Moline Committee-of-the-Whole and City Council Meeting - November 4, 2025

The Moline City Council held a combined Committee-of-the-Whole and regular City Council meeting on November 4, 2025, starting at 6:00 PM. Key actions included approval of a surplus property sale for redevelopment of the former McKinley School, adoption of parking and school speed zone changes, and a public hearing on the 2026 budget that received no testimony. The council also received an informational update on food assistance programs amid ongoing federal government furloughs and discussed legal challenges related to immigration status verification for federal aid.

Public Hearing

• 2026 Budget Public Hearing: Opened at 6:01 PM and closed immediately with no testimony in favor or opposition. (Director of Finance Carol Barnes presented the budget at prior sessions.)

Oath of Office

• Police Officer Appointment: Keegan Behrens (noted as Keegan Barons in the transcript; discrepancy in name spelling) was sworn in as a full-time police officer after completing a one-year probationary period. Chief Darren Gault introduced him as a Moline native and former Marine. His wife Caitlin was unable to attend.

Board Appointments

• Commission on Youth: Mayor’s appointment of Ciara Llave to fill the unexpired term of Emily Cummings, expiring March 31, 2027.
• Keep Moline Beautiful Commission: Appointment of Jennifer Smith to fill the unexpired term of Kirk Marske, expiring November 30, 2027. (Ms. Smith is also the new head of Moline Centre.)

Consent Calendar (Committee-of-the-Whole)

• Parking Amendment (9.1): Approved an ordinance adjusting prohibited parking zones on Ninth Street (east side) from Railroad Avenue south, reducing the no-parking-anytime zone from 85 feet to 60 feet and modifying the time-restricted zone (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) accordingly. City Engineer Dreyer stated this was a final solution to a long-standing neighborhood issue. Motion by Castro, seconded by Messias; passed unanimously.
• School Speed Zone Amendment (9.2): Approved an ordinance adding a school speed zone on Twelfth Avenue from 1,125 feet west of 48th Street to 300 feet east of 54th Street, and on 48th Street from Eleventh Avenue D to 49th Street, while removing an existing zone. The change addresses safety around Wilson School. Motion by Schmidt, seconded by Castro; passed unanimously.
• Surplus Property Sale – McKinley Lofts (9.3): Approved a resolution declaring the 6.06-acre site at 4108 5th Avenue (former McKinley School) surplus and authorizing its sale to McKinley Lofts LLC for $10,000. Developer 321 Partners (Jens Baker and Pete Stopulus) plans to rehabilitate the school into 20 residential units and build approximately 12 townhome-style rental apartments on the west portion, totaling 32 market-rate workforce rental units. The city received three RFPs; this was the top-ranked proposal. Alderpersons expressed excitement about preserving the historic building. Jens Baker noted they would retain mature trees and restore the terrace. Motion by Timion, seconded by Castro; passed unanimously.
• TIF 13 Amendment Public Hearing Date (9.4): Approved a resolution setting December 22, 2025 at 4:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers for a public hearing on the 2025 amendment to the TIF 13 (Moline Centre) Redevelopment Project Area. The amendment would add 0.09 acres to the existing 0.55-acre tract owned by Illinois Domus 2 LLC (the Modon Two development). Motion by Castro, seconded by Schmidt; passed unanimously.

Informational Items

• Food Assistance Program (10.1): Community Development Manager KJ Whitley outlined three initiatives:
  1. Food Vouchers: A $25,000 program (partnering with Hy-Vee, which adds 10%) will provide $27.50 voucher packets to 125 families per event. Two rounds: November 15 (Saturday, 8–11 a.m. at City Hall) and December 13 (Saturday, 8–11 a.m. at City Service Center). Eligibility requires EBT/SNAP card, Illinois Medical Card, or free/reduced lunch documentation plus ID and recent mail.
  2. Moline Care Crew: A food drive in partnership with neighborhood associations to stock River Bend pantries.
  3. Emergency Assistance: For residents facing eviction or utility disconnection.
• Legal Challenges (City Attorney Bill): Explained that recent federal executive orders (July 2025 rescission of 2001 blanket exemption) reimpose immigration status verification requirements on federal benefits, potentially affecting CDBG funds. The city is restructuring funding sources to avoid federal funds where possible to mitigate liability. Assured council that asylum seekers have legal status and the city will comply with all laws as written.
• City Administrator Report (10.2): Bob Vitas highlighted completion of 19th Avenue resurfacing (7th to 16th Street), replacement of the old culvert at 35th Avenue south of Prospect Park, Phase 1 completion of Morgan Park bike path, and a successful employee appreciation picnic at Peterson Park. Also noted upcoming ward meetings (Alderperson Castro on Nov. 5 at the library; Alderperson Timion at the Garden Center).

Public Comments & Testimony

• McKinley Lofts Property Values: Ursula Minader (former resident, now staying with in-laws at 4105 7th Avenue) asked how the McKinley Lofts development might affect neighboring property values and taxes. Council noted that new development typically raises property values and referred further questions to staff via email or phone.

Key Outcomes (City Council Session)

• Consent Agenda Approved (Vote: 7-0): Includes minutes from Oct. 14, 18, and 21, appointments, and ordinances 18.1–19.1 (special ad valorem taxes, non-extension of certain bond taxes, tobacco ordinance amendment, private security guard ordinance, redevelopment agreement for TIF 13/Illinois Domus Two, and change order for sealcoat ditch restoration).
• Non-Consent Resolutions Approved:
  • SSA #5 Maintenance Agreement (21.1): Approved a one-year property maintenance services agreement with NAI Ruhl Commercial Company for Bass Street Landing Special Service Area #5, with automatic renewal for two successive one-year terms, effective Nov. 15, 2025. (Vote: 7-0)
  • TIF 13 Public Hearing Resolution (21.2): Approved (same as 9.4). (Vote: 7-0)
• First Reading Ordinance Advanced: Ordinance 22.1 (TIF 15 – 5th Avenue Redevelopment Area – agreement with Moline Dispatch Apartments, LLC) was advanced to second reading. (Vote: 7-0)
• Miscellaneous Business: Mayor noted passage of Senate Bill 211 (transit bill including the Moline train project) and urged continued work. Alderpersons praised the completed Seventh Avenue roundabout and improvements.