City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening everyone. I'll call today's meeting to order here in council chambers at 6 pm. Roll call please. Alder person MSAS present. Rosac present. Timian present. Bench present. McNeel present. Castro present. Schmidt. All right. We do not have remote electronic attendance this evening. Is there public comment? Chief.

All right. We'll move to questions on the agenda. I have one update for you. Um, in regard to item 19.4 on the agenda, there will need to be a motion to reconsider. This item was approved on March 3rd, 2026, stating that work would not begin until an impact agreement was completed. Due to receipt of the attached letter, do you all have that in front of you? Yeah. Um, from ILA Construction Labor Management Council, the impact agreement condition appears to be uninforcable. it they're handling it inside of Ilo. So that's why we can have the motion to

one further point of order with regards to that. Um it requires a super majority of the full council membership. So I believe you will need a sixperson vote uh to pass that particular item. Oh, okay. And and the the mayor will count in that since it is a a super majority. you would be a voting and that's a super majority without first word because there is no first word alder person at the moment. I I hope we'll have six and I won't have to address that.

Okay. Okay. So that is for 19.4 just um All right. We move to our agenda items 6.1. A resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to an independent contractor agreement for professional services with Meguire Igleski and Associates, Inc. in Illinois Corporation to conduct the Mullen Intensive Historic Structure Survey of the Forest Hill Neighborhood.

Yes. Thank you, your honor. This was um we had come to council previously to request uh authorization to apply for this grant. Of course, we received the grant. Um my staff has been working um to review the RFPs and we've selected here the contractor um or excuse me the consultant here that'll be handling the survey for the city of the Forest Hill neighborhood. That's Maguire at Gleskkey and Associates. So um as part of the grant, as you can see, the the the cost of the um the total cost could be $19,500. That's the most that it could cost, but 70% of that will be refunded uh reimburseable through Shipo as part of the grant. So, it's important to understand the cost here is is only 70% of that 195. Um, and really what they'll do is they'll go through the Forest Hill neighborhood. Uh, there's a map that attached the exact area of where they'll be going through and they'll be doing a a survey of all those structures, noting the architecture, the dates, you know, including with pictures and data. So, we'll get a chance to really see the historic potential of all those properties, find out if there's any that are, uh, potential for landmarking or anything like that. So, um, we're asking for your support here and, uh, if you have any questions, please let me know.

Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion. Mr. Timian, the boundaries of Forest Hill neighborhood recently changed. Is that relevant? Um, I I think we're probably locked into this. Okay. What's included here? Um, and I think I I had a different concept in my mind to where for still was too until I saw this map or whatever we're at. So, yeah, I think we're probably locked into what it's showing here on this map. Thank you. Um, I have a question. Are there other questions? What are the ramifications for the residents of this zone?

Um, I think it's more about unlocking potential probably. So, if you found out I have a really historic house here that has um I could get this landmark and I could have a bed and breakfast here or something, you know. But are there tax implications or renovation implications for those kinds of homes? Unless the city decides to take a different approach to historic preservation, right? It's more a voluntary thing. So, you're going to come you're going to learn the you're going to learn the importance of the structure, right? I may ask Sean this one question, I guess, which would be if we turn if we did find this landmark structure through this, does that resident have the rights to kind of ignore that or are they locked into something that would be uncovered through this?

Well, there's two types of landmarks. is a local historic preservation commission. Commission to review stuff like windows or roofs or whatever, right? There's also the national register that doesn't really protect you from anything. Normally the way it works is you have to have commercial property. There was a program. Um, I don't know if that's still running or not, but all these things would be voluntary. So, all these things are voluntary things that they could take advantage of if they wanted to.

Okay. Thank you. Um, anything further from the council hearing? None. All in favor? Any opposed? That motion passes. Thank you.

Yep. 6.2. A resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to three lease agreements with Mitchell Troutton to farm city-owned property located at Price or Price Buoy Farms. Um parcel pin number 17-28-300-002 and number 17-13-100-002 from April 7, 2026 through April 6, 2026 27, excuse me, one year lease. And is it rung farm part parcel pin number 17-30-300-007 number 17-30-300-053 and number 17-30-400-001 and Beer Farm parcel pin number 17-29-300-00004 from April 7th 2026 through April 6, 2031. one

mayor, members of council, we are recommending approval of both the one-year lease for the uh what we refer to as the Price Buoy farm, which is the location in in part for the solar farm and then we are looking at the five-year leases for the remainder of the farms that the city owns. Thank you. Motion to approve. Motion by Finch, seconded by Timmyian. discussion. This is our This is the normal thing that we've been doing. Yeah, we've been doing this for a long time. Yep. Thank you. There's nothing further. All in favor?

