Sharon McBride
Results show that West Peoria’s 2010 census 77 percent of households have participated via mail. The Census now continues door-to-door to seek out those who haven’t yet responded. Please participate. If the occupant isn’t at home when a census worker knocks on the door, that resident will find a door hanger with a phone number to call to schedule a visit and be counted. Remember that the Census determines the distribution of $300 billion annually of government funding for critical community services. It also impacts our voice in Congress. An incomplete count could mean our community does not receive its fair share of funding.
Here are helpful reminders about this process. Census workers will carry a white badge with the Dept of Commerce watermark/logo. Most census workers will carry a black census bag (wide white band with “US Census Bureau” and a blue Dept of Commerce watermark/logo). Census workers will NEVER ask to enter a home and will NEVER ask for a monetary donation. Census workers will only ask the questions on the census form, and will not ask for any social security, immigration, bank account, political party affiliation or credit card information. If you’re in doubt that the person at your door is a census worker, ask for the phone number and name of their supervisor. They must provide the info. Call the Peoria Local Census Office (309-550-9220) if you are unsure about this—be sure to provide the census worker’s name. There will be six contact attempts – three visits and three phone calls. If have census questions or want to provide your census responses by phone, call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance Center at 1-866-872-6868 until July 30, 7 days per week, from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. local time. You may still get a visit. Until mid-August the census bureau is making outbound calls to homes they need clarification on responses provided on a census form.
There are other census workers out there collecting information for the American Community Survey and a health survey. They will obviously be asking very different questions than the 10-question census form, but their personal information is still protected. These census workers will still have an ID, be able to provide their supervisor’s information, and they will never ask you any social security, immigration, bank account, political party affiliation or credit card information. If you’re unsure, call 1-800-865-6384 to find out if they are a part of another survey.
West Peoria has completed the annexation of several properties to the west of the City. The properties are owned by the following organizations or individuals: Greater Peoria Sanitary District, James Connaughton, the Hindu Temple of Central Illinois, and Prakash & Ratna Babu. Plans are in place to annex several additional properties along Farmington Rd. including property owned by Peoria County and Cherrie Hamilton.
The West Peoria City Council is planning to expand the boundaries of its TIF I district. The reasons are (1) to add property that could be commercially developed, (2) to extend the TIF district to the Western Ave. city limits.
The Community of West Peoria, Troop & Pack #11 and the West Peoria Lions Club extend an invitation to join our 4th of July Parade and flag raising celebration. This special day brings with it a feeling of community togetherness and heartfelt patriotism that truly touches the spirit. We proudly coordinate the longest-running 4th of July parade in Central Illinois and would be honored if you and/or your organization would march along with us.
The 41st annual parade steps off at 10:00 a.m. the morning of the 4th. Line-up begins at 8:30 a.m. at the corner of Rohmann and Sterling Ave. Groups should be in place and ready to step off no later than 9:45 a.m. City streets will be closed at that time in preparation for the start of the parade. The parade will go, rain or shine. Be prepared for the weather as it can be extremely hot or pouring rain in July.
We urge you to join us in West Peoria for our annual salute to and celebration of our Country. Please feel free to call Mark at 472-4258 or e-mail at mwrhel@comcast.net with any questions. For more info visit www.wplions.org. If you plan to march in the parade and have not yet registered, please have your application mailed by Friday, June 18, 2010.
To nominate someone to be the grand marshal of this year’s parade, write a short letter explaining your choice. The person should be someone who has had an impact on the community as a whole. It can be thru social work, public service, or volunteerism in the city of West Peoria. Please include contact info so we may ask questions if necessary. Nominations need to be mailed no later than June 13th for your choice to be considered. Mail to: West Peoria Lions Club Attn: Grand Marshal Nominations, 2407 W. Rohmann Ave. West. Peoria, IL 61604.
Do you know that permits from the City are needed for certain projects on your property? All residential permits are $25.00 and are needed for building of sheds, decks, porches, additions, fences (new or replacing existing ones), new driveways and sidewalks (even gravel), swimming pools and signs? Building a new multi-family home fee is $150.00 and $75.00 for a single family home. A permit is required for a home occupation with an initial fee of $75.00 and a yearly renewal fee of $25.00. Commercial building permits are $120.00.
