The Davenport City Council's committee-of-the-whole on Wednesday approved a proposal to add two members to the board that would oversee operations of a proposed land-based, city-owned casino.

The Davenport Community Improvement Corporation, a nonprofit seven-member board created by the city in November, now will have nine members.DCIC board chairwoman Kelli Grubbs suggested adding the two members to increase the group's financial expertise and address concerns of potential conflicts.

Ms. Grubbs is joined on the DCIC by Davenport city administrator Craig Malin, Davenport Police Chief Frank Donchez, Davenport Ald. Jeff Justin, Riverboat Development Authority President Mary Ellen Chamberlin, RDA board member Christine Frederick and Tri-City Building Trades executive director Rory Washburn.

After Wednesday's meeting, Mr. Malin said John Roche and Randall Rathje have been recommended as the new DCIC members.

Mr. Roche is a retired vice president of Mid-American Energy, Mr. Malin said, and formerchairman of the Iowa Quad City Chamber of Commerce, which merged in 2010 with the Illinois Quad City Chamber.Mr. Rathje is a former chief financial officer of Lujack's Northpark Auto Plaza.

"I think the skill set these gentlemen bring will be helpful (to the DCIC)," Mr. Malin said, addingit doesn't hurt to have a few extra helping hands to broaden the board's knowledge and perspective.

Ald. Raymond Ambrose, 4th Ward, agreed.

"They're both outstanding individuals," Ald. Ambrose said. "I think they'll both be great."

The DCIC is scheduled to meet at noon today at the RiverCenter.

Wednesday's proposal is an amendment to the DCIC's bylaws, with a formal vote on the motion planned at Wednesday's city council meeting.

Davenport has proposed buying the Rhythm City Casino from Isle of Capri for $46 million and moving it off the river to a location yet to be determined. Three developers -- Restoration St. Louis, of St. Louis, Mo.; Ingenus Management/Consulting, of Brainerd, Minn., and Atrium Holding Co., of Alpharetta, Ga. -- have presented proposals for the casino project.