There’s a bit of a winter lull for many governmental bodies. Budgets are finished or far off. Meetings are cancelled for holidays or bad weather. Key volunteers are down south for weeks or months at a time. But this is also the season when issues for the coming year begin to surface.

One example, culled from the Local Governmental Observer (LOGO) reports of the League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria, is Springdale Cemetery Management Authority. At its Dec. 17 meeting, the group learned about new staff, nearly-completed training, mapping for different sections of the cemetery and final plans for a Johnson Family Mausoleum which begins construction this spring.

Perhaps more importantly, for 2020 and beyond, the board prepared for a Jan. 27 goal-setting meeting, to be lead by Peoria City Manager Patrick Urich.

Manager Mark Matuszak gave members copies of the Springdale Cemetery Management Authority’s Goals 2013, which he has used as a guide during his tenure. Authority Chairman Linda Daley noted most of those goals have been met: financial soundness, a positive image and reputation, upgrades to the cemetery’s appearance and infrastructure, Springdale’s role as an historic memorial park.

History is a theme that will probably reappear as a goal.

The board heard how staff from counterpart Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield visited Springdale to compare notes. After a tour, the two groups spent time discussing the challenges and strategies to maintain large cemeteries and grounds with visitors. Oak Ridge is bigger, but Springdale actually has more burial plots available. Oak Ridge also has experienced more restrictive oversight by state officials, and maintenance required for some religious practices there is both time-intensive and expensive.

And, at the same December meeting, the board discussed pursuing approval of Springdale as a site on the National Historic Register. Bob Hofer has offered to facilitate and Matuszak will take the lead for the project.

The Peoria Housing Authority has its own unique features, since CEO Jackie Newman also heads up the Springfield Housing Authority.

At its regular Dec. 9 meeting, the PHA Board of Commissioners heard about resident feedback on future redevelopment at Taft Homes. Newman said she has been working with the Chicago and Washington, D.C., office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to preserve funding. A housing development application was submitted in early December. If approved, a full request for funding will be submitted in February or early March.

Board members asked Security Administrator Officer Daniel Duncan about security concerns. He reported non-resident problems in the 2700 block of Trewyn Avenue, including a drive-by shooting. But he also said a business owner near Taft was pleased with reduced juvenile activity since gates near Wayne Street were closed.

Although the public comment period was over, Chairman Carl Cannon opened the floor for Eleanor Clark, a 12-year resident of Sterling Towers. Clark said residents were dissatisfied with resources at Sterling, and mentioned a food pantry unavailable to residents with no or low incomes awaiting benefits. Clark is secretary of the council, which has been inactive since two members moved and two resigned. She said many residents are afraid to speak for fear of retaliation.

For full LOGO reports of local meetings, check https://www.lwvgp.org/news/category/observer-reports-logo