Rock Island Today

City of Moline Committee of the Whole/Council met March 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

PRESENT: Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati (Chair)

Alderperson Debbie Murphy (Ward 1)

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 Alvaro Macias (Ward 2)

STAFF: Bob Vitas, City Administrator

Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator

Bill Atkins, City Attorney

Stephanie Murphy, City Clerk

David Dryer, Director of Engineering

Eric Griffith, Director of Parks & Recreation

Bryon Lear, Director of Library Services

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

KJ Whitley, Community Development Manager

Ashely Allen Smith, Community Engagement Manager

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

Moment of Silence: In Memory of Former Mayor Stan Leach

Oath of Office

6.1 The Oath of Office for appointment of Peter Kampfer to Director of Utilities was withdrawn.

6.2 Oath of Office for regular commissioned appointment as Police Officer to Ryan Rochholz, effective February 28, 2025.

6.3 Oath of Office for regular commissioned appointment as Police Officer to Cooper Sant Amour, effective February 28, 2025.

Board Appointments

Mayor’s reappointment of Kirk Marske to the Keep Moline Beautiful Commission for a 3-year term to expire November 30, 2027.

Proclamation

A Proclamation from The National Association of Women in Construction to declare March 2-8, 2025, as "Women in Construction Week." Kelly Porumb and Julie Gelaude accepted the award on behalf of NAWIC Quad Cities Chapter No. 50.

Questions on the Agenda

None.

Agenda Items

10.1 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Emery Construction Group, Inc. for Project #1485, 2025 Sidewalk Program, for an amount of $299,450.00; and approving the expenditure of funds not to exceed the budgeted amount of $350,000.00 for sidewalk projects and said expenditures will be presented to Council as a change order for approval increasing the contract value. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that staff recommends approval. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed unanimously.

10.2 An Ordinance amending Chapter 20, “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 20-5109, “PARKING TIME LIMITS/RESTRICTIONS ESTABLISHED,” Appendix 16, “ONE-HOUR PARKING RESTRICTIONS IN NONMETERED ZONES,” by including: 1721 5th Avenue, Two On-Street Stalls. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, stated there was a request from the owners of Ducky’s Formal Wear on 5th Avenue to establish this parking limitation at the front of their store, which is the main entrance to the store. They would like to ensure that their customers have the ability to park for up to an hour. Staff is recommending approval through the Traffic Engineering committee. A motion was made by Alderperson Timion to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

10.3 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 owners Arlind Celiku and Braim Islami of Denis LLC d/b/a ETA Table and Tap, 2601 52nd Avenue, Moline. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported staff is recommending approval. This is in the former Denny’s on the corner near Southpark Mall. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

10.4 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Walter D. Laud, Inc., for Project #1483, 30th Avenue Reconstruction, for the amount of $1,957,886.72. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that staff is recommending approval. This item is also linked with Item 10.5 which is an increase in the original contract. The change order is for replacing the PVC as the water main, based on Environmental Protection Agency literature, with ductile iron. Staff is also recommending approval of Item 10.5. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Schmidt. Motion passed unanimously.

10.5 A Resolution approving Change Order No. 1 with Walter D. Laud, Inc., for Project 1483, 30th Avenue Reconstruction, for the amount of $57,128.40. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

10.6 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with J.C. Dillon, Inc., for Project #1479, 2025 Inlet Replacement Program, for an amount of $104,880.00. Bob Vitas, reported that staff is recommending approval of this annual inlet replacement program. A motion was made by Alderperson Castro to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.

10.7 A Resolution declaring the BCI Burke Playground at Browning Park, a City-owned playground installed in 2006, as surplus property; authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Playground Equipment Donation Agreement with Kids Around the World, Inc., an Illinois not-for-profit corporation, for equipment removal and transport; and authorizing the Director of Parks and Recreation to facilitate the donation of said playground equipment. Eric Griffith, Director of Parks and Recreation, stated that Kids Around the World is a nonprofit based in Illinois who has worked with several park districts. They have repurposed over 1,200 sets of playground equipment in 87 countries across the world. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

10.8 A Resolution approving a Purchase Agreement for Commercial Real Estate with Kathryn A. Blade, Living Trust, for property located at 620 17th Street, Moline, Illinois (PIN No. 08-32-415- 003), for a purchase price of $50,000; 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, reported that this is the little white house located on 17th Street adjoining the City-owned property where the Moline Police Department stores its squad cars. The intention is to return the house to the housing inventory in the City. There have been discussions with both Renew Moline and Moline Community Development Corporation (MCDC). A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Timion. Motion passed unanimously.

