TERRY BIBO
Peoria City Council
On June 14, Monica Hendrickson, Public Health Administrator for Peoria County/City and Katy Endress, Director of Epidemiology and Clinical Services, discussed gun violence as a public health issue.
They introduced a presentation on the Cure Violence program and assessment process, an evidence-based way to engage the community. Additional information on alternate programs was requested.
Councilors also learned 38,500 citizens receiving electric service from Homefield Energy are affected by energy rate increases. The city was not able to secure electric rates lower than Ameren currently provides. More information is available at www.pluginillinois.org.
Election Commission
On June 14, several people voiced concerns about the potential for voter fraud. (Note: Voter fraud concerns have been addressed multiple times; it is not a problem.) The NAACP spoke in favor of keeping prepaid vote-by-mail envelopes.
Federal Warehouse — the only bidder and a previous provider of good service — was to deliver new election equipment. Cost was to be $14,100, up $3,000 for the June election because it is the busy moving season.
Commissioners voted to use 30,000 preprinted vote-by-mail envelopes already in-house for the two 2022 elections, then remove the mailing permit in future elections. The motion passed 3-1 with Commissioner Matt Bartolo voting “no.”
Two new drop boxes were not expected to be installed in time for the June 28 primary due to issues with an intergovernmental agreement. They should be available for the general election in November.
The Commission is still short of judges, especially Republican judges. One reason is the lack of student judges at this time.
Housing Authority
On June 6, a 66-year-old male resident had multiple complaints about landlord follow-up on plumbing and other issues. Chair Carl Cannon asked him to leave a contact number with staff.
Incoming CEO Armeca Crawford asked department heads to highlight something outstanding that department has achieved. The resident council at Sterling met in May with new resident representatives. Human Resources recently held an employee recognition luncheon and distributed service awards. Modernization updated on capital improvement plan for scattered site housing, elevator maintenance and corridor renovation at Sterling Towers, as well as roof replacements.
Ms. Crawford was hired in April 2022 to lead the Peoria Housing Authority. She also gave an update following up on issues residents had presented at the May meeting.
Peoria County Board
On June 9, a public hearing related to Heddington Oaks refinancing was conducted, with no comments.
The consent agenda passed 17-0, including issuance of general obligation refunding bonds not to exceed $42 million; acceptance of a Family Violence Coordinating Council grant; projects on Glasford Road, Dry Run Creek and within Hallock Township; a three-year license agreement supporting a “one-stop shop” for promising entrepreneurs called Lifting Up, LLC.
This last program is currently in use in Morton and Muscatine, Iowa.
Peoria Park District
On May 25, Scott Loftus, Superintendent of Recreational Services, said Summer Fun Park Passes, which allow unlimited access from June 1 to August 31, were mailed out to all students within PPD boundaries in the city of Peoria. The passes allow two parents to accompany their child.
Recreation Services Manager Kevin Davis discussed a scholarship program that allows families that qualify to participate in camps, RiverPlex memberships, the Peoria Zoo, etc. for a small fee, not to exceed $5 per person. Scholarships are full or partial, based on financial need. Applications can be picked up at the Bonnie Noble Center, RiverPlex, or Proctor Center. From May 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022, slightly more than 300 families qualified.
James Stuttle was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his years of service 2013-2022 as he retires from the Recreation Advisory Committee. He worked closely with Springdale Cemetery, specifically in regards to the intergovernmental agreement.
On June 8, PPD Chief of Police Todd Gavin introduced three of the six civilian security officers employed by the district.
These officers have not undergone law enforcement training like the regular police officers employed by the PPD. They have no arrest powers, but are considered influencers and observers who can defuse difficult situations and call for police backup, if necessary. Most of them are employed by Peoria Public Schools as security officers so they are familiar with many of the young people who frequent park facilities.
All of the PPD officers were to be deployed during the annual fireworks festivities at Glen Oak Park on July 3.
Rebecca Shulman, director of the Peoria Playhouse, has resigned as of June 30. Interviews are being conducted to fill that position.
Peoria Public Schools
On June 13, when the board was asked about its response to the Uvalde school massacre, member Martha Ross said security issues are being considered by the Buildings and Grounds Committee as part of the master facilities plan.
PPS has launched a new Hall of Achievement to recognize alumni who have made significant accomplishments since graduating from a PPS high school. Applications are available at https://peoriapublicschools.org or the Administration Building.
Richwoods High School Principal Carly Emken recognized Junior ROTC cadets who competed in a nationwide fitness competition. The girls won; the boys placed third.
Teachers and administrators from schools across the district have partnered with the American Institute for Research to review the 2018 grading policy. More than 1,400 people participated. The committee offered five “tweaks” to better reflect the district’s 2021 strategic plan.
To improve collaboration and parental involvement, a 50-plus-page list of community resources has been compiled. It covers food assistance, addiction recovery, housing assistance, natal services, and Hispanic outreach.
Fifty-three employees retired from Peoria Public Schools at year’s end, representing 1,175 years of work experience leaving the district.
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 for their full reports.