Moline Committee-of-the-Whole and City Council Meeting - October 22, 2025

Note: The agenda for this meeting was dated October 21, 2025, but the recorded date is October 22, 2025 per instruction. This summary uses the provided date.

The Moline City Council and Committee-of-the-Whole met on October 22, 2025, to discuss and act on a range of items, including a community solar project, change orders for a major wastewater facility, a sidewalk variance, and multiple ordinances. The meeting included a public comment from a resident, a presentation on the Shine on Moline solar project, and approval of resolutions and ordinances.

Consent Calendar

• Board Appointments: Reappointments of Jeff Dismer, Daniel Otten, and Lucie VanHecke to the Public Art Commission for 2-year terms expiring September 30, 2027, were approved.
• Consent Agenda Items 17.1-18.4: Approved unanimously via omnibus vote. These included:
  • Ordinance adding all-way stop intersection at Forty-Third Street and Fifth Avenue.
  • Ordinance enacting thirty-minute parking restrictions at 1518 15th Street.
  • Resolution authorizing purchase of a Mini-Pitch System for Riverside Park from Musco Lighting for $111,700.
  • Resolution extending Thomas A. Skorepa as Zoning Hearing Officer for three years.
  • Licensing agreements with Harolds Chicken & Sports Bar LLC and New Style Barbershop Inc. for overhanging signs.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Scott Sheddick (via emailed comment read by the clerk) requested a variance for sidewalk installation at his property, 3418 14th Street. He argued that the street lacks curbs, gutters, and existing sidewalks, making a sidewalk impractical and unsafe. He noted 13 years of service to Moline Little League and his investment in the most neglected property on the block. His request was for a temporary modification to delay installation.

Discussion Items

• Shine on Moline Community Solar Project (Presentation): Shawn Ajazi of Progressive Business Solutions presented the proposed community solar farm. The city would lease 25 acres of the FOIA property to Community Power Group at $2,000 per acre annually with a 2% escalator, generating $50,000/year ($1,214,868 over 20 years; $3,020,000 over 40 years). The project would be 5 megawatts, with no upfront cost to the city. Residents could subscribe for 10-15% savings on utility bills. The project includes a pollinator habitat and game-friendly fencing. Risks include federal incentive deadlines (construction must start by July 4, 2026, and complete by December 31, 2027) and Mid-American interconnection. Council members asked about subscription mechanics, lease terms, and tax obligations. City Administrator Bob Vitas endorsed the recommendation.
• Resolution 8.2 / 20.1 – South Slope Wastewater Reclamation Facility Change Orders: The resolution authorized the Director of Utilities, with concurrence of the Finance Director and City Administrator, to approve change orders up to the budgeted contingency of $3,415,860, with ratification by the City Council afterward. A debate ensued over oversight. Councilmember Schmidt requested a timeline for council notification. After discussion, an amendment was added: "All change orders above $100,000 will come to the City Council for ratification within 30 days of necessary signatures." The amendment was approved, and the amended resolution passed 7-0.
• Resolution 8.3 / 20.2 – Washington Square Apartments Right of First Refusal: The city authorized staff to notify DHC, LLC that it will not exercise its right of first refusal to purchase the Washington Square Apartments (316 17th Street), allowing Renew Moline to proceed with its purchase. Approved 7-0.
• Ordinance 8.4 – Moline Dispatch Apartments TIF Agreement: An ordinance authorizing a redevelopment and economic incentive agreement with Moline Dispatch Apartments, LLC for TIF 15 – 5th Avenue Redevelopment Project Area. The project includes 63 residential units (studios, one- and two-bedrooms) and parking. Councilmembers praised the design and the return of housing to downtown. Approved.
• Strategic Plan Dashboard FY25 Q3 Report (Informational): City Administrator Bob Vitas reported 23 goals on track, 19 completed, 3 on hold, and 2 behind schedule. Enhanced quarterly reporting will begin in 2026. Council noted the importance of transparent communication.

Key Outcomes

• Change Order No. 1 for Project #1488 (2025 Sealcoat Ditch Restoration) with Stichter Construction, Inc. approved for $11,030.78.
• South Slope WWRF Change Order Resolution approved with amendment requiring council ratification within 30 days for change orders over $100,000, up to $3,415,860.
• Right of First Refusal Waiver for Washington Square Apartments approved, allowing Renew Moline to proceed.
• Moline Dispatch Apartments TIF Agreement ordinance approved.
• Sidewalk Variance for 3418 14th Street granted (7-0), allowing a temporary modification to delay installation.
• First Reading Ordinances (21.1-21.7): All advanced to second reading. Key items:
  • Tax Levy Ordinance: Amount adjusted from $17,685,290 to $17,346,149 after the October 18 budget work session; final reading set for November 18, 2025.
  • Special Service Area #5 and #6 tax levies.
  • Ordinance requesting county clerk not to extend taxes for certain bond series.
  • Ordinance amending tobacco product regulations.
  • Ordinance enacting new division on private security guards.
  • Ordinance authorizing TIF 13 redevelopment agreement with Illinois Domus Two, LLC.
• Miscellaneous Business: Announcements about a Rebuild Illinois press conference, listening post on Monday, and comprehensive plan kickoff.