Any opposed? That motion passes. 6.3. A resolution authorizing the seeding of private activity bonding authority to reallocate to the Quad City Regional Economic Development Authority the city's 2026 home rule volume cap allocation in the amount of 5,729,670 to be used to support projects that will provide job opportunities and new investments. Mr. Vas,

sure. Um annually we get a request from CREDA or the Quad Cities regional economic development authority to seed our bonding authority to them so that the funds that have been allocated uh to the city remain here in Rock Island County as opposed to being returned to the state the authority. So we're recommending approval that we continue that practice. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Razach. Discussion. Mr. You mean do we ever have the option to use this ourselves?

It's bonding authority and I don't really want to borrow money if we don't need to. But I'm just like what what's the reason that we have this authority if we keep seating it to a a bigger to a to a to the broader the broader spectrum meaning the county or countywide. Um you know it's been years since we've even done a project. I think the last time a project was used with creative funding to back it back it up was the enterprise lofts if I'm not mistaken.

So, it's been a long time. Um, it's available for private development is what it's available for. Um, not necessarily for public, but it is kind of a a financing tool. It's a gap filler, so to speak, that can be used to bring down the cost of money or the cost of the project. So in that capital stack, this could be included in there. So this could be a lever to pull in the future for the riverfront. Absolutely. Development. Absolutely. And this is annual, so we get a chance to Right. We get to look at it annually. Thank you. Thank you. Anything further? No. Hearing none. All in favor?

Any opposed? That motion passes. 6.4. An ordinance amending chapter 22 offenses miscellaneous of the mulling 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 licensed in the city of Molen at the request of web services LLC DBA Casey's Tavern Mr. Vas or Mr. could take

uh with regards to this particular uh request, the uh vendor is going to be licensing a machine to uh Casey's Tavern. Casey's Tavern will be the uh lency for actually providing these uh items which it could be tobacco products although uh at at this time it's my understanding it's going to be vaping products that are in uh this vending machine. It is already in a location that miners are not allowed to be there. But it is our understanding as well that the software for this machine does have the appropriate requirements according to our ordinance uh in order to prevent individuals who are under um the appropriate age from being able to purchase. Basically, you have to scan an ID in order to be able to purchase from this machine. So, it's really got two protections to to keep miners from purchasing uh these vaping products and we are recommending approval of this particular uh request.

Thank you. Motion to approve. Motion by Finch. Is there a second? Second. Second by McNeel. Discussion hearing none. All in favor? I. Any opposed? That motion passes. 6.5. A resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to an amendment to parking lease agreement with Bosezeman Neighbor Patton and no LLP to modify the number of parking spaces leased in the Midtown parking ramp.

Sure. Thank you. had an opportunity to meet uh with the u the law firm about two weeks ago at their request and what they're looking for is a reduction in the number of total leased parking spaces in the Midtown parking ramp based upon a reduction in staff that they've seen over the last several years. So the number of spaces they're looking for exceeds the number of staff that they have working at the firm as of today. So they're looking at 15 spaces versus I believe it was 34 uh originally when they first leased in the ramp. So we're recommending approval of their request. Motion's open. Second. Motion by Finch. Seconded by Castro. Discussion.

Hearing none. Roll call, please. I mean all in favor. I. Any oppose? That motion passes. 6.6. An ordinance amending chapter 4 alcoholic liquor of the modeling code of ordinances section 4-3104 number of licenses by increasing the number of class B tavern liquor licenses in the city at the request of Jennifer Greybau and Christopher Townsen of 1522 Riverdrive LLC at 1522 River Drive Molen Illinois Mr. Atkins

and if I remember correctly, this is the u the old other bar location. Um and basically this would be uh just putting in another facility at that location. Uh these come before you uh because of needing the the approval for when there's above a certain number. Um you have a number of different caps for a number of different licenses. Um and we are again recommending approval with regards to this item. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Missas. Discussion. Yes, Mr. McNeil.

I just wanted to since Mr. Townsen's here tonight, I I want to thank him because um he's not a big developer, but he's an investor in downtown Molen, which I think is fantastic. He's been here 15 years. and uh historic building with businesses on the first floor and market rate apartments on upper floors. I I just want to thank him. It's I think it's he's a fantastic investor. Thank you. Anything further? Okay. Hearing um not I need to start over. All in favor?

Any opposed? That motion passes. Thank you. Um 6.7 a resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to an independent contractor agreement with H Coupeman Trucking and Excavating Inc. for the Seventh Street Properties Demolition Project bid for the amount of $450,245.

