Rock Island Today

City of Moline Committee of the Whole & Council met March 18.

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

Bill Atkins, City Attorney

Stephanie Murphy, City Clerk

David Dryer, Director of Engineering ~electronically

Eric Griffith, Director of Parks & Recreation ~electronically

Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development ~electronically

Bryon Lear, Director of Library Services ~electronically

Denver Schmitt, Director of Public Works

Steve Ven Huizen, Deputy Chief of Police

Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief

Kris Johnson, Deputy Fire Chief

Jerry Sottos, Deputy Fire Chief

David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager

KJ Whitley, Community Development Manager ~electronically

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, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, and Schmidt present.

Public Comment

Arthur Bodenbender, owner of Katy’s Import Foods in Moline, voiced his opposition to the grocery tax in Moline.

Emily Cummings, Regional Council Manager for Region 49, was joined by Heather Anderson, Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 49 of the organization Birth to Five Illinois. They shared information about the organization.

Oath of Office

Oath of Office for regular commissioned appointment as Firefighter/Paramedic to Seth Wallace, effective February 13, 2025.

Board Appointments

Mayor’s reappointment of Nina Little to the Moline Commission on Youth for a 3-year term to expire March 31, 2028.

Mayor’s reappointment of Joseph Thawn to the Moline Commission on Youth for a 3-year term to expire March 31, 2028.

Mayor’s appointment of Denver Schmitt to the Keep Moline Beautiful Commission on Youth for a 3- year term to expire November 30, 2027.

Questions on the Agenda

None.

Consent Agenda Items

8.1 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an Agreement with Tri-City Electric Company of Iowa for Moline Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Electric Service Improvements, Contract 2024-02, that includes replacement and translocation of transformers at the drinking water treatment plant for the amount of $298,856; and authorizing the Interim Director of Utilities to execute any necessary documents related to this work. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that staff is recommending approval. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

8.2 A Resolution approving Change Order No. 1 and Final with McCarthy Improvement Company, for Project #1451, 48th Street Reconstruction, for the amount of $33,730.90. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, stated staff is recommending approval of the first and final change order for the project on the 48th Street hill. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

8.3 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Porter Brothers Construction, Inc., for Project #1478, 2025 Asphalt Maintenance Program, for the amount of $301,380.00; and approving the expenditure of funds not to exceed the budgeted amount of $350,000.00 for asphalt maintenance 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 is recommending approval based on the Porter Brothers Construction, Inc. bid which is well below the budgeted amount. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed unanimously.

8.4 A Resolution approving the special event application for the Quad Cities Distance Classic event scheduled for Sunday, May 11, 2025, that is sponsored by the Cornbelt Running Club; authorizing a grant to the Cornbelt Running Club for the amount of $50 from the Special Events Fund for event marketing efforts; 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 staff is recommending approval. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

8.5 An Ordinance amending Chapter 2, “ADMINISTRATION,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 2-4600, “COMMISSION ESTABLISHED,” by enacting one new Section 2- 4600 dealing with the same subject matter. Bill Atkins, City Attorney, stated that in looking at the appointment for Denver Schmitt to the Keep Moline Beautiful Commission, it was discovered that there were inconsistencies in the Code in relation to Section 2-4600. This ordinance amendment simply cleans up the language to be consistent with past practice. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed unanimously.

8.6 An Ordinance amending Chapter 2, “ADMINISTRATION,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 2-2207, “ORDER OF BUSINESS,” by enacting one new Section 2-2207 dealing with the same subject matter. Bill Atkins, City Attorney, remarked on the changes to Section 2-2207. The changes include making the agenda, as listed in the Code, consistent with how it is typically prepared. There is the addition of remote electronic attendance to the Council agenda, rearranging the public comment so it is at the beginning of the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting and the end of the City Council meeting. By moving the public comment up on the agenda, there will be a single omnibus vote with appointments and consent agenda approval and it will no longer be necessary to split the approval of the minutes and appointments and the consent agenda items.

A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Discussion held.

An amended motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt, seconded by Alderperson Timion, to amend proposed agenda Item No. 8.6 to insert public comment after Remote Electronic Attendance but before Consent Agenda. Motion passed unanimously.

The motion as amended carried by voice vote.

8.7 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Agreement of Purchase and Sale with Metropolitan Towers, L.L.C., for two properties located at 1500 7th Street, Moline, Illinois (PIN No. 17-05-144-02) and 1508 7th Street, Moline, Illinois (PIN No. 17-05-107-003), for a purchase price of $705,500; 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 Item 8.7, 8.8, and 8.9 are all related to the same project. Vitas shared the history of the current Central Fire Station, noting that it was built in 1972. Staff is recommending approval of all three purchases from three property owners. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Castro. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

8.8 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Purchase and Sale Agreement with 833 Sixteenth Avenue IL Owner LLC, for an unimproved property (vacant lot) located near 7th Street and 16th Avenue, in Moline, Illinois (PIN No. 17-05-144-04), for a purchase price of $48,000; 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 that staff is recommending approval. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

8.9 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Hybrid Medical Group, LLC, for property located at 1410 7th Street, Moline, Illinois (PIN No. 17-050144-003), for a purchase price of $460,000; 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 staff is recommending approval. Vitas thanked Jonathan Fox, attorney with Mitvalsky, VanVooren & Fox, P.C., for working with him diligently to assure that this purchase took place. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

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

Public Comment

Jaclyn Dooley, Moline homeowner, requested that Council consider having distance restrictions between a tobacco facility and schools as well as a distance between each of the licensed tobacco facilities. Dooley also suggested having a “No Vape” sign in certain areas around the City.