10.9 A Resolution authorizing the Community and Economic Development Department, on behalf of the City of Moline, to apply to the Illinois Housing Development Authority (“IHDA”) for an Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund Home Repair and Accessibility Program (HRAP) Round 2 Grant for the amount of $1,000,000; and authorizing City staff to do any and all things necessary to apply for the Illinois Housing Development Authority (“IHDA”) for an Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund Home Repair and Accessibility Program (HRAP) Round 2 Grant. KJ Whitley, Community Development Manager, stated the Community and Economic Development department would like to submit an application in the amount of $1,000,000. The grant will aide 20 households over a two-year period. There is $16,000,000 in funds available and the minimum application is $400,000. The funding comes from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.

10.10 A Resolution authorizing the Director of Public Works to submit a Rock Salt Contract Joint Participation Agreement with the State of Illinois Central Management Services (CMS) for 4,000 tons of rock salt obligating the City to purchase a minimum of 3,200 tons and the ability to purchase up to 4,800 tons for the 2025/2026 winter season; and authorizing the City Clerk to attest to the Certificate of Authority by Vote and Certificate of Authority by Bylaws to be submitted with said agreement. Denver Schmitt, Director of Public Works, reported that each year about this time the rock salt agreement is submitted. The salt being purchased is for the 2025-2026 season. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

10.11 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Licensing Agreement with 1848 Entertainment, LLC, dba PUB 1848 for use of public right-of-way for use of the Bass Street Landing Public Plaza for the outdoor service of alcoholic liquor and food from April 19, 2025, to September 30, 2025. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, stated that Bass Street Landing is a very popular location from mid-spring until early fall. Bass Street Landing has traditionally always had some type of outdoor bar where beer and liquor is sold both inside and outside. Staff is recommending approval. Motion by Alderperson Finch. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Discussion held. Alderperson Schmidt inquired as to whether or not Pub 1848 would be precluded from sale of alcohol if there is a private event. Bill Atkins, City Attorney, will investigate further and let Council know and prepare updates to the agreement, if necessary, before final Council approval. Motion passed unanimously.

Informational

March 2025 Status & Information Report. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, shared highlights from the March Status & Information Report, including the completion of the Morgan Park Bike Path, Phase I, and the water treatment plant LED lighting upgrade. 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 Murphy, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, and Schmidt present. Absent: Alderperson Macias.

Consent Agenda

Approval of Minutes and Appointments

Alderperson Timion, seconded by Alderperson Finch moved to approve and adopt Committee-of-the Whole and Council meeting minutes of February 18, 2025 and appointments made at Committee-of-the Whole on March 4, 2025. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Razzaque, Timion; nays: none.

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

Consent Agenda

Second Reading Ordinances

18.1 3012-2025 An Ordinance implementing a Municipal Grocery Retailers’ Occupation Tax and a Municipal Grocery Service Occupation Tax.

Resolutions

19.1 1027-2025 A Resolution approving the special event application for The Cities Spring Classic event scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 2025, that is sponsored by Empowering Abilities, closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic, and authorizing the use of public right-of-way in conjunction with said event.

19.2 1028-2025 A Resolution declaring vehicles and non-motorized assets as shown on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference as surplus property and authorizing the disposal of said vehicles and non-motorized assets by the Assistant Director of Public Works through the legal disposal process that is most advantageous to the City, whether sealed bid, auction, negotiation or otherwise.

19.3 1029-2025 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Langman Construction, Inc., for Project #1481, 2025 Patching Program, for the amount of $1,239,653.00.

19.4 1030-2025 A Resolution approving Change Order No. 2 and Final with Langman Construction, Inc., for Project #1370, 16th Street and Avenue of the Cities Intersection Reconfiguration, for the amount of $21,386.66.

19.5 1031-2025 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Licensing Agreement with Pathway Church to construct, install, use and maintain a sign for advertising/identification purposes only at 4330 12th Avenue that is located in public right-of-way.

Omnibus Vote

Alderperson Razzaque, seconded by Alderperson Finch, 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, Razzaque, Timion; nays: none.

