Two solar projects up, one down, as we cut the carbon footprint.

Peoria County Board

Peoria County Board met March 9 with all members present.

Regular business focused on approval of solar project developments and power purchase agreements between Peoria County and Hawk-Attollo, LLC.

If proposed federal and state tax credit applications are approved, Hawk-Attollo would build, operate and maintain solar arrays at the County Highway Department site and the Juvenile Detention Center. The county would buy electrical power back at a greatly reduced rate, and have options to purchase the arrays at specified times if desired.

The tax credits are for projects within designated environmental justice communities — true of these sites, which align with the county’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Future projects may include the jail and health and human services campus roof.

Three citizens’ remarks were critical of the portion of the county employee health plan excluding gender-affirming care from coverage. All urged the board to learn more and remove this exclusion in the future.

Among items approved/accepted from the Consent Agenda:

• A grant agreement with the Illinois Department of Human Services to improve residential lighting on Glen Ave. between Sheridan and Knoxville

• The 2023 Landfill budget

• Road and bridge projects on Pulsifer and Old Galena roads

• An extension of the pavement management program with Bradley University

Peoria City Council

Council met for more than four hours on Feb. 28. Highlights include:

• Public Hearing regarding annexation of land in Medina Township with several citizens expressing concerns. This item was approved later in the meeting. It allows property owners to access sewer services for four residential properties.

• Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger and City Manager Patrick Urich reviewed work with insurance companies to collect fire recovery fees for services provided to non-residents. Any funds recovered go to the city’s general funds.

• Approved a $20 million bond to fund remaining capital expenses needed for Civic Center operations, including a new ice plant. Urich explained debt service includes interest payments through 2028. Some Hotel-Restaurant-Amusement taxes will be used.

• Community Development Director Joseph Dulin presented a report on housing quality and affordable housing. Councilors commended Dulin on the scope and innovative methods, including development of Land Bank with Peoria County.

• Approved a Freedom and Remembrance memorial to recognize more than 2,600 citizens buried near Griswold and Adams streets, including Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers, the first black person freed by attorney Abraham Lincoln, Nance Legins-Costley, and members of the Moffit family. Historical signage and markers will be installed.

Consent agenda approved with minimal discussion March 14.

Council heard presentation from Greg Craus, federal pro-
gram officer of National Telecommunication and Information Administration. He discussed $65 million federal funding for underserved communities. Digital Equity Act prioritizes underserved areas in communities, determines access needs, as well as digital skill use and literacy. Illinois Office of Broadband representative Alicia Ross will work with the city to identify local needs and the funding level by June 30.

Council voted 7-4 to deny special use zoning for single family residential district for solar utility facility at 3901 Reservoir Blvd. This initiative is a partnership with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Hawk-Attollo. Comments were given both for and against the facility, which city staff had recommended for approval. Residents voiced concerns regarding current Ameren infrastructure and frequency of power outages.

Council unanimously approved ordinance to issue general obligation bonds, not to exceed $20.5 million, to finance certain capital improvements of the Civic Center. Finance Director Kyle Cratty clarified bond would not affect current debt obligation of the city due to structure of debt. Eligible projects are items with 20-year useful life, such as roofing, mechanicals, and ice plant.

Council deferred discussion on licensing and regulating cannabis businesses.

Election Commission

Peoria County Board of Election Commissioners met March 14, with Commissioners Jeanne Williamson and Valerie Timmes absent.

During public comments, questions were raised about proof of address for college students and possible problems arising from the use of a stylus for signature identification.

The only unusual expenditure was the purchase of several printers for use on election day. Several broke after the November election when they fell in the truck returning them to the Election Commission.

Peoria County is looking into purchasing the building that houses the Election Commission.

League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria observers attend and report on local government meetings. For more information, check https://www.lwvgp.org/news/category/observer-reports-logo.