Residents press council on downtown feces and shelters; city plans two ADA outhouses

Three speakers during public comment pressed the council on separate but related issues of development access and downtown sanitation.

Tim Presley, a non‑resident property owner with an easement near the new casino development, told the council a gate blocking his legal access had been removed or locks torn off and said he believes permits for water access and other development approvals are still pending; he asked the city to restore legal access and move the project forward in compliance with required permits.

Clay Cone described repeated incidents of human feces in downtown Rock Island and said the city's current response is insufficient. "I have to talk to these people and I hear their stories, and it's very sad that they have no dignity to relieve themselves," Cone said, urging the city to deploy porta‑potties and to secure them against vandalism rather than abandoning the option because of past problems.

Kai Swanson, a Rock Island resident, urged accuracy in public debate about homelessness and defended the council's prior funding and support for shelters. Swanson noted the city has supported agencies and facilities that together provide dozens of beds, and highlighted a $250,000 grant to Project Now as part of regional shelter efforts.

In response to concerns about downtown sanitation, a city staff member said the city planned to install two ADA‑accessible outhouses and expected installation "this week," but that final placement needed agreement from businesses and the Downtown Alliance. Staff estimated the two units would cost about $500 per month and said they would seek funding from contingency or other available sources if necessary. City staff also cautioned that porta‑potties would not resolve all downtown challenges and said the vendor and installation method would be chosen to reduce tipping and vandalism.