Moline City Council and Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting - March 10, 2025

The meeting began at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. The Committee-of-the-Whole and City Council considered routine approvals, public safety appointments, infrastructure contracts, and a proclamation for Women in Construction Week. All votes were unanimous. No public comments were offered.

Oath of Office

• Officer Ryan Rochholz, a Moline native and Western Illinois University graduate, was sworn in as a regular commissioned police officer effective February 28, 2025. He was commissioned after completing his probationary period.
• Officer Cooper Sant Amour, also a Moline native and St. Ambrose University graduate with prior service in the Iowa correctional system, was sworn in as a regular commissioned police officer effective February 28, 2025.

Proclamation

• The Mayor proclaimed March 2–8, 2025, as "Women in Construction Week" in Moline, recognizing the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Quad Cities Chapter #50 for its 64 years of service, scholarship programs, and community partnerships. Chapter representatives Kelly Porham, Sarah Colbrees, and Julie Galati accepted the proclamation.

Discussion Items

• 10.1 2025 Sidewalk Program: Approved a contract with Emery Construction Group, Inc. for $299,450, with total project budget not to exceed $350,000. The program covers sidewalk repairs citywide.
• 10.2 One-Hour Parking Restriction at 1721 5th Avenue: Approved an ordinance adding two on-street stalls for one-hour parking at the request of Duckies on Fifth Avenue, to ensure customer access during upcoming construction. Alderperson Timian asked staff to provide the business owner with the phone number for reporting violations.
• 10.3 Video Gaming Terminal License Increase for ETA Table and Tap: Approved an ordinance increasing the number of video gaming terminals in the city to allow Dennis LLC (d/b/a ETA Table and Tap) to operate gaming at the former Denny’s location at 2601 52nd Avenue. Councilmember Schmidt noted the establishment also holds a Class A liquor license and that gaming complements the restaurant.
• 10.4 & 10.5 30th Avenue Reconstruction Contract and Change Order: Approved a $1,957,886.72 contract with Walter D. Laud, Inc. for project #1483, and Change Order No. 1 for $57,128.40 to replace PVC water main with ductile iron based on EPA recommendations. Alderperson Dreyer noted the project has been long awaited for Third Ward residents. Councilmember Timian observed that even with the change order, the total cost remained lower than competing bids.
• 10.6 2025 Inlet Replacement Program: Approved a $104,880 contract with J.C. Dillon, Inc. for annual inlet replacements.
• 10.7 Donation of Browning Park Playground: Approved declaring the 2006 BCI Burke playground as surplus and donating it to Kids Around the World, Inc., a nonprofit that repurposes playgrounds in 87 countries. Parks Director Griffith highlighted the cost savings and promotional benefit.
• 10.8 Purchase of 620 17th Street (Little White House): Approved a $50,000 purchase from the Kathryn A. Blade Living Trust. The property, adjacent to city-owned squad car storage, will be returned to housing inventory with potential partnership from MCDC. Alderperson Dreyer expressed support for the initiative.
• 10.9 IHDA Home Repair and Accessibility Program (HRAP) Grant Application: Approved a resolution authorizing the Community and Economic Development Department to apply for a $1,000,000 grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority. Staff indicated the grant would fund at least 20 houses over two years with no federal funds.
• 10.10 2025/2026 Rock Salt Contract: Approved a joint participation agreement with Illinois CMS to purchase 4,000 tons of rock salt (minimum 3,200, maximum 4,800) for the next winter season. Staff noted both salt storage facilities will be at capacity to meet the 80% purchase obligation.
• 10.11 Licensing Agreement with PUB 1848 for Bass Street Landing: Approved a licensing agreement allowing outdoor alcohol and food service at the public plaza from April 19 to September 30, 2025. Councilmember Schmidt raised a question about potential conflicts with private events; Corporation Counsel Atkins agreed to review the language to ensure the city can opt out of service if desired.

Informational Report – March 2025 Status & Report

City Administrator Vitas highlighted:

• Completion of Morgan Park bike path Phase 1 engineering.
• Completion of LED lighting upgrade at the water treatment plant (federal grant).
• Sale of the parking lot at 12th Street and 4th Avenue to the Element Hotel, closed February 14.
• Expansion of the internship program with Moline-Coal Valley High School.
• New Doppler phone system for utility notifications (boil orders, breaks, snow routes).
• Concerns about potential HUD staffing cuts (proposed 84% reduction) affecting federal funding like CDBG (~$800,000 annually). Councilmember Schmidt noted the city's budget cannot absorb such cuts and appreciated the transparency.

Key Outcomes

All votes were unanimous (7-0) on the following actions:

• Approved minutes of February 18, 2025.
• Approved consent agenda including the Grocery Retailers Occupation Tax, a special event permit for Empowering Abilities, disposal of surplus vehicles/assets, patching program contract with Langman Construction ($1,239,653), change order for 16th Street intersection reconfiguration ($21,386.66), and a licensing agreement with Pathway Church for a sign.
• Approved non-consent resolutions: Concession product agreement with Myers-Cox Co.; purchase of 620 17th Street ($50,000); and application for IHDA HRAP Grant ($1,000,000).
• Advanced first-reading ordinances: Increase in Class B tobacco dealer licenses (ODC QC); vacation of a drainage easement at 2930 41st Street; and borrowing from Illinois Public Water Supply Loan Program for lead service line replacements over 18 years.
• Regarding panhandling concerns (group from Peoria), Chief Gault stated the department is balancing lawful free speech with traffic violations; residents are encouraged to call police in real time rather than contacting elected officials.

Next steps: Staff will finalize contracts and agreements; the HRAP grant application is due by March 14, 2025. The City Administrator will travel to Springfield for legislative meetings on passenger rail, River's Edge development, and other priorities.