TERRY BIBO
The good news is the League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria was able to add coverage to include Peoria Public Schools District 150. With professional reporters ever-scarcer, volunteers who attend government meetings are invaluable.
The bad news is LWVGP had to delete six of the nine nonpartisan forums it had scheduled for voters to get acquainted with candidates. Not because of COVID. Because candidates did not bother to respond to repeated requests for their participation.
At best, that’s rude. Worse yet, that makes casting an informed vote even harder for citizens outside dealmakers’ domains.
Check lwvgp.org for more details. If you’re inclined, contact non-responders and ask why they didn’t bother to show up.
Peoria City Council
On April 12, councilors opened with township duties, learning the LWVGP will study Peoria Township transparency and efficiency over the coming year.
In the regular meeting which followed, councilors deferred a vote on approving a liquor license for Exposition Gardens to gather more information. Video gaming fees were discussed; concerns for small business were expressed, as well as other municipalities’ procedures and alternative fees.
Councilors approved a scheduled increase in the sanitary sewer fee effective May 1, on a 7-3 vote; opposed were Denis Cyr, Zach Oyler and Sid Ruckriegel.
City Manager Patrick Urich explained this increase — just more than $.50 per quarter — funds repairs, maintenance, and operations.
Peoria County Board
During a 38-minute meeting on April 14, board members read proclamations and passed the consent agenda 17-0 without discussion. Most items focused on regular financial matters. County Administrator Scott Sorrel’s employment agreement was amended.
The board also approved a special use request for an Airbnb/VRBO property in Limestone Township.
Election Commission
Peoria County Board of Election Commissioners met April 12, with Commissioner Sandra Burke absent.
Director Tom Bride reported printers arrived for the new voting system and poll books were due. Staff is working on processes; training will be followed by a mock election with the judges.
New voting booths will not be available until July 1, due to a shortage of aluminum for the legs. Staff hopes to borrow booths from St. Louis County and/or Indiana, since they will have completed their primaries. Hopefully, the only cost will be for transportation.
Sanitary District
On April 19, the League observer was the only member of the public present for the Greater Peoria Sanitary District’s annual budget and appropriations hearing. Audits and the budget are posted on the website.
Collections for bills due more than 90 days doubled last month so there are fewer overdue bills now. GPSD is looking at ways to get bills sent to tenants.
GPSD is doing some early outfall clean out work to save money before decree projects.
Peoria Park District
On April 20, John Martin was presented the Landen Memorial Volunteer Service Award, for volunteerism since 1997 in the joint PPD and Peoria Irish Fest/Erin Feis. The Rhodell E. Owens Distinguished Group Community Service Award was given to Kappa Alpha Psi.
Information Security Supervisor Willie Howe reported more than $10,000 was saved by revamping the golf telephone system.
During public comments, a member of the Center Bluff Coalition discussed the need for a shelter at Columbia Park. Staff will follow through with that request.
Peoria Public Schools
On April 11, the Roosevelt Rough Riders were recognized for becoming the Middle School Boys Basketball City Champions.
Seven people spoke on topics from free Little League to truancy. Two opposed mask mandates; one opposed school name changes. Others supported schools promoting democracy and the Accelerated Reader program, which was discontinued.
Consent agenda included donations, bills, field trip approvals and the human resources report. Two items were pulled for discussion: First, the Jolt Foundation for Harm Reduction agreement raised questions about security. (Clients must buzz in and loitering hasn’t been an issue to date.) Second, with reimbursements, PPS pays less than half-price for “gently-used buses,” which may have Wi-Fi.
Both items passed unanimously.
Housing Authority
Due to lack of quorum, Commissioners of the Peoria Housing Authority did not meet April 4. A special meeting about the CEO employment contract was held March 31.
Springdale Cemetery
On April 19, Springdale Cemetery Management Authority Manager Mark Matuszak’s signature is required on the Intergovernmental Agreement. There is a question about when the new IGA takes effect since the composition of the Authority Board will change.
The 2022 streambank project, designed by Farnsworth, may include a replacement bridge. The current one has a serious weight restriction.
Eighteen trees will be planted using city grant money and the Rucker donation. Additional donations would be appreciated. More trees die than are replaced annually since the trees are very old in the historic cemetery. A director asked if tree-trimming would be good — but that is very expensive.
League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria observers attend and report on local government meetings. Check www.lwvgp.org/news/category/observer-reports-logo.