Moline Committee-of-the-Whole and City Council Meeting - August 28, 2025

The Moline City Council held a combined Committee-of-the-Whole and regular City Council meeting on August 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing on zoning text amendments, approval of multiple contracts and grants, a detailed budget work session for fiscal years 2026-2028, and advancement of several ordinances. The meeting adjourned to executive session.

Public Hearing

• Text Amendments to Zoning and Land Development Code (R-2 District): Alderperson Timian, lead sponsor, presented a proposal to reduce the minimum lot size in the R-2 district from 6,000 to 2,000 square feet, increase maximum lot coverage for primary residences from 25% to 85%, reduce front and rear yard setbacks, and reduce minimum required parking spaces from two to one. He stated that 30% of Moline's lots are under 6,000 square feet and that current regulations deter smaller, more affordable housing. Co-sponsor Alderperson McNeil expressed support, calling it a responsible approach to addressing housing needs. No public testimony was offered. The public hearing was opened and closed at 6:07 PM.

Discussion Items

• Budget Work Session 2026-2028 (Carol Barnes, Director of Finance): Staff presented a comprehensive review of the four enterprise funds (water, wastewater, stormwater, and sanitation) and the proposed user fee increases necessary to balance each fund. Key proposed increases: Water Pollution Control (6% annually for 2026-2028), Stormwater (2% annually), Water (no increase in 2026, but an infrastructure surcharge considered for 2027), and Sanitation (2% annually). The total monthly impact per residential customer was estimated at $3.63 (or $43.56 annually). Staff also reviewed the 2025 budget amendments, noting a net increase in fund balance of approximately $3 million, primarily due to a deferred economic development project. Council discussed the need for rate increases to meet IEPA loan requirements for the South Slope project and the importance of long-term planning. Alderperson Schmidt praised the staff for transforming the funds from disarray to stable, predictable finances.
• Bid Award for Lead Service Line Replacement (Item 7.8): Staff reported that McClintock Trucking & Excavating withdrew their bid after the 120-day period, citing non-receipt of notice. The city could not prove receipt, so the bid was re-awarded to Miller Trucking & Excavating Company for $3,410,845. Staff noted that going forward, read receipts or certified mail will be used to avoid similar issues. The council approved the resolution.

Key Outcomes

• Public Hearing on R-2 Zoning Amendments: The public hearing was closed. The ordinance (Item 20.4) was later advanced to second reading by an 8-0 vote during the City Council session.
• Contracts and Resolutions Approved (Committee-of-the-Whole):
  • 7.1: Resolution authorizing contract with Walter D. Laud, Inc. for 7th Street and 16th Avenue Intersection Reconstruction ($292,565.64) – approved 6-0 (later 8-0 on council).
  • 7.2: Resolution for Phase II Engineering for River Drive Streetscaping ($301,400) – approved 6-0.
  • 7.3: Grant to Two Rivers YMCA for Sprint the Miss event ($1,000) – approved 6-0.
  • 7.4: Ordinance amending public hearing notice requirements (adding social media and website notification) – approved 7-0.
  • 7.5: Resolution for Walk to End Alzheimer’s event and grant ($500) – approved 8-0.
  • 7.6: Resolution authorizing purchase of 0.26 acres for stormwater project ($19,500) – approved 8-0.
  • 7.7: Intergovernmental agreement with MetroLINK for EV charging stations – approved 8-0.
  • 7.8: Resolution awarding lead service line replacement to Miller Trucking ($3,410,845) – approved 8-0.
  • 7.9: Licensing agreement with CBI Bank & Trust for underground electrical line – approved 8-0.
• City Council Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (8-0), including minutes, second reading ordinances (speed limit changes, parking changes, liquor license restriction, comprehensive plan amendment), and consent resolutions (capital improvement plans, multiple contracts, and special event approvals).
• Non-Consent Resolutions (19.1-19.5): All approved 8-0: 19.1 (intersection reconstruction), 19.2 (property purchase), 19.3 (lead service line), 19.4 (49th Street drainage improvements – Phase I, $1,064,157.74), 19.5 (construction engineering services for drainage, $157,290).
• First Reading Ordinances (20.1-20.5): All advanced to second reading by 8-0 votes, including amendments for solar energy systems, video gaming terminal increases at Casey's Tavern and Dew Drop Inn, R-2 zoning amendments, and rescission of a redevelopment agreement with Renew Moline Properties.
• Executive Session: Council voted 8-0 to convene an executive session to discuss collective negotiating matters.