City Council - Regular Meeting

Thank you.

Alderperson Evans?

Present.

Hurt? Here. Barnes? Here. Swanson? Here. Parker?

Here.

Poulos?

Here.

Healy? And Mayor Harris?

Present. Would everyone please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for a moment of silence. I pledge allegiance 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. Thank you. Agenda item five.

Vote to approve the agenda.

Second. I have a first and a second. Is there any discussion? Roll call, please.

Alderperson Hurt.

Aye.

Barnes. Aye. Swanson. Aye. Parker. Aye. Hulis. Aye. And Evans.

Yes. Agenda item six.

A proclamation declaring August 4th, 2026 is national night out.

Thank you, thank you.

Proclamation. Whereas the National Association of Town Watch and locally the Community Care Conference are sponsoring a unique nationwide crime, drug, and violence prevention program on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026 entitled National Night Out. And whereas the 43rd annual National Night Out provides a unique opportunity for the city of Rock Island to join forces with thousands of other communities across the country in promoting cooperative police community crime prevention efforts. And whereas the City of Rock Island Police Department plays a vital role in assisting joint crime, drug, and violence prevention efforts in Rock Island and in supporting National Nights Out 2026 locally. And whereas it is essential that all citizens of Rock Island be aware of the importance of crime prevention programs and the impact that their participation can have on reducing crime, drugs, and violence in Rock Island. And, whereas, police community partnerships, neighborhood safety, awareness, and cooperative are important themes of the National Night Out program. Now, therefore, I, Ashley Harris, Mayor of the City of Rock Island, Illinois, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, August 4, 2026, as National Night Out. In the City of Rock Island, In the city of Rock Island, and call upon all our citizens to join the Community Caring Conference, the Rock Island Police Department, the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department, and the National Association of Town Watch in supporting this 43rd annual National Night Out, dated this 27th day of July, 2026. Thank you. I'm sure the community care conference thanks us all. Thank you. Okay, where are we at? Moving right along. Agenda item seven, public comment. The first name I'll call is Julie Forreffi. Okay, all right. Forsyth. All right, thank you, ma'am.

How's that? Good evening, all. Good evening, Mayor. My name's Julie Forsyth. I'm with the Quad Cities Chamber. Actually, Grow Quad Cities. We're the regional economic development organization. We work in partnership and have a services agreement with City of Rock Island for economic development. I know some of you are new, so just wanted to let you know how we work with your city. You've got a couple of agenda items this evening for TIF. want to let you know that we fully support that. Those are tools that will help with economic development and making the city more competitive for potential projects. Both the extension for the existing casino TIF and then also the South Rock Island Port District TIF, those are very important. I know you've got some long range planning that you're thinking about for growth and development, future revenues, and so these are, definitely going to be tools that help support that so just want to let you know we fully applaud and support your passing of those items on the agenda tonight thank you thank you ma'am mr terry rocketeer

Good evening, Terry Rockett. I just want to come to introduce myself. I used to live here years ago. I'm returning, what the Quad Cities refer to as the boomerang. I have just a brief introduction about myself, who I am, what I do, and what I'm looking to do here in the community. My name is Terry Lamar Rocket. I am a Davenport native, and I proudly call a boomerang, someone returning home after 20 years of a nonprofit leadership with youth development and community services. For the past two decades, I have dedicated my life to helping young youth discover their purpose through education, leadership, mentoring, and community engagement. I am the founder and executive director of the Youth Vineyard Inc. which is the headquarters is in Mississippi. I'm in the process of looking for a space here in the Quad Cities to transition a branch here. Throughout my journey, I have been humbled to receive the President's Volunteer Service Award. from the President Council on Service and Civil Participation, the 2024 MAHO State Service Award from the Mississippi Association of Housing, and induction into the Alpha Alpha Alpha National Honor Society as the first generation college graduate. I earned my associate's degree in paralegals from Northwest Mississippi Community College, and later completed my bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a minor in in paralegal studies at the university. I am here today regarding community block grant and any other grant opportunities here in the city that I may not be aware about. The youth vineyard is interested in city owned property and other vacant property in Rock Island. My vision is to transfer a property into a wellness, leadership, and career development campus, a place where young people and families can grow academically, personally, professionally, and emotionally. Our program focuses on paralegal and legal literacy, mental health first aid education and awareness, public speaking and leadership development, historical and cultural education, youth mentoring, and workforce and career readiness. Our across the nation, one thing that I have noticed just being in the field for 20 years is one of the greatest underserved population is young adults between the ages of 18 to 24. There are often too old for many youth programs, but still need guidance, mentorship, career participation, and positive opportunities. So that's just a briefing of what we do offer, but my model is similar to a higher ed dormitory where I create weekly programs as well to make sure that the youth don't just come once or twice a month. We try to monitor them every day of the week, Monday to Friday, sometimes on the weekend. We do build and create community event as well. And I'm going to, I didn't read everything, but I'm going to leave a copy with the to make sure that each of you guys get a copy.

