City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening everyone. I'll call our uh committee of the whole meeting to order at 6 pm in council chambers. Roll call please. Alder person Murphy present. MSAS present. Rosac present. Timmyian present. Finch present. McNeel present. Castro present. Schmidt present. All right. Uh there's no remote electronic attendance needed. Is there public comment chief? All right. Just a reminder you have three minutes. Okay. And do you have the clock going? Uh, hello everyone. My name is Tom Keith. I'm from Holene.

Um, as many of you know, I'm a activist trying to stop the spring. Our sky is called climate engineering. I have flyers back to the clerk if anybody wants one or two. Um, Neil Anderson's got a proposal before the Senate right now. on trying to stop this too and it does trying to stop the spraying of our skies with climate engineering. So I get some of you people maybe to talk to him and encourage that bill to go through that would help. Um my other concern is a new technique to spy on Americans called Palenter Gotham. Police departments across the US are using a software to aggregate and analyze massive amounts of civilian data. With a single search, officers can access and infer past addresses and known associates, vehicle movements via automatic license plate readers and clock cameras. We've got three of them up here at UTICM. Photos, tattoo scars, prior arrests and field interviews, social media and financial data when legally obtained or subpoenaed. Algorithmic risk scores that flag people based on patterns, not convictions. Now you call that the pre-rime or minority report. Anybody remember that movie? This is sold as crime filing, but it creates centralized digital profiles of millions of Americans, many never charged with a crime, often with mental public transparency or oversight. Now, the knee-jerk response is if you're not doing anything wrong, you've got nothing to worry about. But, you know, that's what the Germans said. And Mark Nemler, he was a minister of Germany. And he said, "First they came for the socialists, but I wasn't a socialist, so I said nothing. Then they came for the trade union and Jews and I said nothing because I was neither. Then they came for me and there was no no one left to stand up for me. Thank you for

listening. Please don't kill the messenger." Thank you.

Anything further cho I'm David Soner. I'm in the fourth ward. Um so I came here tonight to voice my strong opposition to the city's use of flock cameras um and ask that you invite feedback from the public on their use. Uh recently I've been researching and discussing plot cameras with people in Molen and the rest of Quad cities. Uh I found many are unaware of their use and distressed by their implications once they do find out. Um to that end I started a petition encouraging cities in the area to stop using them. Uh currently has about 260 people from the Quad City signed on in just under two weeks. Um I submitted that petition earlier this week to the city clerk. Hopefully you all have a moment to read it. Um, while everyone has their own specific reasons uh opposing these cameras, I personally want to highlight the issue of trust. Um, I believe our city leaders and police department have the best interest of the city in mind. However, Flock as a company has shown they don't deserve that same trust. Time and again, they promise one thing only to be found doing the opposite. Um, first, they claim they don't have federal contracts. Yet here in Illinois, the Secretary of State uh audited Flock and found them sharing data with federal agencies, including Customs and Border Patrol, which violated Illinois law. East Molen may have been one of the cities whose data was shared. Uh second, they claimed they don't allow searches for healthcare. Yet, Texas police access the national database to search for a woman to investigate whether she had an abortion. Again, against Illinois state law. Third, they claim their system is secure and only for law enforcement. Yet, security researchers have found dozens of cameras open to the entire internet publicly available, including live feeds of children at parks, uh, as close as Cedar Rapids. Um, we're handing powerful surveillance tools to a company with a track record of security failures and broken promises who time and again is putting their

bottom line above anyone's safety. So, I want to leave you with simple question. Can we trust Block? Thank you. Thank you very much, Brian Allen. into. Okay. Thank you. All right. If there's no further public comment, I don't have any questions on the agenda or adjustments other than uh there was information about a potential amendment to item 6.3 I believe at your places. And there was also the um filledin updated contract

updated contract for 6.4. Um, I had specifically asked about deliverable dates for the art project and so that was able to be included for you tonight. Um, all right. We'll move to our items 6.1. A resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to an intergovernmental agreement between the city of Molen and Molenco Valley School District number 40 to establish terms and conditions under which the city will provide fuel pre-treated road salt and use of the drive-through vehicle wash for purchase to the school district for a term of 10 years. Mr. Schmidt,

good evening. Um, so yes, we are looking to enter another agreement with the school district. The previous agreement has expired. Um, this one will be for, as the mayor mentioned, um, fuel, road salt, and then a washing station for vehicles. Um, we're lucky and fortunate to be able to provide these supplies and services to other agencies as a way to collaborate and not have duplicate efforts with other agencies. Um, so we're looking to have this agreement for 10 years. Thank you. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion. Yes, Mr. Timmy. My understanding is that the previous agreement had a discounted rate for the school and this current one brings it at cost. Is that correct?

Thank you. Thank you very much. Anything further from the council hearing? None. All in favor? Any opposed? That motion passes. 6.2. A resolution approving change order number one and final with Autobomb Company, Inc. for project 1499 2025 Midtown parking ramp repairs for the amount of $4,6955. Miss Clower,

good evening. Um, this item is to approve the final change order for the aforementioned project. Change order amount is $4,6955. Purpose of this change order is to adjust the final field measurements to actual quantities and for installation of an aluminum plate over an expansion joint at the pedestrian walkway to the access hotel. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Rzach. Discussion. Hearing none. All in favor?

Any opposed? That motion passes. 6.3. An ordinance amending chapter 35, zoning and land development of the Molen code of ordinances regarding certain corrections, additions, and/or clarifications to the zoning and land development regulations, including text amendments to article two, development review and procedures. Division one, administrative development review, section 35-2100, review and approval required. Table 35-2100.1 administrative development review procedures summary and by adding a new section 35-2111 entitled request for reasonable accommodation and amending article 3 zoning division 4 land use regulation section 35-341 regulation of allowed uses table 35-3401.1 permitted land uses concerning small institutional group homes. Thank you,

Mr. Matias.

Um, I promise it's more simple than that. Um, so we, uh, you know, you do this for a while, but you do learn things still in your profession, right? And so we, um, we were made aware of a group home going into 437 39th Street. Um, and we were aware that this is going to be a house with 10 uh, male individuals recovering from substance abuse. And so we put that through our code, which was that it required a special use permit. And of course, uh, Drake Daly came in as the building official and said, "Okay, we need sprinklers here. This is a commercial job." And everything else. So, what we learned through that process from the attorney representing this gentleman is that the city needs to come up with a process and a way to allow individuals with disabilities to live in a in a home to in a single housekeeping unit together. And the reason for that is because that is the federal and um and state definition of a person with disabilities, right? So, we had our opinion of what a person with disabilities is and we've been kind of educated on that. As you see in my in my email, there are some lawsuits and things that have happened along this along lines with this. Um, so we do need a way to accommodate for this. What this process does, and by the way, this went to our plan commission. This did have unan support from our plan commission and was um noticed in the paper um and the ways that we need to do that. But the main thing that came out of this was coming up with a process, right? Where they can fill out an application. I can review that as the the CED director. I can communicate that to our building official and we can allow for an example of this with the this this home with 10 individuals to go in and be treated like a single family home. What that means is from a building code standpoint it would be treated as a single family home. Um and also from a zoning standpoint. So, we've come up with this process. Um, appeals to that, you know, can go to our plan commission if if if our opinion of that is appealed some uh somehow. And of course, we would look for documentation from this applicant to uh look into like is it actually a a group home with disabilities or home with persons with disabilities. So, we're asking for your

uh approval and we're recommending approval of this. Thank you. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finn, seconded by Timmyian. discussion. Yes, Mr.

