Local officials tidied the books to start 2023: you’ll see $750,000 in debts written off and $2.2 million in grants and bequests coming in.

On Dec. 13, Peoria City Council expanded its annual legislative agenda to include public safety pension reform, traffic, extension of 911 surcharge, Peoria stadium TIF, economic development incentives, funding for Main St. and Riverfront development, a fire station on the south side, and a law enforcement response model.

Councilors also:

• Approved a $2,045,000 grant for Phoenix Community Development Services to develop the former Ramada Inn for housing.

• Deferred amending a cannabis business ordinance until February. Discussion included restrictions on transfer of social equity owner licenses, special use requirements in local zone districts, distance requirements for non-social equity dispensaries, and limits on total locations.

• Denied a short-term rental in District 4. A homeowners’ association covenant was not updated prior to applicant filing for zoning approval, and owner rented home before zoning meeting.

• Heard East Bluff residents ask for help extending time to vacate Darwin rental homes. Tenants had 30 days notice to vacate. They cited a lack of affordable housing and no opportunity to save a down payment.

Andres Diaz praised Peoria Police for decreasing guns in community with recent buyback, but also addressed illegal dumping and prostitution on the North Side. Problems were reported to police, but not resolved in timely manner.

Board of Elections

The Peoria County Board of Elections held its regular monthly meeting Dec. 13. The one public comment was issues with the November election seemed due to the amount of resources available to staff.

There is no primary election in Peoria County this year because there are no contested primary races. There are 10 candidates for five at-large City Council seats. The eleventh candidate would have triggered a primary, but that candidate dropped out after his petitions were challenged. Park districts, libraries, school boards, and fire districts do not hold primaries.

The general election is April 4.

Early voting begins March 8 at the Election Office, with Vote By Mail ballots going out March 10.

Early voting locations will be decided in February. There may only be one or two in the County, depending on how many larger ballots will be needed.

Peoria County Board

The Board held its organizational and regular meeting on Dec. 5 with all members present, although Steve Rieker participated by phone.

With the certification of recent election results, five new board members were sworn in: Camille Coates (Dist. 2, D), Nathan Hoerr (Dist. 8, R), Danny Phelan, (Dist. 9, D), Daniel Kelch (Dist. 12, R) and Terry Ruhland (Dist. 13, R). Democrats retained their majority with 10 of 18 seats. Jimmy Dillon (Dist. 5, D) was elected board chair on a 17-1 vote, and Sharon Williams (Dist. 1, D) was elected vice chair on a 14-4 vote. All members were appointed to one or more of the board’s nine standing committees.

There were five citizen comments, all related to a Radnor Township zoning case that was approved on a 17-1 vote. Updates to the county zoning code related to event centers, health clubs, fitness centers and indoor shooting ranges were approved. Purchase of the currently leased building housing the Election Commission was deferred to a future meeting.

The consent agenda passed unanimously, including:

• Acceptance of a $143,821 bequest to PCAPS.

• Write-off of more than $620,000 in uncollectible Heddington Oaks receivables.

• Five-year agreements with West Peoria, Hanna City and Dunlap for police services provided by the Peoria County Sheriff’s department.

• New speed limits on North Ivy Lake Road and for the Wheatfield and Cobblestone Estates subdivisions.

• Engineering contracts for bridge or road repairs on Pulsifer Road, Maxwell Road, Dickison Lane, and Old Galena Road.

Housing Authority

On Dec. 13, Peoria Housing Authority Board of Commissioners accepted consent agenda without discussion.

Resolutions passed include closed session meeting minutes and audio recordings in accord with state law, changing electricity provider for better rates, 2023 mainstream voucher program, 2023 house choice voucher program and write-off of $135,178 in tenant accounts receivable.

Executive Director Armeca Crawford asked departments for an overview of recent activities including Providence Point construction, a coat drive for families, participation in home owner program, and workshops for financial literacy with Busey Bank.

Eviction notices were sent to 60 families, resulting in 28 evictions. Staff worked with clients to reduce evictions and pay off housing debt.

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.