City of Moline

619 16th Street

Moline, Illinois 61265

Committee-of-the-Whole Minutes

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

PRESENT: Mayor Stephanie Acri (Chair)

Alderman Scott Williams (Ward 1)

Alderman David Parker, Jr. (Ward 2)

Alderman Mike Wendt (Ward 3)

Alderman Richard “Dick” Potter (Ward 4)

Alderman Sam Moyer (Ward 5)

Alderman Kevin Schoonmaker (Ward 6)

Alderman Mike Waldron (Ward 7)

Alderman Sonia Berg (Alderman At-Large)

ABSENT: None

STAFF: J.D. Schulte, Public Works Director and Interim City Administrator

Janine Hollembaek Parr, City Clerk

Alison Fleming, Human Resources Manager

Lori Wilson, Parks Recreation Director

Don Goff, Information Technology Manager

Bryon Lear, Library Director

Darren Gault, Chief of Police

Jeff Snyder, Fire Chief

Scott Hinton, City Engineer

Carol Barnes, Finance Director

Jeff Anderson, City Planner

Tony Loete, Utilities General Manager

Rodd Schick, Municipal Services General Manager

Dave Mallum, Fleet Manager

K.J. Whitley, Community Development Program Manager

Ryan Berger, Land Development Manager

Amy Saunders, Legal Specialist

OTHERS: Derke Price, Ancel Glink

Alexandra Elias, Renew Moline

Mark Peterson, GovHR

Greg Ryckaert and team, IMEG

Judy Clouw, Resident

Madelyn Putman, Aldi

Mayor Acri called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.

Presentation Presentation of October NPC Awards – Aldi (Commercial) and Judy Clouw (Residential) (K.J. Whitley,

Community Development Program Manager)

Committee-of-the-Whole Minutes October 8, 2019

Page 2

Urban Land Institute (ULI) Funding Update. Alexandra Elias, Renew Moline President/CEO, shared that a

grant submitted to the John Deere Foundation in early September has been approved in the amount of $40,000

for the ULI project. Elias stated that there is one more grant in the works, and is her hope that the City’s share of

the project cost will be cut to $45,000. The project is expected to begin in early 2020. Elias thanked Mayor Acri

for her leadership, and thanked the Mayor and Council for their support. Seven proposals were received today

for the Public Art Master Plan.

FEMA Grant Application – 49th Street Pump Station Relocation. Scott Hinton, City Engineer, explained that

staff is proceeding with the FEMA grant, due October 31, 2019, to fund relocation of this pump station, as part

of the high speed rail project. IMEG was engaged to provide a plan for relocation, and Urban Hydro will be

assisting with the grant application. IMEG representatives explained that with the FEMA grant on the horizon,

they began looking at what needed to be down to get the pump station off of the right-of-way, identifying two

drainage areas that could be separated. On the FEMA flood map, the study area was identified and the analysis

and plan was explained. This work is not reimbursable.

Questions on the Agenda There were no questions on the Agenda.

Agenda Items 1. A Resolution authorizing the purchase of twenty-one (21) 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid

Electric Vehicles (HEV) from Sexton Ford for the amount of $848,883. Dave Mallum, Fleet Manager,

explained that Fleet Services budgeted in 2019 to replace 21 Police Department vehicles that have reached the

end of their reliable lives. Specifications were developed and a request for proposal was published for 21 Ford

Interceptor Utility Hybrid vehicles. Sexton Ford submitted the lowest and most responsive and responsible

proposal in the amount of $848,883 for the 21 vehicles. City staff is also requesting that the current equipment

be disposed of by the Fleet Manager through the legal disposal process that is most advantageous to the City,

whether sealed bid, auction, negotiation, or otherwise. A motion was made by Alderman Berg to approve.

Seconded by Alderman Waldron. Staff will provide the cost of time and material required to ready the vehicles.

The current vehicles are seven years old, with odometer readings between 230,000 and 500,000 miles. The new

vehicles provide 65% less idle time, and should result in an extended life of at least one year. Motion passed

unanimously.

2. A Resolution authorizing the purchase of a Vactor Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Jetter-Vacuum

Combination unit from Coe Equipment, Inc. for the amount of $400,897.38. Fleet Manager Dave Mallum

indicated that the Water Pollution Control Division uses combination jetter-vacuum units for maintenance of the

storm and sanitary sewer systems and as a hydro excavation tool to aid in utility work. One of the current units has

been in service since 2009 and has exceeded its reliable, useful life. This unit has been scheduled for replacement

in 2019. After examining historical experience and usage data for this application, it has been determined that a

fully dedicated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) power train can meet the torque and horsepower needs of this unit.

CNG is an alternative fuel that provides efficient performance at a low cost and it burns cleaner than diesel fuel.

