Longtime West Peoria Township Trustee James Flynn resigned from the town board recently due to poor health. He served his constituents well and with great concern. In December, Sue Roos was chosen to replace Mr. Flynn. Sue has been an active community member for many years. Most recently she served on the city’s planning commission. Mr. Flynn deserves a note of thanks for his years of commitment, diligent work and effort.

A State of the City presentation will be given at 6 p.m. Jan. 16 in City Hall. Mayor Dillon and City Administrator Kinga Krider will deliver the presentation. All residents are invited.

Qualified residents are eligible for reimbursements of up to 50% of $300 for outside security cameras with recording capabilities. The reimbursements are made through the city’s neighborhood safety grant program. For more information, visit the City of West Peoria website or call at 674-1993.

Approximately 60 residents gathered in December in the lot between City Hall and the Township Building on Rohmann Avenue to start another holiday tradition when the Residents Association held its first Christmas tree lighting ceremony. In a cooperative effort between the city and the Residents’ Association, an evergreen was planted and decorated to begin a tradition for future tree lighting ceremonies and holiday activities for our community.

The next Neighborhood Watch meeting will be held 6 p.m. Jan. 8, in City Hall. The Beautification Committee extends thanks and appreciation to all the volunteers who helped with the various projects throughout the year.

A three-year project was recently completed retrofitting all 242 streetlights in the city with LED lights. West Peoria is the third city in Illinois to maintain 100% of its light levels through LED. The old lights lost 50% of their light levels over time. The new LED lights operate at less than half the cost. Members of the lighting district are: John Walker, president; Guydeen Roos, treasurer and Randy Kleist, secretary.

The Book Club is not meeting in January and next meets Feb. 17. The book discussion will feature “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot.

2020 will be an exciting year for West Peorians. It marks the 50th year for the city’s July Fourth parade.

I wish you all a healthy, safe and enjoyable 2020 in West Peoria where living is best to the west of Peoria.