Bettendorf council approves FTA grant application, Gateway pedestrian bridge phase 2 and advances sign ordinance; issues several proclamations

The Bettendorf City Council unanimously approved a Fiscal Year 2025 application for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5307 financial assistance, approved plan specifications and contract form for the Gateway Pedestrian Bridge and Trails Phase 2 project, advanced an amendment to the city sign ordinance on its second reading and adopted its consent agenda. The meeting also included proclamations for Mental Health Month, National Small Business Week, School Nurse Day, River Cleanup Day and Public Works Day/Week.

Council member Aaron Sechser moved approval of the resolution to file the FY2025 application for FTA Section 5307 funds; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call in which all present council members voted “aye.” Council member Brown moved approval of the Gateway Pedestrian Bridge and Trails Phase 2 plan specifications and form of contract; that resolution also passed unanimously on roll call. Council member Batting moved approval of the ordinance amending Bettendorf City Code Title 11 Chapter 14 (sign ordinance) on second reading; the council recorded a unanimous vote to advance the ordinance.

During the public hearing process, staff confirmed that notices were published and that affidavits of publication were on file; no written correspondence was received on the transit application or the Gateway Bridge phase 2 project. Council discussion on the transit application included a brief comment from Council member Greg Adamson: “I'm gonna vote for it because we it's helpful for the community, but I I'm hoping someday that there's a better system for public transportation than what what's available today.” No substantive public testimony was recorded on those agenda items.

The council also presented five proclamations. Mayor Robert Gallagher proclaimed May 2025 as Mental Health Month, May 10, 2025 as National Small Business Week in Bettendorf, May 7 as School Nurse Day, May 17 as River Cleanup Day and May 17 (day) and May 18–24 as Public Works Day and Week. Recipients and presenters at the meeting included Nicole Karkner of the Quad City Health Initiative (mental health proclamation), Kate Terrell of Wallace’s Garden Center and Jacob Foote of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce (small business), Jordan Drain, president of the Iowa School Nurse Organization (school nurses), Brianna Collier with the Quad Cities Chamber (river cleanup signatory) and Ryan Schmidt, public works director (public works proclamation). Nicole Karkner said the proclamation helps “shine a light on this issue” and Jordan Drain described school nurses as “more than band aids and ice packs,” calling them “a care coordinator.”

The council took the consent agenda as presented after staff removed one item (an HDR project) from the consent list before the meeting. With the consent agenda approved unanimously, the council adjourned.