Mathias, Director of Community & Economic Development

Bryon Lear, Director of Library Services ~electronically

Charly Brown, Interim Director of Utilities

Denver Schmitt, Director of Public Works

Leah Madsen, Director of Human Resources

Andrew Raya, Deputy Chief of Police

Eli Soliz, Services Division Lieutenant

Jonathan Genisio, Accreditation & Standards Lieutenant

Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief

David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager

K.J. Whitley, Community Development Manager

Ashley Allen, Community Engagement Manager

OTHERS: Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel

Joshua Shimkus, Dispatch/Argus

Kirk Marske, Renew Moline

Alexandra Elias, Renew Moline

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, Finch, McNeil, and Schmidt present. Absent: Alderpersons Timion and Castro.

Presentation

October 2024 Neighbor of the Month Award – Commercial Award: Take Cover Tiki Club, 1401 5th Avenue & Residential Award: Bluewood Investments LLC, 3805 10th Avenue. K.J. Whitley, Community Development Manager, presented the Neighbor of the Month awards. Dan Bush, Matt Lang, and Rich Cooksey accepted the Commercial Award for Take Cover Tiki Club. The owner of Bluewood Investments LLC was unable to be present at the Council meeting but shared his appreciation for the award with Whitley.

Proclamation

A Proclamation declaring October 22, 2024, as “JERRY BUTTS AND JOHN SLOVER DAY” Alexandra Elias, Renew Moline, thanked Council for the acknowledging 35 years of Renew Moline. Elias shared a short video with Jerry Butts and John Slover describing the founding of Renew Moline. The video is available on Renew Moline’s website at: https://www.renewmoline.com.

Public Comment

John Corelis, real estate developer, introduced David Byrkett. Byrkett requested Council approve to raise the cap on the tobacco licenses for his business, No More Butts, to be located 4105 44th Avenue, Moline, adjacent to Hungry Hobo and Hot Worx.

Questions on the Agenda

Mayor Rayapati stated that at the request of the Dia de los Muertos Parade organizers, there is no longer a need of the 12th Street closure and therefore Item #18.1 will be pulled from the agenda. They will still be closing 5th Avenue, which was previously approved by Council with the approval of the Parade route.

Agenda Items

8.1 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Jose Estrada, for property located at 3727 4th Avenue, Moline, Illinois (PIN No. 08-34-107-016), for a purchase price of $18,000; and authorizing all appropriate City officials, officers, Corporation Counsel 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, stated the closing for the property located at 3727 4th Avenue is set for October 30, 2024. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed unanimously.

8.2 An Ordinance amending Chapter 20, “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Appendix 27 thereof, “LOADING ZONES,” by adding Seventh Street, on the east side, beginning at a point 65 feet south of Fourth Avenue Place, continuing south for 40 feet, for the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. David Dryer, Director of Engineering, reported staff is recommending providing signage for a “loading zone” for vehicle drop-off and pickup for a daycare/preschool at the WIU Learning Campus located at 406 7th Street. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

8.3 An Ordinance amending Chapter 22, “OFFENSES MISCELLANEOUS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, by increasing the number of Tobacco licenses in the City at the request of No More Butts Vapor Lounge. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that Council has received a request to allow another tobacco license in the City of Moline. Staff is deferring the request to City Council for policy consideration on the cap. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Discussion held. A request was made by Council to allow the applicant to explain the difference between a vape shop and this business. Council is in consensus to hear how the business will operate. David Byrkett, owner of No More Butts, shared the reason he believes this business is different is because the main goal of No More Butts is to help people stop smoking cigarettes by providing a hemp alternative. Further discussion was held with Byrkett. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion failed unanimously.

8.4 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an Intergovernmental Support Agreement with the United States Army Garrison Rock Island Arsenal (USAG RIA) on behalf of the United States for Industrial Stormwater Compliance Monitoring. Charly Brown, Interim Director of Utilities, shared that the Rock Island Arsenal has a stormwater permit which requires quarterly sampling during rain events. The Intergovernmental Support Agreement would not put the City in charge of maintaining the Rock Island Arsenal’s stormwater permit. It is only to provide the services of the sampling. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

8.5 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an Administrative Services Agreement with Renew Moline, Inc., to define the scope of services and responsibilities for the Moline Centre Program and approving the FY 2025 budget allocation for the amount of $151,000. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that staff is recommending approval to enter into an Administrative Services Agreement with Renew Moline, Inc. This document puts into writing what has been in practice now for the past year and a half. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