Sir, is your contact information on there? It is. Okay, thank you. Thank you. Thank you for your time, sir. That's the last of the speakers. So we'll be at agenda item eight, update Rock Island. Update Rock Island. Become a Rock Island firefighter. The city is accepting applications for firefighters, paramedics with the Rock Island Fire Department now through September 11th. Make a difference in your community as you serve, save, and protect. Applications and hiring requirements can be found on our website at rigov.org. Free water ski shows. Come watch the Backwater Gamblers perform their amazing water ski show every Sunday and Wednesday night at Ben Williamson's Park, 5044th Street in Rock Island through Labor Day. Shows are free and begin at 6.30 p.m. See swivel tricks, barefoot skiing, daredevil aerial jumps, and impressive pyramids. Back to school family game night. Head out to a fun-filled evening at the RIFAC Center, the Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center, on August 6th to support the Spring Forward School Program. Come ready to have fun and enjoy a night with your family while participating in some fun activities from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. If you'd like to support the RIFAC, you can leave donations in the box at the front of the building. Thank you. Agenda item nine.

A, an ordinance to install street signs featuring both the city and Augustana College logos within the Augustana neighborhood. Second reading.

Motion to pass the ordinance.

Second. I have a first and a second. Is there any discussion? Roll call, please.

Alderperson Hurt.

Aye.

Barnes. Aye. Swanson. Aye. Parker.

Aye.

Hulis.

Aye.

And Evans.

Yes. Agenda item B.

Report from the Public Works Department regarding a resolution for a joint funding agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for pavement and sidewalk improvements through the Safe Routes to School program.

Move to adopt the resolution and authorize the mayor to exercise the agreement subject to minor attorney modifications.

Second. I have a first and a second. Is there any discussion? Yes.

I just was curious, as far as Rock Island Academy, how do I get them engaged in this same particular program? Because this one's going at Dayton schools. I'd love to see the same thing happen down in First Ward.

Is this through Bi-State, Luke?

Yes, that's correct. This was a Safe Routes to School grant that was applied for around the Dankman Elementary School area. So that would be a prerogative of council which areas you wanted to be target areas. And Public Works would be happy to submit those on our behalf if that's the direction council wanted to go.

I greatly appreciate it. That neighborhood has been struggling with sidewalks and streets for a while. And I just want to make sure that they get also the same opportunities.

Thank you.

Any more discussion? Clerk, please call the roll.

Alderperson Hurt.

Aye.

Barnes. Aye. Swanson. Aye. Parker.

Aye. Poulos. Aye.

And Evans.

Yes. Agenda item. Oh, excuse me, excuse me. We'll take a small break for some signing. Yeah, sure. Good thing it's so hot, right? I think this would be it right here. There you go. Now this is the clerk's copy, correct? Would you like me to date it as well?

Okay, okay, okay. Each one of these.

Yeah, we do.

There you go.

Yes. Thank the gentleman for sticking around as well. Okay. Are you good? Okay, moving right along. Agenda item 10.

A, report from the Traffic Engineering Committee regarding a request to install a handicapped parking space in 1910 16th Street. First reading.

Motion to approve the request and consider the ordinance.

Second. There's been a first and a second. Is there any discussion? Roll call, please.

Alderperson Hurt.

Aye.

Barnes. Aye. Swanson. Aye. Parker. Aye. Poulos. Aye. And Evans.

Yes. Agenda item B.

Report from the Community Development Department regarding rezoning from B4 district to C2 district for property with PIN 1616305004. First reading.

Motion to approve the rezoning and consider the ordinance.

Second.

There's been a first and a second. Is there any discussion? Roll call, please.

Alder Prison Hurt.

Aye.

Barnes. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Aye. Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Roll call, please.

Alderperson Hurt.

Aye.

Barnes. Aye. Swanson. Aye. Parker.

Aye.

Poulos. Aye. And Evans.

Yes.

Agenda item D. An ordinance amending Chapter 9 of the Rock Island Code of Ordinances by creating a new Article 7 entitled Unauthorized Motorized Vehicles and Reckless Operation First Reading.

Motion to consider the ordinance.

Second. I have a first and a second. Is there any discussion?

