Moline Committee-of-the-Whole and City Council Meeting - February 5, 2025

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, but the provided date is February 5, 2025. This summary uses the provided date per instructions.

The Committee-of-the-Whole and City Council met on the evening of February 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered routine approvals, a major grocery tax ordinance, special event permits, and informational updates. Key decisions included approving the Quad Cities Marathon street closures, adopting a municipal grocery tax to offset state funding reductions, and advancing three tobacco license amendments. Public comment was not offered.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of January 21, 2025 (Committee-of-the-Whole, Council, and Executive Session).
• Approved second reading of an ordinance amending sign and zoning regulations (Chapter 3 and 35).
• Approved an ordinance authorizing borrowing from the Water Pollution Control Loan Program for South Slope Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements.
• Approved an overhead electric easement to MidAmerican Energy Company (PIN: 0835140010).
• Approved Change Order No. 1 and Final with General Constructors, Inc. for Midtowne Parking Ramp Expansion Joint Repairs ($15,638.79).
• Approved Change Order No. 1 and Final with General Constructors, Inc. for Midtowne Parking Ramp Access Controls ($23,719.57).
• Approved a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute loan documents for the Water Pollution Control Loan Program for South Slope Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements.
• Approved a resolution regarding Executive Session minutes – release, retention, and destruction of recordings.
• Approved a resolution with Cunningham Recreation/GameTime for playground surfacing and curbs at Browning Park ($169,757.00) using OMNIA Contract #2017001134.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during either the Committee-of-the-Whole or the City Council public comment periods.

Discussion Items

6.1 – Quad Cities Marathon Special Event Application – Staff recommended approval and noted that the 16th Street overpass construction would not block roadways during the event. The marathon is scheduled for September 27–28, 2025. Alderperson Timian asked about the contract term; staff confirmed 11 years remain on a 15-year agreement. The motion passed unanimously.

6.2 – IDOT Permit for I-74 Ramp Closure – Staff recommended approval as a routine step in conjunction with the marathon. The resolution authorizes temporary closure of the I-74 eastbound ramp to Third Avenue/River Drive on September 28, 2025. Passed unanimously.

6.3 – Municipal Grocery Retailers’ Occupation Tax – City Administrator Bob Vitas presented the ordinance, explaining that the state’s 2025 freeze on the grocery tax reduction (estimated at $1 million loss) would reduce the city’s general fund balance below its historic 20–25% reserve by FY2028. He recommended approval to maintain a healthy fund balance.

Alderperson Schmidt expressed initial reluctance, citing the regressive nature of grocery taxes, but noted that “absolute chaos coming out of the federal government with threats to removing municipal funding” required a reversal of his stance. He supported the ordinance.

Alderperson Timian echoed that the $1 million estimate is likely conservative and that the tax is “already being collected by the state” and transferred to the city. He noted East Moline, Rock Island, and Milan had already passed similar taxes.

The Mayor added that she has communicated with state officials about the need for state support for municipalities. The ordinance passed unanimously.

6.5 – Change Order No. 1 and Final with Langman Construction – Approved for the 2024 Asphalt Resurfacing Program ($49,304.04). The motion passed unanimously.

7.1 – February 2025 Status & Information Report – City Administrator Bob Vitas reported on the rental licensing program: 1,318 licenses issued to date, with only 39 properties in the “C” category (requiring substantial work). He noted the program is paying for itself and improving tenant quality of life. He also highlighted the State of the City address, full staffing in police and fire departments, and reduced vacancies. Alderperson Timian praised the rental program’s reputation among tenants, who recommend it to each other, and urged continuous improvement. The Mayor added that economic development conversations are ongoing, including for the mall site, but no announcements yet.

Non-Consent Resolutions:

16.1 – Economic Development Partnership with Grow Quad Cities – The resolution was removed from the table and approved. Alderperson Messias recused himself due to his board membership with the QC Chamber. Alderperson Schmidt disclosed a business relationship with the chamber but stated it was not a conflict. The vote was 6-0-1 (Messias recused).

First Reading Ordinances (Tobacco License Increases):

17.1, 17.2, 17.3 – Three ordinances to increase the number of tobacco licenses for Hass Smoke Shop, Grace Store LLC (Vantage Pointe), and JS Liquor & Food Inc. (Five Star Liquor & Food). For each, the council voted to amend the motion to specify a Class B license (per the new tobacco ordinance classes) and then advanced to second reading. All votes were unanimous (7-0).

Key Outcomes

• Quad Cities Marathon approved for September 27–28, 2025, with street closures and IDOT ramp closure.
• Municipal Grocery Tax adopted to offset an estimated $1 million state funding reduction, effective FY2025.
• Tobacco license increases for three businesses advanced to second reading, each designated as Class B.
• Economic Development Partnership with Grow Quad Cities approved (6-0-1).
• Change orders for asphalt resurfacing ($49,304.04), parking ramp repairs ($15,638.79), and access controls ($23,719.57) approved.
• Playground improvements at Browning Park ($169,757.00) approved.
• Executive Session convened for discussion of property acquisition (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5)) and pending litigation (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11)).

Miscellaneous Business

• The Mayor recognized Black History Month and noted her participation in the Illinois Farm Bureau’s urban farming track.
• Alderperson Timian praised the Frost and Fire Festival and the new City Service Center (former Bethany location) for hosting soccer matches.
• The Mayor updated the council on the federal funding freeze affecting World Relief: 209 refugees have been resettled in the Quad Cities since October 2024, including 64 in Moline. The stop-work order on the 90-day resettlement program remains despite the freeze being rescinded. She has coordinated with the county board chair and state officials, but no concrete solutions yet.
• City Administrator Vitas announced the upcoming strategic planning process, including a community survey by Polco (a national firm). The random sample will include all wards. He also congratulated staff on the State of the City event.