8.6 A Resolution authorizing a grant to the Lighting on the Commons Event for the amount of $12,000 from the Special Events Fund to reduce SSA6’s financial obligation to the operational costs for the annual event to be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that the Lighting on the Commons event has historically been funded by SSA6 and John Deere and Company. This year, the funds would come from the Special Events Fund. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

8.7 A Resolution approving an Honorary Street Designation in honor of Daniel and Stillman Wheelock; and authorizing the Director of Public Works to effectuate the fabrication and installation of said sign. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that Daniel Wheelock, who was the first and third mayor of Moline, and Stillman Wheelock, the fourth mayor of Moline, should be recognized as not only mayors of the City of Moline but also as beneficiaries to the City’s library. They donated the land on 15th Street for the library. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

8.8 A Resolution approving the proposed amendment (Substantial Amendment 6) to the City of Moline’s 2019 Annual Action Plan, Substantial Amendment 5, approved by Council Bill/Resolution No. 1094-2023, for the purpose of program fund reallocation; and authorizing the Mayor to implement the program activity set forth in the City of Moline’s 2019 Annual Action Plan, Substantial Amendment 6, upon the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) approval of said Amendment 6. K.J. Whitley, Community Development Manager, reported the proposed amendment to the 2019 Annual Action Plan includes using the rest of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds. The funds must be used to prevent or address COVID-19 situations. Staff is proposing that the City again hand out food vouchers at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. The first event will be on November 23, 2024 at City Hall beginning at 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. If there are any funds remaining after Christmas and Easter, the funds will be donated to the River Bend Food Bank. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Schmidt. Motion passed unanimously.

Informational

9.1 2024-2026 Strategic Plan Dashboard FY 24, Q3 Report Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported on the current goals. There are 40 goals within the current Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2026. At this time, 38 of the goals are on track, seven (7) are complete and two (2) are on hold/not started. Vitas also introduced Ashley Allen, the new Community Engagement Manager.

9.2 Administration’s Recommendation on 2025-2027 Budgets Carol Barnes, Director of Finance, reported that the budget for 2025, as presented, is balanced with a total of $168.5 million (See Attachment No. 1). Barnes noted that the wage increases are very competitive with other municipalities. This budget includes no new personnel. Even though costs are going up, this is overall a very conservative budget. A comprehensive review will continue at the Council meeting on October 26, 2024 and it is the hope to establish the property tax levy for 2025 at that time. Barnes reported the City is very fortunate that it has a very diversified revenue stream. For the personal property replacement tax in fiscal year 2022 actual, the City received 8,971,465. The State of Illinois will be taking back around $3.5 million in 2024. Fortunately, the City was conservative and the funds are available. All of the other revenue sources are very stable and growing between 2-3% and are on track for year-to-date actuals for 2024.

Barnes reported that administration is recommending an increase in property taxes for 2025 of $496,225 which is up 3.04% from 2024. The City’s 2004 rate setting equalized assessed value (EAV) is up $74 million or 8.16% over the current year. The City is only taking a portion of the 8.16% growth. The total EAV is projected to be about $981 million. These projections decrease the levy rate by over 8.5%. This is the lowest levy rate the City has had in over 20 years. These projections are dependent on the number of assessment protests received between now and the end of the year. Barnes shared that the budget book is available on the City’s website and it does have a chart that lists all of the levy rates.

Barnes then reported on the property tax allocation. Historically, property tax dollars have been used to fund the police and fire pensions. The funds from the general levy will all go towards the newly established Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) fund. There is also debt levy that is dropping off that will help to reduce some of the increases. The Parks will receive 3.00% of the property tax allocation and the Public Library will receive 2.99% of the property tax allocation. Receiving these funds will help to offset their respective general wage increases. The Special Service Area (SSA) 5 board has voted to increase their levy about $20,000 for projects happening in the downtown area. There will be a special public hearing held for truth in taxation.

Barnes discussed the impact of the proposed fees being increased for utility, franchise, and property taxes (See Attachment No. 2). For 2025, an average home on a per month basis would total $1.75 per month.

When it is added together with all of the increased fees for the utility funds, it is a total monthly impact of $8.56 or $102.72 on an annual basis. The next item of discussion was expenditures. The top three expenditures are capital projects, public safety, and enterprise funds. The 2024-2026 strategic plan includes 47 goals and funding for several larger projects for a total of $15.27 million. Barnes then reviewed the special capital projects fund which has a ten year plan of $81 million.

