TERRY BIBO
Your elected representatives are winding down the year by arranging to sell property in foreclosure, upgrading security and learning more about Illinois American Water Company’s service.
Peoria County Board
The Peoria County Board met Sept. 14 with all members present except Jennifer Groves Allison and Steve Rieker.
In regular business, the board unanimously approved the potential sale of property within the One Technology building in Downtown Peoria. The county owns 7,500 square feet of office space that is currently leased to the State of Illinois Dept. of Human Services. The building will be auctioned later this year following a foreclosure. This resolution permits the county to sell its office suite if it approves of the building auction price, or to retain ownership and seek a local realtor for a future sale.
Also unanimously approved were the following:
- A Safe Routes to School Grant in Limestone Township
- A Multi-Jurisdictional, Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Amendments to the county code to permit the use and regulation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for solar farms and other future energy storage needs
- Zoning requests in Hollis and Radnor Townships.
Proclamations were read recognizing the 50th anniversary of The Clubs at River City in north Peoria, Dean Troutman’s fundraising walk for St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital (go to the St. Jude Facebook page), National Rail Safety Week, Hunger Action Month and National Preparedness Month.
Among consent agenda items approved unanimously:
- Participation in the joint City/County Greater Peoria A.uto Crimes Task Force (GPACT)
- Annual salaries for the county sheriff and the county public defender.
- Installation of a new boiler at the Juvenile Detention Center.
In addition, three citizens’ remarks were received. They focused on a continuing call for a CO2 pipeline moratorium, feral cats, and a culvert dispute in Kickapoo Township.
Peoria City Council:
On Sept. 12, councillors recognized Aurthur Mae Perkins for her impact on the community and the many roles she has played over the years. An educator and principal in Peoria Public Schools, she was a member of the Peoria Housing Authority Board and a Peoria Public Library Trustee. PHA Chair Carl Cannon announced that the recreation center for Providence Point would be named for Mrs. Perkins.
The consent agenda was approved unanimously. Highlights include:
- First reading of ordinance proposing W. Lamont Special Service area for sidewalk replacement in 1700 and 1800 blocks; this will be on Sept. 26 agenda.
- First reading of ordinance amending code of city of Peoria regarding tobacco licensing, with creation of two tobacco license classes. Corporation Counsel Patrick Hayes explained how ordinance would be enforced. Will be on the agenda for Sept. 23 meeting.
- Presentation by Illinois American Water Company (IAWC) on lead line service replacement in Peoria service area. Kyle Smith, Western Division Manager, Melissa Litteken and Anna Kubas spoke.
Ms. Litteken gave an overview of the history of lead usage in plumbing, as well as current regulatory action by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Visit IAWC website to learn more: Illinois American website
To view Illinois EPA regulations: at Illinois EPA
- Approved agreement with Phoenix Community Development Services for operations of Haven Group Home in amount of $111,000.
- Approved agreement with Peoria City/County Health Dept. for additional funding to complete homeowner roof replacements in 61605 area code using funds from Edwards Settlement in the amount of $125,000. This meets the funding target to improve community lung health
Election Commission
The Peoria County Election Commission held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 12.
Due to a lack of a quorum, commissioners could not conduct official business.
Commissioners received updates from Executive Director Elizabeth Gannon on the security upgrades that were approved last month. None of the currently accepted upgrades needed Commission approval because each was under the $5,000 limit at Director Gannon’s discretion. Heart Technologies, which has a contract for the current security system, will install a badge system, panic buttons, and a parking lot camera. Window covers for exterior windows went out for bid and came in under $5,000. A security remodel for the front desk will be going out for bids.
In other updates, Peoria County is working with the GIS office on putting precinct information onto the County website. Petitions for the March 19, 2024 primary have started circulating.
League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria observers attend and report on local government meetings. For more information, check the LWVGP website