Rock Island staff detail progress on 50 ARPA projects; key infrastructure and software work underway

City staff presented an update on American Rescue Plan Act-funded projects at a Rock Island City Council study session, reporting 50 total projects funded and outlining timelines, costs and next steps for major infrastructure and technology work.

The presentation noted the city allocated $16.5 million in restricted ARPA funds and that staff report to the U.S. Treasury quarterly. "Lots has changed since January," the presenter said, and staff highlighted that all ARPA obligations must be under contract by the end of this year and spent by the end of 2026.

Staff described several large efforts. The citywide software (ERP) implementation with Tyler is well underway, with a kickoff completed and the project about 94% through the initiate-and-plan phase; staff said the chart of accounts milestone is complete. On water infrastructure, the downtown rebuild has installed new water mains on Second and Eighteenth streets and crews are installing services and sanitary structures; staff reported they will reline existing sanitary sewer pipes instead of full replacement to avoid extensive bedrock excavation and to control cost while maintaining or improving flow capacity. Engineering for the Southwest Treatment Plant influent pump station was funded with $2,650,000 in ARPA for engineering phases; staff said bid evaluation is expected early this fall and construction next spring, and that the project team has sought Illinois EPA SRF loan funding after design costs rose to roughly $4'$4.5 million.

Sunset Marina dredging was delayed by July flooding on the Mississippi River, staff said; a prequalification RFP/RFQ went out and responses were due Aug. 21, with construction anticipated next spring and 400 Dock dredging and electrical upgrades expected to be bid and awarded this fall if proposals align with budgets.

The automated metering infrastructure (AMI) project to enable monthly water billing remains multi-year, with staff estimating completion around 2028. Staff reported extensive testing between the current billing system (NorthStar), the new meter platform (Ferguson) and the city's upcoming Tyler ERP; letters to Northwest Rock Island residents were sent to schedule meter replacements. Councilors asked whether the AMI timeline could be accelerated; staff replied funding limits and system-integration concerns have driven the phased schedule and that replacing meters citywide all at once would create billing and integration advantages but depends on financing and software sequencing.

Parks and facilities updates included completed pool window and locker-room renovations, preschool security improvements and multiple park projects funded in part by grants and partnerships; staff said those efforts brought over $1,000,000 in leveraged funds to supplement ARPA allocations. The city also reported demolition work: the former Bayer Manufacturing building has been completely demolished and emergency demolition sites were shown; for the Fancy Clock building adjacent to the central fire station, staff said they received demolition and salvage bids and expect to present a contract to council soon.

Staff listed six ARPA projects not yet started (including backup generators, camera/alerting systems, broadband, AV upgrades and remaining public-safety allocations) and said they are meeting regularly to obligate funds before the federal deadline or reassign funding to other eligible projects so money is not left unspent.

A routine motion to adjourn was made and seconded; the meeting concluded following an affirmative voice vote.

The presentation contained numerous project timelines and follow-up steps: several projects are entering bid phases this fall, the city plans to pursue an Illinois EPA SRF loan for wastewater work, and staff expected final furniture and AV installations ahead of a planned move back into administrative offices and council chambers this fall.