TERRY BIBO

On Sept. 28, Community Development Director Joe Dulin told the Peoria City Council about the impact of 2020 census data on council districts. Peoria now has 113,150 residents, down 1.6% from 2010. To proportion districts equally means District 1 would gain 3,938; District 2, 1,555; District 3, 1,115. Districts 4 and 5 would see decreases in population.

Mayor Rita Ali will appoint a Redistricting Committee. The process begins after budget sessions are completed, concluding by next March. Dulin said the city can use software to help proportion districts.

In other business, Councilor John Kelly questioned expenses for two lobbyists in Springfield. City Manager Patrick Urich cited the amount of state and federal funding anticipated, saying each lobbyist has expertise to benefit the city. The contract with Turning Strategies was approved for $3,680 per month.

Following up on questions about unnecessary business licenses/regulations, Dulin said 17 items have been identified as no longer needed. Seventeen to 18 items are likely to join that group. Urich complimented staff and District 4 Councilor Denis Cyr for the effort on behalf of small business owners.

On Oct. 12, the Peoria City Council voted unanimously to focus on redistricting based on census. Prior to the vote, there was discussion about altering the current structure of five districts with five at-large positions to 10 districts. Attorney Phillip Lenzini presented an overview of the 1987 class action lawsuit which resulted in the cumulative five-vote for at-large city council positions.

The Council voted to approve two special use Class 4 (single family residence) short term rentals in District 2, with one councilor voting no. Concerns were expressed on maintaining quality of life in heritage neighborhoods, parking, number of persons allowed, and potential disruptive behavior with short term rentals. Guidelines on the number of short-term rentals in a district, as well as how close special use permits would be allowed in specific radius were issues discussed. Council deferred action on a third special use permit to the next regularly scheduled council meeting to allow additional information to be provided.

City Manager Patrick Urich reported the general fund balance is stronger than anticipated due to $10.8 million in income tax revenues, state shared funds, and internet sales tax. Original projection was $1.2 million. The proposed capital budget is $34 million with a focus on replenishing staff positions including Public Works, Code Enforcement and the Fire and Police Departments.

Twelve people commented about reductions in the county auditor’s office when the Peoria County Board met Oct. 14.

Peoria County Auditor Jessica Thomas and the three employees impacted by the reductions in the 2022 budget were among those speaking. Later in the meeting, State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos responded to some statements made during public comment.

Other regular business included approval of a Long Term Care Ombudsman/Senior Advocate position in conjunction with the Center for Prevention of Abuse, and discussion and approval of 10 resolutions related to the 2022 budget.

Highlights include:

• Adoption of the annual tax levy — there is no increase in this rate.
• Amending the budget to permit use of ARPA (America Rescue Plan Act) funds to help with health insurance.
• Amending the budget to set aside $87,000 so the three auditor’s office employees could laterally transfer to other county positions.
• Adoption of the 2022 budget as amended on a 15-2 vote.

Adoption of the 2022 budget means Thomas will be serving alone in that office next year.

A proclamation was approved on a 13-4 vote extending the Declaration of Emergency due to COVID-19 in Peoria County.

Peoria Housing Authority Board of Commissioners learned on Oct. 4 about two topics for community concern. One resident had an issue of mistaken identity affecting her status with PHA. And Rhonda Sexton, union bargaining representative, spoke about employee contract issues related to Taft redevelopment.

Jackie Newman, executive director of PHA, gave overview of Taft redevelopment project status. The new housing development will be named Provident Pointe, with groundbreaking scheduled on Oct. 6.

Reports to Board were approved by consent agenda. A resolution was approved revising the Administrative and Occupant Plan which will change eligibility to allow persons without criminal records in past six months to apply for housing, as well as maintaining records of denial for review by state Criminal Justice Board.

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.