I have some discussion. The state passed their own amendment to this particular category. Is this not an overkill of that

So briefly, if you look at the memo that was provided with the ordinance, the state law is in regards to electric bicycles. This new ordinance supplements it. So what we're concerned about here is that the Illinois law establishes statewide rules for electric bicycles, electric scooters, and other electric micro mobility devices. And then it defines what types of devices are lawful. And then the city's ordinance does not prohibit those devices when they are being operated lawfully under state law. This ordinance instead focuses on vehicles and conduct that are not authorized by state law or that create public safety concerns. So it prohibits the operation of minibikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, and similar off-road vehicles on public streets, sidewalks, trails, parks, and other public right-of-way. Prohibits reckless operation of any motorized device when it endangers people or property. Allows officers to impound unauthorized vehicles that are being operated in violation of the ordinance. And allows violations to be handled through the city's administrative adjudication process. The same as the state law, it explicitly references the state law, says that it's an addition to the state law, and it explicitly states that anything that's authorized under state law is continued to be authorized within the city of Rock Island.

So kind of following up on that, since the state legislation seeks to replace inconsistent local rules with a uniform classification,

So, again, these are different vehicles that we're talking about. We're not talking about electric bicycles. We're not talking about electric scooters or other electric micromobility devices. This is separate from the state ordinance, and it explicitly is stating that it does not cover anything that is covered by state law.

May I? And this has been a problem in Rock Island for a while. I've seen these mini bikes and small CC motorcycles. They're doing wheelies, they're going down 14th Avenue. Somebody's gonna get killed. And with it, I think this will at least take the first step of trying to protect our young people from doing something that unfortunately young people, myself included, may have done.

I would like to add, I agree with you all around Poulos. This is becoming, we've had the numbers that have been coming into the police department since March 1st have been pretty high. That's not including the emails and phone calls that we all receive as older persons here and the complaints made to City Hall. And I've been behind these mini bikes that are doing riding wheelies on their seats. They're blocking traffic. They're weaving in and out of traffic. for no operating headlights or any it's it's it'd be quite problematic within the city and it's i guess my hope personally that first step would be this would be a huge deterrent for those for operation of these unauthorized vehicles so again it's about the safety i uh... i agree with the safety aspects of things uh... i've seen

I've seen I've seen bikers, you know, doing tricks in the middle of the street. And, you know, it honestly did make me nervous. So I agree with that. But my question is, to the extent to the extent of the enforcement, it's one thing to to do dangerous tricks down a main road, but it's another thing to have a little fun in an open field. It's another thing to use your small CC for means of transportation from one neighborhood to the next. If it's conducted like that, I see that as being fine, but I do want it on the record that I don't agree with The main role of the main street tricks that is you know we wouldn't want that. So Leslie what what would be the extent of the enforcement would would would.

So this would be enforced through the police. It would be within their discretion to issue a ticket or to impound the vehicle. So if they do issue a ticket, the minimum fine is like $100. Obviously, they would be more focused on the reckless operation. And similar to other tickets, it would be within their discretion to give someone a warning about how they're operating or where they're at, the same way that they would for a regular vehicle ticket.

So an open field could be enforced the same as . . .

So right now we say they're not allowed in parks and public areas. So it's allowed in their own private property or other people's private property, but it is not currently allowed in parks under the ordinance. Now someone can make an amendment to change that. or to amend it to change it, but currently it's not allowed on public streets, sidewalks, trails, parks, and other public rights-of-way. So it does not interfere with your ability to do it within your own property. Or private property.

And I would like to say I very much support this. I travel up and down 18th Avenue frequently and right in front of the Dunkin Donuts and the CVS. Same group of people are leaving in and out and in and out. light turns red, they zip up onto the sidewalk. I've watched a couple of them almost get hurt. I've watched a couple of them almost cause accidents with people trying to avoid them. And I think if you want to ride a motorized vehicle, you follow the rules of the road. I mean, if you want to ride a bicycle, you ride like you drive, often better than you drive. But I think part of it is there needs to be a respectfulness of the laws. People need to follow the rules, because if they don't, someone's gonna get hurt, and I would rather have somebody be upset with me for saying, oh, you impounded my son's vehicle. You may not like me for the rest of your life, but your child will be with you for the rest of their life, and I don't want somebody to come back and say, you knew better. You guys should have done something.

I agree. I agree. Um, and, and, and, and on the same note, um, like I said, I, I, I'm fully with the enforcement on the main roads, but I wouldn't want to see this. I wouldn't want to see our officers camping out at, let's say, Franklin Field looking for anybody that's on a, you know, a CC. You know, I know a lot of guys in the summertime as well as in the wintertime you know they they they have recreational fun you know in that field and and in the neighborhoods That portion of it has never been a problem, but I do agree with the main roads. So I would ask the police force to use discretion with their enforcement. If it's safety, if it's reckless, absolutely, absolutely enforce that. But if people are just out there making a little noise and having a little fun, I don't see any harm in that. I don't want this to be abused and used in the wrong way. Absolutely, I don't. So, any more discussion?

