Moline Committee-of-the-Whole and City Council Meeting – June 24, 2026

Note on date discrepancy: The agenda lists the meeting as Tuesday, June 23, 2026, while the user instruction specifies the meeting took place on June 24, 2026. This summary uses the date provided in the instruction.

The meeting began with Committee-of-the-Whole (COTW) proceedings, followed by a regular City Council meeting. Key actions included approval of a $909,328 fire station construction manager contract, authorization of property tax abatement intergovernmental agreements, advancement of a $100,000 riverfront demolition package, and first reading of ordinances to reduce residential parking requirements, annex two parcels, adjust speed limits and parking regulations, and issue bonds for the RiverStation acquisition. The council also approved board appointments, received awards for financial reporting, and proclaimed July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of June 9 and June 16, 2026 meetings.
• Approved appointments made at COTW (see Board Appointments below).
• Approved resolutions 17.1–17.5 and 17.7–17.10 as a single omnibus vote (7-0):
  • 17.1: Contract with Phoenix Corporation for 15th Street Resurfacing ($335,289.73).
  • 17.2: Highway-Rail Signal Interface Agreement with Iowa Interstate Railroad for 12th Street crossing.
  • 17.3: Contract with Langman Construction for 2026 Asphalt Project ($658,718.44).
  • 17.4: Maintenance resolution for MFT Section 26-00000-01-GM, 16th Avenue Resurfacing ($650,000).
  • 17.5: Acceptance of three deeds of dedication and temporary construction easements for 25th Avenue Shared-Use Path.
  • 17.7: School Resource Officer Agreement with Moline-Coal Valley School District for four police liaison officers (2026-2027).
  • 17.8: Grant of $1,500 to World Relief Quad Cities for 2026 World Refugee Day celebration.
  • 17.9: Block party approval for Karstens/City Line Neighborhood Association (September 20, 2026).
  • 17.10: Asset Purchase Agreement for 1601 River Drive (RiverStation) for $1,650,000.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Simon Zerman Valley (resident of Moline, representing himself and users of Riverside courts): Expressed concern about the decision to turn off park lights at 9:00 PM instead of 11:00 PM, citing a disciplinary measure after prom misconduct. He argued the change disproportionately affects the broader community, including himself as a night-shift worker who can no longer play basketball after work. He requested the lights be returned to 11:00 PM. The Mayor noted the park board made the decision and encouraged him to address the park board directly.
• Bonnie Johnson (Moline Township Supervisor): Brought attention to persistent parking issues faced by seniors in and around Moline Township, asking for the city’s help in resolving the problem.

Board Appointments

• Reappointments: Elizabeth Finch to the Moline Commission on Youth (3-year term ending March 31, 2029); Regina Nelson and Bob Poor to the Library Board of Trustees (3-year terms ending May 31, 2029).
• Appointments: Michelle King to the Library Board of Trustees (unexpired term of Diane Enani, ending May 31, 2027); Kelin Taylor to the Historic Preservation Commission (3-year term ending April 30, 2029); Gilbert Peña to the Keep Moline Beautiful Commission (3-year term ending November 30, 2029); Amanda Kerschieter to the Park and Recreation Board (5-year term ending May 31, 2031); Richie Masias to the Public Art Commission (2-year term ending September 30, 2027); Matt Hernandez to the Citizens Advisory Council on Urban Policy (unexpired term of Jersey Rivers, ending July 31, 2028); Alan Silas to the Bi-State Regional Commission as City Council representative (concurrent with aldermanic term, expiring May 1, 2027).
• The Mayor also requested a council liaison to the Keep Moline Beautiful Commission.

Presentations

• GFOA’s Popular Annual Financial Report Award for 2024: Carol A. Barnes, Director of Finance, announced the city is a first-time recipient. The award recognizes transparency in financial reporting. Team members Ashley Allen, Macy McManus, and Adam Moore were recognized, along with intern Rowan Smith, who is helping compile the 2025 report.
• GFOA’s Triple Crown Award for 2024: Barnes announced that the city is one of only 441 governments nationwide (out of over 91,000) to receive this award. To qualify, the city had to already hold the Certificate of Achievement (33 years), the Distinguished Budget Award (4 years), and the new Popular Annual Financial Report. The finance department staff were recognized for handling over $165 million annually.

Proclamation

• Park and Recreation Month: The Mayor proclaimed July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month, recognizing the contributions of parks and recreation to health, wellness, economic prosperity, and environmental well-being. Eric Griffith, Director of Parks and Recreation, thanked the council and community for support.

Discussion Items

• 9.1 – New Central Fire Station Construction Manager at Risk: A resolution authorizing an independent contractor agreement with Bush Construction Company, Inc. for $909,328. Alderman Schmidt explained that seven submissions were received; Bush was deemed most qualified. The contract includes pre-construction services (design reviews, cost estimates) and a guaranteed maximum price at 90% design completion, with Bush responsible for overruns. The motion to approve passed 7-0.
• 9.2 – Property Tax Abatement Intergovernmental Agreements: A resolution authorizing the mayor to execute IGAs with participating taxing bodies for the Moline River Edge Redevelopment Zone. The zone offers a 90% rebate on the increment for qualified projects. Staff reported that three bodies (school district, Metrolink, Forest Preserve) have already approved; others are pending. The motion passed 7-0, with Alderman Silas recusing himself due to his role with Metrolink.
• 9.3 – Riverfront Demolition Package (Work Authorization #05a): A resolution approving $100,000 for MKSK to create a demolition package for the Riverfront District. The work is expected to take 60 days and will lead to a bid for demolition. Staff noted that the public realm design (boardwalk, amphitheater, park) will be led by MKSK and Lake Flato, while selective demolition and adaptive reuse of existing buildings will be managed by Streamline. The motion passed 7-0.
• 17.6 – Solar Facility Site Lease Agreement (pulled from consent): A resolution for a 25-year lease with Community Power Group LLC to develop a solar photovoltaic facility on city-owned property. An update revealed that Mid-American’s system impact study reduced the maximum project size from 5 megawatts to 3 megawatts. City Attorney Atkins confirmed the lease agreement does not need amendment due to this change, as site plan details are subject to adjustment. The rent remains unchanged. The council voted 7-0 to approve.

Key Outcomes

• All votes were unanimous (7-0) unless noted. Alderman Silas recused from voting on item 9.2.
• Consent agenda approved en bloc, with item 17.6 removed and voted on separately.
• First reading ordinances advanced to second reading (all 7-0):
  • 19.1: Reduce minimum parking spaces for residential uses.
  • 19.2: Annex 4200 29th Street.
  • 19.3: Annex 1523 36th Avenue.
  • 19.4: Add school speed limit on University Drive (1800 feet west of 34th Street to 34th Street).
  • 19.5: Remove and add parking prohibitions on 42nd Street.
  • 19.6: Correct parking prohibited times from 12:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.–6:00 a.m.
  • 19.7: Authorize taxable general obligation bonds for RiverStation acquisition ($1,650,000).
• Executive session approved (7-0) for collective bargaining and pending litigation.
• Next steps: The RiverStation bonds will go to second reading; demolition package for riverfront to be completed in 60 days; solar project will proceed at 3 MW with potential future expansion; continued discussions with taxing bodies on property tax abatement IGAs; and the mayor’s listening post scheduled for June 24 at Prospect Park Pavilion.