Bettendorf council approves sign ordinance, advances building-and-development code; okays $10,000 shelter payment

The Bettendorf City Council on Dec. 3 gave unanimous first reading to an ordinance to amend the Bettendorf City Code Title 10 (building and development), adopted a revision to the sign ordinance on its third and final reading and approved a $10,000 annual commitment to Humanity Homes and Services Incorporated for shelter operations in the Greater Quad Cities.

City staff opened a public hearing on proposed changes to the building and development code; no members of the public spoke. Councilmember Sechsler moved approval of the ordinance at its first reading; a second was recorded and a roll call vote recorded ayes from Adamson, Brown, Jaeger, Naumann, Sechsler and Baden. The council noted the affidavit of publication had been filed and that no written correspondence had been received.

The council then considered an ordinance amending Bettendorf City Code Title 11, Chapter 14 (sign ordinance). Councilmember Brown offered the third and final reading and moved adoption; a second was recorded. A roll call recorded ayes from Adamson, Brown, Jaeger, Naumann, Sechsler and Baden, and the council adopted the ordinance on final reading.

Councilmember Baden moved a resolution committing the city to a year-round support payment of $10,000 to Humanity Homes and Services Incorporated for shelter operations. Councilmember Jeter commented that conversations with people who spoke to council the previous night were helpful in explaining how the organization serves Bettendorf residents. "I do wanna thank the people who came here last night and talked to us a little bit. I think it was very helpful to have them explain how they help the citizens of the city in order to justify the city's commitment back to them," Jeter said. The resolution passed on a roll call with the same recorded ayes.

The council approved the consent agenda unanimously and adjourned. The meeting record shows staff involved in the building-and-development presentation identified as Jeremy, Troy and Mark; council members present for votes included Adamson, Brown, Jaeger, Naumann, Sechsler, Baden and (at times) Palczynski.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance (Title 10, building and development) '1: First reading moved by Councilmember Sechsler; second noted; unanimous roll call (recorded ayes: Adamson, Brown, Jaeger, Naumann, Sechsler, Baden). Public hearing opened; no public testimony. (First reading approved.) - Ordinance (Title 11, Chapter 14, sign ordinance): Third and final reading moved by Councilmember Brown; second noted; unanimous roll call (recorded ayes: Adamson, Brown, Jaeger, Naumann, Sechsler, Baden). (Adopted on final reading.) - Resolution: $10,000 commitment to Humanity Homes and Services Incorporated for shelter operations: moved by Councilmember Baden; second noted; unanimous roll call (recorded ayes: Adamson, Brown, Jaeger, Naumann, Sechsler, Baden). (Approved.)

The council record indicates an affidavit of publication for the public hearing was on file and that no written correspondence was received regarding the building-and-development code item.