Rock Island Today

City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met Dec. 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Committee-of-the-Whole Call to Order

PRESENT: Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati (Chair)

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: Alderperson Debbie Murphy (Ward 1)

STAFF: Bob Vitas, City Administrator

Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator

Stephanie Murphy, City Clerk

David Dryer, Director of Engineering ~electronically

Eric Griffith, Director of Parks & Recreation ~electronically

Chris Mathias, Director of Community & Economic Development

Charly Brown, Interim Director of Utilities

Sarah Mark, Assistant 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

Christopher Parr, Economic Development Manager

Dawn Temple, Management Analyst & Grant Coordinator

OTHERS: Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel

Joshua Shimkus, Dispatch/Argus

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 Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, and Schmidt present. Absent: Alderperson Murphy.

Board Appointments

Mayor’s appointment of Laura Chumbley to the Keep Moline Beautiful Commission for a 3-year term to expire November 30, 2027.

Presentation

5.1 MetroLINK Decennial Update.Jennifer Hirsch, Manager of Administration with MetroLINK, stated that the 2024 Decennial Report was a result of the Decennial Committees on Local Government Efficiency Act (50 ILCS 70/). It was an Act in which Governor Pritzker asked townships, park districts, and mass transit organizations to take a deep dive on how to become more efficient. MetroLINK compiled information regarding who they are, their history, how they are funded, what they do for the community, and how they partner with the community and beyond.

5.2 Key to the City – Robert Vogelbaugh. Mayor Rayapati presented a key to the City of Moline to Bob Vogelbaugh for his selfless, unending dedication to hosting Thanksgiving for so many people in this community. Vogelbaugh thanked Council, stating he is glad to be a citizen of Moline. Vogelbaugh also thanked Connie McElyea and Vicki Birdsell-Baker for their help with Thanksgiving in the past.

Public Comment

Michael Williams, Moline resident, suggested changes at the intersection at 53rd Street where the YMCA is located. Williams also noted that north of 12th Avenue, near Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, there are cars parked on both sides of the street when there are students waiting to be picked up from school. He would like to see changes made here as well.

Questions on the Agenda

Mayor Rayapati shared that two items, 8.7 and 18.4, had changes made to the attachments after the agenda was released. The updated documents have been handed out.

Agenda Items

8.1 An Ordinance amending Chapter 2, “ADMINISTRATION,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 2-2200, “DAYS, TIME AND PLACE OF REGULAR MEETINGS; ADJOURNED MEETINGS,” by enacting one new subsection (e)(1)(b)(4) concerning unexpected childcare obligations. Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel, reported this is a housekeeping item to conform the ordinance with changes this year in the law. In addition to the previous three reasons for elected officials attending remotely, the fourth reason allows for unexpected childcare obligations. A motion was made by Alderperson Castro to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Discussion held. Counsel will research to see if minor children can attend the executive session remotely. Motion passed unanimously.

8.2 An Ordinance amending Chapter 20, “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Appendix 4 thereof, “THREE-WAY STOP INTERSECTIONS,” by removing the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Fifty-third Street, south branch; and 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 Fifty-Third Street and Fifth Avenue, south branch. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that the City received a request from area residents to install flashing stop signs at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Fifty-Third Street. The Traffic Engineering Committee reviewed the request and is recommending against the request, but based upon the history of the intersection, they are recommending the addition of a stop sign northbound on 53rd Street at 5th Avenue. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

8.3 A Resolution approving an Honorary Street Designation in honor of Daniel Gordon and authorizing the Director of Public Works to effectuate the fabrication and installation of said sign. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, stated that this request came forward from Brandon Tidwell, Human Resources Manager, for Daniel Gordon to be recognized for his contribution to the City of Moline. The streets to be designated are 26th Street where the church and parsonage are located between 13th and 14th Avenue. The signs will be properly erected to recognize his name going back to when he first moved to Moline in 1843 and his contribution from the time he moved to Moline until the time of his death. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

8.4 A Resolution approving an Honorary Street Designation in honor of Robert Vogelbaugh (Mr. Thanksgiving) and authorizing the Director of Public Works to effectuate the fabrication and installation of said sign. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, indicated he is bringing forward this honorary street designation for Robert Vogelbaugh. Dating back to 1972, Vogelbaugh has contributed so much help to so many people without asking for anything in return. He is a living example of a great citizen of Moline. The portion of the street where he resides will have an honorary designation on 26th Street between 36th and 37th Avenues. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed unanimously.

