Rock Island Today

City of Moline Committee of the Whole met Aug. 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Committee-of-the-Whole Call to Order

PRESENT: Alderperson Debbie Murphy (Ward 1)

Alderperson Alvaro Macias (Ward 2)

Alderperson Abdur Razzaque (Ward 3)

Alderperson Matt Timion (Ward 4) ~ Mayor Pro Tem

Alderperson Jessica Finch (Ward 5)

Alderperson Daniel McNeil (Ward 6)

Alderperson Anna Castro (Ward 7)

Alderperson James Patrick Schmidt (Alderperson At-Large)

ABSENT: Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati (Chair)

Bob Vitas, City Administrator

STAFF: Barry Dykhuizen, Assistant City Administrator

Bill Atkins, City Attorney

Stephanie Murphy, City Clerk

Carol Barnes, Director of Finance

Denver Schmitt, Director of Public Works

James Whiting, Facilities Manager

Leah Madsen, Director of Human Resources

Darren Gault, Chief of Police

David Rowatt, Information Technology Manager

Christopher Parr, Economic Development Manager

Brandon Tidwell, Human Resources Manager

Annette Roby, Risk Management Administrator

OTHERS: Amy Gilbertson, Trivers

Barb Sandberg, Historic Preservation Commission

Anthony Watt, Quad-City Times

Mayor Pro Tem Timion called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Committee-of-the-Whole Conference Room.

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

Roll call was taken with Alderpersons Murphy, Macias, Razzaque, Timion, Finch, McNeil, Castro, and Schmidt present. Absent: Mayor Rayapati.

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

Questions on the Agenda

There were no questions on the agenda.

Roundtable Discussion

Denver Schmitt, Director of Public Works, discussed potential projects at City Hall which were previously scheduled. The building was built in 1914. There have not been a lot of rehabilitation projects since then. During the controlled entry project, there was confirmed asbestos that needed to be mitigated. Because of the history of the building, there was assumption of lead-based paint. For plumbing, there is still galvanized piping, which also became an issue during the controlled entry project. The electrical components may be original to the building. For water, there is significant and chronic water issues which brings about concerns of mold. The ramp outside the building is likely not ADA compliant. The exterior is starting to deteriorate so the façade needs repairs. With those challenges, staff thought it was best to look at the building holistically and be more inclusive. Staff is also considering reusing space. For example, Council Chambers could be moved to the first floor and the Finance Department could move to City Hall for customer services purposes. Due to all of those challenges, an expert was hired to determine if staff assumptions were true. Staff has worked with Trivers who is nationally known for their work on historical buildings. Schmitt introduced Amy Gilbertson, Principal with Trivers.

Amy Gilbertson, Principal with Trivers, shared information regarding the project team, the Moline City Hall history, and the project goals. Gilbertson also shared a historic analysis, which is required on all federal projects. Trivers is looking into Fitwel certification to study how design can improve occupant health as well as lead certification and capitalizing on the modernization efforts. Construction could begin as soon as the Summer of 2026. Trivers recommends moving forward with renovations of the current building over new construction. Gilbertson then shared next steps which includes Trivers attending the Moline Historic Preservation Commission meeting in September 2025 and researching grant funding opportunities to help offset costs. Discussion held. Mayor Pro Tem Timion asked Carol Barnes, Director of Finance, if Council should determine a cost for budget discussions. Barnes replied stating there will be a special meeting on September 16, 2025 that will be strictly for discussion on Special Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) funding. It was also requested that a list of potential grants be produced to share with Council.

Public Comment

There was no additional public comment.

Miscellaneous Business

Alderperson Timion shared reminder that Trudy Appleby vigil is at Bass street Landing this Thursday, August 21.

Alderperson Macias reminded everyone about the Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit on August 26 from 8:30-3:30 p.m. at the Vibrant Arena at the Mark.

Alderperson Schmidt noted significant challenges with backup on Avenue of the Cities near RooseveltElementary. Darren Gault, Chief of Police, requested that the issue be revisited in three weeks to give it time to clear up.

Adjournment

Upon motion of Alderperson Castro, seconded by Alderperson Finch, the Council meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is on August 26, 2025. View recorded meetings at http://www.moline.il.us/remotecouncil

https://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/11175