Moline Committee-of-the-Whole & City Council Meeting - April 8, 2026

The City of Moline held a joint Committee-of-the-Whole and City Council meeting on April 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting addressed a wide range of topics including public comments on video gaming license sunsets, multiple infrastructure contracts, special event approvals, a downtown pedestrianization proposal, and a city-led housing pilot program. Key actions included approval of a $7.95 million lead service line replacement contract, a $182,237 riverfront design work authorization, and a 3-5 vote to retain the sunset provision for Class K video gaming licenses.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Julie Cox (owner of Julie's): Expressed concern about fairness and consistency of the Class K license sunset, noting her business invested in good faith, employees depend on jobs, and the ordinance shifts gaming elsewhere without addressing addiction. Urged a more balanced approach.
• Susan MacAfuse (operator of Susie's video poker locations): Asked the city to reconsider the sunset, noting her businesses contribute licensing fees, support over 25 local employees, and provide stable revenue. Emphasized she is not asking to expand, only to continue operating.
• Jeff MacAfuse (building owner of Susie's location): Stated that eliminating businesses would cause revenue loss to neighboring cities, lead to vacant storefronts, reduced property values, and loss of local jobs. Mentioned significant personal investment and bank loans.
• John Cox (supporter of K establishments): Described cafes as quiet, controlled environments serving regulars, including elderly patrons like his late mother who could not manage large casinos. Urged retention of these spaces as a unique community asset.
• Rachel Cox (operations manager of Julie's): Addressed gambling addiction concerns, arguing the ordinance does not eliminate gaming but shifts it to bars with higher alcohol consumption. Suggested redirecting $300,000 annual city revenue from Class K establishments to addiction recovery programs.
• Jason Cox (supporter of Julie's): Highlighted that businesses were approved under specific rules; changing rules later sets a concerning precedent. Stressed jobs are at risk, especially for those who may not find alternate stable employment. Cited other Illinois communities that grandfathered existing cafes.
• John Ford (employee at Julie's, age 79): Shared personal story of working extra to supplement Social Security, noting coworkers and elderly patrons depend on the safe, friendly environment. Asked not to shut them down.
• Brittany Lasage (resident and employee at Julie's for six years): Emphasized the job supports her household and son's college plans; loss of business would affect her ability to provide for family and create another vacant storefront.
• Lewis Kitcher (resident): Raised concerns about the 25th Avenue shared-use path removing trees, and argued the city has a spending problem rather than an income problem. Opposed gambling and marijuana sales as revenue sources.
• Sue Ferguson (employee at Julie's, four years): Stated she is handicapped and uses a walker; losing the job would cause a struggle to find employment. Relies on the income to supplement Social Security.
• Cheryl Humphrey (lifelong Moline resident, Susie's employee for 10 years): Stated she is retired and needs the supplemental income; concurred with earlier speakers.
• Nathan Tilburg (resident): Proposed radical changes for Fifth Avenue, suggesting a bus-only corridor with removal of on-street parking to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment. Encouraged greater pedestrian intermingling to support small businesses.
• Dora Schnook (non-resident, works at Susie's): Expressed desire to keep businesses open, noting she and her husband enjoy the camaraderie and need supplemental income.
• Aaron Smith (employee at Julie's, retired from Oscar Mayer): Called the workplace laid-back and a great place for people to get out of the house; thanked council for listening.
• Paul Breybach (parent of Rachel Cox): Spoke as a parent, noting his daughter is a devoted mother who volunteers in schools thanks to the flexibility of her job; losing the business would affect her family and community involvement.

Discussion Items

• 7.0 Class K Video Gaming License Sunset (Item 7.17): Alderperson Timion introduced an ordinance to repeal the sunset provision for Class K licenses (set for January 31, 2027). He presented economic impact: $307,000 annual city revenue, stories of employees dependent on jobs, and argued that closing parlors does not tackle addiction while bars retain machines. Council debate:
  • Alderperson Castro supported removal of sunset, noting the establishments are clean, safe, and serve a different clientele than bars.
  • Alderperson Schmidt acknowledged compelling arguments for revenue and jobs but said he heard overwhelmingly from constituents who want the sunset to proceed; he voted to keep sunset.
  • Alderperson Timion (the deciding vote in 2022): Stated that business owners had four years to adapt their models but did not; he supports standing by the original decision.
  • Alderperson Messias cited quality-of-life concerns and noted that disruptors (online sports betting) will likely sunset the industry anyway; he supported keeping sunset.
  • Alderperson McNeil noted the industry is changing due to online gambling; favored keeping sunset. Result: Roll call vote: Castro (aye), Schmidt (nay), Silas (aye), Messias (nay), Rosak (nay), Timion (aye), Finch (no vote — chair?), McNeil (nay). Motion to amend sunset failed 3-5, retaining the sunset.
• 7.14 Lead Service Line Replacement: Approved contract with Miller Trucking & Excavating for $7,947,755, contingent on IEPA loan. This is phase two of replacing approximately 4,900 lead service lines.
• 7.9 Riverfront Schematic Design: Approved Work Authorization #04 with MKSK for $182,237 for site investigation services (surveying, geotechnical, SUE) to support schematic design for the Moline Riverfront redevelopment project. Staff anticipates construction equipment on site in fall 2026.
• 7.12 & 7.13 Opportunity Zone 2.0 and STAR Bonds: Approved resolutions to nominate census tracts 219 and 223 for Opportunity Zone 2.0 designation, and to submit a notice of intent for the state STAR Bonds program (focusing on South Park Mall retail area). Staff noted these are early steps in multi-year processes.
• Informational Item - Build Moline Pilot (8.1): Alderperson Timion presented a city-led pilot to restore attainable homeownership. The program would use $1 million already budgeted for housing to build 4-5 starter homes (approx. 1,000-1,100 sq ft) on city-owned lots, sold at or below cost to owner-occupants via lottery. Goal is to recycle proceeds into future homes. Council feedback was generally supportive, with discussions on leveraging partners (Habitat for Humanity, nonprofits), marketing to small developers, and using standardized house plans. Staff plans to have a program ready by September 2026.
• Other Items: Approved consent calendar (minutes, second-reading ordinances, resolutions) and non-consent items including JAG grant MOU, lead service line contract, and office furniture purchase for Finance Department relocation. Also advanced a first-reading ordinance increasing tobacco dealer licenses.

Key Outcomes

• Class K Sunset Retained: The motion to amend the sunset provision failed 3-5. Class K licenses will sunset January 31, 2027, as originally scheduled.
• Lead Service Line Replacement: Awarded $7,947,755 contract to Miller Trucking & Excavating, contingent on IEPA loan approval.
• Riverfront Design: Approved $182,237 for environmental and geotechnical investigation work for the Moline Riverfront redevelopment.
• Opportunity Zones & STAR Bonds: Authorized staff to pursue federal Opportunity Zone 2.0 designation for census tracts 219 and 223, and to file a notice of intent for state STAR Bonds program for South Park Mall area.
• Build Moline Pilot: Council provided input on the housing pilot program; staff will develop a detailed plan for approval by September 2026.
• Consent and Non-Consent Items: Approved consent agenda (minutes, second-reading ordinances, resolutions) and non-consent resolutions (JAG grant, lead service line, office furniture). Advanced first-reading ordinance for tobacco dealer license increase.