Non-Consent Agenda

Resolutions

21.1 1032-2025 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Agreement between the City of Moline and Myers-Cox Co. for Concession Products for wholesale purchase of concession items; and authorizing the Director of Parks and Recreation to execute any necessary documents and do all things necessary to implement said purchases.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to approve Council Bill 1032- 2025. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Razzaque, Timion; nays: none.

21.2 1033-2025 A Resolution approving a Purchase Agreement for Commercial Real Estate with Kathryn A. Blade, Living Trust, for property located at 620 17th Street, Moline, Illinois (PIN No. 08-32-415-003), for a purchase price of $50,000; 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.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to approve Council Bill 1033- 2025. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Razzaque, Timion; nays: none.

21.3 1034-2025 A Resolution authorizing the Community and Economic Development Department, on behalf of the City of Moline, to apply to the Illinois Housing Development Authority (“IHDA”) for an Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund Home Repair and Accessibility Program (HRAP) Round 2 Grant for the amount of $1,000,000; and authorizing City staff to do any and all things necessary to apply for the Illinois Housing Development Authority (“IHDA”) for an Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund Home Repair and Accessibility Program (HRAP) Round 2 Grant.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Razzaque, moved to approve Council Bill 1034- 2025. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: Alderpersons Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Razzaque, Timion; nays: none.

Non-Consent Agenda

First Reading Ordinances

22.1 An Ordinance amending Chapter 22, “OFFENSES MISCELLANEOUS,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, by increasing the number of Class B Incidental Tobacco Dealer’s Licenses in the City at the request of ODC QC LLC, d/b/a ODC QC.

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to advance Item #22.1 to second reading. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Razzaque, Timion; nays: none.

22.2 An Ordinance vacating a 1,830 square foot platted drainage and utility easement at 2930 41st Street.

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Razzaque, moved to advance Item #22.2 to second reading. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Razzaque, Timion; nays: none.

22.3 An Ordinance authorizing the City of Moline to borrow funds from the Illinois Public Water Supply Loan Program to finance Lead Service Line replacements for the next 18 years.

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Castro, moved to advance Item #22.3 to second reading. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Finch, McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Razzaque, Timion; nays: none.

Miscellaneous Business

Mayor Rayapati shared that City staff is managing the panhandling issue in the City. Mayor Rayapati shared there is a page on the City’s website listing the limitations of and the enforcement around panhandling. Darren Gault, Chief of Police, noted the people are from a religious group in Peoria, Illinois. The police have tried to give them grace to operate lawfully. But, as Mayor Rayapati mentioned, several of their actions have resulted in unlawful activities. Chief Gault asked that if Council members receive complaints, call the police when the event is happening so a police officer can respond and see what is going on. Mayor Rayapati then reported on economic development. There was a press conference to reaffirm Moline’s commitment to bringing passenger rail service to the Quad Cities. Mayor Rayapati stated it is important to push for no economic isolation for this part of Illinois.

Alderperson Timion commended the Moline Police Department for how they handled the fight event at the MetroLINK bus station last week. It could have been worse if the police were not present.

Alderperson McNeil shared that on February 26, 2025, he had the pleasure of supporting the Friends of Moline Parks and Recreation by eating Bad Boys Pizza. Twenty percent of the funds raised went towards the Moline Parks and Recreation department. McNeil also shared that the week before that, he and some of his coworkers from the Boys & Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley met with Parks and Recreation staff members. McNeil proclaimed he is proud of the progress that has been made in the Parks Department.

Alderperson Castro shared today she had the opportunity to visit Moline High School to speak with a group of about 20 multilingual students in their civics class. There were 12 different languages spoken in the classroom. The students asked many questions about city government. Castro exclaimed they were a very engaged group of students and she had a lot of fun.

In addition to her previous comments, Mayor Rayapati shared that on February 23, 2025, Minority Leaders of Tomorrow participated in the 2nd Annual Black Excellence Expo. They were sponsored by the Human Rights Commission. Mayor Rayapati noted that to see the students organize the event and shared that it was nice to see the art and dance and the community involvement.

Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported he would be out of the office on March 5 and 6, 2025, traveling to Springfield with 20 folks with Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce to meet with the legislators to discuss things like greyfields. Vitas explained he will give a report on his visit when he returns.

Public Comment

There was no additional public comment.

Adjournment of City Council

Upon motion of Alderperson Castro, seconded by Alderperson Finch, the Council meeting adjourned at 6:57 p.m.

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/10737