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City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met Dec. 3.

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

Carol Barnes, Director of Finance

David Dryer, Director of Engineering ~electronically

Eric Griffith, Director of Parks & Recreation ~electronically

Bryon Lear, Director of Library Services ~electronically

Charly Brown, Interim Director of Utilities

Andy Parer, Stormwater Utility Manager

Denver Schmitt, Director of Public Works

Leah Madsen, Director of Human Resources

Darren Gault, Chief of Police

Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief

David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager

K.J. Whitley, Community Development Manager ~electronically

Ashley Allen, Community Engagement Manager

OTHERS: Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel

Joshua Shimkus, Dispatch/Argus

Scott DeSplinter, Crawford, Murphy & Tilly

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, and Castro. Absent: Alderperson Schmidt.

Board Appointments

Mayor’s reappointment of Angela Rule to the Citizens Advisory Council on Urban Planning (CACUP) Board for a 3-year term to expire July 31, 2027.

Presentation

Stormwater Ordinance Updates Charly Brown, Interim Director of Utilities stated that the City partnered with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (CMT) to overhaul the stormwater management program. Andy Parer, Stormwater Utility Manager, introduced Scott DeSplinter with CMT. DeSplinter presented CMT recommendations for updating the stormwater master plan. Discussion held.

Public Comment

Emily Allen submitted public comment via email which was read aloud by the City Clerk. Allen discussed the Mr. Thanksgiving meal held at Mercado on Fifth on Thanksgiving this year.

Questions on the Agenda

None.

Agenda Items

8.1 An Ordinance amending Chapter 20, “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Appendix 5 thereof, “ALL-WAY STOP INTERSECTIONS,” by adding the intersection of Eighteenth Street and Fifth Avenue. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, this ordinance amendment to create consistency along 5th Avenue. It is the one intersection that does not have a four way stop along the entire length. Therefore, the Traffic Committee is recommending approval. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

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 removing “Sixth Avenue, on the south side, beginning at a point 110 feet east of 53rd Street, continuing east for 60 feet,” and adding “Sixth Avenue, on the south side, for 15 feet east and west of the centerline of the 53rd Street Drive intersection.” Bob Vitas, City Administrator, this item, for which staff is recommending approval, came from the Traffic Committee. This area is a T-intersection which prohibits parking at the T-intersection within a certain distance. This will thereby allow better movement of public safety equipment such as the fire apparatus, but also all of the City’s sanitation equipment, delivery trucks, etc. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

8.3 An Ordinance amending Chapter 20, “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, APPENDIX 14, “FIFTEEN-MINUTE PARKING RESTRICTIONS IN NONMETERED ZONES,” to include 1509 15th Street, one on-street stall; and amending Section 20-5109, “PARKING TIME LIMITS/RESTRICTIONS ESTABLISHED,” by repealing subsection (c)(4) in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new subsection (c)(4) dealing with the same subject matter. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, stated this is a local request from a business in the neighborhood of 15th Street and staff is recommending approval for this 15 minute non-metered pickup zone. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed unanimously.

8.4 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Law Enforcement Services Agreement between the City of Moline and Universal Protection Service, LLC, d/b/a Allied Universal Security Services setting forth the terms for assignment of uniformed police officers to perform law enforcement functions at the SouthPark Mall complex for the period of January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, stated that staff is recommending approval of an agreement with Universal Protection Services, LLC, d/b/a Allied Universal Security Services. The City has a longstanding history of providing services at Southpark Mall and will continue to provide the services. Southpark Mall is a partner with the City in the program. It is cost-neutral to the City with the addition of cameras. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

8.5 A Resolution approving Change Order No. 1 and Final with Walter D. Laud, Inc., for Project No. 1444, 2024 Inlet/Catch Basin Replacement Program, for the amount of $3,025.60. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that staff is recommending approval. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

Informational

9.1 Amending Chapter 22 - Tobacco Dealer's Licenses. Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel, presented information regarding an amendment to the code of ordinances related to tobacco licenses. Kostopulos reported that legal counsel is recommending a Class A license, which would be for retail tobacco stores which primarily sell tobacco, tobacco products, and tobacco accessories. The definition of tobacco excludes cannabis. It would not include a license for a business such as a grocery store, convenience store, restaurants, or bars who sell cigarettes or other tobacco products. The Class B tobacco license would be for any other business who sells tobacco or tobacco products or accessories that does not meet the retail tobacco dealer definition. A principal business would be defined as either a 20% or more of the floor space in the business used to either sell or display tobacco products or 50% or more of the gross revenue which would be derived from the sale of tobacco or tobacco products. This mirrors the liquor code which has a similar description for a principal business at the 50% or more in addition to the liquor code which also allows consideration of other things such as floor space. This amendment also creates a moratorium on the Class A licenses for about one year. Counsel is suggesting that it would expire on December 1, 2025. This would allow some flexibility for the Council to further examine and consider other options in terms of Class A licenses and also help businesses who are coming into the City with the expectation that they will obtain a license for these smoking lounges or stores that primarily sell these products. Counsel requested input for a new cap for each license. Counsel’s recommendation is to leave Class B licenses the same at 48. A grandfather clause is also included for those who currently have licenses that might fit into the Class A definition so they would be able to renew their tobacco license during the moratorium. Discussion held.

Alderperson Schmidt entered the meeting at 6:46 p.m.