I think that's part of my concern, is the over-legislation. I think that once you actually push this through, it becomes an issue that is kind of like some of the other issues that we're dealing with with ordinances. I think we're just over-pushing. And so, for me, I'm going to be honest, I'm a no.

And if I could add, Mayor, I know where Franklin Field is. It's owned by the school district.

It's a short distance from Douglas Park, and we've seen a lot of damage to our parks in Douglas Park, in particular with the ATVs, donuts in the outfields, things like that. So if we can keep them out of the parks, that would be wonderful. But if there are areas where they can do this recreation safely, private property, because I do think the school district may weigh in on Franklin Field due to liability issues outside.

Thank you for your input.

I guess just to follow up, because I've had a resident contact me also regarding some reckless driving. So I contacted the police department, and they were able to stop him and give him a ticket or warning or something. So why do we have to have this additional ordinance in order to...

So this would allow us to do it through the administrative adjudication process and to be able to ticket all vehicles like mini bikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs. And so in order to then take it through the administrative adjudication process instead, you could do that for youth, right? So you're not giving them a formal ticket or anything like that. So it's just being able to handle it more administratively than the current system. And again, it's a high threshold, too. I don't know what the individual was doing. This is just saying basically you have to follow the rules of the road if you're going to be on even the e-bikes. So I said that it covers this stuff. It does cover e-bikes as it relates to reckless operation. So if they're on an e-bike and they're doing reckless operation, because again, that's not allowed under state law either. We could give them an ordinance ticket there. Does that answer it? Do you have a further question? Sort of. If you have a follow-up question, I can provide it, but.

Any more discussion? Clerk, please call the roll.

Alderperson Hurt.

Aye.

Barnes. I'm going to go no on this. Swanson. Aye. Parker.

Aye.

Hulis. Aye. And Evans.

No. Agenda item E.

An ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article 3, Division 3 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Rock Island regarding the terms of members of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. First reading.

I wish to consider, suspend the rules, and pass the ordinance.

Second. There's been a first and a second. Is there any discussion?

Background on this.

The background on this is that our ordinance says that the appointments were for four years, but we've been doing three years. So this just cleans up our ordinance to both say that all people currently serving were only appointed for three-year terms, and to make it clear that it's for three-year terms, which is the same as what state law recommends.

Any more discussion? Roll call, please.

Alderperson Hurt.

Aye.

Barnes. Aye. Swanson. Aye. Parker. Aye. Poulos. Aye. And Evans.

Yes. Agenda item 11.

Consent agenda items A through I.

Motion to approve consent agenda items A through I.

Second. I have a first and a second. Is there any discussion? Roll call, please.

Alderperson Hurt.

Aye.

Barnes.

Aye.

Swanson. Aye. Parker.

Aye.

Poulos. Aye. And Evans.

Yes. Agenda item 12.

Claims A and B.

Motion to approve claims A and B.

Second.

There's been a first and a second. Is there any discussion?

Due to the nature of my employment, I need to recuse myself from this vote.

Roll call, please.

Alderperson Hurt.

Aye.

Barnes. Aye. Swanson. Aye. Hulist. Aye. And Evans.

Yes. Agenda item 13.

A report from the Community Development Department regarding agreements with PGAV Planners LLC for the creation of the Southport TIF and the extension of the Parkway I-280 TIF in the amounts of $33,000 and $5,000.

Motion to approve the agreements and authorize city manager to execute the agreements subject to minor attorney modifications.

Beggar. I have a first and a second. Is there any discussion?

Yes. Can staff kind of walk through the process for this TIF, even though this is not for an extension, but just going through the process? Could you kind of walk through that, please?

Both parts of it?

Yes.

Sure. So we're doing two things at once here. And so it's a little complicated, but I'll try to sum it up as briefly as I can. Right now, we have in existence what we offhandedly call the casino TIF, based around the Valley's casino property. A little while ago, we expanded it from its original limited geography that was focused just on that to include a much larger geography, which largely encompassed the surrounding wetland properties. What we are now proposing to do is basically to split that up. So the Casino TIF would be shrunk back down so it would only contain the Casino and Casino West properties. And then around that, in the space that had been vacated, we would be establishing a brand new TIF from scratch. That would be the South Port TIF. The geography of the South Port TIF would include the wetland area, so we could continue to provide funding for that ongoing conservation effort. as well as the Andalusia Road Industrial Corridor, where we certainly have need of infrastructure improvements and assistance to businesses who are struggling to expand in that area. That's one part of the process. And that'll go through the normal new TIF establishment kind of trajectory. There'll be a couple of public hearings where citizens can learn more about it and make public comments. The council, of course, pass a few ordinances to make it happen. and that will go into effect at the end of that process. Pretty straightforward. The second thing, though, we're doing is that reduced casino TIF, so the TIF that has been in existence now for almost a full 23 years, we're interested in pursuing a 12-year extension to that TIF. This is a different process and involves different steps. Each of the overlapping taxing bodies that have jurisdiction over that geography will need to hold their own hearing and pass a resolution in support of the 12 year extension. That'll include the city council. At the end of that process, if all of the different taxing bodies have given their approval to do the extension, then the council will vote to approve the same. And the staff will then shepherd that ask down to the legislature, where it will be introduced for approval at the state level. The state legislature has to approve all TIF district extensions of this kind. So the final action would be for them to actually pass an amendment to the TIF Act approving that 12 year extension. So the public engagement process here is a little different, but it's actually more numerous. Every single taxing body will hold its own meeting at which citizens may comment on this and ask questions. The council as well will hold a meeting. So there'll be multiple opportunities for folks to be heard. So it's actually a process that involves a lot more engagement.

