OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Moline Committee-of-the-Whole and City Council Meeting – September 2, 2026

Committee of the Whole & Council — Wednesday, September 2, 2026
BodyMoline, Illinois
SessionCommittee of the Whole & Council
DateWednesday, September 2, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 47:19

Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

Good evening, everyone.

0:03

I'll call our meeting to order here in Council Chambers at 6 p.m.

0:07

Uh roll call, please.

0:08

Alder Person Silas.

0:09

Present.

0:10

Messias.

0:10

Present.

0:11

Present.

0:12

Timon.

0:13

Present.

0:13

Finch.

0:14

Present.

0:14

McNeil.

0:15

Present.

0:15

Castro.

0:16

For the Schmidt.

0:17

Present.

0:18

We do not have any remote electronic attendance.

0:20

Uh public comment.

0:22

All right, we do have one that's emailed in to us.

0:25

George Orwell said true liberty is telling people what they don't want to hear.

0:29

Thanks for letting me share.

0:30

My name is Tom Keith, and I live in the seventh ward.

0:33

I was wondering if any of the council verified the claim that flock or acts on cameras prevent crime, as I proposed the last time I spoke here.

0:40

The facts as I understand them are that crime has been dropping significantly since 2021 or COVID time without the current onslaught of spy cameras.

0:48

Perhaps Mr.

0:49

Gall can verify that.

0:51

I recently discovered that the sheriff in Wapalo County, Iowa, told their deputies not to tell people that flock cameras were used in their arrests.

0:57

I'll put the link below.

0:59

Again, how can the city justify the expense of these cameras when studies show that they don't work at reducing crime and they're nothing more than data collection centers?

1:07

Another item I'm appalled at is the recent 30 mile per hour speed limit down from 45 miles per hour, entering Moline from East Moline on the Avenue of the Cities.

1:15

Is this another money grab for the city's coffers at the expense of its citizens?

1:19

Pritzker just passed a law saying if you get two tickets in a year, your license will be suspended, and a monitoring device must be installed on your car.

1:26

Of course, at your expense.

1:28

Again, the link is below.

1:30

Thanks for letting me share, Tom Keith.

1:32

Thank you.

1:33

Um our next item is an oath of office for promotion of Fire Marshal Mitch Cunningham to lieutenant effective August 23, 2026.

1:41

Chief Reaganweather.

1:46

Thank you, Your Honor.

1:47

Good evening, Council.

1:48

Tonight I have the privilege privilege of introducing Mitch Cunningham, who was recently promoted to the rank of lieutenant with the Mulling Fire Department.

1:56

Mitch began his career with Mulline Fire on April 18th, 2011, when he was hired as a firefighter paramedic.

2:03

Throughout his career, Mitch has continued to take on additional responsibilities within both our department and the regional fire services.

2:11

In 2021, he was appointed fire marshal for the city of Moline.

2:15

A position in which he still continues to hold today.

2:18

Also in 2021, Mitch became a team leader with the MAVES Division 43 Tactical Rescue Team.

2:23

For those unfamiliar with technical rescue team, they're a highly skilled group of individuals who respond to structural collapses, can find space rescues, high angle rope rescues, and various other specialized incidents.

2:36

In 2022, Mitch completed the police academy for fire arson investigators while also being appointed to the rank of engineer later that year.

2:45

Mitch has continued his education throughout his career, earning an associate degree in fire science in 2023, followed by a bachelor of science in fire administration and fire investigation in 2024, both from Columbia Southern University.

2:58

He also serves as a secretary of the Quadsee Fire Marshals Association.

3:02

And I stress currently, as I found out this afternoon, he was nominated to uh run for president of that organization.

3:10

Most recently, on August 24th, Mitch was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.

3:14

As part of that promotion, Mitch will spend a brief period assigned to Engine 11 for training and experience in his new rank before returning to his duties as fire marshal for the city.

3:24

He is joined here tonight by several members of his immediate family, including his wife, Rachel.

3:29

Mayor, at this time, I could ask you to come to the podium and read Mitch's oath of office.

3:48

If you'd like to raise your right hand and repeat after me, I'm Mitch Cunningham.

3:52

I'm Mitch Cunningham.

3:53

Having been duly promoted.