The combination unit specified is available for procurement as part of a joint purchasing agreement through

Sourcewell (formerly NJPA) active contract #122017-FSC. Staff recommends a joint purchase of one Vactor

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Combination Jetter-Vacuum unit from Coe Equipment, Inc. for $400,897.38 after

trade in allowance of $69,756.00. A motion was made by Alderman Waldron to approve. Seconded by Alderman

Wendt. Funds are budgeted for this purchase. This vehicle will be used daily. Motion passed unanimously.

3. A Resolution setting the dates for the 2019-2020 deer bow season for the City of Moline pursuant to the

requirements of Section 7-1109A(f) of the Moline Code of Ordinances. Darren Gault, Police Chief, stated that

Section 7-1109A of the Moline Code of Ordinances sets forth regulations for archery deer hunting within Moline’s

corporate limits. Subsection (f) of Section 7-1109A provides that said hunting will only be allowed on those specific

days designated as deer bow season by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (“IDNR”) and the City. The

City wishes to set dates for its 2019-2020 deer bow season to coincide with the dates set by IDNR, specifically,

Committee-of-the-Whole Minutes October 8, 2019

Page 3

October 1, 2019 through January 19, 2020. A motion was made by Alderman Schoonmaker to approve. Seconded

by Alderman Wendt. Alderman Wendt, seconded by Alderman Schoonmaker, moved to approve and amend the

ordinance to simply mirror the state’s dates on an annual basis. Alderman Berg suggested delaying the start of the

season for the safety of residents. Chief Gault indicated that no deer have been harvested, and five sites and fifteen

hunters approved to date. Alderman Berg moved to change the launch date to November 1 annually. Seconded by

Alderman Parker. There was discussion. Motion failed with Alderman Berg voting aye. Alderman Berg moved

to end hunts at 3:00 p.m. daily. The motion was not considered for lack of second. Motion to amend passed with

Alderman Berg voting nay. The amended motion passed with Alderman Berg voting nay.

4. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement

between the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the City of Moline to allow the

City to be eligible for supplemental payments for covered ambulance services pursuant to the terms of the

Intergovernmental Agreement; and authorizing all appropriate City of Moline officers and staff to do all

things necessary to complete each of the City’s responsibilities pursuant to the Intergovernmental

Agreement. Jeff Snyder, Fire Chief, shared that the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS)

has submitted an application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to change the methods and

standards of payment to a “Participating Municipal Ambulance Provider” (Provider) for covered ambulance

services as defined in the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA). The City of Moline’s Fire Department is a

Provider. In anticipation of the application approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, HFS is

requesting an agency cost report and an executed IGA from those Provider agencies wishing to participate in the

program. The City received this information in late September, and submission of an initial cost report and an

executed IGA was required by October 1, 2019, to be eligible for 2019 funding. The City therefore seeks to

complete the initial cost report and execution of the IGA and submit them to HFS by its November 1, 2019

deadline to be eligible for 2020 funding. In sum, HFS is proposing a payment method that will allow a Provider

to receive supplemental payments above the fee schedule rates currently received if the cost to provide the covered

ambulance services exceeds the current fee schedule. If the new funding method is approved, each Provider will

be eligible to receive the difference between the actual costs for transport and the fee schedule. A Ground

Emergency Medical Transport (GEMT) Reimbursement program will be adopted, and HFS and the City would

evenly split the enhanced reimbursement revenue. As part of the program, the Fire Department will be required

to submit a new cost report annually as directed by HFS. To allow City staff time to complete submission of an

initial cost report and an executed IGA to HFS by the above-referenced November 1, 2019 deadline. A motion

was made by Alderman Wendt to approve. Seconded by Alderman Waldron. There was discussion. Although

this is not a new program, it is new to the State of Illinois. There is anticipation of the program’s approval by the

State, and staff wishes to be proactive. Motion passed unanimously.

5. An Ordinance amending Chapter 21, “NUISANCES IN GENERAL,” of the Moline Code of Ordinances,

by enacting one new Article III, “REGISTRATION OF VACANT PROPERTIES AND PROPERTIES

WITH DEFAULTED MORTGAGES.” Derke Price, Corporate Counsel, explained that the City wishes to

expand upon its efforts to revitalize and stabilize its neighborhoods and has discussed adding a proactive process

to address the deterioration, crime, and decline in value of Moline neighborhoods caused by vacant properties and

properties with defaulted mortgages. By identifying these properties at an early stage, the City is in a better position

to monitor and respond to any adverse consequences arising from the vacancy or economic circumstances leading

to the foreclosure. The City has determined that owner-occupied structures are generally better maintained when

compared to vacant structures, even with a diligent off-site property owner. Vacant structures or structures owned

by individuals who are under economic stress and unable to meet their mortgage obligations are often not properly

or diligently maintained; consequently, they contribute to blight and declining property values and have a negative

impact on social perception of the areas where they are located. The City therefore intends to establish a property

registry program for “registrable property,” as defined in the ordinance, as a mechanism to help protect Moline’s

neighborhoods from becoming blighted through the lack of adequate maintenance of certain properties that are

vacant, foreclosed and/or in default or defaulted, and to provide a mechanism to avert foreclosure actions through