9.2 December 2024 Status & Information Report. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program (DCIP) grant kickoff meeting went exceptionally well. Representatives visited on-site to go through the gymnastics that surround this grant. Second, Vitas highlighted that 176 trees were planted in Moline in 2024. Terry Bates, Arborist, was recognized by the Illinois Arborist Association for all of his efforts and his work. Third, the City Hall and Public Works secured control entry projects will begin next week at City Hall. There will be removal of one office and installation of a public restroom. In mid-January, work will begin to provide a secure entrance at City Hall as well as a secure entrance at the Public Works facility. Vitas also noted that Bethany project will now be called City Services Center. Thanks to the Public Works department, there is painting being completed currently and the new carpet will be installed once painting is complete. That project will be completed in mid-March and shortly thereafter the assembly of the staff in that building. At this time Parks and Recreation department is using the facility for their programs. Last, Vitas highlighted the Compass Municipal Identification program stating that there are at least three business now that are part of the that program.

Council held discussion regarding communication to residents regarding when streets will be plowed as well as discussion regarding enforcing parking along snow routes.

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 and Appointments

Committee-of-the-Whole, Council and Executive Session meeting minutes of November 19, 2024, and appointments made at Committee-of-the-Whole on December 3, 2024.

Second Reading Ordinances

15.1 3048-2024 An Ordinance amending Chapter 3, “SIGNS AND ADVERTISING,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 3-2105, “SIGNS ALLOWED ON PRIVATE PROPERTY WITH AND WITHOUT PERMITS,” to provide for five temporary signs per lot.

Resolutions

16.1 1171-2024 A Resolution setting the annual meetings schedule for 2025; and authorizing City staff to do all things necessary to notify the media of the 2025 annual meetings schedule.

16.2 1172-2024 A Resolution establishing the City of Moline’s policy entitled Workplace Bullying Policy.

16.3 1173-2024 A Resolution approving the second and final amendment to 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.

Omnibus Vote

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

Non-Consent Agenda

Resolutions

18.1 1174-2024 A Resolution adopting the Annual Budget for Corporate Purposes for the City of December 3, 2024

Moline, Illinois, for the calendar year beginning January 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2025.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to approve Council Bill 1174- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Finch, McNeil, Castro Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, and Timion; nays: none.

18.2 1175-2024 A Resolution approving Change Order No. 1 and Final with Emery Construction Group Inc., for Project #1446, 2024 Alley Reconstruction Program, for the amount of $8,832.07.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, moved to approve Council Bill 1175- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Finch, McNeil, Castro Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, and Timion; nays: none.

Non-Consent Agenda

First Reading Ordinances

19.1 An Ordinance vacating a remnant of alley right-of-way west of 14th Street between 33rd Avenue and 34th Avenue Drive, running approximately 297.8 feet west from 14th Street and 16 feet wide--encompassing approximately (4,764.8 sq. ft.) As platted in Block 2 Mack and Marshall’s subdivision and recorded in plat book 4, page 58, recorded 1891.

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

Miscellaneous Business

Mayor Rayapati reported that there was a meeting including the four principal groups who founded the Quad Cities’ Q2030 Regional Action Plan. There are discussions occurring among those even though they are not under the umbrella Q2030 any longer. They are working on regional issues workforce development, training, place making, etc. There will be a survey coming out to those who serve on those boards to provide feedback on ways to address those issues. Mayor remarked that anything we can do to celebrate the Quad Cities is always helpful.

Alderperson Murphy thanked the Public Works department for the Snow Angel program. Murphy is hopeful that program will help the senior citizens as well as to clear routes for schools.

Alderperson Macias talked about partner businesses for the Compass Municipal Identification program. Macias suggested reaching out to restaurants and letting them know about the program and ask for their support. They have to fill out the online business partner application which can be found on the library’s website. Macias would like to see more businesses offer discounts to assist Moliners.

Alderperson Timion indicated that a resident reached out to him regarding an online account that was compromised and items were ordered. The Moline Police Department acted quickly and the detectives were able to assist. Timion reminded everyone that this is a prevalent issue and to make sure passwords for each account is unique, not shared, and to be sure to watch your statements.

Alderperson McNeil shared that the garden at the library is pretty extraordinary. McNeil urged everyone to visit and see the great work that has been completed.

Alderperson Castro thanked the Public Works department for a successful leaf pickup season. Castro shared she is very happy with the program.

Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported on a draft Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) that was provided to him in a meeting with Scott Mullen with the Illinois Quad city Civic Center Authority. Vitas requested that Council pay special attention to Section II and Section III because it will be the basis upon which the argument and debate will happen. Vitas then reported that the City does have the report back from Sam Schwartz. A meeting is scheduled to review the information from the report. Council requested the IGA be brought back as an informational or agenda item for a more in-depth discussion.

Darren Gault, Chief of Police, reported that applications for the Citizens Police Academy are open. It starts January 22, 2025 and goes through April 2, 2025. It is a wonderful event for you to learn more about the police department and policing in general. Gault encouraged everyone to attend. Chief Gault then requested everyone listen to this week’s podcast with Justin Willis. Willis has turned his life around and is now the Director of Top of the World Ranch Treatment Center located in Milan, Illinois.

Public Comment

There was no additional public comment.

Adjournment of City Council

Upon motion of Alderperson Castro, seconded by Alderperson Murphy, the Council meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is on December 10, 2024. View recorded meetings at http://www.moline.il.us/remotecouncil

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/10530