If I could, Mayor, before Alder person Timian speaks, I would like to speak a little bit more about what is currently before you. Um, I reviewed this and and worked with Chris on preparing it. There are a number of ways that we could have addressed this and you're about to hear about another way that we could. Uh, I personally believe that what we prepared is the best way. However, I acknowledge that uh the method you're about to hear about will also take care of this problem. Um my concern that I wanted to raise, I don't like working really quickly in order to take care of really serious issues. And so I am even though I helped to prepare what Alder person Tim Timmyian is going to be suggesting um I am a little bit scared by it because I'm just not positive that it addresses everything that it needs to. Uh it certainly addresses the particular issue that was raised to us and it does resolve that. I acknowledge that, but I think we need to take a forward-looking approach. And if you pass uh what Mr. what other person Timian is proposing, I am going to be recommending that it go back to plan commission so that it can be fully studied. And if there are any other changes that might need to be made in order to properly make sure that it it covers everything uh then that could be done through the plan commission review rather than the two days that I have reviewed this and and worked with auto person Tim.

Understood. Al I will retort though that there are multiple readings of this where there is plenty of time for anyone on plan commission to review it talk to us etc. while the council is making the final decision in the long run anyway. It just delays things even more. Mr. Tamine, I appreciate the vote of confidence.

Um uh your honor, I uh would like to make a motion to substitute the ordinance uh with the one you all see at your places. It's on the desk. Um copies are available for the public as well right here if they'd like to see it. The ordinance addresses the same issues of compliance with federal law, but instead of creating a new process for requesting reasonable accommodation, I propose that we simply change the definition of family by striking the current definition in the zoning code and replacing it with the following definition. Family means one or more persons occupying a dwelling unit and maintaining a common household. This definition should uh shall also apply to chapter 8 of the city of Molen code of ordinances. Uh table 35-3401.1 would also be changed as proposed in the original ordinance which is reflected in the copy in front of you. That is a motion.

Second motion by Timian, seconded by Finch. Discussion. That's a motion to amend. Correct. Yes. Miss Castro um question. Um up to two. to um maybe to Bill um even like HUD has has like a separate definition between family and household. So family is their HUD definition for family is very similar to what we have here. But then household is kind of a broader definition almost kind of the same as what Mr. Timian is, you know, is suggesting. seems I mean does that make a difference that the federal government or HUD has the different defined definition?

Essentially the the federal law that we're running a foul of it says that we cannot have restrictions on disabled people uh that would prevent them from living as a single household in a residential area. And so by changing the definition of family uh so that unrelated individuals can still be a family uh autopimeian substitute motion takes care of that issue

for other types of um uh issues that might come up uh say um a need for a wheelchair ramp that doesn't quite meet setbacks. Uh those can be handled through variances or special uses or other kinds of things like that. this one when we were looking at trying to handle it through a special use or a variance or or any existing way of handling it um it it just did not work with the wording of our code. So, we were going to have to change the code in some fashion. What I opted for was what I thought would be the least change, what would have the least effect on the smallest number of people. It is not, as I said, the only way that we can address this. I I fully acknowledge that uh Alder person Timian's method is a way of addressing it. It may need tweaking and we can do that uh through additional um uh proceedings in front of the city council. I simply am more comfortable if we were to take more time with this uh because I don't want to guide you to something that is actually incorrect because I've missed some some issue. I think I got everything but I spent months working with Chris on what you have before you. I I spent two days working with Alder person Tim Timmyian on the substitute motion. It's it's really good for two days of work, but it's still two days of work.

Just a follow-up question if I can. Um if we change the definition of family in this ordinance, is that going to cause us to have to change definitions in other ordinances? I mean with that definition of family

that that definition of family is just specific to this for all uh all issues of zoning involving family. So for a single family residence you would have simply um a group of people that live in a common dwelling not necessarily a group of people who are related. not a single one of them would need to be related. Uh so you could have however many people fit in that single family residence and whether they are uh family members uh relatives in any fashion is irrelevant. That takes care of, as I said, the issue that we're running a foul of for the sober treatment facil sober living facilities where we are restricting the number of unrelated individuals who can live together. I I I like what I came up with first, but I can't tell you in all honesty that it is the only way to address it. It's just my preferred way to address it. Yes. Um, what kind of negative issues might we run into by making a change? I mean, if it's not

I mean, if it's if it's if it's a if it's a way to do it, I mean, it's are there any negatives to doing that that way? And that's why I'm recommending taking more time with regards to alter person Timian's uh substitute motion because I I don't know what bad things could happen. It may be that only good things will happen. I I don't know that either. I I I haven't done any kind of a study on this. I don't know of anyone else who has. I I do know it takes care of the current legal issue. I can tell you that. Beyond that, I I cannot make any prognostications about what's going to happen. Mr. to me.

Um I strongly advise that we none of us know what's going to happen and you know tomorrow. So like having said that a lot of cities have done away with the definition of family and zoning code altogether. This is a really nice compromise that maintains what is a f what is a uh it isn't family uh household um within a dwelling unit. So we can differentiate between a duplex and a single family home and a a multifamily unit. It is still separate individual units so that different codes apply. Having said that um the definition of family that is in our code is a holdover of many historically exclusionary zoning practices um that I think this council has made an effort to chip away at. um some of which are just the abundance of single family housing that prohibit uh boarding houses or uh a group of teenagers all going to college, teenagers, 18-year-olds, teenagers living together. Uh there's a lot of different living situations whereby people can run a foul of the law. And um zoning practices like this and these definitions are usually used to target people in neighborhoods that others don't want there. And so everyone's happy with the four young adults that live in a house until they have one loud party and then they're kicked out because they call the cops and it turns out they're violating the law. I firmly believe that the definition of family that we have in our code is very antiquated and it is used as a targeting practice. Um, and all the proposals that we had to change this I think were very well thought out and they were a system to get around an obstacle that we could have just removed

in the first place. And so that is why my proposal is a simple one of let's just remove the obstacle instead of trying to find ways around it constantly. and and you might not agree with it, so I'm happy to hear your thoughts about it as well. Anything further? Yes, Mr. McNeel.

