Rock Island Today

City of Moline Committee of the Whole & Council met April 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 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

David Dryer, Director of Engineering ~electronically

Chris Mathias, Director of Community & Economic Development

Bryon Lear, Director of Library Services ~electronically

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

Chris Parr, Economic Development Manager

Ashley Allen Smith, Community Engagement Manager

Charles Brown, Interim Utilities Director

Melissa Kodatt, Administrative Coordinator of Utilities

Stacy Winter, Customer Service & Marketing Coordinator

OTHERS: Roger Strandlund, Corporation Counsel

Anthony Watts, Quad-City Times

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. Absent: None.

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

Board Appointments

Mayor’s appointment of Blake Biermann to the Historic Preservation Commission for a 3-year term to expire April 30, 2028.

Mayor’s reappointment of Wendi Harrell to the Police Pension Board for a 2-year term to expire April 30, 2027.

Mayor’s reappointment of Rick Jennings to the Police Pension Board for a 2-year term to expire April 30, 2027.

Presentation

6.1 Water Art Contest Winner Announcement. Charles Brown, Assistant Director of Utilities, introduced Norah Montague, a third-grade student at Hamilton Elementary who had 750 votes for the water art contest.

6.2 Community Food Assistance Partnership - COVID-19 Food Voucher Distribution. Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, shared that they wanted to give the remaining COVID-19 funds to Project Now, Salvation Army, and the summer Parks and Recreation Department. KJ Whitley, Community Development Manager, presented the organizations with the checks for $1,155 each.

Proclamation

7.1 A Proclamation from the American Water Works Association to declare May 4-10, 2025 as "Drinking Water Week." Levi Jackson, Water Plant Manager, and Melissa Kodatt, Administrative Coordinator of Utilities, accepted the proclamation.

7.2 A Proclamation from the Community and Economic Development Department to declare April 21-25, 2025 as "National Community Development Week." KJ Whitley, Community Development Manager, accepted the proclamation.

Questions on the Agenda

There were no questions on the agenda.

Agenda Items

9.1 A Resolution authorizing a grant to the Mississippi Valley Blues Society for the amount of $2,500 from the Special Events Fund to help offset expenses for a first-time event, Sunday Blues Day on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported staff is excited about this first-time event. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.

9.2 A Resolution approving the licensing agreement for the 2025 Mercado on Fifth season scheduled for May 23, 2025 through September 26, 2025; authorizing a grant to Mercado on 5th for the amount of $20,000 from the Special Events Fund to promote the event and assist in covering event costs; 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 staff supports assisting Mercado on Fifth. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

9.3 A Resolution approving Change Order No. 1 and Final with General Constructors, Inc. of the Quad Cities, for Project #1436, 70th Street and John Deere Parkway Retaining Wall, for the amount of $25,429.60. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that staff and the engineering department are recommending approval. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

9.4 A Resolution accepting the 2025 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice for Moline, Illinois, Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa, as the City's official guide to affirmatively furthering fair housing objectives. KJ Whitley, Community Development Manager, reported that these are five-year reports. They will be re-used in the 2025-2029 Comprehensive Plan. There was a 30-day comment period held for the public. There were no comments. Staff is recommending approval. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Discussion held. Alderperson Timion noted there are discrepancies on Page 136 in regards to accessory dwelling units. The second item mentioned was item 7a and whether or not it is an accurate representation for Moline. KJ stated corrective action can be taken for this plan. Motion passed 7-1.

9.5 A Resolution accepting the 2025 Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) report for Moline, Illinois, Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa, as a guiding document to ensure that the Consolidated Plan address the housing and community development needs and the use of HUD funds. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Motion passed unanimously.

9.6 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 owner, Josiah Blanton, of Harold’s Chicken and Sports Bar LLC, d/b/a Harold’s Chicken and Sports Bar, 425 15th Street, Moline. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported that staff is recommending approval of the request for up to six gaming machines at Harold’s Chicken and Sports Bar. This can be issued once they have their liquor license and are ready to open. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

9.7 A Resolution approving amendments to the Program Description of the City of Moline Revolving Loan Fund Program effective for the 2025-2027 Revolving Loan Fund program; and authorizing City staff to do all things necessary to implement the 2025-2027 Revolving Loan Fund Program, as amended. Chris Mathias, Director of Community and Economic Development, stated that one of the Strategic Plan goals is “Reinvestment in Community and Economic Development.” The City has had a Revolving Loan Fund for many years. However, there were too many parameters businesses had to meet. Moving forward, a Revolving Loan Fund would have the City come in as a second source of funding. The business would be working with a bank as the primary lender and the City could support that with a lower financing option. Mathias reviewed the table with Council as attached to the agenda for this item. Another idea is to add a microloan option. The loan would be under $10,000 and targeted for areas who have critical business need. Although it is not yet defined, the City is considering an area in which the City could entice investment, such as the older commercial areas in the Old Towne area or certain areas of Avenue of the Cities. This was approved by the Revolving Loan Fund Committee. There are $202,000 in the fund right now. The anticipated availability in the fund is $272,000. This will be the amount after the COVID loans are paid. Should the Council approve, the next step is to work with other banks to make sure they know this available. A motion was made by Alderperson Schmidt to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Finch. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

9.8 An Ordinance amending Chapter 24, “PERSONNEL,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 24- 2203, “RESIDENCY,” by repealing Section 24 in its entirety and enacting in lieu thereof one new Section 24- 2203 dealing with the same subject matter. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, stated that staff had an opportunity to look at the polices related to retaining and attracting employees to the City. The City Administrator and Assistant City Administrator positions will still be required to reside in Moline. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Schmidt. Discussion held. Motion passed unanimously.

