Moline Committee-of-the-Whole and City Council Meeting - May 10, 2024

This combined meeting of the Committee-of-the-Whole and City Council covered routine approvals, proclamations, and several agenda items including a new ordinance permitting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) after extended debate. The council approved multiple licensing agreements for outdoor dining and events, a sidewalk infill contract, and a sponsorship for Junior Achievement. All votes and decisions are recorded below.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the April 23, 2024 Committee-of-the-Whole, Council, and Executive Session were approved.
• Second Reading Ordinances (Consent): Approved unanimously:
  • Ordinance authorizing a Redevelopment and Economic Incentive Agreement for the 5th Avenue TIF 15 project.
  • Ordinance amending Chapter 6 regarding insurance requirements for outdoor cafes.
  • Ordinance designating the Deere-Wiman House, Carriage House, and Grounds as a local historic landmark.
  • Ordinance repealing the Moline Centre Main Street Commission.
  • Ordinance amending utility billing references for monthly billing.
• Resolutions (Consent): Approved unanimously:
  • Resolution authorizing equipment sharing agreement with Rock Island Police.
  • Resolution granting $20,000 to Mercado on 5th, Inc. for the 2024 season.
  • Resolution granting $5,000 to Quad Cities Pickleball Club.
  • Resolution authorizing sale of property at 1719 5th Avenue to Peter McDermott for $25,000.
  • Resolution authorizing Phase I engineering for River Drive Streetscaping (not to exceed $174,093).
  • Resolution authorizing a contract with Porter Brothers Construction for sealcoat ditch restoration ($128,289.10).

Public Comments & Testimony

• One member of the public provided historical context for the Morgan Park 4th of July Parade, crediting Ken Johnson as the founder (no vote-related comment).

Discussion Items

• Board Appointments: The mayor announced reappointments to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners (Karen Dahlstrom), Library Board (Diane Enani, Elaine Kaple, Franki Cunningham), and Historic Preservation Commission (Dan Mizner, Barb Sandberg). These were postponed for formal approval to the May 21, 2024 council meeting due to a clerical error.
• Presentation – Mental Health Awareness Month: Deputy Fire Chief Travis Noyd (on behalf of the Fire Chief) presented a proclamation recognizing May as National Mental Health Awareness Month, thanking Dr. Carl Vincent for his work with first responders.
• Proclamations: Three proclamations were read and accepted:
  • Professional Municipal Clerks Week (May 5-11, 2024).
  • National Police Week (May 12-18, 2024). Police Chief Darren Gault noted that in 2024, 20 officers have been killed by gunfire and 136 shot so far, a 1% increase over last year.
  • National Public Works Week (May 19-25, 2024).
• Committee-of-the-Whole Items:
  • 9.1 – 4th of July Parade: Approved to close streets for the Glen Oaks Neighborhood Association parade on July 4, 2024. Alderperson Timian abstained, noting he lives in the neighborhood.
  • 9.2 – Parklet Licensing Agreements: Approved for Bent River Brewing Co. and Axis/Fifth Avenue Syndicate to use public right-of-way for outdoor dining parklets from May 1 to November 15, 2024.
  • 9.3 – JA BizTown Sponsorship: Approved a three-year sponsorship agreement with Junior Achievement of the Heartland for a storefront in the Inspiration Center in Moline.
  • 9.4 – Sidewalk Infill Program: Approved a contract with Five Cities Construction Company for $211,030.18 (budget was $200,000; excess covered from other sources).
  • 9.5 – Ordinance for Option 5 Alcohol License: After being briefly tabled, the council approved an ordinance creating a new Option 5 license ($500/year) allowing Class A licensees to sell packaged alcoholic liquor for off-premises consumption, subject to restrictions (e.g., food sales >50% of revenue, no package displays). The ordinance was taken off the table via roll call (7-0) then approved (7-0).
  • 9.6 – Outdoor Dining License for Pub 1848 and Stoney Creek Inn: Approved for use of Bass Street Landing Plaza from May 8 to September 30, 2024.
  • 9.7 – Summer Concert Series License: Approved for Bent River Brewing Co. and Pour Bros Craft Taproom to sell alcohol at Bass Street Landing Summer Concert Series from May 16 to August 8, 2024.
• Informational Report – City Administrator: Bob Vitas highlighted:
  • Final community engagement event for riverfront redevelopment at Mercado on 5th (May 11, 3 p.m.).
  • City website redesign completed.
  • HR progress with lower vacancies.
  • Library gardens project groundbreaking in May.
  • Riverside pool soft openings for employees and YMCA members; all summer reservation nights pre-sold.
• Non-Consent Agenda – Ordinance 19.1 (Accessory Dwelling Units): After extended debate, the council approved an ordinance amending zoning code to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on owner-occupied lots, limited to one ADU per lot. Discussion addressed:
  • Concerns about HOA covenants (city would not enforce private covenants).
  • Parking and address requirements.
  • Owner-occupancy as a safeguard against over-commercialization.
  • Alderperson Murphy expressed confusion among residents; Alderperson Schmidt argued the process was well-vetted and supported. Vote: 5 ayes (Razak, Timian, McNeil, Schmidt, Messias) and 2 nays (Castro, Murphy).
• Non-Consent Resolutions (20.1-20.4): Approved unanimously:
  • 20.1 – Parklet licensing (same as 9.2).
  • 20.2 – Sidewalk infill contract (same as 9.4).
  • 20.3 – Outdoor dining license for Pub 1848/Stoney Creek Inn (same as 9.6).
  • 20.4 – Summer concert series license (same as 9.7).
• Miscellaneous Business: Mayor announced Moline recognized as 2023 Tree City USA with growth award. Noted efforts to reduce single-use plastics via joint purchasing. Mentioned meeting with Prairie Rivers Network on climate assessment. Encouraged youth engagement partnerships following recent violent incidents.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (Minutes, Ordinances, Resolutions): Approved by roll call (7-0).
• Committee-of-the-Whole Items 9.1-9.7: All approved, with 9.1 (parade) having one abstention.
• Ordinance 19.1 (ADUs): Passed 5-2 (aye: Razak, Timian, McNeil, Schmidt, Messias; nay: Castro, Murphy).
• Resolutions 20.1-20.4: All passed 7-0.
• Executive Session: Council voted 7-0 to enter executive session to discuss property acquisition (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5)).