Oh, well, I'm remembering. So, uh, my wife and I lived in an apartment stones throw from here on 7th. Um, I think there were two dozen units. They were all three-bedroom when we were young, and we had neighbors with four unrelated people in a three-bedroom apartment. Um, and so I think just remembering that that was for young people to that it was affordable housing for my neighbors. And so um I also think about people that are moving here or newcomers, immigrants and refugees who might be welcoming um other families into their home until they can find housing of their own. Um so I mean I I I see the value. I I understand what Bill's saying. This is a lot to consider, but um I I like the idea of um making this simple to create more attainable and affordable housing.

Mr. Schmidt, when we look at the current definition of family, what is its practical actual purpose in the current enforcement of the code? Is it for Mr. Matias? for whoever can answer that question.

Yeah, I think I think you can call it antiquated or the history of it is like we only want so many people that aren't part of this family living in this house because it's going to either cause nuisances or it's going to be too crowded or whatever the situation might be. So, I think that's probably where it comes from. How often does that actually get enforced? You know, in the 20 in the 18 years I've been doing zoning, have we ever actually like prosecuted some or like whatever you would call that, like actually get them into court? Absolutely not. Have we responded to some neighbors concerns about, hey, there's like 10 guys in this house next to me or something. Yeah, we we have done that, but I don't think we've ever had to take it to court or anything like that. So, I think that becomes the concern is like how many people could be in that house, but we also know that we don't actively check with a family. That was one of the questions that's the attorney had for us on people with disabilities, right? Was like, well, how often do you check how many people are living in a house? And it's like, we don't, you know, we don't ask how many people are in your family. So I don't know if that answers your question but I think it's a historical thing and and we did some research you know all the other quasities have some definition of it I think

pretty much identical one thing to what Chris has said um it the definition of family gives us a way of differentiating a single family residence and a multif family residence um this definition of family I think addresses that issue I don't know if it addresses the more historical aspects that uh Chris identified, but that was in in working with Alder person Tim, that was something in specific that I wanted to make sure that we had

a definition for family so that we could still differentiate a single family and a multif family, which basically is going to mean a single family, they all live communally. a multifamily. They all have their individual uh they they have their own bathroom, their own bedroom, their own uh kitchen. You know, they they each live individually. Basically, we're talking about apartments or even a single family residence that has been divided up into functioning uh uh separate dwellings and that that aspect of it I thought was important to come up with this language. so that we do have a standard going forward.

Did you have something for Mr. Schmid?

Yeah. Um, and I appreciate both of those answers and kind of understanding when we look at what is the there's not much in the way of a practical use besides discouraging certain certain items. Um, that definition is certainly antiquated when it refers to our domestic servants in in in the language. I I run into when we think about the change, the challenge I have, the challenge I have to with with being ready to jump at such a change like this is that um it is I mean we essentially say this word that we use and we define a million things throughout the code with now has no meaning whatsoever. I mean it we are we are zeroing it out. And I'm not saying that I don't think it should be zeroed out. Um but I am concerned that just by by just swapping out that definition of family to be quite so permissive. I mean it it it literally we say it allows everything as long as you're you're that owner. Um and I don't know if we have other mechanisms if if it's I mean a nuisance could be two people at a house. A nuisance could be five people at a house. I don't I don't personally you know and there are other mechanisms in a nuisance situation to address. So I'm I'm less concerned about that. But what if there is a health violation or stuffing 10 to 12 people into a place? And as you said we wouldn't check if it was a family. So it's okay if you're married and have kids but it's not okay if you're not like would we have health and safety violations that would

I don't know the health code real well and that sort of thing but getting back to Bill's point too it's like you think of that. So like do we need a boarding house in the code anymore? Like do we need that land use? So these are certain things you think about as you're you know study this. Mr.

Thank you ma'am. Um while defining family I I believe that we should not make it too rigid too restrictive but at the same time to loosen it very widely. We do not want to make our city like a New York in a one or two bedroomedroom apartment three four families are living. That is the situation which we do not want. And I do not I do appreciate our attorney that we should not jump into anything very quickly and fast. Slow and steady win the race. I believe that. Thank you. Anything further from the council,

Mr. Msas? Thank you. Um when you mentioned you so you put so many words into this obviously this is a piece that um and I'm not going to call it oversight but came up obviously uh there was an issue with a a place um if if uh we were to say take a step back and give more time how much time are we think talking about

if it were to be sent back to plan commission I think you're talking about a delay of about a month situ two months. Uh probably closer to two months if it were to be handled by the city council. Uh then it would be done at your next couple of meetings with the the possibility that if we didn't get it done on time that we may need to hold it over rather than advancing it to second reading. Um, but again, I don't I can't tell you for sure how long it will take in front of the city council, but it probably would be at least slightly quicker in front of the city council than going back to plan commission.

And and would that give say we go about it uh Mr. Timian's way um during that we can make amendments. Do you think that's is it reasonable to say you could kind of figure it out? As long as you do not advance it to second reading before making the amendments, you're going to be fine. But if you advance it to second reading and we discover late that there's something that needs to be changed, then you you've got a problem with the Open Meetings Act. Um, at that point we may need to take it back to first reading and go through from first to second reading again.

Mr. Atkins, I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. Why would there be a problem with the Open Meetings Act? It's a process and you can always send it back to a previous portion of the process. If if we discovered that some section needed to be changed that we haven't referenced, that is potentially a problem with the Open Meetings Act as the attorney general interprets it. I don't personally subscribe to that.

In what way is what I'm asking. In what way is what I'm asking you? Because all of these things, everything that comes before the council is amendable and can be moved back to a previous meeting or however they desire. What what the attorney general has said is that if the item was not on the agenda for that way of being passed, whatever whatever that is, if it gets changed after it has made it to uh city council, it is not um uh still in some committee, then if it is not the same uh section, if it's not the same general subject matter that uh the public has been given notice of,

then it is a violation. The city of Poria ran into a problem with this when they actually voted to continue doing what they had always been doing, but that wasn't on the agenda. And so the attorney general found that because they voted to continue doing what they had always been doing and not to make any change. So the the plan the point is you have to stick to what's in the agenda. We just need to make sure that that we if we make any changes that it's to the the parts we've already addressed. If it were to other parts, we basically need to start back at the beginning with new notice. Okay.

Did you have anything to uh substitute motion? I made sure that all the same provisions that were already addressed in all the public notice uh for plan commission and everything else are the same ones that are in here and actually a little bit less. Yeah. Yeah. And that's normal procedure anytime there's any any kind of amendment is it's just to a portion of what's presented.