Committee-of-the-Whole Minutes October 8, 2019

Page 4

timely intervention, education, or counseling of property owners. This ordinance amendment will provide for the

implementation of such a registry program and for the penalties and enforcement of its regulations. The program

will include the following requirements, in part:

Real property not subject to mortgage in default:

Any owner of vacant property located within the City shall register with the City within 10 days after the property

becomes vacant or within 10 days after assuming ownership of the property, whichever is later.

$300 registration fee for each vacant property; the fee is semi-annual and nonrefundable.

The fee will be used to offset costs of registration, registration enforcement, code enforcement and mitigation

related to vacant properties, and for any related purposes as may be adopted pursuant to the ordinance.

Upon sale or transfer of a property, the new owner is subject to all terms of registry regulations, including

inspection, security and maintenance standards as long as the property is vacant.

Real property subject to mortgage in default or defaulted:

Mortgagee of such property shall perform a property inspection, provided the mortgage authorizes such a right

to inspect, a lawful court order permits such an inspection, or consent to such an inspection is given by a person

of majority age with a legal right to occupy said property. The property shall be inspected every 30 days by

mortgagee or mortgagee’s designee.

Mortgagee shall register the property with the City registry within 10 days of the date mortgagee declares its

mortgage to be in default or defaulted and indicate if the property is vacant, and if so, designate a property

manager to inspect, maintain and secure the property.

$300 registration fee for each property in default or defaulted; the fee is semi-annual and nonrefundable.

The fee will be used to offset the costs of registration, registration enforcement, code enforcement and

mitigation related to defaulted properties, post-closing counseling and foreclosure intervention, and for any

related purposes as may be adopted pursuant to the ordinance.

Upon sale or transfer, new mortgagee is subject to all terms of the registry’s regulations, including inspection,

security and maintenance standards as long as the property remains defaulted.

In addition, a late fee shall be applied to any non-registered property or upon non-payment of the registration fee,

and any property in violation may be deemed a public nuisance and is subject to the City’s actions to ensure

compliance, which may include placement of a lien on the property. A motion was made by Alderman Wendt to

approve. Seconded by Alderman Berg. Price explained that vacant means that the structure is wholly unoccupied

for 30 days. Properties for sale are included. The purpose of the registry is to enable the City to stay on top of the

issue. There was discussion. Mayor Acri suggested that the amendment may be too aggressive. Price suggested

including that properties on the rental registry would be exempt from this registry, aligning the vacancy period with

utility billing at 90 days, and build in an exception for residents that spend a portion of the year out of the area.

Alderman Wendt noted that the longer a property is vacant, the greater the possibility of it becoming a nuisance,

therefore a graduated fee scale should be implemented. Alderman Berg, seconded by Alderman Wendt, moved to

table indefinitely. Motion passed unanimously.

6. A Resolution authorizing approval of a request for a street light at the intersection of 12th Street and 27th

Avenue Court, Moline. Scott Hinton, City Engineer, indicated that City staff received a request to install a street

light at the intersection of 12th Street and 27th Avenue Court, the entrance to Calloway Court, due to safety concerns

after dark. Existing street lights are located approximately 160’ to the north and approximately 210’ to the south,

however, they provide little illumination to the intersection due to mature trees on the street. The City’s Street

Light Policy states that street lights shall be placed at intervals not less than 230’, so a new street light at this location

would not be consistent with the Policy. The Policy also states, however, that “Generally, street lights shall be

placed at each intersection.” Based on this language and given that the intersection is not adequately illuminated,

staff recommends a light be installed. A motion was made by Alderman Parker to approve. Seconded by Alderman

Williams. Alderman Parker stated that, over time, a tree had grown around the street light. Staff will work with

MidAmerican Energy to see about relocating the pole. There would be no cost to relocate. Motion passed

unanimously.

Committee-of-the-Whole Minutes October 8, 2019

Page 5

Informational

Springtime Free Yard Bag Collection. Rodd Schick, Municipal Services General Manager, stated that this report

is provided at the request of Council. Alderman Potter moved to provide collection free of charge for the first two

weeks. Seconded by Alderman Moyer. There was discussion. Schick will report the cost of leaf vacuuming.

