Rock Island Today

City of Moline Plan Commission met Oct. 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Present: Sam Moyer, Craig Loken, Mark Harpole, Alan Silas, Butch Trevor, Cindy Wermuth, Nathan Tillberg, Brett Carter

Absent: None

Staff: Chris Mathias, Jennifer Bizarri, Savanna Cruz, Roger Strandlund (Corporation Counsel) Others: None

1. Call to Order

Chair Moyer called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m.

2. Roll Call

3. Remote Electronic Attendance

No Remote Electronic Attendance by Plan Commissioners.

4. Approval of Minutes from September 24, 2025

Motion made by Commissioner Wermuth, seconded by Commissioner Carter to approve the September 24, 2025 Plan Commission minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

5. Public Comment - None

6. Public Hearing - None

7. Old Business – None

8. New Business

a. Nathan Tillberg – Consolidated Residential Zoning Proposal

Mr. Mathias started the conversation with explaining that topics like Consolidated Residential Zoning are good to discuss with the Plan Commission to get their feedback/comments, and share their thoughts with the Comprehensive Plan consultants (Lamar Johnson Collaborative aka LJC) during the planning process. Commissioner Tillberg led the Consolidated Residential Zoning discussion. He has been working on a proposed unified residential & mixed-use ordinance draft. The draft consolidates existing residential districts (R-2, R-4, R-6, R-7) into one tiered ‘R’ district and provides a mapped/site-specific approach to accommodate small-scale neighborhood mixed-use nodes. The objective is to simplify the code, enable context-sensitive infill, and support walkable neighborhood-serving retail while protecting adjacent single-family areas. The draft also grants property owners the right to select the sub-tier (R-S: Low Density, R-M: Medium Density, R-H: High Density, or R-MU: Residential Mixed-Use) that best fits their needs without requiring rezoning, provided bulk and design standards are met. This approach reduces red-tape while preserving neighborhood compatibility. The draft responds to objectives in the Moline Comprehensive Plan to diversify housing supply, promote infill on existing infrastructure, and encourage neighborhood-serving commercial uses where appropriate. Combining tiers reduces zoning complexity and creates a consistent set of design standards; the R-MU sub-tier borrows proven form-based elements from the city's NC/B-1/B-2 districts for pedestrian-oriented nodes. The Commission discussed concerns of residential neighbors(house values, single-family homes), setbacks/square footage, Home Owner Associations (HOAs), possible litigations, public participation, up-zoning, and infrastructure. Staff will provide LJC with the Plan Commission’s feedback.

b. Comprehensive Plan Update – Project Kickoff

Mr. Mathias stated the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee will be meeting with the consultants, LJC, on October 21, 2025 for the Project Kickoff where they will discuss existing conditions of the City of Moline. The Steering Committee consists of two Plan Commissioners, two Alderpersons, and City Staff. Mr. Mathias presented the project schedule. The Comprehensive Plan is expected to be completed by November 2026. There will be a lot of public engagement throughout the City to hear residents’ comments. The proposed budget for this plan is $249,000 which was approved by City Council. After the Comprehensive Plan is adopted, the City will work on zoning, and then mapping. Mr. Mathias plans to have direct interviews with outside agencies such as the Moline International Airport and Visit Quad Cities. Once the Comprehensive Plan is complete, the Plan Commission will be able to consider recommendation of adoption to City Council.

9. Reports and Communications

a. Director’s Report(s) - None

Mr. Mathias noted that the Transit-Oriented Development discussion will take place at the next Plan Commission meeting. There are a few applications in the works, but nothing ready for a public hearing. Mr. Mathias discussed Texas Roadhouse Restaurant, and dealing with sewage and IDOT.

b. Other Report(s), Announcements, & Upcoming Applications

Commissioner Harpole formally acknowledged Commissioner Billy Allison’s resignation from the Plan Commission, and recognized his dedicated service to the Commission and City. Mr. Allison served on the Plan Commission for nearly four years. The Mayor is currently looking for a replacement for Mr. Allison.

10. Upcoming Meeting – Next Plan Commission Meeting is October 22, 2025

11. Public Comment

12. Adjournment

Motion made by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Loken to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 4:47 p.m.

http://www.moline.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/11367