Davenport council approves amended River Watch Place development agreement; one abstention over appearance of conflict

The Davenport City Council voted 6-3 with one abstention on Jan. 15 to approve a revised development agreement for the River Watch Place project at 227 MacLeaire after the council adopted amendments offered by Alderman Dunn.

The amended resolution, described on the agenda as “approving revised development agreement with 227 MacLeaire for the River Watch Place project and authorizing a city administrator designate to execute necessary documents,” was moved, amended and approved during the meeting. Alderman Dunn moved the amendments and Alderman Gripp seconded them; after the amendments passed the full agreement was moved and seconded and carried by the same numerical margin.

The vote followed a brief procedural exchange with city counsel about timing. City counsel Mr. Hupp advised the council that taking the vote before resolving a separate request related to potential conflicts could be interpreted as an acquiescence that the council did not intend to…