Yeah. I I I think it can be done properly. It's just a question of making sure that we're addressing every procedural issue appropriately and not advancing it before we're sure that there's nothing more that needs to be done. It can it can advance to city council as an ordinance and at first reading there can be changes and then potentially advance to second reading. But advancing at a second reading, there could end up being some issues if we have other things that need to be changed. Thank you. Do you have something further? Yeah, just one final thing. And what does this mean to the individuals, the house, uh the place that's being uh

right now? They've told me they're operating on our current definition of family. So, and they'll once we deal with that, that's when they'll go to their full, you know, 10 folks in that house. So, they're waiting on us. Yes. Yeah. They're meeting the Okay. All right. Thank you.

So, I'll just share one thought as you contemplate what you're going to vote on. I think this council has steadily worked in ways to reduce barriers to make changes, especially as it regards in regard to housing. We want to make it easier to for people to be housed. And when you are talking about wage um depression and all of the things that everyone is dealing with, trying to keep themselves housed and fed and educated and all these things, eliminating barriers seems to be aligned with where this council has been headed in terms of all of the housing reform that we've we've attempted or been successful in changing. So I just want to point out that as you decide what you're doing, I think we should be thoughtful about the alignment of how policy is reflective of your um strategic plan basically and your values. So anything further Mr. Schmidt? Ultimately I agree with the move of red of removing that definition of family. I think probably the more appropriate action or what I would like to see it would be an approach of removing the use of family for a more properly and well-c calibrated household definition or how that would piece would move through. Um, that said, I don't believe we're in a place where where waiting on that makes sense because I also think we're not going it's not like many things, it's not like this is going to turn into a proliferation of large places or issues that we would would need to address. I think a fairly niche issue. The people anyone who was going to violate the current definition probably already is. Um, so I think as

we head into the longer term, it may be may an opportunity to look back and say, okay, why why are we defining what a family is to begin with and what does that even make sense? But as a practical purpose and to make it simpler, you know, rather than throwing up extra barriers, I think just pulling out the barriers through this mechanism is is where I would stand. Anything further from the council? All right, hearing none. All in favor of the substitute. I Any opposed? Nay. All right, that motion passes seven to one.

Thank you. Um and point taken for the need for review, but there are two weeks until it comes again for first reading. So hopefully the kind of research and reassurance that you would like to be able to give the council can happen in those two weeks and we'll take it one step at a time. Now that motion is solitary. Oh yes. Thank you. That was just the substitution. All right. Um any further discussion on this motion as amended? Hearing none. All in favor? Any opposed? Nay.

All right. That motion passes 7 to one as well. Thank you very much. We move to 6.4. A resolution approving the city of Molen public art commission's recommendation of skunk control as the choice artist and said artists proposed design for a public art installation at project area number one the Q multimmoal station cited in the molen public art and placemaking plan and authorizing the mayor to execute a leading light public art project agreement between the city of molen the rock island county metropolitan mass transit district the quad city arts and skunk control for the design and installation of a large scale interactction active and illuminated public art installation at project area number one pursuant to the intergovernmental agreement adopted by resolution number 1145-2024 and authorizing city staff to do all things necessary to implement the proposed public art installation at said project area number one

thank you mayor

so this is the leading light project you saw an IGA for this back in 2024 which is attached that kind of explains how this project would work but this is a uh 33 $30,000 public art project. Um, as you know, when we talk about the IGA, half of that will be coming from Metroink um through their their funding. And so we're happy to have them as a partner with this. Um, Jennifer Hersh is here um and was part of our selection committee as we reviewed these three proposals. So you can see that we had three finalists. One artist Gordon uh Huther withdrew prior to submitting the final design. And then the two remaining artists, you can see both of their concepts attached to this. Um, of course we um are recommending Skunk Control um which we thought by far um was the more creative and just all around better artistic design and project. So we really liked the um the brightness of it, how interactive it is and um think it's going to be a great uh project for that space. You know we are trying to create place in Molen and so I do want to point out that like I said this is not just coming out of the city's budget, right? This is a partner project with Metro Inc. Um, so I think that's important for the negative comments that we might see in on Facebook or other things about this, but we've identified that placemaking is something that we want to do and so we have to budget some of our funds towards that. And I would point out that we're putting a lot more of our funds towards roads and infrastructure than we are. This

is true.

Anyway, um, asking for your approval and just so you know, we have looked at utilities that are in the area. We've talked to ID do about any of their standards which were mostly about brightness and distracting the traffic. Uh we have heard from the railroad about any concerns they would have. Um and like I said, we have um plans with various utilities. The only thing that I think we need to do from here is kind of just have very set locations for where these will go on site. So we don't have any utility conflicts. So um I do want to just have Mr. Allen with Quad City Arts come up and just talk about these artists real quick. Just the art component just real quick. So thanks. Thank you, Mr. Matias. And good evening, uh, Mayor and Council members. I just wanted to tell you a little bit about Tapestry, which I I've seen that you were able to look at in advance, and just let you know that we really think that this is going to be, um, just a project that's going to bring a lot of community identity. So, Skunk Control is a creative group that's founded by Nick Aanu, and they are Australianbased. And so one thing that was really neat going through this project was getting to see that the people that applied for this came from all over the world. And of the top 10 public artists going on right now, public artists out there in the entire world, three of the top 10 applied for this. So we were getting some really top tier talent. And um and so Skunk Control has something really great in store for us which I hope you're able to look at already. Uh but I wanted to tell you a little bit about um just how like visually striking it's going to be that it's an immersive experience. And one thing that skunk control is after is the idea of wonder and also discovery. So that as people are going about and through the space and looking at the artwork, they're always able to discover something new. So for instance, um this has a lot of flowers in it, these large scale flowers. Each flower petal is a different arrangement of folding and unfolding. Um the the materials that are made out of it is a it's an optic filter. And so the color is going through that optic filter and that's how the actual color is going to be cast as a shadow both on the floor and on the

walls. And that's something that's really unique. And skunk control has looked to our local ecology which is really important to them to take into account the floor and fauna of our area. And so they're looking at butterfly wings and thinking about how that is the same type of process that a butterfly wing um has color come through it. So, it brings together art, science, and ecology to create a living, everchanging experience for the city. It activates both the sidewalk and the tower facade. Uh, the work comes alive day and night with large scale flowers and butterflies whose colors continually shift as sunlight and viewing angles change. As I said, these vivid colors are not painted. They're created through advanced optic filters and mimic how color is formed in nature. As people move through the plaza, the artwork responds by casting animated color shadows that transform both the space and the facade. Tapestry is designed to inspire curiosity, delight, and a deeper connection to local ecology, creating a landmark for Molen that evolves with its environment and its community.

Thank you very much. Any questions? Oh, wait. Do we have this online? We need a motion. Yeah, we need a motion. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion, Mr. Schmidt. Yes, your honor. I um just need to uh make notification that Metro Link is a client of my agency uh is not a competitive or beneficial situation here, but I want to notify. Thank you. Anything from the council, Mr. MSAS? Um was Skunk Control one of those top three artists?

