TERRY BIBO
A revolving loan over seven years, the loan will be repaid through new sewer rates. This is an 18-year project to comply with a federal EPA consent decree. Councilor Denis Cyr said there is enough revenue without a loan. He and Councilor Sid Ruckriegel voted against.
Councilor Charles Grayeb asked for an update on regulation for motorized bicycles after many complaints. Councilor Denise Jackson reported discussion with the owner of a gas station on MacArthur Highway where a recent shooting took place and resulted in closing the business from midnight to 4 a.m. on a trial basis.
On June 8, the Council approved use of American Rescue Plan funds to eliminate $10 million in general obligation bonds. In addition, the city can pay staff for furlough days from March 3 to May 31, 2021 in the amount of $301,685, and eliminate furlough days planned for the rest of 2021.
Councilor Beth Jensen inquired about using pandemic relief funds for marketing or incentive programs, or paying to pension funds. City Manager Patrick Urich said the U.S. Treasury Department indicated amounts greater than regularly scheduled contributions are not permitted. Council discussed regular pension fund payments.
Peoria County Election Commission met June 8 with all commissioners present except Sandra Burke. The only unusual expenditure was for property tax. As a government body, it was thought the tax need not be paid. However, the building owner is responsible, so the year’s levy was paid, for 55% of the total.
Much discussion involved the Center for Tech & Civic Life Grant. The $109,000 grant was to defray costs arising from the pandemic. Peoria County Board approved its receipt last year. However, there was $19,000 left which needed to be spent by the end of July 2021.
Director Tom Bride asked the county board to amend the Commission’s budget to spend this money. Some county board members didn’t want to accept money for elections from a private entity, even though there were no strings attached. The request was voted down. Bride was not allowed to explain the money is here. Bride planned to return to committee and hopefully gain passage at the July 8 board meeting. (He did. It passed.)
The Peoria Housing Authority Board of Commissioners met virtually June 14, led by Chair Carl Cannon. CEO Jackie Newman reported offices are fully opened.
PHA staff have communicated about the moratorium on rental payments. Staffers will meet with residents to help them understand repayment options. Newman said American Rescue Plan funds may be available. The federal moratorium on rental payments expires Sept. 30.
Melissa Huffstetler presented information on the new Southtown Limited Partnership. The 20-year tax credit has ended for the property so the limited partner is assigning its interest to the general partner. The PHA will work with the general partner, which is managing the property. Issues include how much is left in original funds and capital needs of the units. A new Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) is required.
League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria observers attend and report on local government meetings. Check https://www.lwvgp.org/news/category/observer-reports-logo.