Good evening. This is the next step for the uh new Central Fire Station. Uh this will include three buildings being demolished and some trees in the middle of the property will be removed as well. Um we are anticipating this project will start uh late April, early May and then be complete um sometime early summer. Um so we're recommending H. Coupman as the lowest and most responsive bidder for this project. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing none. All in favor? Any opposed?

That motion passes. Thank you. 6.8. A resolution approving the quotation from Interconnects to provide and facilitate the installation of necessary security camera upgrades at public works for the amount of 170,340.94 utilizing the interlocal purchasing system contract 24101 and authorizing the assistant director of public works to execute any necessary documents and do all things necessary to implement said project.

Yep. So this um project is for our security camera system. Um we anticipated this uh being an end of life. Um so we've put it in our current budget. Um we will be replacing 21 cameras and then adding four additional cameras for interior and exterior of the building. Um as the the mayor mentioned, we're using a national co-op. So it's very similar to to public bidding that we currently use as well. Um so we are recommending approval. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch. Seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing none. All in favor?

Any opposed? That motion passes. 6.9. A a resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Walter D. Law Inc. for project 1507 2026 inlet replacement program for the amount of $12,975. Miss Clower. Staff is seeking approval with um a contract with Walter D. for our annual inlet replacement program. This is a budgeted item in our 2026 CIP. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Rosac. Discussion. Hearing none. All in favor? I.

Any opposed? That motion passes. 6.10. A resolution authorizing a sole source purchase from electric pump for two submersible pumps and one set of controls and accessories for the proposed sanitary lift station being installed through project number 1538 sanitary sewer improvements on the 3500 block of John Deere Road for the amount of $135,880 and authorizing the director of engineering to do any and all things necessary to purchase set equipment.

Staff is seeking approval to purchase this equipment. It will be installed by the contractor through the construction project. Um, we would like to purchase it now because of the long lead time for the equipment and we're trying to prevent construction delays. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Timmy and seconded by Castro. Discussion. Yes, Mr. Timmy. Thank you for uh opening up this area of the city for development. It's exciting. Bulldozers. We got bulldozers on the hospital. Yeah, exactly. There's going to be a lot of bulldozers. So, we're going to judge all our agenda by how many items have bulldozers attached to them.

We're going to get those bulldozers and stick them on the side of your car. Okay. Sorry. Um, any further discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? Any opposed? That motion passes. 6.11. A resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Valley Construction for Mo motor fuel tax section number 26-000000-00GM 2026 asphalt maintenance program for the amount of $167,520.

I apologize for the wrong numbers. I don't make the rules. Um, so this is approval of a contract with Valley Construction for our annual um, asphalt maintenance program. It's budgeted in the 26 year. Thank you to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Rosac. Discussion. Hearing none. All in favor?

Any opposed? The motion passes. 6.12. A resolution approving a resolution for maintenance under the Illinois Highway Code for motor fuel tax section number 26-000000-00-GM 2026 asphalt meet. Yes. Sorry, I was having a flashback to agenda meeting about whether this was on here double or not. Correct. Program for the amount of $167,520. So this is just authorizing the use of motor fuel tax funds for the item approved in the or the last item approved. Got it. Thank you. Motion to approve. Motion by Finch.

Second. Second by Castro. Discussion hearing none. All in favor? Any opposed? That motion passes. 6.13 a resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Langman Construction, Inc. for project number 1512 Fourth Street Resurfacing for the amount of $396,187. So staff seeks approval of this contract with Langman Construction to resurface Fourth Street. We did get favorable bid prices. So we would like to add an additional block to this project from Fourth Avenue to Fifth Avenue. Motion to approve. Motion by Finch. Second.

Seconded by Castro. Discussion. Thank you for thinking ahead about how we can make best use of authorized money and improve the roads. Um, anything further hearing? None. All in favor? I.

Any opposed? That motion passes. 6.14. A resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to accept and attest to one utility and drainage easement more particularly described herein for the property located at 3620 38th Avenue as part of project 1538 sanitary sewer improvements on the 3500 block of John Deere Road. So we would like to dedicate a permanent easement for future sanitary sewer. This is the property that will be sold to the developer for the Texas Roadhouse. Um and once it's sold, we won't have access to the sewer anymore. So, we need this easement in place ahead of that. Thank you. Motion to approve.

Motion by Finch, second by Timmyian. Um, discussion hearing none. All in favor?