Consent Agenda

Second Reading Ordinances

15.1 3013-2025 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.

15.2 3014-2025 An Ordinance vacating a 1,830 square foot platted drainage and utility easement at 2930 41st Street.

15.3 3015-2025 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.

Resolutions

16.1 1035-2025 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 for sidewalk projects and said expenditures will be presented to Council as a change order for approval increasing the contract value.

16.2 1036-2025 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.

16.3 1037-2025 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.

16.4 1038-2025 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.

16.5 1039-2025 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.

16.6 1040-2025 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.

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

Non-Consent Agenda

Resolutions

18.1 1041-2025 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Agreement of Purchase and Sale with Metropolitan Towers, L.L.C., for two properties located at 1500 7th Street, Moline, Illinois (PIN No. 17-05-144-002) and 1508 7th Street, Moline, Illinois (PIN No. 17-05-107-003), for a purchase price of $705,500; 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 1041- 2025. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, and Finch; nays: none.

18.2 1042-2025 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute and attest to a Purchase and Sale with 833 Sixteenth Avenue IL Owner LLC, for an unimproved property (vacant lot) located near 7th Street and 16th Avenue, in Moline, Illinois (PIN No. 17-05-144-004), for a purchase price of $48,000; 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 1042- 2025. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, and Finch; nays: none.

18.3 1043-2025 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute and attest to a Purchase and Sale with Hybrid Medical Group, LLC, for property located at 1410 7th Street and 16th Avenue, in Moline, Illinois (PIN No. 17-05-144-003), for a purchase price of $460,000; 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 1043- 2025. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, and Finch; nays: none.

18.4 1044-2025 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.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Castrol, moved to approve Council Bill 1044- 2025. Bill Atkins, City Attorney, explained that the Ordinance, in relation to licensing agreements, only permits licensees to sell alcohol on Bass Street Landing. The licensee does not obtain anything more than the non-exclusive right to sell alcohol at Bass Street Landing from April 19 to September 30 of 2025. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons McNeil, Castro, Schmidt, Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, and Finch; 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, 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.

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

19.2 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.

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

Miscellaneous Business

Mayor Rayapati reported that she, along with other staff, will be in Washington D.C. from March 26th through March 28th to lobby for the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program, previously known as the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) and Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) discretionary grant. This is for the downtown Moline Riverfront Redevelopment project. Mayor Rayapati also shared that Ashley Allen Smith, Community Engagement Manager, shared “red flag” words based off of the Assistant Secretary of Transportation policy directives to comply with recent Executive Orders. Mayor noted she would share the email with Council members. Mayor Rayapati then reported that Alderperson Murphy has a 1st Ward meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the Butterworth Education Center, 701 12th Avenue. Additionally, Mayor has scheduled listening posts, one for the east side and one for the west side, as she has done in the past. Mayor then discussed the basic operating principles that Council ushered in four years ago with the strategic plan, stating that Council needs to begin thinking about whether or not any of those items need to be altered, or if they will remain the same.

Alderperson Murphy reminded everyone that holiday meal vouchers will be available Saturday, April 5 at Moline City Hall. The doors will open at 8:00 a.m. and will close at 11:00 a.m. or when the vouchers run out. If there are any questions, call 309-524-2044.

Alderperson Timion stated he attended an informational by Humility Homes about the impact of the recent executive orders. Around 40% percent of the funds that power Humility Homes comes from the federal government. If they were no longer to receive federal funding, they would be able to continue their current operations for about nine months. Moline did receive special attention for the funding that has been given over the years for the emergency shelters. That conversation is continuing to happen. Timion reported that one of the best ways to help as individuals is by donating clothes. The clothes are sold through their thrift store which then produces a government match from funds collected.

Alderperson McNeil shared he is excited to see non-profits and civic organizations getting behind the Bee City initiative. Moline Rotary and Boys and Girls Club are installing a pollinator garden.

Mayor Rayapati reported staff did learn from KJ Whitley, Community Development Manager, that the HUD funding for 2025 remains. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that there is no increase; it remains flat. Mayor Rayapati then shared that recently there was a good meeting with the school district. There was a conversation about the needs they have in regards to the traffic and where the buses pick up and drop off and pick up. On April 8, 2025, MetroLINK will move one of the most active pickup spots from the Avenue of the Cities to the back of Moline High School where there is a cutout for the bus. This will increase safety.

Bob Vitas, City Administrator, re-stated what Mayor Rayapati had mentioned in regards to the upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. They will meet with the staff of the U.S. Transportation Secretary and possibly Sean Duffy, the U.S. Transportation Secretary. Vitas then reported that for the Roundtable on April 15, Andrea Carbine with New Venture Advisors will be present to meet with the Council to present a shortened version of the study that was conducted on public marketplace. The presentation will be about an hour long. Please take the time to review it carefully.

Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief, stated that one of the many responsibilities of a fire chief is to be a voice of the fire members. Chief Regenwether thanked Council for taking action at the meeting to push forward the building of a new Central Fire Station.

Public Comment

There was no additional public comment.

Executive Session

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

City Council convened in Executive Session at 7:06 p.m.

Council reconvened in open session at 8:02 p.m.

Adjournment of City Council

Upon motion of Alderperson Castro, seconded by Alderperson Finch, the Council meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/10797