Moline Committee-of-the-Whole and City Council Meeting – September 25, 2024

The meeting began at 6:00 PM with presentations, followed by committee-of-the-whole agenda items, informational updates, and the regular city council session. Key actions included approval of special events, contracts, grants, a sidewalk variance, and an increase in tavern licenses. All votes were unanimous except for the sidewalk variance.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Minutes and Appointments: Approved minutes of August 20 and August 27, 2024 meetings.
• Consent Agenda Resolutions (14.1–14.6): Approved unanimously:
  • Purchase of playground equipment for four parks from GameTime ($315,034.15, including a $194,114.85 grant).
  • Application for an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant ($155,967.00) for Browning Park playground rubber surfacing.
  • Amendment to Special Service Area #6 bylaws (nine directors, term limits, FY alignment).
  • Application for Rock Island County Waste Management Agency Solid Waste Assistance Grant ($42,985.00).
  • Ordinance adding parking prohibition on Sixth Avenue, south side.
  • Professional services agreement with Azavar Government Solutions for compliance audits.

Public Comments & Testimony

• None.

Discussion Items

• Neighborhood of the Month Awards: September winners: DuTrac Community Credit Union (commercial, 3153 Avenue of the Cities) and Jose M. Rosas (residential, 1304 48th Street). Recognized for property improvements.
• Milt Hand Softball Complex Feasibility Study: Presented by Wes Cosgriff (TAG Project Management). Proposed $10.9 million renovation: synthetic turf on all eight fields, upgraded stadium seating (field 5), expanded concession stands, shade structures, umpire locker room upgrades, security cameras, and conversion of volleyball courts to two flex fields. Projected net loss in year one but profitability by year two; 20-year capital reserve of $2.4 million. Discussion included turf lifespan (20 years), replacement cost escalation, competition from TBK Center, debt service implications, and potential Augustana College partnership for field 5 funding. Council members raised concerns about overall cost and return on investment.
• Property Maintenance Services for SSA #6: One-year contract renewal (with two optional renewals) with Quality Construction Services, Inc. Approved.
• Special Events:
  • Moline High School Homecoming Parade (September 20, 2024) – approved.
  • Dia de los Muertos Parade and After Party (November 2, 2024) – both approved.
  • 2025 Great Race (June 22, 2025) – $10,000 grant from Special Events Fund; approximately $200,000 direct economic impact estimated. Visit Quad Cities representative presented. Approved.
  • Pride 5K and Pride Party (June 28, 2025) – $5,000 grant from Special Events Fund. Alderperson Castro abstained (employed by Project of the Quad Cities). Approved.
• Police Chief’s Candidacy for IACP Executive Board: Chief Gault seeks nomination for 4th Vice President, a non‑compensated role that would allow influence on global policing policy. Resolution of support from Board of Fire and Police Commissioners read. Approved.
• Fire Department Rank Amendments: Ordinance amending Chapter 11 to add Division Chief rank and formalize Deputy Chief appointment process. Approved.
• Sidewalk Variance for 2623 45th Street: Temporary modification to delay sidewalk installation due to minor subdivision. Granted 6–1 (Alderperson Timian opposed, citing precedent of variances undermining sidewalk ordinance). Motion passed.
• ITEP Grant Application for River Drive: Resolution authorizing application for $3 million Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grant (with $1 million city match) for sidewalk and streetscaping improvements from 12th to 19th Street. Coordination with 16th Street Viaduct project emphasized. Approved.
• Increase in Class B Tavern Licenses: Ordinance to raise license cap to allow former Casey’s Tavern (1512 15th Street) to reopen. Applicant reported positive neighborhood reaction. Support voiced for neighborhood taverns. Approved.
• Informational Items:
  • Land Bank Program: Funding structure ($40,000+/year city contribution) faces gap after ARPA funds expire in 2026; possible general fund support. Sylvis joined as member.
  • Rental Housing Program: 1,173 single‑family and 645 multi‑family licenses approved; two inspectors active; program also aids code enforcement.
  • Urban and Community Forestry Grant: No‑match grant for tree planting (75 per spring/summer for three years in disadvantaged areas).
  • September Status Report: Highlights included 1,109 rental inspections completed, Metronet nearing completion, city hall parking lot restoration, JA BizTown grand opening, library gardens (spring 2025 ribbon cutting), Wally encompass ID launch November 1, and East End Park (O’Brien Park) rededication.

Key Outcomes

• Committee‑of‑the‑Whole votes (7.1–7.11): All passed unanimously except sidewalk variance (6–1, Timian opposed).
• Council Consent Agenda (minutes + resolutions 14.1–14.6): Approved 7–0.
• Council Non‑Consent Resolutions (16.1–16.5):
  • 16.1: Service agreement with Daupler, Inc. for two‑way resident communication (not to exceed $78,499) – approved 7–0.
  • 16.2: ITEP grant application (same as committee item) – approved 7–0.
  • 16.3: Moline High School Homecoming Parade – approved 7–0.
  • 16.4: Purchase agreement with Bethany for Children and Families for property at 1830 6th Avenue ($1,280,000) – approved 7–0.
  • 16.5: License agreement with Bethany for gymnasium use – approved 7–0.
• First Reading Ordinance (17.1, fire department ranks) advanced to second reading 7–0.
• Executive session motion to discuss pending litigation carried 7–0.
• Budget schedule: Target completion October 26, 2024 (one session).