9.9 A Resolution approving an amendment to the Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners (hereinafter “Commission”), concerning “Chapter VI – Examinations for Original Appointment – Fire; Section 4. Physical Ability Test,” to require proof of successful completion of the CPAT by a licensed facility issued within one (1) year prior to the date of the written examination. Steve Regenwether, Fire Chief, reported that this request is to revert back to old language in the Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. In February 2023, Regenwether requested the current language because there was a severe staffing problem in the fire department. The current language allowed staff to certify the hiring list without the applicant passing the physical agility test. The list was good for two years and it allowed the individual an opportunity to pass the agility test. Fourteen vacancies were able to be filled through that process. However, it was found to be very inefficient. There were 50-60 interviews completed and around 40 individuals never did pass the CPAT. Staff is requesting to revert to the old language where they have to pass the Physical Agility Test before they can be certified. a motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

9.10 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Licensing Agreement with Finney’s of Moline, LLC dba River House Bar & Grill for use of public right-of way for use of the Historic Block Courtyard for the outdoor service of alcoholic liquor and food from May 7, 2025, to October 11, 2025. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, stated that this request and the next several requests are for use of the Historic Block Courtyard. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

9.11 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Licensing Agreement with Bent River Brewing Co. for use of the Historic Block Courtyard to sell alcoholic liquor in conjunction with the “Chillin in the Courtyard” live music series on May 10, June 14, and August 9, 2025; and the “Great Race Watch Party” live music event on June 22, 2025. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported this request is recommended for approval. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

9.12 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Licensing Agreement with 3Bros Hospitality LLC, dba Pour Bros Craft Taproom for use of the Historic Block Courtyard to sell alcoholic liquor in conjunction with the “Chillin in the Courtyard” live music series on July 12, September 13, and October 11, 2025. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Castro. Motion passed unanimously.

9.13 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Licensing Agreement with Bent River Brewing Co. for use of the Bass Street Landing Public Plaza to sell alcoholic liquor in conjunction with the Bass Street Landing Summer Concert Series on May 22, June 5, June 19, July 10, July 17, and August 7, 2025. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Razzaque. Motion passed unanimously.

9.14 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to attest to a Licensing Agreement with 3BROS Hospitality LLC dba Pour Bros Craft Taproom for use of the Bass Street Landing Public Plaza to sell alcoholic liquor in conjunction with the Bass Street Landing Summer Concert Series on May 15, May 29, June 12, June 26, July 24, July 31, and August 14, 2025. A motion was made by Alderperson Finch to approve. Seconded by Alderperson Macias. Motion passed unanimously.

Informational

10.1 2024-2026 Strategic Plan Dashboard FY25, Q1 Report. Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported staff continues to work diligently to progress through major goals laid out in the Strategic Plan for the current year. There are 21 goals on track, 18 completed, two behind schedule and six goals are behind schedule or not started. Vitas reviewed and explained each of the six goals behind schedule or not started. Some of these six outstanding goals may survive into the next Strategic Plan, which this Council will be working on in June. 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, 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 April 8, 2025, and appointments made at Committee-of-the-Whole on April 22, 2025.

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

Consent Agenda

Second Reading Ordinances

17.1 3018-2025 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.

17.2 3019-2025 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.

Resolutions

18.1 1056-2025 A Resolution authorizing a grant to the 12th Annual Fall Belgian Festival for the amount of $1,500 from the Special Events Fund to help offset expenses for the annual event to be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

18.2 1057-2025 A Resolution authorizing a grant to the Quad Cities Pickleball Club for the amount of $7,500 from the Special Events Fund to make the Quad Cities Classic Pickleball Tournament not only successful for the club, but also for the City in bringing visitors to our community.

18.3 1058-2025 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a First Amendment Extending Intergovernmental Fiber Optic System Lease Agreement with Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit Authority (MetroLINK).

18.4 1059-2025 A Resolution appointing each Alderperson to serve as Mayor Pro Tem on a rotating monthly basis during the Mayor’s term of office.

18.5 1060-2025 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to an Intergovernmental Agreement Providing for Membership in the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network Agreement to participate in the program for mutual aid and assistance hereinafter entitled the “Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN).”

18.6 1061-2025 A Resolution declaring non-motorized assets as shown on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference as surplus property for FY 2025; and authorizing the disposal of said 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.