Open burning of landscape waste or trash is no longer allowed in West Peoria. Recreational fires (campfires or cookouts) for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes only under the following conditions: The location of the fire shall be no closer than 25 feet from any structure and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire spreading to within 25 feet of any structure. Recreational fires are strictly prohibited on sidewalks, public streets, alleys, right-of-ways, or highways. Recreational fires shall be contained in an outdoor fireplace, fire/barbecue pit, campfire ring or other container approved by City staff. It shall be limited in size to a total fuel area of three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height. The use of devices made of earth, stone, or metal designed for the purpose of containing a fire shall also be permitted provided the area containing the fire is no more than three feet wide by three feet long. Permissible pieces of wood shall be no more than three feet in length. All recreational fires have a maximum time limit of four hours and shall be properly extinguished at the end of the activities. Fires are not allowed to extend later than 10:00 p.m. The fuel for recreational fires shall consist of seasoned dry firewood or charcoal briquettes. Construction materials or yard waste are prohibited. Small amounts of paper and kindling may be used to kindle the fire. The use of flammable or combustible liquids, other than commercially produced charcoal lighter fluid, to start the fire is strictly prohibited. A responsible adult shall enforce attendance and supervision of children at all times the fire is kindled. An approved on-site extinguishing agent, such as sand, water container, or garden hose shall be available for immediate use. It is the responsibility of the property owner/tenant to ensure the safety of those enjoying the fire and therefore must extinguish the fire when the winds are too high. Recreational fires identified as hazardous due to excessive smoke or odor emissions are prohibited. The City may order the extinguishment of any recreational fire that creates or adds to a hazardous situation. Commercially manufactured grills, smokers, and outside fireplaces do not require permits; however, their use is subject to the same time and wind restrictions.
The residential paint reimbursement program still has funds available. This program offers reimbursement of paint costs to residents who wish to paint the exterior of their homes or accessory structures (sheds, storage units, or garages). Reimbursement will be granted for exterior paint only. Participants who purchase paint in the City of West Peoria will receive reimbursement of 50% of total paint costs, up to a maximum of $250. If the paint is not purchased in West Peoria, the maximum amount reimbursed will be 30% of total paint costs, up to $250. Paint is available in West Peoria at Ace Hardware at 2504 W. Rohmann Ave. Reimbursement of receipts will be received upon completion of project. Residents can pick up a copy of the guidelines and an application at West Peoria City Hall, 2506 W. Rohmann Ave. or call 674-1993. They’re also available at: www.cityofwestpeoria.com.
The West Peoria Neighborhood Watch will meet Wednesday, June 9th at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Deputy Middlemas will up-date us on any criminal activity in the area. Beware of scams – telephone, roofing, driveways, carpet cleaning, magazines, etc. If you didn’t ask for it – don’t fall for it. Do not let anyone you don’t know into your home. They might just be checking out what you have that they can pick up later – at your cost. Remember -” Help fight crime – Fight with Light.” Keep yard light turned on at night – the cost of a night light is minimal compared to a break-in. Support the Neighborhood Watch: plan to attend the meeting and bring a neighbor.
The West Peoria Resident Association will meet Thursday, June 17th at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The public is invited.
West Peoria Clean-up Day was held April 24th and much trash was collected. With garbage being collected on the street, the alleys look much better now. Thanks to all who helped with the clean-up.
Government Day was held on April 30th with 45 students attending from Calvin Coolidge, St. Mark’s, Manual and Notre Dame. The students spent a day learning about township and city governments.
Calvin Coolidge Middle School students calling themselves the “Green Team” walked neighborhoods most of the school year in search of trash to pick up so the neighborhoods would be clean. They also helped older residents by shoveling snow during their school activity periods and after school. CCMS Principal Tom Blumer has stated that “The Green Team has really evolved into a green/service club this year.” Resource teacher Jason Lewis advised the team and helped implement new projects that have benefited our community and the environment. Mr. Lewis is making future plans to raise money by using his carpentry skills to help students make bird and bat houses to sell in the community. These funds will be used to help pay for special events and new green t-shirts. Many kudos and thanks to the young people in our area. Take the time to meet and greet them when you see them in your neighborhood. This is another very visible reason to be proud to live in West Peoria.