Any opposed? That motion passes. Thank you. 6.15 a resolution approving a special event application for the Marcato on 5th 2026 public night market season scheduled every Friday from May 22nd 2026 through October 23rd 2026 and the Dia de los Muertos celebration stationary parade and market event to be held on Saturday October 31 2028 approving to wave police service reimbursements for the 2026 season up to $30,000 and any charges in excess of said $30,000 will be build to Marcato on Fifth, Inc., DBA Marcato on 5th, and that police staffing levels and any required services associated with public safety of the event shall be determined as required by the chief of police, closing certain streets more, particularly described herein to vehicular traffic, and authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to a licensing agreement with Marcato on Fifth, Inc., DBA, Marcato 5th, for the use of public rideway in conjunction with said events. happy to take this one.

So, anyhow, uh Francis is here tonight representing Marcato on Fifth. Welcome, Francis. Um we're staff is recommending approval of the resolution and the special event application that was submitted by Marcato on 5th. Um for their 2026 season, which we're hoping is going to be fabulous with higher turnout, higher numbers and uh and less police costs hopefully. But, uh, as you know, we built the cost for police services into the police budget so that that way we're not going back and forth all the time with with needless paperwork. So, we're recommending approval as the documents are presented to you tonight. Motion to approve.

Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Cas. Um, uh, discussion hearing none. All in favor? Any opposed? The motion passes. 6.16, a resolution authorizing a grant to the Riverside Horseshoe Club for the amount of $2,000 from the Special Events Fund to help provide shade, shelter, and additional amenities for the Illinois State Horseshoe Pitching Association 2026 State Tournament to be held at Riverside Park. Mr. Vas,

um staff is recommending approval of the request in the amount of $2,000 for this event to hold the state tournament here. Haven't been to a horseshoe state tournament, but I used to love horseshoes as a kid. So, may show up just to see how how well that that goes. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Rzach. Discussion. I will say I have gone to this event when it was held at Riverside Park previously and it is really cool. There's a lot of great turnout. So, thank you for coming tonight and thank you for hosting me here. Question. I was I played horseshoes a lot as a kid, too. So, looks like you'll have some showing from Indiana was uh you know family out there. So, they used to call it a ringer when you hit it right right under the post.

We might need a primer. Maybe maybe you should put where to come in. Thank you. Do you have like an amateur event where like the city can have a team put together? All right. Um if there's nothing further, all in favor I I

I wasn't sure if you were ready. Sorry. Any opposed? All right, that motion passes. 6.17, a resolution approving the special event application for the city spring classic event scheduled for Saturday, April 4th, 2026. a fundraiser that is sponsored by Revive You LLC to benefit empowering abilities, closing certain streets, more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic, and authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to a licensing agreement with Revive View LLC for the use of public right away in conjunction with said event. Mr. test.

Staff is recommending approval of the request by Revive U LLC to hold their 5K run here in the city of Molain which is scheduled for right around the corner uh Saturday, April 4th. Um and uh will also appear on the agenda for approval because of the uh lateness of the application and need to get it approved in time. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by French, second by Castro. Discussion hearing none. All in favor? Any opposed?

That motion passes. 6.18. A resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to licensing agreements with 1848 entertainment LLC, DBA Pub 1848 and Stony Creek Caterers LLC, DBA Stony Creek in for use of public rideway for use of the Bass Street Landing Public Plaza for the outdoor service of alcoholic liquor and food from April 4th, 2026 to September 30th, 2026.

Well, here we go. We're right around the corner from starting off our Bass Street Landing concert series which will be exciting and is always well attended not only by our own local residents by but by area residents. So we're recommending approval of this request which comes in annually and also have it appearing on a council agenda so as not to delay the approval. Recommending approval. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Um discussion hearing none. All in favor? I.

Any opposed? That motion passes. 619. A resolution authorizing the director of utilities to execute a proposal for construction engineering services with Robinson Engineering Literated RE for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency State Revolving Loan Fund. Fiscal year 26 lead service line replacements for an amount not to exceed $125,000. Miss Williamson. staff is requesting um the ability and authority to execute this proposal with Robinson Engineering to assist us with grant administration for the construction of this loan. Motion to approve. Second.

Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing none. All in favor? Any opposed? That motion passes. And that Oh, no. 6.20. a resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to a settlement agreement among participating subdivisions and remnant defendants regarding the national opioid litigation. Mr. Atkins

and staff is recommending approval of this the um it has come before this uh council a few times this general litigation and there have been approvals of some settlements in the past. Uh the remnant defendants refers to all the defendants left in the case and so this will be the last authorization necessary in order to receive settlement money. Uh there may still be settlement checks coming in for a little while of of decreasing amounts. Uh because with the way this uh settlement was structured there was uh because you always want to do this. There was money kept aside to make sure the attorneys get paid. and that money once the attorneys get paid everything that they're supposed to, there will be some additional money coming uh from that. So, this is the last settlement, but it's probably not the last check. It will be subject to all of the conditions that all of the other settlements have been subject to. So we have an existing program uh run through CED I believe that u already is providing services that are the type that uh these funds are restricted to be used for and so the expectation would be that this would be additional funding available for that program and again we are recommending approval of this

motion to approve second motion by Finch seconded by Castro discussion do you mind just sharing sharing the update KJ sent by email of the um path forward program. Be happy to. She's done a really great job. Yeah, that's it. What would you I thought you were going to