3:55

I've been duly promoted to the position of lieutenant of the fire department.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████25%
Water And Wastewater Management█████████████████17%
Cannabis Regulation█████████████13%
Environmental Protection█████████9%
Public Safety███████7%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████7%
Public Engagement█████5%
Economic Development█████5%
Transportation Safety████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Moline Committee-of-the-Whole and City Council Meeting – September 2, 2026

The Moline City Council convened as a Committee-of-the-Whole and then as a regular City Council on September 2, 2026 (noted per system date; the printed agenda listed September 1, 2026). The meeting included an oath of office, public comment, 13 agenda items for the Committee-of-the-Whole, consent agenda approval, four non-consent resolutions, seven first‑reading ordinances, and miscellaneous business. All votes were unanimous (8-0) unless noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Tom Keith (7th Ward) – submitted an emailed comment read by the Mayor. Criticized the city’s use of Flock cameras, stating studies show they do not reduce crime and are “data collection centers.” Also objected to the recent reduction of the speed limit from 45 mph to 30 mph on Avenue of the Cities entering Moline, calling it a “money grab.” He noted a new state law suspending licenses after two tickets and requiring a monitoring device.
  • No in‑person public comments were made.

Oath of Office

  • Fire Marshal Mitch Cunningham was promoted to Lieutenant, effective August 23, 2026. Chief Reaganweather recounted Cunningham’s career since 2011, including his role as Fire Marshal, team leader with MAVES Division 43 Tactical Rescue Team, and recent rank of Engineer (2022). Cunningham swore the oath of office.

Committee-of-the-Whole Discussion Items

  • 7.1 ITEP Grant Application (River Front + Centre Project) – Staff (Ms. Clower) presented a resolution to apply for $5,000,000 in Cycle 17 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) funds, requiring a 20% local match ($1.25 million) from street funds (fiscal year 2028). Discussion included eligibility of sidewalks, pathways, and beautification. Motion carried unanimously.
  • 7.2 25th Avenue Shared-Use Path Construction – Two deeds of dedication and two temporary construction easements to allow construction; one parcel remains under condemnation. Project on track for 2027 construction. Motion carried.
  • 7.3 Water Main Extension (54th Street) – Pulled from the agenda for further staff research before a recommendation.
  • 7.4 Staff Traffic Engineering Committee Ordinance – Updated committee membership to include the CED director and rename the committee. Approved.
  • 7.5 RICWMA Solid Waste Assistance Grant (FY27) – Annual grant application for $42,985 for waste management, recycling, and education. Appeared twice due to deadline timing. Approved.
  • 7.6 Environmental Resiliency Plan (ERP) Adoption – Sponsored by Alderperson Schmidt. The plan was previously discussed; adoption establishes commitment to long‑term and annual review. Several alderpersons expressed support and noted positive feedback from constituents. Approved unanimously.
  • 7.7 Holiday Hop Marketing Grant – $4,000 from Special Events Fund for the November 20‑21, 2026 event. Approved.
  • 7.8 Video Gaming License Increase (Central Craft LLC) – Transition of a Class K gaming establishment into an existing Class B tavern, resulting in a net‑zero change in gaming licenses. Alderpersons asked about entrance requirements and business plan; staff confirmed compliance. Approved.
  • 7.9 Liquor License Exception (Aman Food & Gas, Inc.) – Exception to 100‑foot distance requirement for a Class C license at 1830 5th Avenue, permitted under the recently amended ordinance for fueling stations. Approved.
  • 7.10 PFAS Treatment Conceptual Design (CDM Smith Inc.) – Contract up to $159,360 to prepare an IEPA SRF loan nomination for PFAS treatment at the Water Treatment Plant. Funded from settlements with 3M and others. Discussion noted evolving technology and EPA regulations. Approved.
  • 7.11 Streamline Architects – Riverfront Demolition & Schematic Design – $179,385 contract for demolition package and schematic design for riverfront redevelopment. Approved.
  • 7.12 Belgian Fest Licensing Agreement (Stephens Park) – Required under new procedures for alcohol sales on park property; event September 20, 2026. Approved.
  • 7.13 Wine Walk Licensing Agreement (Prospect Park) – Friends of Moline Parks and Recreation Foundation event September 17, 2026, with about 50 participants. Approved.

