The motto that the “Living is best to the west of Peoria” defines what we have here in West Peoria. The recent elections proved that when the counts were done for the voter turnout from Peoria County this past November. The second precinct in West Peoria had a voter turnout of 89.4 percent, the highest in the county by far. That voter turnout shows the commitment of West Peoria residents.
Snow arrived early. We can expect more. All streets in the corporate limits of West Peoria have been designated as emergency snow routes. It is unlawful to park vehicles on city streets within 12 hours after a snowfall of two or more inches. If there has been a forecast of two or more inches for any calendar day then it is unlawful to park on the streets for that calendar day. Vehicles in violation will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Intense involvement in a research and planning effort by the fire department resulted in an order for mid-summer delivery of a new rescue truck from the Pierce Manufacturing Co. that will cost approximately $290,000. The truck is built to carry additional rescue equipment available today for better service to our citizens. This truck will replace the 1985 truck currently being used
The township held mandated Democrat and Republican caucuses in December to vote on a slate of candidates for the upcoming April 4, 2017 election for township officers. The Democrats selected Sharon Kennedy for township supervisor, Matt Dillon for township clerk and Jim Flynn, Keith Morrell and Clark Abraham for township trustees. The Republicans selected John Powell and Cynthia Volk for township trustees. There are a total of four township trustees that serve in each township.
As I was working on this column, I heard the scouts touring the streets serenading the community in 16-degree weather. It takes a special breed of people to do this. (That is all I am saying about this.) The Scouts, fire department members, scout leaders and parents do this each Christmas season. It is one of the special parts of the Christmas season in West Peoria.
Following is the list of city meetings for January: finance committee, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 3; city council, 7 p.m. Jan. 10 and 24; transportation committee, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 12; planning commission, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 12; public safety committee, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17; land use committee, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18.
As the Page Turns book club meets on the third Monday in January. If interested call Loretta Fehl, 637-0326 or Maggie Moore, 673-0535. The West Peoria Residents Association invites you to the next meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 19 in City Hall. The next neighborhood watch meeting will be 6 p.m. Jan. 11.
2017 promises to be an exciting year. Take the time to enjoy it, get involved with your community.