Concerning cats and dogs, and digging ourselves out of a $7.8 million hole.

Peoria County Board

On April 13, all members were present except for Chairman James Dillon and Brian Elsasser. Vice Chair Sharon Williams led the meeting.

Regular business included revising the county zoning code for solar and wind facilities to align with state code, as required by a recently enacted state law.

Three items involved PCAPS:

• Terminating a labor agreement with Laborers’ International Union of North America.

• Accepting a $25,000 grant from the Humane Society for a spay/neuter unit.

• Accepting the lowest bid for a mobile veterinary spay/neuter unit.

In citizens’ remarks, Joyce Blumenshine of the Sierra Club recognized the county’s intent to intervene in a proposed CO2 pipeline and encouraged the board to consider a county-wide moratorium.

Consent agenda items approved include:

• Transfer of Glen Avenue between Sheridan Road and Knoxville Avenue from county jurisdiction to the City of Peoria.

• Improving Hanna City-Glasford Road between Smithville and Lancaster Roads.

• Amending county code to permit trap/neuter/vaccinate/return animals.

• Accepting a $250 grant from Walmart and $50,000 from Best Friends Animal Society to pay for the spay/neuter mobile vehicle and supplies.

On April 19, all members were present for a special meeting to amend the budget.

First, the Health Committee watched a slide presentation reviewing the decision to build a new health and human services building at the current location on Sheridan Ave.

More than $14 million was available through federal funds. The remainder was slated to come from health department and general funds.

But full cost with all equipment and furnishing is $22,389,416 — $7.8 million over budget, largely due to inflation — and required a budget amendment.

The 13-member Health Committee voted 11-2 to approve, with members Steven Rieker and Brian Elsasser against. The amendment went to the full board needing a two-thirds vote — 12 — to pass. Following discussion, and comments by the county coroner and regional school superintendent, the amendment was approved 15-3. Rieker, Elsasser and Paul Rosenbohm voted no.

Peoria City Council

On March 28, councilors approved consent agenda, after removing two items for discussion.

• A $109,778 professional services agreement with Roadway Asset Services for pavement condition index update was deferred to April 11 to get more information.

• An intergovernmental agreement between the city and Greater Peoria Sanitary District was okayed with two abstentions (At-large members Sid Ruckriegel and Kiran Velpula) for conflict of interest.

Members of the Greater Peoria Leadership Council gave a presentation on talent attraction strategy. Doug Oberhelman, Misty Dykema and Laura Cullinan discussed the Gilmore Foundation, identifying community partners and focus on recruitment and retention of talent. A website will communicate information and identify resources.

The 2022 annual report on Joint Commission on Racial Justice was presented by Chairman Tim Bertschy and Co-Chair Mary Peterson. It cited data on economic development and jobs, quality of life issues, community impact and environmental justice. Plan for 2023 is to create historical record key indicators, collaborate with community partners, develop data-driven strategic plan. A website will post information.

Use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds was discussed. First, it meant accessible playground areas and basketball hoops at Logan Park and Morton Square Park. Second, it meant qualified families can access free activities at the Zoo, Children’s Museum, and Aquatic Center. Council approved $875,000 in CDBG funding.

Public Works Director Rick Powers recommended Cloudpoint Geospatial, Inc. develop a holistic approach to planning infrastructure priorities over a three-year period. Council approved $78,000 for 2023, $134,000 for 2024 and $13,000 for 2025.

Council temporarily reduced fees and allowed additional locations for mobile food vehicles and street and sidewalk vendors. Vote was 8-3, with Councilors Denis Cyr, Zach Oyler and Sid Ruckriegel against.

In new business, Councilor Beth Jensen asked staff to prepare a resolution with opposition and moratorium on proposed CO2 pipeline. Councilor Denise Jackson also expressed concerns and asked for due diligence before any decisions are made.

The April 11 meeting opened with a public hearing to approve 2023-2024 budget and appropriations for the Town of the City of Peoria. Township has reserves to cover 15 months’ expenses, slightly more than $3 million. Township provides general assistance to 60 people and emergency services to 150-175 households. Donations were made to Friendship House, Tri-County Urban League, Center for Prevention of Abuse and Heartland Clinic. A change in outside independent auditors was due to favorable bid by Clifton, Larson, Allen, LLP.

Agenda highlights:

• Representatives of Sound Thinking, previously known as ShotSpotter, gave a presentation about updates to reduce gun violence. A one-year contract would be discussed at next council meeting. Note: During citizen’s comments, an East Bluff resident opposed this program, citing ineffectiveness.

• Limiting cannabis businesses to six dispensaries, with three being social equity licenses. Onsite consumption was prohibited. Social equity applicants must provide annual proof of status, may not be located closer than 1,500 feet from another dispensary.

• A presentation about a proposed carbon dioxide pipeline. It included information about Mount Simon pipeline hub north of Decatur, existing pipelines in Peoria County, pipeline safety and risks of concentrated CO2. Council asked for additional information.

• Updating University-War Memorial Drive TIF.

• Agreement with Berry Dunn McNeil and Parker, LLC for development of strategic plan not to exceed $74,900 plus reimbursable expenses was approved.

Election Commission

Peoria County Board of Election Commissioners met April 11. During public comments, several citizens noted problems using a stylus during the April 4 election. Most of the speakers were election judges or poll watchers. They had trouble verifying signatures and preferred the use of pen and paper. The commission will get feedback at a later date.

There was an approximately 16% turnout for that election. More ballots were mailed than cast in person. About 8,200 people voted on election day; 2,800 voted early.