Moline Committee-of-the-Whole & City Council Meeting – April 24, 2025

The Moline City Council held a joint Committee-of-the-Whole and regular meeting on April 24, 2025, at City Hall. The meeting included presentations, proclamations, approval of numerous resolutions and ordinances, and a detailed update on the city's strategic plan. Key discussions focused on housing, homelessness, and adjustments to city policies to improve recruitment and business support.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from April 8, 2025, and board appointments made at the Committee-of-the-Whole.
• Second reading ordinances (Chapter 2, Administration sections 2-4600 and 2-2207) – approved.
• Multiple consent resolutions: grants to Fall Belgian Festival ($1,500), Quad Cities Pickleball Club ($7,500), fiber optic lease amendment with MetroLINK, Mayor Pro Tem rotation, Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network membership, surplus property disposal, licensing agreement with Stoney Creek Inn, and ceding private activity bonding authority ($5,455,450) to QCREDA – all approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during any of the three public comment periods on the agenda.

Discussion Items

• Water Art Contest Winner: Assistant Utilities Director Charles Brown announced third-grader Nora Montag as the citywide winner of the "Water is Life" art contest, which drew over 750 votes. Nora's art will be displayed at her school and the water plant.
• Community Food Assistance Partnership: Community and Economic Development Director Chris Mathias and Manager KJ Whitley presented $1,155.00 vouchers each to Project Now, Salvation Army, and the Parks and Recreation summer program to close out COVID-19 food assistance funds. They expressed intent to make the program a regular part of CDBG.
• Proclamations: Mayor Rayapati proclaimed May 4–10, 2025 as Drinking Water Week (per American Water Works Association) and April 21–25, 2025 as National Community Development Week.

Committee-of-the-Whole Items

• 9.1 Grant to Mississippi Valley Blues Society: $2,500 for the first-time Sunday Blues Day on June 1, 2025 – approved.
• 9.2 Mercado on Fifth Licensing and Grant: Approval for the 2025 season (May 23–September 26) with a $20,000 grant and street closures. Alderperson Kestrick asked about an MOU; City Administrator Vitas confirmed that attempts to create an MOU were unsuccessful, so the existing arrangement continues – approved.
• 9.3 Retaining Wall Change Order: $25,429.60 final change order for Project #1436 (70th Street & John Deere Parkway) – approved.
• 9.4 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice: Resolution to accept the 2025 tri-city report as the city's official guide. Alderperson Timian raised concerns about inaccuracies regarding ADU allowances and the classification of single-family zoning as an impediment. Vitas noted that the report serves as a baseline and staff can note corrections in the consolidated plan. Motion passed 7–1 (one nay from Timian).
• 9.5 Housing Needs Assessment: Resolution accepting the 2025 report as a guiding document for HUD funds – approved unanimously.
• 9.6 Video Gaming Terminal Increase: Ordinance to increase the cap on licensed video gaming terminals, requested by Harold’s Chicken and Sports Bar (425 15th Street). Alderperson Schmidt supported as aiding a new business. Vitas noted that building code issues remain before opening – passed.
• 9.7 Revolving Loan Fund Program Amendments: Approved changes to the program description for 2025–2027, including a new micro-loan option (up to $10,000), removal of job creation requirement in favor of job retention, and expanded eligibility. The fund currently has ~$202,000, expected to reach $272,000. Several council members praised the flexibility – passed unanimously.
• 9.8 Residency Requirement Amendment: Ordinance amending Chapter 24 to remove residency requirements for non-union, non-director employees, while retaining requirements for top positions (City Administrator, Assistant City Administrator) and for union employees via contracts. Vitas explained it helps attract candidates. Some council members initially hesitant but ultimately supported – passed unanimously.
• 9.9 Firefighter Physical Ability Test: Reverted to requiring CPAT completion before list certification, reversing a 2023 change that allowed conditional hiring. Chief Sievert cited inefficiency from many candidates failing the test – approved.
• 9.10–9.14 Licensing Agreements for Courtyard and Plaza Use: Approved agreements for River House Bar & Grill, Bent River Brewing, and Pour Bros Craft Taproom to serve alcohol at the Historic Block Courtyard and Bass Street Landing Public Plaza for events in summer 2025 – all approved.

Informational: Strategic Plan Dashboard FY25 Q1 Report

• City Administrator Vitas reported 21 goals on track, 18 completed, 2 behind schedule, and 6 on hold or not started. He explained reasons for delays (e.g., broadband goal completed, comprehensive plan RFP pending, zoning code update tied to comp plan, and water capacity held for future city needs). Extensive discussion followed on homelessness and affordable housing.
  • Homelessness Discussion: Alderperson Murphy stressed urgency for solutions beyond waiting for the comprehensive plan, noting public frustration. Chief Sievert clarified that many repeat homeless individuals face mental health issues, not housing shortages. He noted that short-term homelessness is often successfully addressed with existing resources, but chronic homelessness linked to mental illness requires broader healthcare partnerships. Alderperson Timian suggested exploring a local shelter and transitional housing. Vitas mentioned ongoing partnerships and a weekly task force. Alderperson Castro called for prioritizing affordable housing for those who want it. Chief Sievert added that some individuals refuse shelter due to rules or bans. The council agreed on the need for a multi-pronged approach.
  • Comprehensive Plan Update: Vitas stated the RFP will go to the Plan Commission on April 25, with administration review thereafter.
• Other: Alderperson Timian expressed appreciation for staff progress on housing starts. Council discussed sidewalk condition mapping and private property trespassing issues related to homeless encampments.

Non-Consent Agenda

• 20.1 Lead Service Line Replacement: Award to McClintock Trucking & Excavating for $2,782,423 – approved.
• 20.2 Manhole Lining Program: Contract with KIM Construction for $252,583.50 – approved.
• 20.3 Firefighter CPAT Requirement Amendment (same as 9.9) – approved.
• 20.4 Drone as First Responder Program: Sole-source purchase from Skydio ($318,166.90 over 5 years), two drone docks from DECCO ($9,478 each), and up to $350,000 from DCEOPD trust funds. Chief Sievert noted policy updates will follow. Alderperson Schmidt inquired about policy for night flights; Chief confirmed updates will occur before deployment. Approved.

First Reading Ordinances

• 21.1 Dedicate 700 15th Street as Public Right-of-Way – advanced to second reading.
• 21.2 Library Fees Amendment – advanced to second reading.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All resolutions and ordinances passed. Item 9.4 passed 7–1; all others unanimous (8–0).
• Decisions: Adopted new Revolving Loan Fund program parameters; removed residency requirement for most non-union employees; reinstated pre-hire CPAT requirement for firefighters; approved drone DFR program; increased video gaming terminal cap for Harold's Chicken; accepted fair housing and housing needs assessments with noted inaccuracies.
• Next Steps: Comprehensive plan RFP to be issued; strategic planning process to begin in June with consultant selection; climate action plan proposals narrowed to two; continued work on homelessness partnerships; next City Council meeting on May 6 at the library.
• Other: Mayor announced tree planting for former Mayor Stan Leach; Keep Moline Beautiful cleanup event on April 26; Illinois High-Speed Rail Commission virtual public engagement April 28–May 11.