Moline Committee-of-the-Whole and City Council Meeting - July 11, 2024

The City of Moline held a combined Committee-of-the-Whole and City Council meeting on July 11, 2024, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included oaths of office for new public safety personnel, board appointments, presentations of awards and the annual financial report, a proclamation, several resolutions and ordinances, and informational updates on grant opportunities and city projects. All agenda items were approved, and the council received a clean audit opinion for fiscal year 2023.

Oaths of Office

• Chase Bollman was sworn in as a Firefighter/Paramedic, effective June 22, 2024. He is a Moline High School graduate and completed paramedic training in June 2024.
• Christopher Diaz, Tyler Lewis-Bresnahan, Rory Mannion, and Katherine Noyd were sworn in as Police Officers, effective June 28, 2024. Each officer had varied backgrounds, including military service, internships, and language skills. Chief of Police highlighted their diverse experiences and commitment to the community.

Board Appointments

• Thomas Schwarz and Betsy Greenlee were appointed to the Moline Park and Recreation Board for five-year terms expiring May 31, 2029. Both are active volunteers in youth programs.

Presentations & Awards

• Meritorious Achievement Award was presented to Detective Michael Griffin and Detective Brett Kopf for their investigative work on the May 5, 2024, double homicide of Zachary Minke and Giovanni Flores. The detectives worked 16–20 hour days for 21 days, leading to an arrest. Chief Gault praised their dedication and the entire detective division.
• Neighbor of the Month Awards for July 2024: Commercial Award to New Hairstyle Academy (1628 15th Street Place) and Residential Award to Eric & Jennifer Vendermeersch (3005 14th Street).
• 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report was presented by Baker Tilly representative Michael Malatt. The city received an unmodified (clean) audit opinion—the highest level of assurance. The audit included a clean single audit report for federal spending (ARPA funds of $2.7 million) and no findings on internal controls. The report was accepted by resolution later in the council meeting.

Proclamation

• July 2024 was proclaimed as Park and Recreation Month in Moline, recognizing the value of parks and recreation for community health, economic vitality, and environmental well-being.

Committee-of-the-Whole Agenda Items

• 10.1 – Resolution for Turbo Blower Repairs: Approved a $53,625 sole-source repair and reinstallation of two high-speed turbo blowers at the North Slope Wastewater Treatment Plant. Two of four blowers had failed due to dust buildup; the repair will include diagnostics to prevent future failures. (Motion passed unanimously on roll call.)
• 10.2 – Ordinance for PUD Rezoning at Former Kmart Site: Approved a Preliminary/Final Development Plan and rezoning from B-3 to B-3-PUD for an 11.85-acre tract at 4902-5000 Avenue of the Cities. The plan allows U-Haul truck/trailer display and indoor mini-storage, with $200,000 in landscaping, a future retail pad, a bicycle repair station, and a $50,000 contribution to the city for pedestrian improvements. The Planning Commission recommended approval 5-1. Council members expressed support for the redevelopment. (Motion passed unanimously on roll call.)
• 10.3 – Ordinance for Chase Bank Building Redevelopment Amendment: Approved termination of a collateral assignment and an amendment to the redevelopment agreement, transferring tax increment benefits to new owner Bechovich Holdings, which also owns other area properties. The change in ownership was approved. (Motion passed unanimously on roll call.)

Informational Items

• 11.1 – Rebuild Downtown & Main Streets Grant Opportunity: Chris Mathias presented a state grant opportunity with awards of $250,000 to $2 million and a 25% local match, due July 22, 2024. Council discussed potential capital projects, with strong preference for parking garage repairs (specifically the downtown parking garages) as a viable, eligible project. Alderpersons noted that placemaking signage and riverfront improvements may be premature. The application will focus on parking garage improvements.
• 11.2 – July 2024 Status & Information Report: City Administrator Bob Vitas highlighted completion of the K-CAP action plan (HUD requirement), the clean audit, the Moline Encompass Community ID card program (equipment delivered, goal to launch by August), and groundbreaking for the library garden project. Alderperson Timian noted a rise in new home construction, adding housing inventory.

Consent Calendar

All items were approved via omnibus vote (7-0). The consent agenda included:

• Approval of minutes from June 11, 18, and 27, 2024 meetings.
• 18.1 – Resolution renaming “East End Park” to “O’Brien Park” in memory of Pat and Cecilia O’Brien.
• 18.2 – Licensing agreement with River House Bar & Grill for outdoor service at “Chillin’ in the Courtyard” events on August 10 and September 14, 2024.
• 18.3 – Resolution authorizing creation of a Facilities Manager position with compensation adjustments.
• 18.4 – Resolution authorizing MOU with Rock Island County Drug Court for police participation.
• 18.5 – Resolution accepting a traffic signal easement for the John Deere Seeding Pedestrian Crossing project.
• 18.6 – Resolution approving the amended 2024 Capital Improvement Plan and 2025-2027 Capital Improvement Plan.

Key Outcomes

• All five oaths of office were administered and appointments made.
• Resolutions and ordinances under Committee-of-the-Whole were approved by unanimous roll call votes.
• The 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report was accepted by the council (resolution 16.1, approved 7-0).
• The consent agenda, including park renaming, licensing agreement, new position, MOU, easement, and CIP plans, was approved (7-0).
• Council directed staff to apply for the Rebuild Downtown & Main Streets Grant with a focus on parking garage repairs.
• The council voted to convene in executive session for discussion of personnel (appointment, employment, compensation).

Public Comment

No public comments were made.