Fans of democracy, rejoice!

League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria has expanded its coverage of local government in the wake of journalistic cutbacks.

First: thanks to the dedicated Observers. Second: there is such a wealth of information we can offer only a taste. For the complete reports in this space, try https://lwvgp.weebly.com/observer-reports

Let’s start with groups that haven’t been covered much recently. For example, here are snippets from the Peoria Park District Board of Trustees:

On Jan. 12, Rebecca Shulman, Director of The Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum, discussed fallout from the 15-month closure for COVID-19.

The strategic plan going forward includes strategies to help children become explorers and creators; engaging new participants through marketing partnerships and programming; clarifying the PlayHouse role.

On Jan. 19, Superintendent of Recreational Services Scott Loftus, discussed the PlayBooks (the guide to summer programs) and their distribution to Peoria students and home schoolers.

An all-out effort to recruit and train lifeguards has been unsuccessful but will continue. There is a persistent dearth of lifeguard recruits across the country, not just Peoria.

On Feb. 9, Shalesse Pie, Human Resources Director, gave a minority hiring report for last year. In 2021, 12 of 31 new hires were non-white; 26 of 132 full-time positions — 19% — were held by non-white workers; 137 of 569 seasonal/part-time jobs — 24% — were held by non-white workers.

Sanitary District

Greater Peoria Sanitary District trustees received a briefing on finances on Feb. 15.

Among the highlights: Pension assets yielded a 16.2% return so the 2022 employer rate will be decreased. Investments and reserve show $23 million in savings. Chemical costs have increased 15%; utilities 26%. Insurance costs rose from $36,875 to $44,672.

An automation study is needed to plan for equipment replacements, especially diesel turbines which operate during power outages. On the positive side, even with an 80-cent-per-month increase, GPSD’s $300 annual rates are well below the national average, which is $586 per year.

A public hearing on the 2023 Budget is slated for 9:30 a.m. Tues., April 19.

Springdale Cemetery

The Management Authority met Feb. 15, and introduced Henry Blackwell as a new member, representing the Peoria County Board.

Manager Mark Matuszak’s report included a revised Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) which is being discussed with the city, county, and park district. Opportunities for public comment are expected prior to approval. After a market assessment, staff will recommend increasing opening and closing fees, as well as site costs (plots).
Employee wage increases were discussed. Several long-term volunteers can no longer do physical work. More employees may be needed. And the pandemic labor shortage required increased pay for seasonal work.

Peoria City Council

On Jan. 25, members heard about possible high-speed rail service, a priority of Mayor Rita Ali. A stakeholders’ committee has been formed, including government, labor and business representatives. An Illinois Department of Transportation feasibility study is due this month. A survey has been launched.

The Council also unanimously approved revisions to the City Façade Improvement Program, which will be expanded to all Peoria businesses with funds from American Rescue Plan.

On Feb. 8, the council received written and verbal complaints about the lack of community input and transparency of the redistricting process. Most comments came from West Bluff and Moss-Bradley homeowners associations. All opposed proposed changes.

Peoria County Board

The Feb. 8 meeting saw all participating but Member Brandy Bryant.

The Consent agenda passed 16-0 without discussion. Items included an agreement with federal and state authorities to reconstruct the county’s section of Glen Avenue from Sheridan Road to Knoxville Avenue and a grant to microchip animals at PCAPS.

Regular agenda items were all passed and included amendments to Special Use Permits within the Peoria County Code to proactively address future wind tower/turbines within the county.

Peoria County Election

On Jan. 14, commissioners approved precinct boundaries as presented earlier. Lines are drawn based on registered voters, not the census. Executive Director Tom Bride feels resources will be allocated better with fewer precincts. Based on projected early and mail-in ballots, approximately 50% of voters will not be at polling places on election day.

On Feb. 8, Bride told the board about a kickoff meeting for the new voting system. DeKalb County offered a chance to observe a mock election on the same Hart equipment Peoria County will be getting.

Housing Authority

The of Peoria Housing Authority Board commissioners met electronically Feb. 7. There were no public comments; the consent agenda was approved without discussion. Chief Executive Officer Jackie Newman’s oral report was brief. Her written report was distributed to commissioners, but unavailable to others. With no old or new business items brought forward, and no board comments, commissioners went into closed session at 4:45 p.m. — 15 minutes after the meeting began.

League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria observers attend and report on local government meetings. Check www.lwvgp.org/news/category/observer-reports-logo.