No, I mean uh we got an email today from Kay and she explained exactly how the program has progressed and uh it it has been pretty significant in terms of the distribution of the funds for the intended reasons provided for under the settlement. So I believe if I'm not mistaken there were over 40 individuals who benefited

uh by the initial proceeds that we received. there's still some fund balance remaining for at least one more individual that could be served up to that $5,000 amount. Uh and then these funds this evening would be in addition to uh the program funds we've already distributed and still have available. So the program is having an impact and it's one of those programs that as we as we look to the future and as the opiate dollars do disappear, you know, is it something meaningful that maybe we would continue as we do with Level Up or some of the other programs in the city. And I think we should take a look at that.

I believe she mentioned keeping people in their homes, right? Finding finding housing as being critical to that successful path. Yeah. um is a major way that the funds are being used. Yeah. But having an impact. Okay. Thank you. Anything? Yes, Mr. Timmy.

I I totally This totally slipped my mind. Uh I was talking to some friends of mine who are landlords in Molen. They own a number of rental properties and they were talking about how uh they or their renters have utilized this to help keep people in stable stable housing and they have they they were just you know really grateful that this is one of the tools in the toolbox in the city. So thank you. That's good. Thank you. Anything further from the council? If not, all in favor? Any opposed? That motion passes. Uh, we don't have anformational correct. No, we do not.

Uh, so we'll call our regular council meeting to order. Pledge of allegiance, please. I pledge allegiance to the flag United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible. Do you have an invocation, Mr. McNeel? I do not. Roll call, please. Alder person. MSAS, present. Razak, present. Tim, present. Bench, present. McNeel, present. Castro, present. Schmidt,

okay, thank you. We don't have remote electronic attendance. Any further public comment tonight? Right. Seeing none, we'll move to our consent agenda. Your honor, I request approval of committee of the whole and council meeting minutes of March 3rd, 2026 and consent agenda items 15.1 through 16.3 inclusively. Motion to approve consent agenda. Second. All right. Motion by Timmyian. Seconded by Rach. Roll call, please. Alder person McNeel. I. Castro. I. MSAS. Hi. Razak. I. Timian. Hi. Finch. Hi.

Six eyes. No. That motion carries. Non-consent agenda. Second reading ordinances item number 18.1, an ordinance amending chapter 35, zoning and land development of the mulling code of ordinances regarding certain corrections, additions, and/or clarifications to the zoning and land development regulations, including text amendments to article one, general provisions, and administration. Division two, word usage, abbreviations, and definitions, and amending article 3, zoning. Division 4, land use regulations. Section 35-3401 regulation of allowed uses table 35-3401.1 permitted land uses concerning small institutional group homes. Motion to approve that

motion by Timmy and seconded by Finch. Discussion hearing none. Roll call please. Alder person McNeel I. Castro nay. MS I. Rosac I. Time I. Finch. I. Five eyes and one nay. That motion carries. I think I'm going to actually weigh in on this one, too. I

All right. Six eyes and one name. That motion carries. Non-consent agenda resolutions. Item number 19.1, a resolution approving the special event application for the city spring classic event scheduled for Saturday, April 4th, 2026. a fundraiser that is sponsored by Reviveu LLC to benefit empowering abilities, closing certain streets more particularly described herein to vehicular traffic and authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to a licensing agreement with Revive LLC for the use of public rightway in conjunction with set event. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Rach. Discussion. Roll call, please. Alder person McNeel. Hi. Castro. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Raci. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. I.

Six eyes, no nays. That motion carries. Item number 19.2, a resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to licensing agreements with 1848 Entertainment LLC, DBA Pub 1848, and Stony Creek Caterers LLC, DBA Stony Creek in for use of public rightway for use of the Bass Street Landing Public Plaza for the outdoor service of alcoholic liquor and food from April 4, 2026 to September 30, 2026. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by MSAS. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person McNeel. Hi. Castro. MSAS. Hi. Razak. Hi. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. Hi.

