You aren’t the only one concerned about rising utility costs. Your local governments feel the heat, as well.

Check the discussion.

Peoria City Council

On April 26 City Manager Patrick Urich provided information on predicted Ameren energy rate increases related to an April 14 energy auction. After the city’s contract expired in May, rate increases could result in consumer expense increase of $500 per year.

On May 10, the Council approved $563,085 for neighborhood revitalization and healthy living programs. It deferred voting on Video Gaming Ordinance.

On May 24, some councilors wanted more current information about gun violence initiatives and asked for quarterly updates. After lengthy debate, the vote to spend $25,000 on an anti-violence program tied 5-5. At-Large councilors Zach Oyler, Sid Ruckriegel, Kiran Velpula, John Kelly and District 2 Councilor Charles Grayeb voted against.

As for increasing electricity costs, auction rates were as high as $237/megawatt day vs. $5/megawatt day. Good Energy representatives continue to monitor pricing and encourage approximately 38,000 area residents who have opted into city plan not to opt out. Residents who opt out may not be able to get back into the city plan.

Council also addressed panhandling concerns. It is now unlawful to interact with pedestrians while on a traveled portion of a roadway and not legally parked. It is also unlawful for an individual to remain on a roadway median when not lawfully crossing roadway.

Peoria County Board

On May 12, the Board approved an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Peoria and the Health Department to establish the Peoria Health Equity Fund. The county and city commit to providing $600,000 each for four fiscal years to address health inequities and the social determinants of health. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will be used.

District 1 representative Sharon K. Williams reported on efforts to reinvigorate the currently stalled Hanna City Rail-to-Trail effort.

County Administrator Scott Sorrell mentioned significant electricity rate increases this summer. Chairman Andrew Rand requested a June update.

Election Commission

On May 10, Executive Director Tom Bride said primary ballots to be sent overseas would go out May 14 and early voting would start May 19.

In addition to the dropbox at the election office, boxes will be located at the Peoria Civic Center box office and the North Branch Library in Peoria. They will be available for two weeks starting June 13. Bride assured Board members each ballot is vetted.

Cardboard voting booths have been procured from St. Louis County and will be used until permanent ones arrive.

Housing Authority

Peoria Housing Authority commissioners met May 2 and heard several individuals’ concerns during community comments at the beginning of the meeting.

One Sterling Towers resident complained about a bed bug infestation that has led to sleeping in a car. A landlord complained about communications and lack of respect of PHA employees.

As of May 18, the minutes of February 7 and March 7 meetings were not available on the PHA website, as required. The CEO report and reports listed under Consent Agenda are not readily available to the public to review. This lack of transparency raises concerns that PHA does not have an effective plan in place to follow Open Meeting Act.

(Note: LWVGP requested FOIA in March from PHA to review meeting reports and minutes not posted at that time. PHA staff and legal representative forwarded records that were requested in reasonable timeframe.)

Sanitary District

On May 17, Greater Peoria Sanitary District trustees learned investments are getting higher interest rates — 2.06% for treasury bills — but costs for chemicals and electricity have increased.

The State of Illinois has many past-due GPSD bills; staff is still working with billing software.

Operations reports revealed no violations, no backups — and a Peak Performance Award for the second year.

Peoria Park District

John Martin was presented the Landen Memorial Volunteer Service Award and Kappa Alpha Psi was given the Rhodell E. Owens Distinguished Group Community Service Award.

Information Security Supervisor Willie Howe reported more than $10,000 was saved by revamping the golf telephone system.

Peoria Public Schools

On April 25, Superintendent Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat congratulated teachers for extended learning and middle schools for a new speech and debate program.

Four teachers — Emily Dawson, Shannon Sailer, Michelle Salazar and Lauren Wulf — achieved National Board Certification under a state-underwritten two-year program. Six schools — Glen Oak, Harrison, Lincoln, Trewyn, Roosevelt and Sterling — will be using a speech/debate program for fourth graders developed by Bradley University alumni Salvatore Trajino of Advantage Communications.

On May 9, the PPS board approved a new K-4 math curriculum for the district at a cost of $897,706. Piloted this school year, the new curriculum is expected to better prepare younger students for Algebra 1 readiness, introducing grade-appropriate concepts earlier. The board was also presented details of an amended 2021-22 district budget.

On May 23, the PPS board approved chemistry curriculum learning materials for high school students, Spanish guided reading resources to improve English language proficiency and reading skills, and a supplemental Black History social studies curriculum for grades 5-8. The board said Quest Academy has 221 middle school students and 241 high school students, with 57 seniors graduating on June 2. All seniors are on track to graduate and advance to post-secondary education with 27 students attending two-year colleges and 34 being accepted into four-year institutions.

Springdale Cemetery

On May 17, Authority members of the Springdale Cemetery Management Authority learned there have been 49 burials to date in 2022 — which is higher than previous years — and more visitors to the office.

Concerns were expressed about major vandalism on April 24. General Manager Mark Matuszak suggested strategies such as an exit gate which only opens from the inside. The cemetery is a large property with several access points and limited lighting.

League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria observers attend and report on local government meetings. Check https://www.lwvgp.org/news/category/observer-reports-logo for more details.