Awesome. And I just wanted to say Skunk Control, but yeah, love the the concept, loved everything. it really looking forward to seeing it in real life. So, thank you for all the work. There was another hand, Mr.

No, I'm just glad that you pointed out, Chris, on the project cost. It is significant, but how fortunate we are to have a partner like Metroink um because how much we're able to get for our investment a significant project at scale and um I'm sure Mr. Allen would share with us as well. Um the economic impact when we're looking to develop our downtown of uh this this will help attract um businesses, visitors. It's um significant and I'm super excited. I think also it's good to note because we approved the public art program years ago now in 2021. Yes.

Right. And then the ca the committee has actually built up funds for it. Correct. like this wasn't like we're doing this size project every year. We knew that this was going to be the big project and so I I think for the public's sake they should know that that you know they've been responsible with planning for this over the long run. Correct. Mr. Timmy

I I want to thank the public arts commission for that reason. Um, you know, it's always a easy thing to cut on the budget and so they're they're forward thinking and and and squirreing away of the funds for these big projects, I think, is is really community centered and forward thinking. I just love also that it's right by the train station. So, when the train comes, uh, that's the first thing people are going to see when they leave. I think that that's just it's a great way to be welcomed into the city.

Thank you. I just want to thank the public art commission for all their work and just tell you they're a real creative group and I love what I do like about their meetings is just they really get intense on some things and it's fun to hear them go back and forth. They teach me a lot about art. So, thank you. Thank you. All right. If there's nothing further, all in favor?

Any opposed? That motion passes. 6.5. A resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an independent consultant agreement for professional services for Crawford, Murphy, and Tilly, Inc. uh for 200 excuse for 2026 intersection improvements for an amount not to exceed $392,120. Miss Clower, uh the agreement before you is between the city and CMT consultants to design two future intersection u reconfiguration reconstruction projects. The first is located at Avenue of the Cities and 53rd Street which is currently budgeted for construction in 2027. The second is located at 19th Avenue and 16th Street, which is currently budgeted for construction in 2028. Um, as part of this agreement, CMT will analyze the intersection of 19th Avenue and 16th Street for a possible roundabout. I don't know if it's possible yet. They need to do their work to see, but that will be presented to council once they determine if it's possible or not. If it's not, they will be putting back traffic signals.

Isn't that the intersection that we already got of a state grant for Nope. That's um 16 I thought it was further north. That's at 16. Yeah, got you. And 15th Street. Close. Thank you. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Messias. Discussion. I guess I should have asked that question during discussion. Yes, Mr. Timmy. I this this I love the idea of a roundabout here because it's another one of those fivepoint roads that are just really difficult to navigate and so I'm glad that that was proactively considered and I just wanted to thank you all for that.

Mr. Miz and I I mean it'll tie nicely to the one down the hill. So yeah, I love the idea.

Thank you. Uh anything further? There's nothing. All in favor? Any opposed? That motion passes. 6.6. A resolution approving and accepting proposed changes to prior contract language as agreed to and by and between the negotiators for the city of Molen and the United Automobile Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America UAW local 2282 relating to wages, hours of work and certain other conditions of employment effective for the contract period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028 and authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to a labor agreement incorporating said changes with the United Automobile Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America Local 2282 relating to wages, hours of work, and certain other conditions of employment effective for the contract period of January 1, 2026 through December 31st, 2028.

I'll be taking Mr. Vas.

Yes. Well, thank you, mayor. Thank you, councel. Um, what you have before you is a recommendation to approve the uh contract between the city and the UAW that represent our employees at the library. Uh, after three short sessions, they were able to successfully conclude their negotiations for a u a new agreement. And some of the highlights out of that is this is the last group moving into the compensation plan. uh that was done by Evergreen which is our class and comp study. So now all the employees of the city are fully integrated into that plan with the approval and adoption of this agreement. Um you can see from the email you should have received from Margaret Castapulus who works very closely with our HR director Liam Madson. Um you know she also recommends a couple other things going on here. wage increases. You know, the first year varies because migrating people in and out very similar to what happened before. Um, some people saw increases of 8%, some people saw 12 and are at the max. Some people saw 1%. It was a question of just migration, which they've agreed to. Uh, going forward in year two of the contract, a 3% uh increase across the board, and then year three, a 2.75% increase. So, pretty much keeping in line with our other bargaining units historically and what we've been able to negotiate. um paid parental leave, something that that uh we started here and has kind of taken off in other other cities around us. Um that was also included in here um that was agreed to by the union. Health insurance uh surprisingly they have agreed and I think it's really it's important to note that um they have accepted an 8020 split on the health insurance uh and Medicare elig eligible

retirees pay 100% of the premium. Um it's a big change. It's a big uh it's it's more than a big change. It's a gamecher uh for for what we have in our other contracts. So uh kudos to both u both sides of the bargaining table for agreeing to that. Um there's a lot of language clean up in here regarding recruitment and hiring and promote promotional processes, you know, and to clear up the confusion and making it more relative to the language that's in our APS contract, which is one of our largest bargaining units. So, that's been done. Um same thing with the grievance process that's been cleaned up. Not that we see any grievances coming from the library. Never had one in four and a half years. It's a happy golucky group over there. And you know, everybody's happy. So, that's what counts. Um, they are going to close a library a little bit earlier, uh, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve because we don't get patrons after 5:00 p.m. So, no reason keeping the staff there in an empty building. So, we're recommending approval as it was presented to you. Um, there's any questions. Leah's here as well, but I want to compliment both sides of the bargaining table for uh, moving rapidly to conclusion, start and conclusion of a successor agreement. So, highly recommend approval. Motion to approve.

Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Schmidt. All right. Uh discussion hearing none. All in favor? Any opposed? That motion passes. We move to ourformational uh 7.1 January 2026 status and information report. Mr. Vas.

Thank you again, Mayor and members of council. I just wanted to kind of go over a few things in this month's report because as you know this is the report that kind of ties out the end of the year for for December. Um and there'll be changes to this report going forward but I won't get into those tonight. Hopefully we'll be producing something that you'll enjoy and be more meaningful to you. Um and more costefficient with staff time. U couple things I think are important to really draw in. Uh one, the holidays just ended, right? holidays came, they ended going back to Thanksgiving and ending, you know, with the new year. Um, the city stepped up again this year. Um, going back to even the pandemic times, but we continue to provide the holiday meal gift card program to those in need in this community. um $25,000 in gift cards were provided uh for HY back in November and another $35,000 in December for gift cards to Fairway. Uh those were both matched by both stores 10%. So um we fell short in November so we increased the number to 35 in December. And believe me, everybody got a cart. I was there all day. It was really an amazing process. And uh we could do a little more streamlining, but we did get them in, we got them out, and it was probably one of the worst weather days we've had this year. I will say that. And uh Chris did a great job mopping the floor in the new gym, uh so that people didn't slip and fall, but it was really an incredible uh giving from this community. Um Tri City Housing Lottery, uh KJ, I know you're listening in. She's not in the room yet, but I'm going to have her speak to that. But you know, that $1.2 2 million program is kicking off in January, very very shortly. I wanted to come in and talk about that under miscellaneous. Uh again, that's a fantastic program to to help our our property owners who who