Six eyes. No names. That motion carries. Item number 19.3. A resolution authorizing a sole source purchase from electric pump for two submersible pumps and one set of controls and accessories for the proposed sanitary lift station being installed through project number 1538. sanitary sewer improvements on the 3500 block of John Deere Road for the amount of $135,880 and authorizing the director of engineering to do any and all things necessary to purchase said equipment. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person McNeel. Hi, Castro. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Razak. Hi. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. Hi.

Six eyes. No names. That motion carries. Item number 19.4, a resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Dampport Electric Contract Company for project number 1457 River Drive and 12th Street Traffic Signal Installation for the amount of 637,427.81 with the understanding that work on said project will not begin until the impact agreement is completed. Motion to reconsider. Second. Motion to reconsider by uh by Finch, seconded by Castro. Mr. Timian, your honor, I'd like to make a motion to remove prior amendments and revert the bill as originally written. I think there has to be a vote on the motion to reconsider. I apologize.

Oh, yes. Thank you. Uh and there's no discussion before that reconsider vote. The motion to reconsider is a simple majority. Once you get to the reconsideration, I can give an explanation, but there's no there's no discussion. No. Right. No. Thank you. All right. So, roll call, please. Alder person McNeel. Hi. Castro. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Rosak. Hi. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. Hi. Mayor Ray Putty. I All right.

So, now we are it's back on the table at reconsideration. The the reason for uh that we're we're recommending reconsideration is that uh there was specifically added to this resolution when it was last before you uh a requirement that an impact agreement be signed. Um in your packet you have a letter from Aloa that says that they're not going to uh come up with the revised impact agreement that had been discussed. uh given that our requirement for uh the contractor is to enter into an impact agreement that now is not going to be available for them. it becomes impossible for them to satisfy the requirement that we the city placed on them. And for that reason, we believe that a reconsideration and then a waiver as to the impact agreement which is required by your ordinance um that that would be appropriate and that waiver is what requires a supermajority. Uh hopefully you'll have six of you who vote on it and I won't need to get into whether or not we count the vacancy. Um so that's that's my request is whatever action you're going to take, make it as unanimous as you can.

Thank you, Mr. Tumine. Your honor, I'd like to make a motion to remove prior amendments and revert the bill to the uh bill that it was originally written, which I have here, and I know the clerk has as well. This was the original copy submitted by staff. Second motion by Timmy and seconded by Finch. Um, any further discussion on that? It's exactly what it was. It's just minus the impact agreement. Correct. Okay. So, if there's nothing further on that, roll call, please. Alder person McNeel. Hi, Castro. Hi, MSAS. Hi, Rosac. Hi, Timmyian. Hi, Finch. Hi, Mayor. Mariah putty

I. So that's 70. Now you would have to vote on it as amended. Okay. Uh thank you. So is there a motion to vote on it as amend or I can just call you already by the motion to reconsider? You've got it forward. So I'll take a roll call at this time. Alder person McNeel. Hi. Castro. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Razak. Hi. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. Hi. Mayor Ray Putty. Hi. Seven eyes. No names. Okay, that motion passes. Thank you.

All right. Non-consent agenda, first reading ordinances. Item number 20.1, an ordinance amending chapter 4, alcoholic liquor of the Mulling code of ordinances, section 4-3104, number of licenses by increasing the number of class B tavern liquor licenses in the city at the request of Jennifer Greybaw and Christopher Townsend of 1522 River Drive LLC at 1522 River Drive, Molen, Illinois. Motion to advance the second reading. Second motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person McNeel. Hi. Castro. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Razak. Hi. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. I. Six eyes, no naysay. Motion to advance to second reading carries. And that's all I have this evening. Your honor.

Thank you. You know, I really didn't think we'd get through 20 items this quickly. You set a record tonight.

Thank you for doing your homework. and uh and reading through things and asking your questions ahead of time to staff. Um please keep up that habit. Under miscellaneous, I want to make my annual request to start ward meetings just so we are really in conversation with folks especially as we get to our June CIP conversations. Um and that's you know roads and sidewalks and everything lots of people care about. Um but other things as well. Um, I also want to update you that I we my this um deputy liquor commissioner and I have held two liquor commission hearing or two hearings for violations. Um, I just want you to know that we take very seriously the safety and reputation of downtown um and any place that we have um um liquor licenses. Um, and so we uh I mean those are open records if you want to see them, but we we are imposing fines um as appropriate. Um trying to communicate expectations um and and bring businesses into compliance because as I told my deputy liquor commissioner um and the folks that um what's my label? the defendant basically. Um, compliance license C. Thank you. The compliance and safety are my main goals. That's it. I'm not trying to put people out of business. I'm not trying to do any of that. But we have to have compliance and therefore safety um not only for residents, patrons, our staff, our our police department that goes and helps out um if things get out of hand. So, I wanted you to know that. Um, and also you may have seen my social media post regarding the letters we all got from Mid-American yesterday. Um, if you have

