Moline Committee-of-the-Whole & City Council Meeting - April 30, 2026

The Moline Committee-of-the-Whole and City Council met on April 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. (Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on April 28, 2026, but the assigned date for this summary is April 30, 2026.) The meeting included a sister city signing, a public hearing on code amendments, proclamations, and action on numerous ordinances and resolutions.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the Committee-of-the-Whole and Council meetings of April 7, 2026, and Committee-of-the-Whole minutes of April 14, 2026, along with appointments made at the April 28, 2026 Committee-of-the-Whole.
• Approved a second reading ordinance (18.1) increasing the number of Class B Incidental Tobacco Dealer’s Licenses for Webb Services LLC d/b/a Casey’s Tavern.
• Approved the following resolutions on consent:
  • Change Order No. 1 and Final with Hoerr Construction, Inc. for Project #1448, 2025 Sewer Lining Program ($297,120).
  • Acceptance of five Deeds of Dedication for Street Right-of-Way and five Temporary Construction Easements for Project #22-00289-00-BT, 25th Avenue Shared-Use Path Construction.
  • Contract with Langman Construction, Inc. for Project #1537, Roadway Improvements on 38th Avenue, 34th to 35th Street ($253,466).
  • Contract with Phoenix Corporation of the Quad Cities for Project #1511, 2026 Alley Resurfacing Program ($112,645).
  • Special event approval for the Moline250 event on July 2, 2026.
  • Special event approval for the Morgan Park 4th of July Parade on July 4, 2026, sponsored by the Glen Oaks Neighborhood Association.
  • Special event approval for the TBK Quad Cities Marathon and road races on September 26-27, 2026.
  • Authorization for a State Highway Permit from IDOT for temporary closure of I-74 eastbound ramp to Third Avenue (River Drive) for the Quad Cities Marathon.
  • Work Authorization #04 with MKSK for Moline Riverfront Schematic Design Proposal – Part I ($182,237).
  • Authorization to nominate census tracts 219 and 223 for Opportunity Zone 2.0 designation.
  • Authorization to submit a notice of intent for the STAR Bonds program.
  • Licensing Agreement with 2 Bad Boyz LLC for outdoor dining deck and barrier fence.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No in-person public comments were made. One emailed public comment was received but not read due to non-compliance with submission rules; it will be read at the next council meeting.

Discussion Items

• Sister City Signing with Asbach, Germany: Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati and the Mayor of Asbach, Germany, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a sister city relationship. The Asbach mayor highlighted the presence of John Deere and the Birkner Group (with over 9,000 employees worldwide and a turnover of about 3.5 billion dollars) and presented gifts including a basalt rock from the region. The MOU promotes mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and international friendship without creating legally binding obligations. Council later approved the MOU under non-consent.
• Water Art Contest Winner Announcement: Environmental Compliance Manager Charles Brown announced that Josiah Clenty, a third grader from Butterworth Elementary, won the citywide water art contest with a depiction of a fire truck and water tower. Josiah beat out 450 other third graders. His artwork will be featured in the consumer confidence report and displayed at the water administration building.
• Clean River Advisory Council Presentation: Dawn Temple and Mitchell Walker presented results from a community survey of nearly 500 respondents about the Mississippi River. Key findings: 65% feel a strong or very strong connection to the river; 52% have personal or family memories tied to it; main barriers to connection include lack of free time and not knowing about events; top concerns are trash, water quality, and flooding. Respondents prioritized nature-based solutions such as planting trees, building rain gardens, and restoring wetlands. The council has distributed $682,000 in grants to 25 projects over two cycles. The presentation emphasized ongoing work through V City USA, partnerships with Prairie Rivers Network and National Wildlife Foundation, and a planned environmental resiliency plan.
• Public Hearing – Text Amendments to Chapter 35: The public hearing addressed two amendments: (1) removing the 1% public art requirement for private development along certain corridors (6th Avenue, 12th Street, River Drive, 19th Street) which was seen as a barrier to development; and (2) reducing the maintenance guarantee bond for public improvements from 20% to 10% after acceptance. No public testimony was given in favor or opposition. Council members expressed support, with Alderperson Schmidt noting the public art requirement was a tax that hindered development, and Alderperson Timian commending staff for adapting when policies don't work. The hearing was closed at 6:41 PM.
• Proclamations:
  • National Police Week (May 10-16, 2026) was proclaimed, honoring law enforcement officers. Chief Gault's representative thanked the council for support.
  • Drinking Water Week (May 3-9, 2026) was proclaimed, recognizing the importance of safe tap water. Utility Director Laura Williams thanked the water treatment plant and lab staff.

Committee-of-the-Whole Agenda Items (10.1-10.18)