8.5 An Ordinance amending Chapter 22, “OFFENSES-MISCELLANEOUS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 22-1105, “TOBACCO PRODUCTS, TOBACCO ACCESSORIES, SMOKING HERBS AND ALTERNATIVE NICOTINE PRODUCTS,” regarding tobacco dealer’s licenses to create three categories of tobacco dealer’s licenses and to impose temporary moratoriums on the issuance of new licenses for Classes A and C, as defined herein. Margaret Kostopulos, Corporation Counsel, reported Counsel did hear the comments at the December 3, 2024 meeting and those requests have been incorporated into the new iteration of this amendment. There are three classes of tobacco licenses. Class A is the primary retailer’s tobacco license which is limited to five (5), the current number of licenses issued. Class B is the incidental tobacco retailer’s license. Class B licenses encompass convenience stores, bowling alleys, and other types of retailers who do not focus on tobacco sales. Class B licenses are being limited to 36, the current number of licenses issued. Then, the new Class C license was created. This is the head shop license which fills the gap of accessories that might be used for cannabis use. This is not regulated by State or local law. The limit on Class C licenses is five (5), which Counsel believes is the current number of businesses that might fall under that category. There is also a moratorium for Class A licenses. The moratorium on those licenses will remain in effect until December 1, 2025. Kostopulos encouraged Council make an amendment to the date of December 1, 2025 if they would like the moratorium to be extended beyond December 1, 2025. It was recommended not to go longer than two years. An enforcement mechanism has been created where the Class B license applicants must sign an affidavit that they meet the requirements of the incidental license. This affidavit is Counsel’s proposed mechanism to monitor and enforce the Class B licenses. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Discussion held.

A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to remove the Class C license from the moratorium. Seconded by Alderperson Finch.

The motion as amended carried by voice vote.

8.6 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a First Amendment to Program Funding Agreement between the City of Moline and the Illinois Housing Development Authority for the acceptance of $345,000.00 in additional grant funding, and to do all things necessary to execute all assurances and certifications to the Illinois Housing Development Authority for the Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program (HAFHR); and authorizing the Community and Economic Development Department to begin work upon execution of the First Amendment to Program Funding Agreement for additional program funding between the City of Moline and the Illinois Housing Development Authority for the Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program, and to do all things necessary to implement said program requirements. K.J. Whitley, Community Development Manager, reported that two months ago the City was approached to see if it would like additional funding for the Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program. The Illinois Housing Development Authority extended the funding into 2026. Staff is requesting Council approval to accept additional funding so single family homeowners can receive up to $60,000 for critical repairs. The funds are American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars and must be spent by 2026. The family will have a three year capture agreement and must meet certain criteria to receive the funds. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

8.7 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement between and among Bi-State Regional Commission and the Governments of Moline, East Moline, Milan, Rock Island, Silvis, and Rock Island County for services related to holding and administering a consultant contract for the preparation of an Enterprise Zone application with Moran Economic Development.

Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, stated that there are six governments that make up the enterprise zone. The six governments want to amend the enterprise zones for a variety of reasons. In order to amend the zones, there will be an application. A consultant will help prepare the application. David Silverman, Corporation Counsel, had some modifications to the Intergovernmental Agreement. The other governments did approve of the agreement’s modifications. They will each sign the Intergovernmental Agreement. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

8.8 A Resolution authorizing the Community and Economic Development Department, on behalf of the City of Moline, to apply to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for a Certified Local Government (CLG) 70%/30% Matching Grant for the amount of $15,000.00 with a local match of $4,500.00; and authorizing City staff to do any and all things necessary to apply for the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Certified Local Government (CLG) 70%/30% Matching Grant. Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, reported that in July, 2024 there was a discussion about a funding request as well as discussion regarding the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and this request to complete a survey of the City’s historic properties. The Forest Hill neighborhood has been identified by the HPC as a valuable location to use the grant funds. A consultant will perform a survey so the City knows which historic properties are in that area. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

8.9 A Resolution approving certain contracts for the purchase of treatment chemicals to be used by the Utilities Department for the calendar year 2025 as tentatively awarded through the Bi-State Regional Commission (BSRC) and authorizing the Interim Director of Utilities to execute any and all necessary documents for purchase of said treatment chemicals in the quantities needed for calendar year 2025. Charly Brown, Interim Director of Utilities, reported that the Utilities department participates in the Bi-State joint purchasing with surrounding towns and authorizes Utilities to purchase chemicals at the lowest bid. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

8.10 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a 2025 Grant Agreement with Project NOW, Inc., for the administration of the “Level Up” Program. Mayor Rayapati reported that this item will also appear on the Council agenda so it can be effective January 1, 2025. Mayor Rayapati stated that the Scope of Services includes the items Council discussed during budget discussions. There are new categories of disbursement based on the time frame that the individuals need the funds for their particular issue. Also, in addition to single parents, language was added to include single adults. Discussion held. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

8.11 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the agreement between and among the Iowa Department of Transportation, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the City of Bettendorf, and the City of Moline (collectively, the “Parties”) concerning the installation and maintenance of removable bollards on the approaches to the multi use path of the I-74 bridge. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, stated staff is strongly recommending approval of the agreement between the City of Moline, the City of Bettendorf, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Iowa Department of Transportation, who has led this project from the beginning. This would include installing two bollards on each side of the trail head leading onto the trail. The City of Moline will have long-term maintenance responsibility. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Discussion held. Alderperson Schmidt directed City Administrator Vitas to update the Memorandum of Understanding to clarify who replaces and pays for the new bollards when one is damaged. Motion passed unanimously.