real specific questions about that, please talk to Mr. Vas. We've been in conversation for over a week about um, what was coming because of course we got, you know, a heads up phone calls. Um, you've had some special conversations. there are special conversations coming up and um I have reassured uh or I have reassured myself or maybe Mr. Vas that I I've used the um liaison to the governor's office, our state rep, our state senator to just say, "Hey, this is exactly what we're trying to help people with is to not let costs get out of control and we can help it." And so I feel like we we've been v we have been put here to look out for the best interests of our residents and this is one way we do it is by making sure the right conversations happen. So it's a a win-win for folks instead of a one-sided or lopsided situation. So I don't know that to say anything else besides that but

you've covered it well. You can talk to Vas. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to know more. um exciting ribbon groundbreaking tomorrow at Anttoveros Elementary School. So hopefully I'll see several of you there except me. I'm sorry. It's okay. I'm driving to North Carolina. Okay, no problem. We can't be at absolutely everything. That's okay. Um, and I think there'll be a couple more ribbon cutings and groundbreings coming up. Um, because we've got a lot of projects and a lot of folks continuing to open businesses, etc. So, that's all for me, Mr. Ms. Nothing, your honor. No, thank you, Mr. Timmy.

Thank you, your honor. I will mention that I do have a postcard of the original Lincoln school that sat on that site and will it be going out tomorrow morning? No, I I wish I thought ahead a little bit more, but it will come out eventually. It's a really cool school. And then someone on the school board reminded me of the old Irving school, which is where Trimble Point is now, and it caught on fire in the 80s. And that's when that's where the name came from. They merged together,

uh, the two school bodies. And so, I think it's it's really neat. So, I will eventually post that. But um I wanted to let everyone know I represented the city for a public hearing with the state senator and um gosh the department of

natural resources. Thank you. Um and the conversation was around updates to the Rock River uh particularly the steel at the Sears dam and the issue is that there have been fatalities. These dams were originally constructed for hydroelect electric power. As a result, the water flows and it creates a a effect here that is impossible for anyone to get out of. if anyone falls over the edge, which has happened, I think, to a five-year-old in 2018, it it's just it's not safe. And so the state came out as at the request of then representative Halpin, now state senator Halpin, to do a study on this, and they came forward with five proposals. One of which was full removal. uh the other four of both dams the other one which was removal of sears and reconstruction of steel in four different ways one would be uh steps up one would be there's I can I need to get the original or the um the proposals to you but um I stayed for when the public came and there was a lot of opposition uh mostly by people who live on the river the worst case scenario would be a twoft drop in the water level right around the uh steel dam area and then as we go east the the decrease declines to about an inch seven or 11 miles away. So there would be a noticeable decline in the river uh height, but there would be uh fish would be able to swim up upstream. Waters would naturally get clearer because of the increased animal and plant life. Fish population would increase as a result too. So it's not a straightforward

uh uh solution or problem. The public comment period I think is still open if you're interested. I think that Senator Halpin posted about this on Facebook. So, I just kind of wanted to give that update. I'm happy to talk about it more. Um, I had no idea that one of those dams was even there. And so, it's it's kind of interesting. And then I found a postcard of one of them being constructed. Uh, but I didn't buy it because it's at Rock Island and I don't really care about that. Yeah, but uh none of these are in in Molen, but it does impact the water levels on the Rock River, which is also not in Molen because it's not incorporated, but it's close enough. I guess part of it is, but anyway, uh more information on that if you're interested and want to weigh in.

Thank you, Mr. McN. Um thank you. Uh attended a one table discussion today. Uh KJ attended as well. updated um our partners on what the city's been doing around needs for the homelessness and affordable housing. Um primarily nonprofit partners, but we had some elected officials from Rock Island as well. Um a good discussion and uh starting to talk about more solutions. So, oh, and Alderman Tim shared a postcard of McKenley school. Yeah. Which was really cool. Was really great. So, um, we'll look forward to updates on progress there as well. Thank you, Miss Castro. Nothing,

Mr. Vita.