• 10.1: Ordinance amending Chapter 31 to align tax and report transmittal for motorized food vendors with their state reporting schedule (quarterly or annually instead of monthly). Approved unanimously.
• 10.2: Licensing Agreement with Finney’s of Moline, LLC dba River House Bar & Grill for outdoor service at the Historic Block Courtyard from May 16 to October 3, 2026. Approved unanimously.
• 10.3: Licensing Agreement with 1522 River Dr. LLC dba Sins Tavern for use of adjacent Historic Block Courtyard for an existing barrier fence, tables, and chairs for outdoor service. Approved unanimously.
• 10.4: Licensing Agreements with Bent River Brewing Co. and 3BROS Hospitality LLC dba Pour Bros. Craft Taproom for use of Bass Street Landing Public Plaza in conjunction with the Summer Concert Series from May 21 to August 13, 2026. Approved unanimously.
• 10.5: Resolution declaring surplus a portion of 2800 48th Avenue and conveying it to IDOT for $12,000 for I-74 interchange improvements. Approved unanimously.
• 10.6: Resolution declaring surplus a portion of 3620 38th Avenue and conveying it to IDOT for $9,600 for the same project. Approved unanimously.
• 10.7: Independent Contractor Agreement with Economy Roofing & Insulating Co. for the Moline City Hall Roof Project ($265,300). Approved unanimously.
• 10.8: Acceptance of a proposal from Johnson Controls for Public Works HVAC Retrofit utilizing Sourcewell contract ($480,132). Alderperson Schmidt asked about the bidding process; staff explained that Johnson Controls provides the current maintenance contract and Sourcewell pricing is competitively bid. Approved unanimously.
• 10.9: Resolution declaring vehicles and non-motorized assets as surplus and authorizing disposal via auction or other means. Alderperson Messias asked about the disposal process; staff stated vehicles will go to auction. Approved unanimously.
• 10.10: Five-year Rental Service Agreement with Phelps Uniform Specialists for uniform and floor mat rental services. Approved unanimously.
• 10.11: Contract with Walter D. Laud, Inc. for Project #1515, 2026 Intersection Reconstructions at 12th Avenue/12th Street and 10th Street/11th Avenue ($492,963.50). Approved unanimously.
• 10.12: Acceptance of quote from Tri-City Electric Co. for Project #1531, Avenue of the Cities Signal Upgrades ($129,300 total). Approved unanimously.
• 10.13: Construction and Maintenance Agreement with Iowa Interstate Railroad for 15th Street At-Grade Signals (quad gate arms) for the quiet zone project. Alderperson Silas noted the safety and quiet zone benefits; Alderperson Timian confirmed funds were set aside years ago. Approved unanimously.
• 10.14: Ordinance amending Chapter 22 to increase the number of Class B Incidental Tobacco Dealer’s Licenses for a vape vending machine at Rosy’s Watering Hole. Extensive debate occurred. Concerns included proliferation of vending machines, enforcement, and need for a broader policy. Alderperson Silas opposed, preferring a comprehensive policy over ad hoc approvals. Alderperson Castro raised enforcement questions. Alderperson McNeil expressed concerns about class C products. Alderperson Timian suggested a new license classification for vending machines. Alderperson Schmidt supported the item, noting it does not change the nature of the bar. City Attorney Vitas noted that state law already regulates vape vending machines strictly and encouraged council to let staff develop a comprehensive policy. The motion passed on a roll call vote: Ayes – Schmidt, Messias, Finch, Castro, McNeil (5); Nays – Silas, Razak, Timian (3). Staff was directed to return with a more robust policy.
• 10.15: Resolution approving the special event application for the Quad Cities Distance Classic half marathon and 5K on May 10, 2026, with a $1,000 grant from the Special Events Fund and street closures. Approved unanimously.
• 10.16: Resolution authorizing application for an Illinois EPA Public Water Supply Energy Efficiency Grant Program (Round 2) for Variable Frequency Drives on pumps at the Water Treatment Plant (estimated project cost $190,000, grant request $171,000). Alderperson Silas commended staff for pursuing grants. Approved unanimously.
• 10.17: Resolution declaring 200-202 20th Street and adjacent parcels surplus and authorizing a Purchase and Sale Agreement with 321 Partners, LLC for $350,000. The proposal includes rehabilitation of the building into 27 residential units and approximately 10,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, using River Edge redevelopment incentives (including historic tax credits). Discussion covered parking, commercial demand, and trailhead parking for the riverfront. Alderperson Timian requested a “coming soon” sign and public art preservation. Approved unanimously.
• 10.18: Professional Services Independent Contractor Agreement with Planeteria Media, Inc. for economic development branding and website services ($48,750 plus up to $8,000/year for hosting and maintenance). Alderperson Parr recused himself due to his firm’s potential competition. Staff explained the tool will communicate development opportunities and successes. Approved unanimously.

Council Non-Consent Agenda

• 21.1: Resolution authorizing the Sister City MOU with Asbach, Germany. Approved unanimously (8-0).
• 21.2: Resolution approving the Quad Cities Distance Classic special event (same as 10.15). Approved unanimously.
• 21.3: Resolution authorizing the IEPA grant application for VFDs (same as 10.16). Approved unanimously.
• 22.1: First reading of an ordinance approving a Preliminary/Final Development Plan and Rezoning from “NC” to “NC PUD” for an approximately 1.25-acre tract at 2701-2715 Avenue of the Cities. Approved to advance to second reading (8-0).
• 22.2: First reading of an ordinance adding an all-way stop at the intersection of Fifty-Fourth Street and Eleventh Avenue C. Approved to advance to second reading (8-0).

Key Outcomes

• The Sister City relationship with Asbach, Germany was formally established via MOU.
• The public hearing on Chapter 35 text amendments concluded with strong council support; the amendments will proceed to a vote.
• The vape vending machine license for Rosy’s Watering Hole was approved (5-3), with a directive to staff to develop a comprehensive policy on such licenses.
• The sale of 200-202 20th Street to 321 Partners, LLC was approved for a mixed-use redevelopment project.
• Numerous contracts, grants, and agreements were approved as listed above.
• First reading ordinances for the PUD rezoning and the all-way stop intersection were advanced to second reading.
• Council received updates on the loss of jobs at the Rock Island Arsenal, regional homeless shelter discussions, and community partnerships.