have great needs that go unmet. Um I do want to point out I couldn't be there, but I you know had worked on this with um with Mr. Frank Eggy as well as with uh Macy as well as with Ashley. Um, and there was a ribbon cutting for the signage that went up down there. Historical signage down in the riverfront. If you haven't seen it, please stop when you take a walk, take a look at it. Um, just a really great way of complimenting who Molen is. I mean, we are the Quad Cities. I mean, it started here. I mean, it took off here in this area grew because of the growth that happened along that riverfront right in downtown Molen. So, really great signage rep representing our history, proud history. uh the Thanksgiving throwdown food drive done by human resources. Our HR department does some great things. Uh they worked toward getting all of the competition going on inside our organization to, you know, do a food drive. We had 2,635 food items equaling 5,212 meals that were contributed by uh the city employees. Again, helping those in need at the neediest time of the year. and uh just want to make sure that that gets out there. Um and then last, I'll just wrap up with uh two great grants in our park and recreation department. Uh $10,000 from the USA Soccer Association and then two $50,000 from Team Mobile from their hometown grant. Uh highly competitive grant and we got 50,000. uh that 60,000 is going to address the need for the soccer pitch that was cut from the budget because of cost, you know, costs at the time of bidding. Uh over at Riverside Park is the final piece of that legacy project that we started long ago. So that now is uh being funded by 60% by outside dollars. So kudos to the park department for chasing down those dollars, making that project a reality

so that everybody can participate in what has proven to be very successful uh Musco soccer pitches, you know, here in the city. So with that, that's all I have.

Thank you. Any comments from council on the SAS and information report? I did want to thank Chief G for including the detailed data on our sheltering efforts and your the police department interaction with folks um that are in need of shelter. That was really helpful. If you did not read that in detail, please do as we continue to work on solutions um within the city and with our partners. Um I think it's really helpful information to put the need in perspective. So I wanted to mention that. Mr. Tumine.

Um I know I sent Bob an email about this. Laura is here. Um is there an update on the parking study that we had an RFP for? We have selected a consultant and we are going back and forth with contract language. Awesome. Thank you. Right. Anything further from the council? All right. We'll call our regular council meeting to order. Pledge of allegiance, please. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Do you have an invocation, older person Murphy? Okay. Roll call, please. Alder person Murphy, present. MSAS, present. Razak, present. Timmyian, present. Bench, present. McNeel present. Castro present. Schmidt present. Okay, we don't have any remote electronic attendance. Is there any further public comment? Hearing none, we'll move to our consent agenda. Your honor, I request the approval of committee of the whole meeting minutes of December 9, 2025. Committee of the whole council and executive session meeting minutes of December 16, 2025. Committee of the whole special meeting minutes of December 18, 2025 and consent agenda items 15.1 through 16.5 inclusively. Motion to approve.

Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Rosac. Roll call, please. Alder person Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Razach. Hi. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. I. McNeel. Hi. Castro. Hi. Schmidt. Hi.

Eight eyes. No. That motion carries. Non-consent agenda resolutions. Item number 18.1, a resolution accepting proposed changes to prior contract language as agreed to by and between the negotiators for the city of Molen and the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, local 2282 relating to wages, hours of work, and certain other conditions of employment effective for the contract period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028, and authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to a labor agreement incorporating said changes with the United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Employment Workers of America Local 2282 relating to wages, hours of work, and certain other conditions of employment effective for the contract period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028.

Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Murphy. Hi. MS. Hi, Rosac. Hi, Tim. Hi, Bench. Hi, McNeel. Hi, Castro. I Schmidt I. Eight eyes, no naysay. That motion carries. Non-consent agenda, first reading ordinances. Item number 19.1, an ordinance amending chapter 4, alcoholic liquor of the Mullen code of ordinances, section 4-3104, number of licenses by increasing the number of class B tavern licenses in the city at the request of Jeffrey Close JD Close Entertainment LLC, purchaser of the Broken Saddle Saloon, 1457 Fifth Avenue, Moly.

Motion to advance the second reading. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by MSAS. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Murphy. I. MSAS. I. Razak. Hi. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. Hi. McNeel. Hi. Castro. Hi. Schmidt. Hi. Eight eyes. No naysay. Motion to advance to second reading carries. Item number 19.2. An ordinance amending chapter 22 offenses miscellaneous of the Mullen code of ordinances section 22-1105. tobacco products, tobacco accessories, smoking herbs, and alternative nicotine products by increasing the number of class B incidental tobacco dealers licenses in the city of Molen at the request of JD Close Entertainment LLC. DBA the Broken Saddle Saloon. Motion to advance the second reading.

Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by MSAS. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Rosac. Hi. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. Hi. McNeel. Hi. Castro. Hi. Schmidt. I. Eight eyes, no nays. Motion to advance to second reading carries. Item number 19.3, an ordinance amending chapter 22, offenses miscellaneous of the mulling code of ordinances, section 221105, tobacco products, tobacco accessories, smoking herbs, and alternative nicotine products by increasing the number of class B incidental tobacco dealers licenses in the city of Molen at the request of Central Store LLC, DBA Central store. Motion to advance the second reading. Second.

Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing. None. Roll call, please. Alder person. Murphy. I. MSAS. Hi. Razak. Hi. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. Hi. McNeel. Hi. Castro. Hi. Schmidt. Hi. Eight eyes. No nays. Motion to advance to second reading carries. Item number 19.4. An ordinance authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute a fifth amendment to development agreement for the Quad Cities Multimotal Station between the city of Molen and Molen Prominate Investors LLC and to execute any necessary agreements referenced therein. and authorizing all appropriate city officers and staff to do all things necessary to complete each of the city's responsibilities pursuant to set agreement. Motion to advance the second reading. Second. Motion.

Yep. I just had another moment. Okay. All right. That was motion by Finch, seconded by Rosac. Um discussion hearing. None. Roll call, please. Alder person Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Rosac. Hi. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. Hi. McNeel. I Castro Hi, Schmidt. I Eight eyes, no nazs. Motion to advance to second reading carries. And that's all I have this evening, your honor.

All right, we start miscellaneous business with um just a couple dates for you. I think I you may have heard um through the listening post I had uh or any other commentary regarding our social services and efforts that I wanted to talk to faith leaders in the community so we get a better idea of who's doing what when are their interests how could they help the city etc. And so, um, Ashley Allen Smith has helped me settle on Thursday, January 15th from 9 to 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Molen. We have a wide swath of folks that are going to be invited um from Molen to help us get a an assessment of that. And I want to make sure I I've shared this with Ashley, like it doesn't have to just be their pastors. Many churches or organizations have someone who's in charge of social ministry, if you will, right? that that coordinates volunteers, that kind of thing. So, I'll be working through that on the 15th. Also, the state of the city, we have confirmation. It will be Monday, February 2nd at the M the Mulling Club, which is newly opened as of last year. We did a ribbon cutting um up on the top floor, right?