18.7 1062-2025 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a Licensing Agreement with Stoney Creek Caterers, L.L.C., dba Stoney Creek Inn 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 23, 2025, to September 30, 2025.

18.8 1063-2025 A Resolution authorizing the ceding of private activity bonding authority to reallocate to the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority (QCREDA) the City’s 2025 home rule volume cap allocation in the amount of $5,455,450 to be used to support projects that will provide job opportunities and new investments.

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

Non-Consent Agenda

Resolutions

20.1 1064-2025 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Notice of Intent to Award with McClintock Trucking and Excavating, Inc., for Project #1495, 2025 Lead Service Line Replacement Project, for the amount of $2,782,423.00. Charly Brown, Interim Director of Utilities, this is the area around Stephens Park and area around Wilson Middle School.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to approve Council Bill 1064- 2025. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, and Schmidt; nays: none.

20.2 1065-2025 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and attest to a contract with KIM Construction Company, Inc., for Project #1449, 2025 Manhole Lining Program, for the amount of $252,583.50.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to approve Council Bill 1065- 2025. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, and Schmidt; nays: none.

20.3 1066-2025 A Resolution approving an amendment to the Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners (hereinafter “Commission”), concerning “Chapter VI – Examinations for Original Appointment – Fire; Section 4. Physical Ability Test,” to require proof of successful completion of the CPAT by a licensed facility issued within one (1) year prior to the date of the written examination.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Razzaque, moved to approve Council Bill 1066- 2025. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, and Schmidt; nays: none.

20.4 1067-2025 A Resolution authorizing the Chief of Police to execute a sole source Order Form with Skydio, Inc., to provide drone services and equipment for the total contract amount of $318,166.90 for a five (5) year term; and authorizing the Chief of Police to accept a proposal with Davenport Electric Contract Company (DECCO) to install two drone docks for the amount of $9,478 for each site and to execute any necessary documents and do all things necessary including additional subcontracting quotes and purchase equipment for the completion of a Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program; and authorizing the Director of Finance to allocate up to $350,000 of the DCEOPD general trust account funds for the completion of a Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program.

Approved. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Razzaque, moved to approve Council Bill 1067- 2025. Discussion held. Alderperson Schmidt noted that the Drone Policy will need to be updated. Chief Gault described the procedure to get the policy updated. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, and Schmidt; nays: none.

Non-Consent Agenda

First Reading Ordinances

21.1 An Ordinance dedicating Parcel/PIN No. 08-32-419-001, commonly known as 700 15th Street, Moline, Illinois, as public right-of-way.

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to advance Item #21.1 to second reading. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, and Schmidt; nays: none.

21.2 An Ordinance amending Chapter 16, “LIBRARIES,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances, Section 16-3107, “FEES,” by enacting one new Section 16-3107 dealing with the same subject matter.

Advanced. Alderperson Finch, seconded by Alderperson Macias, moved to advance Item #21.2 to second reading. Motion carried on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, and Schmidt; nays: none.

Miscellaneous Business

Mayor Rayapati shared today, April 22 at 3:00 p.m. there was a beautiful tree planting in honor of former Mayor Stan Leach. It is a beautiful redbud tree in front of the library.

Alderperson Murphy thanked everyone who came to First Ward meeting and thanked staff for their participation. Alderperson Murphy also mentioned that Keep Moline Beautiful (KMB) is looking for volunteers to do a City cleanup on April 26 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Volunteers should arrive at the old Spiegel 8:45 a.m. to receive the supplies building at 8:45 a.m. There is a sign-up sheet on the City of Moline website as well as the KMB website.

Alderperson Timion indicated due to the overwhelming of the Immersion Experience at Humility Homes, they opened a second day on Friday, May 2 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Those interested can visit their website to register. Timion also reminded everyone that May is National Bike Month. He encouraged everyone to ride a bicycle to see the how accessible the City is and it is an opportunity to see first-hand what other people go through who may not have a car.

Alderperson Castro shared she is glad they are cleaning up by Spiegel building. She has a resident who has complained about the Spiegel building and that area around it, stating that he thought that area needed to be cleaned up.

Bob Vitas, City Administrator, reported the City Council meeting on May 6, 2025 will be at the Moline Public Library with swearing in ceremonies for the Mayor and alderpersons. In addition, five proposals were received for the strategic planning process in June. Staff is hoping to select someone by the end of the week. The Climate Action Plan, led by Denver Schmitt, Director of Public Works, had nine proposals. It is now down to two. May 5 is beginning of construction on 7th Avenue. Everything will be shut down from 15th Street to 17th Street. Folks at the Illinois High Speed Rail Commission are circulating a survey through the Illinoi Municipal League. There will be a mass reach-out so everyone is aware that there will be a virtual event held between April 28-May 11 so citizens of the State of Illinois can listen to a pre recorded presentation and leave their input and comments.

Public Comment

There was no additional public comment.

Adjournment of City Council

Upon motion of Alderperson Castro, seconded by Alderperson Schmidt, the Council meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/10873