TERRY BIBO
Check out strategic plans, infrastructure plans, downtown plans.
Peoria County Board
The Peoria County Board met Aug. 10 with all members present.
The board unanimously approved a new strategic plan, replacing one passed in 2016. Five priorities were identified: Infrastructure maintenance and improvements, financial stability, regional and intergovernmental collaboration, community investment, communication and marketing.
One high-priority goal involves American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that must be committed by the end of 2025 and spent by the end of 2026. The new Health and Human Services campus — as well as projects at the jail, courthouse and other county-owned facilities — will account for most of those funds. Workforce development and retention activities are also high priorities since 10% of county positions are vacant.
In regular business, the board approved a zoning request in Hallock Township and two bids for work at the new health campus. Demolition of the prior Health Department building on Sheridan Road is underway.
Among items approved unanimously:
- Writing off more than $2 million in uncollected Heddington Oaks accounts receivable as bad debt.
- Tuck pointing and other structural work at the county jail over the next three years.
- Re-roofing work at the juvenile detention center and the county jail.
Election Commission
The Annual Meeting of the Peoria County Election Commission was held Aug. 15. All of last year’s officers were re-elected.
All public comments requested the return of pre-paid envelopes for vote by mail. Asking voters to provide their own stamps affects people overseas, including the military, and people who do not have the ability to go out to buy stamps.
Commissioners approved the budget request reviewed last month. It will be sent to the County Board. Several voting precincts were moved because of comments by voters, election workers, or the locations.
A bid was accepted for voter maintenance mass mailing. The federal government requires voter registration cards be sent every two years to maintain clean voter lists.
The Board also accepted recommendations to improve security at the election office. These include glass at the front counter, Safety Shield glass added to exterior windows and doors, a panic button, and badge entry to the door leading behind the counter.
City Council
On July 25, Peoria City Councilors approved its consent agenda, including:
- Amended rules of City Council.
- Amended municipal code, adding language for withdrawing site for liquor license before Council consideration.
- Amended municipal code, adding language to withdraw proposed zoning change before Council consideration.
Terra Engineering representatives George Reed and Kevin Graham presented overview of Riverfront Plan to council. This plan has been in development since 2017 with demolition of Riverfront Village structures.
East Village Growth Cell Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Economic Development Advisory Committee Charter was updated.
Councilor Tim Riggenbach highlighted successes in East Bluff TIF area: OSF Jump Trading Center and OSF Cancer Institute, Heartland Health, updates to Wisconsin and Nebraska Streets. In addition, TIF has generated $450,000 for residential updates and new home construction.
On Aug. 8, Councilors approved a comprehensive plan for Peoria Riverfront development between Murray Baker and Bob Michel bridges to include boat marina, dog park, family activities, fitness, new fountain, festival area with bandshell and stage.
Budget is $26 million; funding will be mix of public and private dollars. City Manager Patrick Urich mentioned discussion with state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth regarding release of $15 million in previously approved state funds for project.
Arts Partners of Central Illinois Executive Director Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright discussed its annual report, including a $10,000 grant from Illinois Arts Council.
Council also approved a sign-on bonus for experienced and state-certified EMTs and paramedics; $2,500 for EMT Basic, and $10,000 for paramedics. Bonus will be given 50% upon hire and remainder at end of first year of employment. This will save training expense for Peoria Fire Department.
On Aug. 22, annual audit of Town of City of Peoria was presented by Adam Pulley, Auditor with CliftonLarsonAllen.
Two findings flagged bank reconciliations and journal entries. Pulley said these are not unusual and have been noted in past. The township clerk reviews journal entries made by bookkeeper. Bank reconciliations are also reviewed by her assistant. Corporation Council for Township John Redlingshafer will make recommendation on these items.
Andrea Klopfenstein, Deputy Director of Public Works and City Engineer, gave presentation on traffic calming program.
League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria observers attend and report on local government meetings. For more information, check www.lwvgp.org
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