Watching local government operate almost normally in 2022 is a Christmas gift in itself.

Peoria City Council

On Sept. 27, councilors approved $386,000 for a storm sewer contract with J.C. Dillon Inc. Maintenance Director Rick Powers said this includes 190 miles of pipe to map and survey, plus preventive maintenance for 13 miles per year. All districts are included. An intergovernmental agreement not to exceed $272,202.50 was approved for Greater Peoria Sanitary District to clean and televise combined sewer overflow outfall lines in Districts 1, 2, 3.

Tim Bertschy and Mary Peterson reported on the community-led Racial Equity Impact Assessment (REIA) that included eight sub-committees. The city would evaluate policies, procedures and ordinances with REIA lens. There was discussion on training and implementation; Councilor Andre Allen called REIA a roadmap, not a destination.

Councilors approved an adult use cannabis dispensary at 3929 W. War Memorial Drive 8-2. Petitioner provided information on security and steps to ensure no loitering.

An ordinance on cannabis businesses was deferred for four weeks and policy session scheduled for Oct. 11. The wait period for video game licenses was extended from 24 months to six months. The Peoria Civic Center annual report and budget was approved.

On Oct. 11, councilors discussed cannabis dispensaries, including licensing, locations, restrictions and social equity licenses.

In the regular council meeting which followed, councilors welcomed new Corporation Counsel Patrick Hayes.

Meeting highlights included:

• • SAFE-T Act information.
•  Snow removal routes slated to increase from 17 to 21, plus a 24-hour response capability with two or more inches of snow predicted.
•  An ordinance eliminating Downtown Business District operating locations for mobile food vehicles.
•  Approval of up to $250,000 to Patrick Engineering for grant applications to Federal Rail Administration for the proposed railway project.
•  Approval of $700,000 for violence prevention. Discussion included assistance to local nonprofits, accountability and additional state funding

Peoria Park District

On Sept. 28, PPD trustees unanimously approved Arcadia & Prospect intersection improvements, the mission and values statement and acquisition of 40 acres south of Detweiller Park, as well as a splash pad, swings, restroom and shelter at Lakeview Park.

The finance committee reported the Glen Oak playground project expects to receive $400,000 from the pavilion roof fund, $500,000 from upcoming bonds and $100,000 from community sources.

Election Commission

On Oct. 11, commissioners met with all present except Ryan Brady, starting with public comments about poll watchers and ethics concerns.

By that date, 13,000 vote by mail ballots had been sent, with an 11% return. Approximately 500 ballots had been deposited in drop boxes. All of those ballots are verified.

Jessily “Jess” Joseph was introduced as new assistant director.

Peoria County Board

On Oct. 13, Peoria County Board held its regular meeting with all present but Member Kate Pastucha.

In regular business, the board voted unanimously to approve the 2023 tax levy and the $151 million budget for 2023. Highlights include a flat tax rate, an anticipated 4% growth in Equalized Assessed Valuation, and nearly $300,000 from county reserves used to balance the General Fund. This was the second consecutive year the board approved the new budget in October rather than November.

Andre Allen was introduced as the county’s first Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer.

One commenter alleged irregularities with the County Auditor ballot referendum.

The regular agenda also included extending the emergency declaration for COVID-19; premium increases for health insurance; a 1.5 full-time equivalent increase in staffing; approval of the County Engineer Salary Program that has the state paying 50% of that salary.

Peoria Housing Authority

A quorum was present for the Oct. 14 regular monthly meeting of the Peoria Housing Authority. September minutes were approved. Website review shows the regular minutes of April, July and August 2022 were not posted.

Board approved consent agenda and adopted 2023 PHA Plan to be submitted to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and PHA fiscal 2023 Flat Rent schedule.

The annual HUD audit of PHA has been completed. A positive review was given, noting good systems and reporting by staff. One finding related to the process used to reconcile bank accounts with cash was noted. Strong finances noted with effective controls overall.

An Oct. 4 press conference introduced Armeca Crawford as CEO. She has been with PHA since late spring and has years of experience in Detroit.

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.