Informational

RAISE Grant – Dawn Temple, Management Analyst & Grant Coordinator. Dawn Temple, along with project team members Ashley Allen, Community Engagement Manager, and Christopher Parr, Economic Development Manager, presented an update on the RAISE grant. It was decided that the Riverfront project was better suited for this planning grant. The project team quickly made the initiative to move forward with completing the grant, which is due by January 30, 2025. As part of this grant, the US Department of Transportation looks strongly on community engagement. Because there was not a lot of time to prepare a public meeting, this informational is serving as the public meeting. This is a US Department of Transportation federal grant program offering $1.5 billion nationwide for planning and implementation. For this particular project, the City is considered urban and a historically disadvantaged area. There is no match requirement for this grant. However, the team is looking at a Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) federal grant support program match. The team has engaged with a consultant on this grant. This grant would advance the plan from what is considered a vision plan into project readiness. Notification of RAISE grant awards will come no later than June 30, 2025. Should the funding be awarded to the City, it would be between $5.5 and $6.5 million, and there would be at least six months of negotiations with US Department of Transportation. 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 Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, and Schmidt present. Absent: Alderperson Murphy.

Consent Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Committee-of-the-Whole and Council meeting minutes of December 3, 2024, and appointments made at Committee-of-the-Whole on December 17, 2024.

Second Reading Ordinances

15.1 3049-2024 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.

Resolutions

16.1 1176-2024 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.

16.2 1177-2024 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.

Omnibus Vote

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

Non-Consent Agenda

Resolutions

18.1 1178-2024 A Resolution approving Change Order No. 1 and Final with Walter D. Laud, Inc., for Project #1450, 38th Street Reconstruction, for the amount of $32,251.36.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Timion, moved to approve Council Bill 1178- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Castro, Schmidt, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, and McNeil; nays: none.

18.2 1179-2024 A Resolution authorizing the City Administrator to modify the non-union employee group benefit package to incorporate the changes as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto relating to wages and health insurance premiums.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Razzaque, moved to approve Council Bill 1179- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Castro, Schmidt, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, and McNeil; nays: none.

18.3 1180-2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a 2025 Grant Agreement with Project NOW, Inc., for the administration of the “Level Up” Program.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, moved to approve Council Bill 1180- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Castro, Schmidt, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, and McNeil; nays: none.

18.4 1181-2024 A Resolution establishing the City of Moline’s policy entitled Paid Parental Leave Policy.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to approve Council Bill 1181- 2024. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Castro, Schmidt, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, and McNeil; nays: none.

Non-Consent Agenda

First Reading Ordinances

19.1 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.

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

19.2 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.”

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

19.3 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.

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to advance Item #19.3 to second reading. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Castro, Schmidt, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, and McNeil; nays: none.

Miscellaneous Business

Mayor Rayapati shared thanks to all of staff and Council’s work over the last year. Mayor stated the work continues in 2025 and she looks forward to tackling things.

Alderperson McNeil shared he has a new title of Snow Angel and encouraged council members to also become snow angels. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, volunteered to also become a snow angel.

Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported thanks to staff and Council for all that has been accomplished in 2024. One of the things that will be completed as the Council returns in May after elections, because everyone is running unopposed, is to begin the strategic planning process anew. In 2021, the strategic plan started with 88 goals. As part of the strategic planning process, the City will need to survey this community/citizens and local businesses, to gather some feedback on how well the City has done these DRAFT

past four years. Northern Illinois University (NIU) will be conducting the survey. The work will begin in January 2025 and the report will be complete by May, 2025. NIU will also facilitate the next strategic planning process. Ashley Allen, Community Engagement Manager is taking the lead on that and is the interface with NIU.

Public Comment

There was no additional public comment.

Executive Session:

Alderperson Macias, seconded by Alderperson Timion, moved for Executive Session, for the purpose of discussion of Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees - 5 ILCS 120/2(C)(1) Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Castro, Schmidt, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, and McNeil; nays: none.

City Council convened in Executive Session at 7:20 p.m.

Council reconvened in open session at 8:06 p.m.

Adjournment of City Council

Upon motion of Alderperson Castro, seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.

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