Key Outcomes

  • All Committee-of-the-Whole items (7.1–7.13, except 7.3 pulled) were approved by voice vote with no opposition.
  • Consent Agenda (minutes of August 11 and August 18 meetings, ordinances 15.1–15.2, and resolution 16.1) approved by roll call, 8-0.
  • Non-Consent Resolutions:
    • 18.1 (RICWMA SWAG grant) – approved 8-0.
    • 18.2 (CDM Smith PFAS contract) – approved 8-0.
    • 18.3 (25th Ave shared‑use path deeds) – approved 8-0.
    • 18.4 (Belgian Fest licensing) – approved 8-0.
  • Non-Consent First Reading Ordinances (advanced to second reading):
    • 19.1 (Pour Bros Craft Taproom video gaming) – 8-0.
    • 19.2 (Sins Tavern video gaming) – 8-0.
    • 19.3 (Aman Food & Gas liquor exception) – 8-0.
    • 19.4 (Water termination grounds) – 8-0.
    • 19.5 (Water late payment penalty) – 8-0.
    • 19.6 (Water appeals renumbering) – 8-0.
    • 19.7 (Garbage/trash late payment penalty) – 8-0.
  • Miscellaneous Business:
    • Mayor noted a new state law banning battery disposal in landfills; communication to residents planned.
    • Update on winter shelter efforts: a previously identified building in Rock Island fell through; county board continues seeking solutions.
    • Alderperson Schmidt reported positive feedback from Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce meeting regarding diversification beyond manufacturing.
    • Staff (Mr. Dekes) announced evaluation of a special council meeting at Bridge Point to tour the facility.
    • Update on Tapestry public art project: meeting with Quad City Arts; goal to install structural bases by October/November 2026.
  • Executive Session – Council voted 8-0 to enter executive session for personnel, collective bargaining, property acquisition, and real estate price setting.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. I'll call our meeting to order here in Council Chambers at 6 p.m. Uh roll call, please. Alder Person Silas. Present. Messias. Present. Present. Timon. Present. Finch. Present. McNeil. Present. Castro. For the Schmidt. Present. We do not have any remote electronic attendance. Uh public comment. All right, we do have one that's emailed in to us. George Orwell said true liberty is telling people what they don't want to hear. Thanks for letting me share. My name is Tom Keith, and I live in the seventh ward. I was wondering if any of the council verified the claim that flock or acts on cameras prevent crime, as I proposed the last time I spoke here. The facts as I understand them are that crime has been dropping significantly since 2021 or COVID time without the current onslaught of spy cameras. Perhaps Mr. Gall can verify that. I recently discovered that the sheriff in Wapalo County, Iowa, told their deputies not to tell people that flock cameras were used in their arrests. I'll put the link below. Again, how can the city justify the expense of these cameras when studies show that they don't work at reducing crime and they're nothing more than data collection centers? Another item I'm appalled at is the recent 30 mile per hour speed limit down from 45 miles per hour, entering Moline from East Moline on the Avenue of the Cities. Is this another money grab for the city's coffers at the expense of its citizens? Pritzker just passed a law saying if you get two tickets in a year, your license will be suspended, and a monitoring device must be installed on your car. Of course, at your expense. Again, the link is below. Thanks for letting me share, Tom Keith. Thank you. Um our next item is an oath of office for promotion of Fire Marshal Mitch Cunningham to lieutenant effective August 23, 2026. Chief Reaganweather. Thank you, Your Honor. Good evening, Council. Tonight I have the privilege privilege of introducing Mitch Cunningham, who was recently promoted to the rank of lieutenant with the Mulling Fire Department. Mitch began his career with Mulline Fire on April 18th, 2011, when he was hired as a firefighter paramedic. Throughout his career, Mitch has continued to take on additional responsibilities within both our department and the regional fire services. In 2021, he was appointed fire marshal for the city of Moline. A position in which he still continues to hold today. Also in 2021, Mitch became a team leader with the MAVES Division 43 Tactical Rescue Team. For those unfamiliar with technical rescue team, they're a highly skilled group of individuals who respond to structural collapses, can find space rescues, high angle rope rescues, and various other specialized incidents. In 2022, Mitch completed the police academy for fire arson investigators while also being appointed to the rank of engineer later that year. Mitch has continued his education throughout his career, earning an associate degree in fire science in 2023, followed by a bachelor of science in fire administration and fire investigation in 2024, both from Columbia Southern University.

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