Yes. Yep. Um the ballroom. Yep. and we'll follow our pattern of uh morning coffee community speakers um who have been involved in something important in over the last year or so and then followed by my speech.

So that's February 2nd. Um I also wanted to just ask Bob to review a little bit and K's here now as well. Um so but you know we've continued conversations via email via phone um after the community listening post with partners etc. I've had conversations with other city leaders at our different um city uh leader meetings. Um about been about three of those since mid December to now. Um, so I thought you could give them an update on where we're at with the 25K that you authorized for sheltering help.

Nobody's planned any trips, no educational training involved. All the money is going to be used locally, right? All kidding aside, uh, thanks to KJ and and her efforts and other staff members working with her, um, we've secured, I think it's 25 cuts or do we up to 50 now? The first order was for 25

25. Yeah. So, yeah. So, we got 25 CS on order. And these are the kind of CS that are are durable and yet they are portable. So, they can be quickly assembled. They can quickly disassemble and they can be properly then stored. So, those have been ordered. Uh, sleeping bags have also been ordered. These are those zero degree sleeping bags. They're known as mummy bags. These are life-saving bags, right? because they basically secure your your body entirely and it contains its heat. So, um you don't know how many we have. I don't I have a number here I don't believe is correct. I have the first three downstairs right now.

Okay, the first three. So, we can look at those. So, we're in the process of getting those, zeroing in on that. Uh there are collapsible wagons that have been ordered as well so that they have the ability to transport their goods. Those are on order as well as hygiene kits. such as these are personal hygiene kits that they can use to actually take care of themselves while they're there. Um, we've been busy working with Project Now in discussions uh not only with respect to the uh the Allenale property um which presents a host of challenges because of the flammability of the structure. It was built as a single family residence. Uh so there are some issues with that building. Uh, as far as the city service center, gym, um, staff will be moving in there on the 19th from this community economic development department. As I pointed it out, I believe I sent you an email on this, but I'm going to repeat it. And then, uh, at the end of the month on the 26th, park and recreation will go in. So, that will conclude pretty much the relocation of that staff. Over the next month or two, I'll be working with both the finance department as well as uh HR and dealing with the relocation of finance to this building at some point certain uh during the hopefully during the first quarter of of this calendar year or fiscal year.

But but that won't impact the availability of the potential emergency sheltering in the gymnasium.

Correct. the the emergency sheltering in sheltering in the gym would be would be something that project now would manage the functionality of we are not trained or staffed to manage a shelter whether it's temporary interim long-term we just do not have that type of staff capacity or expertise so we would partner with project now they're well aware of that I've made them aware that the gym has a capacity of up to 55 CS so it pretty much covers you know what happened during that inclement weather and they opened up the Martin Luther King Center. So we have adequate space and that does meet with both you know FEMA standards and guidelines as well as international red cross standards and guidelines. So Mitch Cunningham our fire marshall's done a great job of being on board available and working with us to make sure that that that building works. It's a great location for that purpose on a temporary basis. Why? Building's not combustible. Doesn't need to be sprinklered because it has a brand new fire alarm system in it. So, we're actually in pretty good shape over there for temporary sheltering during this inclement January, February, and March. I would think by by end of March, we'd probably be okay. But we get bad weather. That's what we're doing. We're also looking at writing a policy on how this would operate, how we would actually do this because we just can't say we're going to open it, right? you know, we have a partnership with arrangement with with project now. You know, they've been pretty much stand up uh working with us both Mr. Lond and Reverend Ford as well as Mary McNeel. So, we've had a good working relationship established and uh and we are working through all of those details. So, I would expect that we will get back with that. Um other than that, uh we continue to explore longer term solutions. The mayor pointed it out. She's been, you know, at it. Best way to describe it, uh, pushing buttons, getting people interested, talking. Uh,

the county is is is having great conversations with us. Now, uh, Chairman Brock has been more than more than available to have discussions and, um, we're looking forward to scheduling some future get together with, I think, this month with all of the local cities in Illinois and try and address the the unsheltered issue here on our side of the river as opposed to dealing with the Iowa side. Can't deal with both, you know, so we're going to deal with what we can. And uh, so it's been very very um, it's been very good. I don't think there's anything bad that's happened yet. Thank you. Yet anyway, um the point is working relationships are working.

Yes, Miss uh Murphy, I don't have anything, Mr. Mas. Thank you very much, Deian. Wow. All right. Now, you may conclude any other further miscellaneous you have. I think you want to kynasty.

Well, I do. Happy New Year everybody. We don't always get to say that to each other. It's the first meeting of the year. 25 was 2025 was a great year. I mean, a lot of great things happened. A lot of heavy lifting leading into this year. Um, I expect to see bulldozers. I expect to see construction. You know, we've waited a long time and we've worked really, really hard at trying to lift the city up and see things happen. And uh thanks to the council, thanks to the staff, thanks to our private community uh that is willing to do business with Molen, we're going to start to see those housing starts. I think really really crucial for the future of the city. Um we're going to see a lot of work coming out of engineering under new guidance from from Laura Clower, our new new city engineer. Congratulations again. Good to have you on board. Um so and with that, please wish Mr. Dryer uh all the best after working in local government since 1987. He is leaving us next week, Tuesday, on January 13th and will be relocating in March of this year to a uh to a a new home here in Illinois. Believe it or not, Wisconsin guys staying in Illinois. They don't tax pensions in Illinois. There you go. So, there's one thing we do well. We don't tax pensions. Thank God. So anyhow, uh looking forward to a really a bright uh year coming up with a lot of uh a lot of great results uh that we've been planning on for years. So with that, just ask KJ to kind of lighten up a little bit on this Tri Cities Housing Lottery.

Well, before I go to that, Bob, just to piggy back off of your discussion there, uh mayor, on your desk is the environmental for the release of funds for the Park View uh project. Uh so we'll get that up to HUD. We'll go through its weight period and then hopefully we're going to be breaking ground on that soon in March. So that's very good news. And just to follow up on some of the homeless things, um I haven't told Bob all that I spent. Uh so now she never I have to pin her down if she's not easy.

Uh we did also get like scarves and gloves and socks and hand warmers and toe warmers. Um hygiene products. We're going to get a few tents. Like I said, we have sleeping bags, like Bob said, I should say. Um, and then the wagon to kind of transport. We have blankets and we also have emergency blankets.

