Moline City Council approves funding for Quad City Classic Pickleball Tournament

The Moline City Council convened for a Committee of the Whole meeting on April 8, 2025, at 6 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting began with a roll call, confirming the presence of all alderpersons. Following the roll call, public comments were invited, with Marcy Fosdick addressing the council regarding the upcoming Quad City Classic Pickleball Tournament, scheduled for September 11-14, 2025. Fosdick highlighted the tournament's growth, noting an increase in participants from 230 in 2021 to 419 in 2023, and emphasized the event's positive economic impact on the community.

The council then moved to board appointments, reappointing Julian Scott Reyes and Mark Beck to the Firefighters Pension Board for two-year terms. A proclamation was read to declare the week of April 2025 as National Library Week, with Mr. Lear expressing gratitude for the recognition of libraries' contributions to the community.

Subsequent agenda items included a resolution authorizing a $1,500 grant to support the Twelfth Annual Fall Belgian Festival, followed by an ordinance dedicating a parcel of land as public right of way related to the Seventh Avenue project. The council approved a $7,500 grant to the Quad Cities Pickleball Club to support the tournament, acknowledging its role in attracting visitors and promoting community engagement.

Further discussions included an amendment to an intergovernmental fiber optic system lease agreement with the Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit Authority, and a resolution appointing each alderperson to serve as mayor pro tem on a rotating basis. The council also approved an ordinance to eliminate fees for Compass ID cards, aimed at increasing accessibility for residents.

The meeting continued with resolutions related to leasing city-owned farmland, joining the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network, and declaring certain non-motorized assets as surplus property. The council authorized the purchase of office furniture for the city services center, emphasizing the importance of cost management amid anticipated tariff increases.

In the informational segment, Ms. Temple provided an update on grant funding, detailing the various stages of grant applications and approvals, and highlighting the city's ongoing commitment to utilizing grant resources effectively.

The meeting concluded with a series of motions passing unanimously, reflecting the council's collaborative approach to community development and support for local events. The next steps include continued engagement with community organizations and planning for upcoming projects.