Sure. Um, briefly, uh, tomorrow I'm going to be joining uh, certain members of stakeholders, members of the chamber uh, in Springfield to discuss some of the bills that are coming before the legislature. uh in particular bills that would strip away city zoning authorities and controls over housing, which is one of the bills. Um the Illinois Municipal League strongly opposes that bill of course. Uh it just preempts our zoning authority across preempt local government zoning authority across the entire state. Um it's a bit absurd, honestly. I mean, it's just absolutely absurd. Uh there's another bill that would um bas basically uh take away our uh local distributive fund which is our state shared revenues and they're looking for a reduction in the state shared revenues as well. So the Illinois Municipal League of course vently opposes that bill. There's a history in Illinois that Brad Cole and I could share an email with you if you'd be interested in seeing it. Uh but Brad sent out an email to to the municipalities and in there he highlights and details uh all of the different things that have happened over the last decade or more. And you can see just how imbalanced the amount of revenue is now that the state has been gaining by taking from local government versus what local government is actually being able to raise or to keep. you know, the more they take, the less we have and then it imbalances what the property tax equation. So, property taxes go up as you're losing that revenue or you have to cut service. So, there's a lot of debate that's going to happen down in Springfield based on Governor Pritsker's budget for 2026 and seven. So,

I will add on to that. I think I reported this when I came back from US Conference of Mayors, right? I sat in on a meeting with Illinois mayors that were there to talk about not letting that happen and to get our fair share back again because the um taking it down from 10% to to 8% was supposed to be a temporary situation that was meant to help the pension situation but now they want to take more. I don't know exactly how much more. I can't remember. But,

you know, I raised this with our liaison to the governor's office. I said, "If you can't help us with the the energy rates and you want to take more from us, what are you doing for municipalities in the state?" So, just know that the more you can advocate for us um by contacting the folks that need to hear that this isn't h helpful to us and our bottom line and and helping our residents the the please do so.

Okay. So, I'll be down there advocating and chamber asked me to speak on a number of the bills. So, happy to do that and u don't like being away from here though. there's just too much to do here. Um, and then lastly, uh, as you know, I like to go for walks every night with my dog and, uh, I oftentimes run into, uh, residents in the community. And uh I came across a young man on a bicycle over uh by Satan uh I think it was Satan middle school and his mom and dad his mom his mom and his grandmother were sitting there you know yelling at him because he crossed the bike cross the street on his bike to see the dog and I thought well I'll slow down let him come and meet the dog so he politely asked to pet the dog and you know I always allow that and uh because he doesn't bite and uh so the young man got started to ask questions I happened to be wearing my my uh city of Molen shirt with the the logo on it. He recognized it and didn't know who I was. So he wanted to know who I was. So I told him, of course, his mom his mom and his grandmother were like surprised because they hadn't met administrator from this city ever before. So we talked. He was very interested in the fire service. His favorite his favorite show. Unfortunately, he was more interested in fire than in police, but he was very interested in fire service. Yeah,

you know, he he he immediately said he goes, "I I noticed that they switched the colors of our our fire engines, you know, to Chicago style colors." I mean, this is how and this kid could have probably been 12 years old. I'm going to guess about maybe 11 or 12. And I said, "That's right. We did." So, he talked about his future in Molen growing up here. He's born and raised here. And he asked me at the very end to give him a shout out. And I said, "Really? You want me to give you influencer already?

Yeah, he's an influencer. Can you give me a shout out?" And I said, "Well, young man, of course I'll give you a shout out." So, uh, here you go. Brody Charles Lampen, future firefighter, maybe fire chief one day in Mo. uh who is by chance the grandson of Jack Cloud, one of the people that we do tremendous amount of business with here in the city. So anyhow, there's your shout out, Brody. I know you're listening, so all the best to you. Thank you very much. Is there any other staff updates? Yes,

your honor. I just wanted to hop on what Alderman Timian pointed out about the public meeting with the IDNR. Uh I was able to talk to the gentleman from the IDNR that was there with Senator Halpin. We had a good conversation. He was super helpful. Um, and so regarding the comments sess or the comment deadline is March 31st. So, the city is going to be filing a comment regarding any potential impacts on the um, South Slope treatment facility. Thank you. That changing the level of the river may have. Um, he stressed that the funding now is good only for studies and it's a ways out before they would actually do any work. But um just wanted to throw that in there also.

Thank you. Any other staff? All right, that concludes that. I believe we have executive session. Yes, we do. Oh, sorry. Last public comment.

All right, we'll move on. Thank you. Your honor, I make a motion that the council convene an executive session for the purpose of discussion of property acquisition-5s1204-2C5 price setting for sale or lease of real property- 5cs 124-2 C6 pending probable or imminent litigation 5c20 204-2C11. Second. Second. Motion by MSAS, seconded by Timian. Roll call, please. Alder person McNeel, present. Castro, no.

I thank you. Mas I. Rach, Timmyian. Hi. Finch. Hi. Six eyes. No names. That motion carries. I think you skipped me. Did I skip you? I didn't say I. I was laughing at you. I was too busy laughing at you. Missy help.