So this could take a while, maybe less than a year or?

This will take a few months. Both processes will be happening in parallel. They have slightly different timings. The important part for the TIF extension is that we get this wrapped up before the end of this year so that the legislature has an opportunity to vote on it during their upcoming legislative session.

Thank you.

Miles, why don't we just extend the Casino TIF, as we nickname it, and expand it to the proposed boundaries of the South Port TIF District?

It has to do with the window of time that we believe is necessary for the relevant improvements to take place. So if you look at the Andalusia Road Industrial Corridor and you start to think about the conditions of the infrastructure down there and how long some of the planning and implementation of improvements may take, that's probably much more than 12 years of work to do. So what we think is more appropriate is to establish a new TIF with that longer window of time.

Well then why don't we just allow the casino TIF to expire and establish a new TIF that covers the casino, the proposed Parkway 280 TIF, and the proposed Southport TIF district.

The existing casino TIF still has its original balance. So when it was established in the early 2000s, that is its original floor of value, basically before the casino was built. So it has an ability to generate a much larger volume of increment in a much shorter period of time. In that immediate area, there has been some discussion about development in the outlot spaces of the Bally's Casino property. They have a lot more parking, as many people will have seen, than they use regularly. Staff want to make sure that we're leaving the door open to use some of that accrued increment to support any sort of development that may take place there in the near future. The casino has also discussed the potential for some expansion of their facility. may include some event space, for example. We'd like to make sure that that balance, that larger balance is available should those projects move forward in the near term.

I understand that perspective another perspective is there's a lot of increment that could be distributed to like for example the school district right mean this is sort of the controversial miss of 10th districts. I made it clear in the past that I do not support if districts that benefit one property and the proposed reduced Parkway I 280 TIF district appears to only benefit the reason why it was created in the first place, the casino. I am open to, I mean, I guess what I'm trying to say is that I appreciate that development opportunity because that is businesses potentially other than the casino. But just like I oppose the millennial housing TIF districts for Century Woods and Heather Ridge, I'm having difficulty with supporting reducing the casino TIF to benefit pretty much one user. And on top of that, We have yet to pass an incentive policy. I've received communications from residents of Rock Island regarding this who speak more to the concerns that I've been trying to address with an incentive policy, which is more what projects are we incentivizing with whom, right? And I've made it clear to them that I'm not opposed to TIF districts other than the exception of like singular benefit TIF districts. But the concerns about what projects get incentivized and with whom as a partner could be addressed through like an incentive policy. And so I'm separating these two things, the creation of a TIF district and incentivizing projects. Approving this TIF district does not necessarily mean I will support development agreements incentivized by TIF funds within these districts, and I want to make that perfectly clear. Again, the students of the public school system that my children go to deserve some of these tax dollars, not the corporate owners of Bally's Casino. And I understand the economic benefits of business expansion and all that, but these are the things that we need to balance as a city council. Thank you. That's my thoughts. Noted.

Any more discussion? Roll call, please.

Alderperson Hurt.

Aye.

Aye. Swanson? Aye. Parker?

No.

Poulos? Aye. And Evans?

Yes. Agenda item B.

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 40th Street West Sanitary and Water Main Project Phase 1 recommending the bid be awarded to McClintock Trucking and Excavating, Silvis, Illinois in the amount of $776,105.

Motion to award the bid as recommended and authorize the city manager to execute the document subject to minor attorney modifications.

Second.

There's been a first and a second. Do I have any discussion?

Due to the nature of my employment, I need to recuse myself from this vote. Clerk, please call the roll.

Alderperson Hurt?

Aye.

Barnes? Aye. Swanson? Aye. Poulos? Aye. And Evans?

Yes. Agenda item C.

Report from the Public Works Department regarding bids for the 40th Street West Road Construction Project Phase 2, recommending the bid be awarded to McCarthy Improvement Company, Davenport, Iowa, in the amount of $2,382,895.

