TERRY BIBO
The initial resolution required businesses that dispose of tires to register, pay a $50 fee and keep records. Fines were to defray costs. A substitute motion removing the fee passed 7-4, with Councilors Beth Jensen, Denise Jackson, Chuck Grayeb and Andre Allen voting no.
City Manager Patrick Urich will contact county officials about possible collaborations. Interim Community Development Director Joseph Dulin mentioned the Tireless Project, in which residents, but not businesses, can dispose of up to 20 tires. (The next scheduled day is Oct. 30.)
At the Peoria City Council’s Aug. 24 meeting, Urich reported 836 people completed an on-line survey about use of COVID relief funds.
Fourth District Councilor Andre Allen discussed a pavement project; At-Large Councilor John Kelly complimented First District tours.
In public comments, Keishanda Riley wants to repurpose Harrison School, which is scheduled for demolition, and wants reasonably-priced grocery service on the South Side. Mayor Rita Ali offered to meet her after the Council meeting.
Peoria County Board met face-to-face Aug. 12.
Two rezoning petitions were approved without opposition. One permitted a tavern at Madison Park Shopping Center; the other OK’d a private well in Rosefield Township.
A third rezoning request in Radnor Township was denied because the lot would have been located in a flood plain.
A $200,000 settlement resolving a legal case in a nursing home fall was approved 15-0, with one abstention.
Peoria County Board of Election Commissioners’ annual meeting was held Aug. 10, with Commissioner Mark Ketterer absent.
Chief Judge Kate Gorman swore in reappointed Commissioners Matt Bartolo and James Manning. New officers included Manning, chairman, Ketterer, vice-chairman; Sandra Burke, treasurer; Bartolo, secretary.
Executive Director Tom Bride discussed the Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new voting system. Final payment is made after the June 28 election to ensure it works. Funding comes from Peoria County’s capital fund.
Discussion of voting drop boxes was deferred, awaiting discussion with political party leaders. Bride prefers placement in public buildings.
Under new business, Dr. Arun Pinto will be moving. Judge Gorman will name a replacement.
Under public comment, Bride told a skeptical observer that no voting systems in the United States are connected to the Internet.
Peoria Housing Authority Board of Commissioners met Aug. 2.
CEO Jackie Newman reported staff is completing documents to meet federal deadlines for the Taft redevelopment project. The next phase will be demolition. Staff is meeting with local building trades and training eligible residents.
Chairman Carl Cannon wanted a report on an early-morning incident involving gunshots near Taft. Current security ends at 1 a.m.
Two River West residents discussed disruptive behavior of non-residents, gunshots in area and litter, as well as poor lighting between buildings. Cannon will work with staff and meet with new Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria.
In other business, the Board approved updates to the board policy manual and the write-off of $32,172 for uncollectible rent payments; it heard the CEO Search Committee will review vendors for applicants.
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.