Motion failed on roll call with the following vote: ayes: Aldermen Williams, Parker, Moyer and Schoonmaker;

nays: Aldermen Berg, Wendt, Potter, Waldron and Mayor Acri.

Right-of-Way Sign Code Regulations and Enforcement. Derke Price, Corporate Counsel, and Ryan Berger,

Land Development Manager, provided the attached information. Price indicated that signs in the right-of-way are

considered trash and a nuisance, and may be thrown away. Alderman Wendt suggested enforcement on Tuesdays

and Thursdays. The City’s sign code doesn’t regulate mobile signage. Consensus of Council was to move forward,

and staff will bring back a formal amendment.

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Janine A. H. Parr

City Clerk

2019 Spring Free Yard Waste Bag Collection

Date Day # Bags Revenue Loss Tons Tipping Fees4/15/2019 Monday 336 $672

4/16/2019 Tuesday 634 $1,268 7.54 $232.01

4/17/2019 Wednesday 539 $1,078 3.55 $109.23

4/18/2019 Thursday 759 $1,518

4/19/2019 Friday 853 $1,706 7.53 $231.70

1st Week Totals = 3121 $6,242 18.62 $572.94

Date Day # Bags Revenue Loss Tons Tipping Fees4/22/2019 Monday 368 $736 4.24 $130.46

4/23/2019 Tuesday 577 $1,154 5.35 $164.62

4/24/2019 Wednesday 541 $1,082 6.39 $196.62

4/25/2019 Thursday 804 $1,608 5.94 $182.77

4/26/2019 Friday 892 $1,784 8.28 $254.78

2nd Week Totals = 3182 $6,364 30.20 $929.25

Bags Revenue Loss Tons Tipping Fees

Two-Week Totals = 6303 $12,606 48.82 $1,502.19

ROW Sign Code Regulations

and Enforcement

CURRENT

Sec. 3-1102 Posting Notice, Placard, Bill, Etc. Prohibited in Certain Cases. • No person shall post, stick, stamp, paint or otherwise fix or

cause the same to be done by any person, any notice, placard, bill, card, poster, advertisement or other paper or device calculated to attract the attention of the public to or upon any sidewalk, crosswalk, curb or curbstone, flagstone, or any other portion or part of any public way or public place or any lamppost, electric light, telegraph, telephone pole or railway structure, hydrant, shade tree, or tree box or upon the piers, columns, tresses, girders, railings, gates, or other parts of any public bridge or viaduct or other public structure or building or upon any pole, box, or fixture of the fire alarm or police alarm system, except such as may be authorized or required by the laws of the United States or state and the ordinances of the City.

3-1102

• Notice of Violation handled through Administrative Adjudication

Sec. 3-2108. Signs in the Public Right-of-Way

No signs shall be allowed in the public right-of-way, except for the following:

(1) Permanent signs, including:

a. Public signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body to post legal notices, identify public property, convey information to the public, and direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic;

b. Transit signs erected by a public transit authority;

c. Informational signs of a public utility regarding its poles, lines, pipes, or facilities; and

d. Awning, projecting, and suspended signs projecting over a public right-of-way in conformity with the conditions of Table 3-2105.1 of this ordinance and only after approval of a licensing agreement by the City Council and compliance with all City codes, policies, rules, and regulations pertaining to right-of-way restrictions and encroachments, and shall include, but not be limited to, proof of insurance for said licensing agreements as per City requirements with the City listed as an insured in an amount as established, from time to time, by the City Council.

(2) Emergency warning signs erected by a governmental agency, a public utility company, or a contractor doing authorized orpermitted work within the public right-of-way.

(3) Any sign installed or placed on public property, except in conformance with the requirements of this section, shall be removed from the public right-of-way and kept in the possession of the City for a period of at least thirty (30) days during which time the City shall attempt to contact the owner of such a confiscated sign for the purpose of notifying the owner that the sign has been confiscated and may be retrieved by the owner from the City. If the owner of said confiscated sign fails to retrieve the sign within thirty (30) days, the City may discard any such confiscated signs without further notice to said sign owner. In addition to other remedies hereunder, the City shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal of such sign.

3-2108

• Currently not within the Jurisdiction of Administrative Adjudication

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE ENFORCEMENT (RICCES)Sec. 2-6110 Jurisdiction; Schedule of Penalties

Proposed Amendments

• Amend 3-2108 to add a schedule of minimum fines for violations that increases with the frequency of repeat offenses (e.g., 50/100/200/400) plus court costs and retrieval costs.

• Amend 2-6110 to add 3-2108 to jurisdiction and set forth the minimum fines

• Develop strategies with PD to track down violators using false phone numbers.