Motion to award the bid as recommended and authorize the city manager to execute the agreement subject to minor attorney modifications.

Second. I have a first and a second. Is there any discussion?

Due to the nature of my employment, I need to recuse myself from this vote. Roll call, please.

Alderperson Hurt.

Aye.

Barnes. Aye. Swanson. Aye. Poulos. Aye. And Healy. Or, and Evans.

Yes.

Agenda item D. Report from the Public Works Department regarding amendments to the Intergovernmental Service Agreement, IGSA, with the Rock Island Arsenal.

Motion to approve the budget adjustment. Hold on, repeat that.

D, agenda item D.

Yes, it says on there. Motion to approve the bid.

13D.

Motion to approve the amendments and authorize the mayor to execute the documents subject to minor attorney modifications.

Second. I have a first and a second. Is there any discussion?

Is this the intergovernmental agreement with the Arsenal, correct? Is that the one we're on? Yes. Okay. Luke, can you summarize? Because this is like over 50 pages. So what in a summary is being amended from the original agreement?

Yes, this is one of our existing intergovernmental service agreements with the Arsenal. So this one applies specifically to our relationship with them in water. So the items of note, these are really, what they are is, what you're looking at is the original contract and there's four amendments to it. So there's just some language clarification on responsibilities for performing unscheduled work. There is additional maintenance responsibilities. They have a splash pad over there for the kids, and they have a backflow preventer on that, so we'll be taking over the maintenance on that. Then the... There's a currently we have a $25,000 threshold for unscheduled work and that's increased to $50,000. So essentially due to strong performance by our personnel, they're wanting to increase the scope of work for us. And of course the city's compensated for all that additional work. So this is a positive for the city.

Any more discussion? Roll call, please.

Alderperson Hurt?

Aye.

Barnes? Aye. Swanson? Aye. Parker?

Aye.

Poulos?

Aye.

And Evans?

Yes.

Agenda item E. Report from the police department regarding approval to enter into an intergovernmental emergency resource sharing agreement with the other Quad City area law enforcement agencies to establish and participate in a bi-state major crash assistance team.

There's been a first and a second.

Is there any discussion?

That's correct. It is a similar to that kind of a call out situation where different members from different agencies throughout the Quad Cities are part of this team. They will each have certifications to do the reconstructions. They will also be able to share resources and assets between the agencies. The traffic crash reconstruction, which I've been a part of for the last 12 years, is not a cheap endeavor. And having each agency compete against each other on getting the latest and greatest equipment, it's not tenable for the city. So the other agencies have decided this is beneficial to everyone to pool the resources, pool the assets, so we can better investigate these crashes. and ultimately work together to essentially solve crimes. These are crimes. And they will investigate those the best they can using the resources that have been pooled by the different agencies. Thank you.

Any more discussion? Roll call, please.

Alderperson Hurt?

Aye.

Barnes? Aye. Swanson? Aye. Parker?

Aye.

Poulos? Aye. And Evans?

Yes. Agenda item 14.

A report from the Finance Department regarding a budget adjustment to the TIF for Parkway I-280 Valley's Casino Fund 402 in the amount of $98,550.08.

Motion to approve the budget adjustment. Second. I have a first and a second. Is there any discussion? Roll call, please.

Alderperson Hurt?

Aye.

Barnes? Aye. Swanson? Aye. Parker? Aye. Poulos? Aye. And Evans?

Yes. Agenda item B.

Report from the Finance Department regarding a budget adjustment to the TIF 4 Parkway I-280 Valley's Casino Fund 402 in the amount of 3,159,000.

Motion to approve the budget adjustment.

Second.

There's been a first and a second. Is there any discussion?

Just real quick, this is a really large budget adjustment, so is this something that was unforeseen during the budget process last year?

Is that Jessica?

I think we were still in the preliminary stages of deciding what the actual TIF district would need for this project. During the budget season while when it was being approved we were still negotiating contracts so it was not necessarily not thought about but we were unsure what what the amounts would look like so we didn't include it in the budget knowing that we would bring it before council and do a budget adjustment later i can add some insights to that as well so the exactly like jessica said so when the budget was constructed or

put together, we were kind of ballparking what the project cost would be. And then after we received the, so all the bids came in under the engineer's estimates. However, the total amount was more than what was originally budgeted. But again, that was kind of a best estimate at the time without actual engineer estimates on the project itself.

Any more discussion? Clerk, please call the roll.

Alderperson Hurt?

Aye.

Barnes? Aye. Swanson? Aye. Parker? Aye.

Poulos? Aye.

And Evans?

Yes.