In regards to personnel, staff is recommending that no new full-time positions be created for 2025. At this time there are requests for three new firefighters and one new custodian. It is suggested to backfill these positions with overtime for 2025.

Barnes reported that All American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds must be spent by 2026. Council determined how to allocate those funds at a meeting in September, 2024. At this time, the City is on track to spend 100% of the ARPA allocation by the end of 2026.

Barnes shared that as operating expenses increase, when the fund balance is calculated as a percentage, the fund balance has to be increased in order to keep pace. The fund balance will continue to grow as a percentage of operating.

The Parks Department is a huge quality of life area and there are projects that need to be done to keep things properly maintained. With some of the new growth from the home rule sales tax, staff is recommending for council’s consideration an increase in the annual amount that is transferred from the CIP for the Parks and Recreation from $300,000 to $400,000.

The City has three new funds that are being budgeted for. One of them is the national opioid settlement fund. The second fund is for the Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair (HAFHR) Program. The City has been advanced $500,000 for the fund. This is being managed by the Community and Economic Development (CED) department. The third fund is for the TIF15 corridor. There are a total of 63 funds managed City-wide.

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, Finch, McNeil, and Schmidt present. Absent: Alderpersons Timion and Castro.

Consent Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Committee-of-the-Whole, Council and Executive Session meeting minutes of October 8, 2024.

Second Reading Ordinances

15.1 3036-2024 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.

15.2 3037-2024 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.

15.3 3038-2024 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.

15.4 3039-2024 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.

15.5 3040-2024 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.

Resolutions

16.1 1143-2024 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.

16.2 1144-2024 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.

16.3 1145-2024 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.

16.4 1146-2024 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.

16.5 1147-2024 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.

Omnibus Vote

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

Non-Consent Agenda

Resolutions

18.1 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.

At the request of the Dia de los Muertos Parade organizers, they no longer wish to close 12th Street. Therefore, this item was pulled from the agenda (See Questions on the Agenda).

18.2 1148-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Jose Estrada, for property located at 3727 4th Avenue, Moline, Illinois (PIN No. 08-34-107-016), for a purchase price of $18,000; and authorizing all appropriate City officials, officers, Corporation Counsel 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. (757)

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Murphy, moved to approve Council Bill 1148- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Finch, McNeil, and Schmidt; nays: none.

18.3 1149-2024 A Resolution approving the proposed amendment (Substantial Amendment 6) to the City of Moline’s 2019 Annual Action Plan, Substantial Amendment 5, approved by Council Bill/Resolution No. 1094-2023, for the purpose of program fund reallocation; and authorizing the Mayor to implement the program activity set forth in the City of Moline’s 2019 Annual Action Plan, Substantial Amendment 6, upon the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) approval of said Amendment 6.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Razzaque, moved to approve Council Bill 1149- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Finch, McNeil, and Schmidt; nays: none.

18.4 1150-2024 A Resolution amending the FY 2024 Budget adopted by City Council on November 21, 2023, Council Bill/Resolution No. 1206-2023, to reflect various changes to line items more particularly described herein and authorizing the Director of Finance to do all things necessary to complete said changes.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to approve Council Bill 1150- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Finch, McNeil, and Schmidt; nays: none.

Non-Consent Agenda

First Reading Ordinances

19.1 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).

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, moved to advance Item #19.1 to second reading. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Finch, McNeil, and Schmidt; nays: none.

19.2 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).

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

Miscellaneous Business

Mayor Rayapati shared with Council that the Moline-Coal Valley School District is undertaking a very interesting project that has connections to the City’s strategic goals of increasing our social infrastructure and connectedness in neighborhoods. It also has connections to the City’s economic development and quality jobs and increasing opportunities for residents. There are four more of those meetings. Rayapati stated it is an important connection with Moline-Coal Valley School District.

Alderperson Schmidt shared his thanks and appreciation to everyone who has been preparing the budget.

Bob Vitas, City Administrator, echoed Alderperson Schmidt’s comment. Vitas commended Carol Barnes, Director of Finance and her unending commitment. Her team is to be commended for getting the City through the audit and taking the City through the end of the fiscal year.

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 Collective Negotiating Matters-5 ILCS 120/2(C)(2). Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Finch, McNeil, and Schmidt; nays: none. City Council convened in Executive Session at 8:12 p.m.

Council reconvened in Open Session at 8:13 p.m.

Adjournment of City Council

Upon motion of Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Finch, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.

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