Moline Committee-of-the-Whole and City Council Meeting Summary - December 3, 2025

The Moline City Council met on December 3, 2025, for a combined Committee-of-the-Whole and regular City Council meeting. The meeting included recognition of the City Clerk, approval of several infrastructure and service agreements, a discussion on tobacco dealer licensing, and updates on community development projects. All votes were 7-0 unless otherwise noted.

Consent Calendar

• Approved by omnibus vote: Committee-of-the-Whole, Council, and Executive Session minutes of November 18, 2025; appointments made at Committee-of-the-Whole on December 2, 2025; parking ordinance amendments (removing and adding parking restrictions on Ninth Street); school speed limit zone amendments on Twelfth Avenue and Forty-eighth Street; and a change order for the 2025 Culvert Replacement Project with Miller Trucking & Excavating for $32,305.61.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Recognition of Stephanie Murphy: City Administrator Bob Vitas recognized City Clerk Stephanie Murphy for achieving Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) status through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. She completed the required coursework in two years, ahead of the three-year deadline. Vitas noted her role as a team player and mentor. Murphy was joined by her family.
• 8.1 – 36th Avenue Bike Path Resolution: Vitas recommended approval of a joint funding agreement for a federally funded bike path from 7th Street to 13th Street, with a local match of $601,758.63 from Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds. Alderperson Timian noted the project has been in development for several years and is part of a larger effort to connect to the pedestrian bridge over John Deere Road. Approved.
• 8.2 – Systematic Intersection Improvements: Vitas recommended approval of a resolution for federally funded intersection improvements, including countdown timers at 11 intersections for pedestrian safety and reflective back plates at 104 signalized intersections, with a local match of $57,257. Approved.
• 8.3 – Amendment to Intergovernmental Support Agreement with Rock Island Arsenal: A representative from the Arsenal explained that an updated IEPA permit requires additional stormwater testing, necessitating Amendment 1. Approved.
• 8.4 – Refuse Disposal Agreement with Republic: Alderperson Schmidt explained that the city conducted a joint bid with Moline and Rock Island, selecting Republic for a five-year contract starting January 1, 2026, with a 90-day opt-out clause. Approved.
• 8.5 – Tobacco Dealer License Increase (Variety Convenience, LLC): City Attorney Atkins noted this request would increase the floating number of Class B Incidental Tobacco Dealer licenses. Council discussed the policy line on vape shops. Alderperson Schmidt expressed uncertainty about whether this convenience store (doing business as Groceries, Tobacco & Vape) was a dedicated vape shop. Alderperson Messias opposed, citing existing businesses and concerns about products marketed to youth. Alderperson McNeil concurred, favoring a diverse business ecosystem. Alderperson Castro recalled a previous denial for a similar business on Avenue of the Cities. Alderperson Timian acknowledged his past support for a similar business but agreed with the council's consistency. The motion to approve failed 7-0.
• 8.6 & 8.7 – Comp Plan Amendment and Rezoning for Solar Energy System: Planning staff presented a comprehensive plan amendment (changing future land use to public/semi-public) and a rezoning from R2 to AG for the Price Buoy Farm site (72nd Street between 78th and 100th Avenues) to allow a commercial solar energy system via a special use permit already approved by the Plan Commission. Alderperson Timian expressed hope that the ongoing comp plan update would create more flexible land use definitions. Both items approved.
• 8.8 – Occupational Health Services Agreement with Concentra: Vitas recommended a three-year agreement with Concentra Medical Centers, replacing previous providers. Approved.
• 8.9 – Authorization for City Attorney to Intervene in Property Valuation Appeals: City Attorney Atkins requested formal authority to represent the city before the Board of Review and Property Tax Appeal Board for 2025 assessment complaints. He introduced a substitute resolution to increase flexibility as additional appeals were received. He explained that appeals involve reductions of $100,000 or more in assessed value and that without representation, the city could face inequitable tax shifts. Alderperson Schmidt emphasized the importance of defending valuations to prevent shifting the tax burden to other residents. The substitute resolution was approved (amendment to change wording and authorize the mayor to sign individual letters of authorization). Then the main motion as amended was approved.
• Informational Report – December 2025 Status & Information: Bob Vitas highlighted the Meals for the Holidays program (December 13 at the City Service Center), completion of 7th Avenue reconstruction, River Drive remaining open through February, prairie restoration plug planting on John Deere Hillside, and new signage recognizing David Sears at Bass Street Shop House. Alderperson McNeil commended staff for natural area stewardship. Alderperson Timian noted the first ADU under construction. Alderperson Castro asked about LRS waste services; Vitas said the Republic agreement includes a 90-day opt-out if LRS becomes operational, and LRS has requested a financial review.
• Non-Consent Agenda (Council):
  • 20.1: Resolution setting the 2026 annual meetings schedule – Approved.
  • 20.2: (Same as 8.3) – Approved.
  • 20.3: (Same as 8.9) – Approved.
• First Reading Ordinances:
  • 21.1: Ordinance to increase tobacco dealer licenses for Aman Food & Gas, Inc. (d/b/a Aman Food & Gas). Alderperson Timian noted the business had a lapsed license due to temporary closure. Alderperson Razak and Timian joined McNeil in voting no, but the motion to advance to second reading passed 4-3.
  • 21.2: Ordinance establishing a River Edge Redevelopment Zone – Advanced to second reading unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Denied: Request by Variety Convenience, LLC to increase the number of Class B Incidental Tobacco Dealer licenses (motion failed 7-0).
• Approved (all 7-0): 36th Avenue Bike Path funding, Systematic Intersection Improvements, Amendment to Rock Island Arsenal agreement, Refuse disposal contract with Republic, Comp plan amendment and rezoning for solar farm, Occupational health services agreement with Concentra, Authorization for City Attorney to intervene in property tax appeals (with substitute resolution), 2026 meeting schedule, and various consent items.
• Advanced to Second Reading: Tobacco license increase for Aman Food & Gas (4-3) and River Edge Redevelopment Zone ordinance.
• Next Steps: Staff will bring back information on the tobacco license renewal notice process for Aman Food & Gas. The City Attorney will appear before the Board of Review and PTAB as needed. CED will present a plan for the rehabbed house at 3916 10th Avenue in January 2026. The Tri-Cities Housing Lottery application window opens for eight hours on December 13, 2025, with a random drawing of 25 names.