Robert DeFrance

The Committee of the Whole meeting addressed several agenda items requiring action or information. Key discussions included the establishment of a formal Fund Balance Policy to maintain financial stability, with a guideline for the General Fund to maintain an unrestricted fund balance between three and six months of operating expenditures. The committee reviewed budget transfers for FY2025, which supported General Fund costs and reallocated revenues to other funds, including Debt Service and Pension Funds. Updates were sought for Tobacco Ordinances (6-3-49 and 6-3-50) to align them with state law regarding age restrictions (raised to 21) and product inclusion (electronic cigarettes). A resolution was prepared for the replacement of old flooring in the Police Department, recommending the lowest quote of $31,505.00, funded by capital purchase and drug asset forfeiture accounts. A proposal was discussed to amend the City Code to combine the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals into a single 11-member Planning board to improve efficiency and quorum achievement. Finally, approval was sought for the resubdivision of Lots 1, 2, and 3 of The Quarter Subdivision No. 3 to finalize documentation for financing and lot sales.

The City Council agenda for the Regular Meeting included presentations and proclamations for National Hispanic Heritage Month and World Mental Health Day, along with recognition for an EMPD Chaplain and a promotion within EMPD. Key actions involved several resolutions: 25-66 for a Railroad License Agreement for Pedestrian Crossing at 7th Street, 25-67 for the 2025 Sewer Lining Project, and 25-68 to support an OSLAD Grant Application. The agenda also listed standard City Reports from the Administrator, Attorney, Treasurer, Clerk, and Mayor, with provisions for public comment and a closed session. The supporting minutes from the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting on September 2, 2025, detailed approvals for several resolutions, including an Intergovernmental Agreement, a Professional Services Agreement, and approval of an amendment to the City's Travel Policy.

The City Council meeting included a Public Hearing regarding the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. Key legislative items involved first readings of several ordinances, including Ord 25-14 and Ord 25-16 regarding tax levies, Ord 25-15 concerning tax levy bond abatement for several series, Ord 25-17 for the 2026 Budget, and Ord 25-18 for Easement Acquisition related to the Ravine Sewer Access-Way Project. Resolutions addressed the replacement of a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) valve, payment for Right of Way (ROW) purchase, a Professional Services Agreement with Play & Park Structures for park equipment assessment, and a Design Review Board Recommendation on 2025 Business Improvement Grants. There was also a discussion addressing food insecurity initiatives.

The agenda includes items such as approval of city council meeting minutes, salaries, overtime, and bills. It also covers the treasurer's report for November 2025, ordinances related to city code amendments for deputy chief of police positions and wastewater treatment plant local limits, as well as amendments to correct data relating to bonds and the 2025 tax levy. Resolutions include demolition of properties, the 2026 council meeting schedule, reimbursement of TIF eligible costs, initiating a feasibility study on TIF redevelopment project areas, and replacement of a fire department vehicle and equipment at the water filtration plant. Additionally, there are city reports, communications, and a closed session to discuss the purchase or lease of real property.

The ordinance adopts the budget for all corporate purposes of the City of East Moline, Illinois, for the fiscal year commencing on January 1, 2026, and ending on December 31, 2026. The FY2026 budget has benefited from feedback from the public, staff, and the city council and updated. This Budget Adoption Ordinance is in lieu of the statutory appropriation ordinance and that the amounts set forth in the budget for various corporate purposes shall constitute the aggregate amount of appropriation for the City of East Moline, Illinois.