Agenda item C. Report from the Finance Department regarding a budget adjustments to TIF 3 North 11th Street Fund 401 and the TIF 11 Downtown Fund 409 in the amount of $229,100, along with the Northport District Fund 410 in the amount of $458,200.

motion to approve the budget adjustments i have a first and second is there any discussion yes

So we're adding more money over into this one as well. And I'm just trying to see how is that becoming viable when it's taking more and more away from what I've been trying to get as far as my residents, some assistance that is not falling in line with the way the ports are done in this particular area. Or these tips are done in that particular area. So can somebody explain that to me?

So just as a reminder, this budget adjustment is reflecting the river tracks agreement that was previously approved by council. And at the time of the approval of that agreement, this exact budget adjustment and the need for it was discussed. So the reason this budget adjustment is being made at this time is because the North Port TIF is so new, it does not itself contain any increment yet. The increment generated by these other two TIFs is being moved to help support those activities at present. In the future, when the North Port TIF is generating its own increment, the idea would be that we can always move those funds back over to other TIFs as needed. The idea here is that the TIFs are all fluid with one another. As needs arise in one, we can support that by leveraging funds from another.

Thank you. Just another question. Since TIF 3 does run through Ward 3, Just kind of wanted to know, this TIF has been extended, correct?

That is correct.

So how many more years are left on this particular one?

I think about 11 at this point, give or take a few months.

And the annual property tax, about half a million?

Something about that, yes. I would have to defer to my colleague, the finance director, on that one.

Yeah, that's correct, about a half a million.

So we still have plenty enough for other development. And I did ask a question. I don't think I got a response. Are there any obligated reimbursements at this point?

For which TIF?

Three.

For North 11th?

Ward, yeah. TIF three. I mean, Ward three.

I'm thinking...

That may be the only outstanding substantial obligation for like a development project.

We budgeted some rebates and have paid some out. So we can look at that and make sure that everything's been paid out so far this year.

And then I guess in dealing with transfers between TIFs, I know there are a lot of positive to TIF transfers, but there can be some negatives where there's a lack of transparency between those transfers. So just making sure we have good records as far as money that's moving between the different TIF districts.

I just want to make sure that as we're transferring his funds back and forth, that the residents who are actually footing the bills on a lot of this is getting an opportunity to actually fix their roofs and their houses as well, not just the businesses. And it seems like from what I'm finding out is it's more business heavy than it is for residents. And residents have been taking a lot of hits as well with their finances. And I just want to make sure that that is noted that I'm really pushing and I want to make sure that that is being brought to the table.

Noted. know that I supported the river tracks development agreement which is funded via this transfer but I'm thinking more about this and I don't know I don't feel comfortable I mean I'm gonna vote yes because we've got the development agreement but moving forward I don't know if I like the idea of transferring funds between TIF districts it kind of goes against the point of of the tiff district where it benefits a specific geographic area and yes i know that perhaps we'll transfer the money back in but in 10 years from now there's a new council there's new staff and we forget you know nobody remembers that that's going to happen so just moving forward i may be a bit more hesitant for funding projects through this type of arrangement

So Miles, is it a legal obligation for the TIFs that money have been transferred out of to be reimbursed? If so, what is that timeframe?

no there is no obligation to do that the the ability to move the money through budget adjustments is is the purview of the council so as long as the tiffs are geographically contiguous you have the authority to move funds as as you feel is necessary so if the council wishes to see these funds reimbursed uh back to a tiff at some future time that's your prerogative

understood all i know is i'd be i would be very unhappy if downtown tiff funds were example were funding something elsewhere yeah yeah point taken any more discussion roll call please all the person hurt hi barnes

Swanson? Aye. Parker? Aye. Pulis? Aye. And Evans?

Yes.

Agenda item D. Report from the Finance Department regarding a budget adjustment to the Rock Island Arsenal Fund by 45 in the amount of $249,748. Motion to approve the budget adjustment.

There's been a first and a second. Is there any discussion? Roll call, please.

Alderperson Hurt.

Aye.

Barnes. Aye. Swanson. Aye. Parker.

Aye.

Poulos. Aye. And Evans.

Yes.

Agenda item E. Report from the finance department regarding a budget adjustment to the library fund 480 in the amount of $94,566.

Motion to approve the budget adjustment.

Second. There's been a first and a second. Is there any discussion? Roll call, please.

Alderperson Hurt?

Aye.

Barnes? Aye. Swanson? Aye. Parker?

Aye.

Kulis? Aye. And Evans?

Yes. Agenda item 15.

A report from the Community Development Department regarding a change to Community Development Block Grant Program Manual revising the public service application period.

Move to approve the revisions as recommended.

Second. I have a first and a second. Is there any discussion? Clerk, please call the roll.

Alder, Chris, and Hurt.

Aye.

Barnes. Aye. Swanson. Aye. Parker.

Aye.

Kulis. Aye. And Evans.

Yes. Agenda item 16.