So, we went very, very broad on what we purchased. And if there's a need for someone out there, we have it here. Uh, we're working with public works. We're going to store the stuff down there in a in a weathertight area so when it's needed, it's going to be in totes and we can get to it. Uh the CS that we uh picked out, they fold up and they're very very skinny. You can just slide them in like this. And like we said, the first order was 25, but we are going to order another 25 on that. So, uh so we are moving along on that and then we are working on the policy. Hopefully, we'll have that for you next meeting maybe. I hope so. Okay, that's that's the target.

Please make sure you work very closely on the policy on the tents because that that takes a lot of forethought. Where can they be? Who can have them? We know there are people who will refuse to be sheltered, right? And I imagine that's why you bought them. Yes. Just a few. Just a handful. Yeah. And certainly again we would lean on a partners who would help make those decisions obviously but I just think that policy is really important that that you all are on the same page.

Okay. Okay. Well, let's talk about the lottery. Uh it's been out there circulating for about 10 12 days now. A lot of media attention to it. Matter of fact, we're going to be doing some 500 a.m. interviews on it. Bob chose the the latter spot. They tried to stick me with the 5 a.m. on it. I never looked good at that.

So, all the city administrators have uh picked a slot for that day. I'll kick it off at 5:00 a.m. and then they'll follow at 5:30, 6:00, and 6:30 for interviews on that. But this is an opportunity for anyone in East Molen, Molen, or Silvis to put their name in. The money, the funding that we have here came from Ida. It's a combination of two grants. One are HR wrap two grant and the one or half HR grant. So we have two grants and we have two different income levels. Uh so with the first one it's your traditional 80% AMI which a family of four can make about 78,000. On the other one, a family of four can make about 150,000 because it goes up to 150 AMI. But both of these grants are going to address critical repairs and health and safety in homes. So why did we decide to do a lottery? I had so many requests when people found out that we received this money. We thought, what's the best way for us to deploy the money? We said, let's be transparent. Let's just be have a lottery. It's the luck of the draw really. That's what it comes down to. Then we're like, well, how can we make it convenient for the consumer out there? We said you can sign up online for this lobby. We're going to open it up from a period of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm. Before when we did this, and Ashley probably remembers when we had the previous uh entry, it signed it what filled up in like 19 seconds. We got 20 names. Yeah. And it just went too quickly. So, our citizens board kup said, "Hey,

sorry about that." our citizen board said, "Hey, let's uh let's kind of take a look at this. Let's open it up for a period of time. They can sign up electronically." So, on your break, on your way to work, and all we're asking is for your name, your address, your email, your telephone number, and whether you have any accessibility improvements that you want us to address. And then you click the button, you're going to get a lottery number. That's going to happen on Monday. So, it opens at 9:00, it closes at 5:00 on Monday. If you don't put your name in on Monday, there's no chance for your name to be drawn next Thursday. So, then Thursday across the room at the CC cup meeting, we're going to start off where we're going to draw 25 numbers at random. So, basically, it's the luck of the draw. We can have 25 people that live in Silus. We can have 25 people that live in East Molen or we can have 25 people that live in Molen or a mixture. you know, we're hoping for the mixture, but we're not, you know, trying to, I guess, uh, design the lottery where it's just all molen. We just felt this way was very transparent and everything is public. So, then we took our Molen Neighbors United meeting, which is this Thursday. Uh, we've been pushing that out. Come to this meeting and that's just going to be our topic. We're going to talk about the lottery, how it works. People have had a lot of questions out there. You know, we've sent them the literature, but come to the meeting, ask your questions because I'm sure other people have those questions. So, we have the public meeting going on this week. The lottery entries is Monday and the lottery drawing is Thursday. So, after the mayor's meeting from 9 to 11, we will be drawing the names over here at 4 o'clock. So, next Thursday can be very busy for all of you guys. So, uh come on

down. Um, and so individuals can receive anywhere from 3,000 to 60,000. I know it's such a range, but this is a rehab program. It's not a cosmetic program, and that's one thing that we're trying to stress. I mean, if you want something done to your house that's cosmetic, this is not the program for that. And this is only for single family homes. So, we're going to be looking at roofs, we're going to be looking at gutters, uh, we're going to be looking at siding and windows. Uh, and then your MEPs, your mechanical, your electrical, and your plumbing. So, those are the type of things. And then accessibility improvements. So, we're looking at ramps and hopefully they're going to be um portable ramps. So, you might need it for the next year or two, but then you don't need it after that. So, it can be easily removed. Uh you might need grab bars in your in your bathroom. You might be in a situation where you need a roll in bathroom. Those are the kind of things that we're going to look at. And again, the money is a forgivable loan. So either you're going to have a three or a fiveyear recapture on the property from the date that construction ends and uh permits and inspections are improved. So it's a great opportunity. Um I provided you guys the information in case any one of your awards give you a call but if you guys have any questions of us please give us a call.

Thank you. Thank you KJ. Y question. Um, if there's someone who can't um if they don't have access to a computer or not able to, will there be someone that can assist them to do that?

Thank you on Windcast. Oh, I forgot that point. So that was one other thing that we wrote in our PSP which is our participation selection plan for YA. Um for people who don't have access to the internet or are not comfortable with doing it, they can come down here to mowing city hall from 9:00 to 5:00 and we will enter their information for them. What we're not going to do is accept phoned in requests to be added to the list for a lot of reasons. um you know, we can answer your questions, but we're not going to enter your name. So, either you can do it yourself or have someone else do it for you, or you can come down between 9 and 5 and we'll do it here. So, thank you for that. Murphy,

does the actual homeowner have to come? Like my mom is 95 years old and she lives alone, so she she's not going to use the internet. I mean, not that she's going to be in, but I'm just saying I'm using this as example. there are seniors that are not able to come in person maybe because of disability or whatever. So how are you going to handle those? And that's a very good question. Uh someone can come down and enter their name or give us that information so we can enter that name. Okay. But your mom or that person would have to have an email address because that's how you're getting the information back. But a lot of seniors don't. You know, we can help them even create one atgmail.com.

I know. I'm just saying but a lot of seniors don't. I've run into that all the time that seniors don't have. Yeah. Unfortunately, uh things have moved to electronic ways of doing business and so we've tried to make as many accommodations as possible. But in order for the program to perform, we're moving away from the paper and more to the electronic forms of paper. That makes sense. Mr. Timmy, and if this was addressed, I I apologize. I know a number of seniors in my ward that rent houses. Are those eligible or not? Because they're not the homeowner. Uh right now we are not doing rental properties in the drawing.

So we're looking at single single family homes. We're looking at multiple homes that are on a permanent foundation. We're looking at condominiums, things like that for this draw. Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you guys. Any other staff updates? Hearing none. Last chance for public comment. Hearing none. Uh there's no executive session. I need a motion to adjurnn. Motion to adjurnn. Motion by Castro and Finch. All in favor? Any opposed? That motion passes. Thank you one.