Trudging toward spring, one item at a time.
Peoria City Council

Council met Jan. 10 with public hearing to annex 9601 N. Allen Road. Ron Holohan, Treasurer of Dunlap Library Board spoke to concerns regarding Peoria annexation of property parcels five times, decreasing revenue for Library.

Consent agenda approved: Worker compensation settlement for $140,000 to firefighter injured on two separate dates; adult use cannabis dispensary at 1210-1222 W. Glen Ave.; mixed-use building including short-term rental and commercial at 331 N.E. Perry Ave.

Community Development Director Joseph Dulin reviewed an abandoned school demolition scheduled for spring that will use local labor.

Councilor Tim Riggenbach updated on Darwin Corp. housing issue. Dulin was recognized for efforts towards a one-month extension on orders to vacate; virtual town hall with Prairie State Legal on resident rights was held to clarify misinformation.

Council adjourned for closed session.

On Jan. 24, Council approved an intergovernmental agreement between the city and Dunlap school district regarding Medina Plains-Allen Road Business Park TIF district.

Collective bargaining agreement approved between the city and AFSCME Local 3464 for two years ending Dec. 31, 2025. It requires staff to reside within city limits.

A presentation was given on the Combined Sewer Overflow project, the city’s response to unfunded federal mandates to meet Clean Water Act. It includes a long-term state loan at 1.34 % interest; funding approved for 2023 is $7,854,859.

Council adopted rezoning and special use provisions in District 1 for residential housing, including single-family, multi-family and elderly. This action is necessary to apply for federal funding.

Election Commission

Peoria County Board of Election Commissioners met Jan. 10. Public comments showed concern for school board candidate petitions and handling of the challenges.

Under expenditures, $34,000 was left from the 2022 budget, but some of that money will pay for paper that has been ordered but not yet received. Only one bid had been received for a Permanent Vote by Mail mass mailing. Quick Silver’s bid of $10,000 was approved. Federal Warehouse was approved for $5,900 to deliver voting equipment.

Printing of ballots could not be completed until Jan. 26 because municipalities and libraries do not need to complete their lists until then. First ballots were to go to overseas and military voters on Feb. 17.

The Board moved to executive session to discuss pending or anticipated litigation.

Peoria County Board

Board met Jan. 12 with all members present, but Members Brian Elsasser and Eden Blair participating by phone.

It was the first meeting using iPads and new software. Even with training and mock meeting run-throughs, there were several meeting delays.

Regular business included approving several zoning changes, special uses and waivers in Hallock, Hollis, and Kickapoo townships. The board also approved construction and renovation services within the Peoria County courthouse not to exceed $1.325 million for the IT and Public Defenders departments. Also approved were an appropriation of $300,000 for supplies for local road districts and the 2023 Legislative Initiatives.

There were no citizen’s remarks and the consent agenda passed unanimously. Among items approved/accepted:

* A three-year agreement between Illini Bluffs School District, the county and Sheriff for policing services,

* Two grants totaling more than $600,000 for body-worn and in-car cameras,

* Preliminary engineering services to rehabilitate a bridge on Maxwell Road and safety improvements on Hanna City-Glasford Road.

* An agreement for a Peoria County Transportation Equity Study.

Housing Authority

Peoria Housing Authority Board of Commissioners met in person and virtually on Jan. 26.

Sterling complex residents mentioned security concerns on evenings and weekends, including lack of cameras in elevators and lobby areas, and waste materials not disposed of properly. CEO Armica Crawford discussed resident council re-engagement, volunteer floor captains and working collaboratively with residents to resolve issues.

The Family Self Sufficiency program celebrated four graduates who reached goals for home ownership and finance and education.

Crawford reported on $1.5 million grant recently received. She also discussed upcoming events at Sterling Towers and Harrison to assist residents with legal documents, such as healthcare power of attorney and wills.

Aldisa Jordan, Director of Housing Choice Voucher Program, discussed focus on voucher issuance and relationships with landlords, as well as customer service. She mentioned passage of HB2775 and fair income source in rental process.

Meeting adjourned for closed session.

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