A report from the clerk's office regarding a request from Bridges Catering to use sound amplification to close 3rd Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets and close 17th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue. for the annual CCKMA car and bike show on Sunday, August 23rd, 2023, or 2026, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and a request for the outdoor consumption of alcohol in the fenced-in area in the adjacent parking lot.

Move to approve the request as recommended, subject to complying with all liquor license regulations and subject to being shut down early if complaints are received.

Second. I have a first and a second. Is there any discussion? Roll call, please.

Alderperson Hurt?

Aye.

Barnes? Aye. Swanson? Aye. Parker?

Aye.

Houlis? Aye. And Evans?

Yes. Agenda item 17.

Report from the Mayor's Office regarding an appointment to the Human Rights Commission.

I have a first and a second. Is there any discussion? Roll call, please.

Alderperson Hurt.

Aye.

Barnes. Aye. Swanson. Aye. Parker.

Aye. Poulos. Aye.

And Evans.

Yes. Agenda item 18. Old business, new business. Anybody got anything? Yes.

I do.

Go ahead.

And I guess I should ask the city attorney if I can respond to a letter I received today. Actually read the letter and respond to it.

Yeah, that's fine.

So, I received a letter today from the Office of the Attorney General, State of Illinois. I'm going to get his name wrong. Kwame Raulwa, I believe, Attorney General. I'm not going to say who the letter was addressed to, but I was cc'd in the letter. So it states on June 18, 2026, the Public Access Bureau received your correspondence alleging that Alderman Linda Barnes violated the Freedom of Information Act public records retention requirements and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. That seems quite serious. The Public Access Counselor's authority is limited to reviewing alleged violations of FOIA and the Open Meetings Act. Pursuant to FOIA, a person whose request to inspect or copy a public record is denied by a public body may file a request for review with the public access counselor established in the Office of the Attorney General. And it's got a lot of numbers and dashes there. You have not alleged that a public body, such as the city of Rock Island, violated FOIA, for example, denying public records in its possession. Rather, you appear to request that the Public Access Bureau investigate the actions of Alderman Barnes because she allegedly deleted public comments and blocked a member of the public from her official government social media page. The Public Access Bureau does not have authority to conduct such an investigation or to review your allegations that Alderman Barnes violated the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or record retention requirements such as Local Records Act. Accordingly, this office will take no further action in this matter. This file is closed. If you have any questions, please contact me or at the Chicago address. Very truly yours, Eddie Steinberg, Senior Assistant Attorney, Public Access Bureau, CC, the Honorable Linda Barnes, Third Ward, Alderperson, City of Rock Island. So, my response. For clarity, the Alderwoman Linda Barnes Facebook page is closed to public comments, which is permissible. However, closing comments on a social media page does not mean that I am unavailable or unwilling to hear from the public. Residents are encouraged to contact me by telephone or email. My official contact information is publicly available on the City of Rock Island's website. Social media is only one method of communication. Residents may continue to share their questions, concerns, and opinions with me directly through the official communication channels provided by the city. I also wanted to address a broader issue since joining this council. I have been accused of asking too many questions, my motives have been characterized as political ambition, and it has been implied that I operate outside my responsibilities as a council member. So let me be clear, asking questions is not political ambition, it is public service. Reviewing expenditures, asking questions about unbudgeted cost, examining staffing increases, requesting financial projections, asking how public funds are being used are not outside my responsibility. As a member of the city council, fiscal oversight is one of my most important responsibilities. My constituents did not elect me to remain silent, avoid difficult subjects, or approve every recommendation without careful review. They elected me to study the issues, ask informed questions, exercise independent judgment, and help protect the public's money. My professional background in municipal finance gives me the ability to recognize areas that deserve further examination. It would be irresponsible for me to set that knowledge aside simply because my questions may make some people uncomfortable. Questions are not accusations. Oversight is not obstruction. Disagreement is not disrespect. Transparency should never be treated as a threat. I will continue to ask questions, even difficult ones. I will continue to request the information necessary to make informed decisions. I will continue to advocate for transparency in city finances, accountability and the use of taxpayer dollars, and consistency between our stated financial priorities and the action we take. I will do so professionally, respectfully, and based on the facts. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Barnes. Any other old business, new business? We had a very, very busy weekend in the city. Did anybody run or walk the bigs? Okay, we had a couple of them, huh?

And it was also a hot weekend. I walked, Dylan ran.

Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, all right. Anything from the staff, anything, anybody? All right, moving right along. Gen item 19.

Closed session, 5ILCS120-2C11, litigation when an action against, affecting, or on behalf of a particular public body has been filed and is pending before a quarter administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting. 5ILCS120-2C1, the appointment. employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body.

Second. I have a first and a second. All in favor say aye.

Aye.

All opposed? Closed session.