Moline Committee-of-the-Whole and City Council Meeting - February 28, 2024

This combined meeting included the Committee-of-the-Whole (COW) and regular City Council. The COW session began with a board appointment and a proclamation, followed by unanimous approval of nine agenda items related to a major redevelopment project with Parr Instrument Company, intergovernmental agreements, a forestry grant, and code updates. The Council then approved the consent agenda, two non-consent resolutions, and advanced four first-reading ordinances to second reading. All votes were 8–0.

Board Appointments

• Mayor Sangeeta Rayapati appointed Andy Rodriguez to the Moline Housing Authority to fill the unexpired term of Pat O'Brien, expiring July 31, 2026. The appointment was approved.

Proclamation

• NAWIC Quad Cities Chapter No. 50 presented a proclamation declaring March 3–9, 2024, as "Women in Construction Week" in Moline. The proclamation recognized the chapter’s 61-year history and its community service and educational programs.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mayor Rayapati recognized Moline High School senior Maryam Naday and coach Jacob Rudiger for Naday’s state championship at the IHSA Girls Wrestling State Championship. She noted that she had urged the school board in January 2022 to add girls’ wrestling as a sport.

Discussion Items

• Parr Instrument Company Redevelopment (Items 7.1–7.4): Community and Economic Development Director David Vitas described a $22.7 million project at 211 53rd Street, including a 54,000‑square‑foot manufacturing addition (Phase 1) and renovation of the existing 44,000‑square‑foot building. The project is within the Eastgate TIF district. Vitas noted that the city worked for over two years to finalize the agreement. The following approvals were granted:
  • Authorization for the redevelopment and economic incentive agreement.
  • Vacation and conveyance of public rights‑of‑way (a public alley, portions of 2nd Avenue and 52nd Street).
  • Approval of the final plat of subdivision for Parr Instrument Company Addition.
  • Reclassification of zoning from B-3 and I-1 to I‑1 Planned Unit Development on a 4.342‑acre tract, plus a variance to Chapter 13 (Flood Hazard Prevention) for the existing building. All new construction will be two feet above base flood elevation (one foot above the standard); the variance applies only to the existing structure.
• TIF No. 13 Amendment (Item 7.5): The council approved removing certain properties from the Moline Centre TIF No. 13 to facilitate creation of a new TIF No. 15 for the JCPenney redevelopment project. City staff confirmed the amendment does not adversely affect TIF 13’s existing line of credit.
• Public Safety Equipment Agreement (Item 7.6): The council approved a cost‑sharing agreement with the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office to jointly acquire and deploy a mobile video system (solar‑powered with gas backup). The system is compatible with existing Motorola Vigilant cameras and can be used for events, crime monitoring, and emergencies. Police Chief provided details on deployment priorities and data storage (cellular upload, local appliance).
• Urban and Community Forestry Grant (Item 7.7): The council authorized applying to the Morton Arboretum for a $150,000 USDA Forest Service grant (via the Inflation Reduction Act) to fund a Forestry Operations Manager. The application supports the city’s Urban Forestry Management Plan.
• Meeting Schedule Amendment (Item 7.8): The annual meeting schedule was amended to move the Saturday budget workshop from October 19 to October 26, 2024.
• Tree Ordinance Update (Item 7.9): Chapter 32, Article II (Trees) was repealed and replaced with a new article to align with the city’s Urban Forestry Management Plan.

Key Outcomes

• Parr Instrument redevelopment package – All related items (7.1–7.4) were approved at COW and advanced to second reading at Council. Final approval is scheduled for March 12, 2024.
• TIF 13 amendment – Approved at COW and advanced to second reading.
• Mobile video system agreement – Approved.
• Forestry grant application – Approved at COW and again as a non‑consent resolution (16.2) at Council.
• Meeting schedule amendment – Approved.
• Tree ordinance update – Approved.
• Non‑consent resolution 16.1 – Contract with Centennial Contractors for the 2024 Patching Program ($1,716,940) approved.
• First‑reading ordinances advanced to second reading – Items 17.1 (Parr redevelopment agreement), 17.2 (right‑of‑way vacation), 17.3 (zoning and flood hazard variance), and 17.4 (TIF 13 amendment) all advanced unanimously.
• Consent agenda – Included approval of COW/Council/Executive Session minutes of February 13, 2024; second‑reading ordinances (PACE program, zoning amendments, Compass Program); and resolutions (asphalt maintenance contract, right of first refusal for Wyndham hotel property). All approved.

Other Business

• Mayor Rayapati reported that the city is awaiting state guidance on the proposed grocery tax repeal and its fiscal impact, noting the state budget does not include replacement funds.
• Alderperson Murphy thanked the council for supporting the Moline Community ID program, which will serve young people, those transitioning, and individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Alderperson Finch highlighted the Good Gatherings program and the upcoming April event with Lutheran Social Services on foster parenting.
• Staff noted that the JCPenney redevelopment (TIF 15) will return for consideration at the next meeting, and public input on the Riverfront Master Redevelopment Plan continues through April.

Note: The meeting agenda and transcript indicate the meeting was originally scheduled for February 27, 2024, but the provided date for this summary is February 28, 2024.