Budgets were tidied and socialists were not a problem as elected officials around the area kicked off the new year.

Peoria County Board

The Peoria County Board held its first 2024 meeting on Jan. 11 in 15 minutes with all members present except Linda Daley and Brian Elsasser.

The board unanimously approved zoning requests in Limestone and Princeville townships. Unanimously approved consent agenda items included:

• Peoria County FY2024 legislative initiatives. Priorities include projects on Main Street, the Riverfront, Pioneer Parkway, MacArthur Highway, Laramie Avenue, Gale Avenue, Sheridan Road, Willow Knolls Road, Cameron Lane and Glasford Road. Policy priorities include website posting of property assessments, expanded code enforcement, and immunity from liability for cyberattacks.
• Acceptance of three grants for the 10th Judicial Circuit transportation assistance program, the supervised visitation program and the adult treatment court.

Election Commission

All Peoria County Election Commissioners were present for the regular monthly meeting on Jan. 9.

They learned approximately 6,000 courtesy letters were mailed to voters who had signed up for permanent Vote by Mail. The letters said they would not receive a primary ballot, since voters must declare a party to vote in a primary. Options included always receiving a particular party’s primary ballot.

Summarizing the 2023 budget, Executive Director Elizabeth Gannon noted that after paying salaries for December and buying a battery backup, the Commission had about $10,000 left over for 2024.

Two interns have been chosen to work until after the primary. If they work out well and choose to do so, they can return to work for the general election this fall.

Speakers have been requested by numerous groups, including the LWVGP.

Peoria City Council

On Jan. 9, the Town of City of Peoria met prior to the City Council meeting. Town Officials approved December 2023 expenditures and the January 2024 anticipated expenditures. December Town meeting minutes were approved.

Regular business included approving 2024 legislative agenda — public safety pension reform, public safety amendments including Safe-T Act, preserving home rule powers and relocation of State Street post office.

Other items:

• Approved purchase of infrastructure for outdoor dining pilot program downtown and riverfront, not to exceed $175,000.
• Accepted $500,000 human services grant from Illinois Dept. of Human Services for violence prevention.
• Approved $322,740 bid from J.C. Dillon for storm sewer cleaning and inspection, including contingencies, in council districts 2, 3 and 4. Districts 1 and 5 planned for following year.

Corporation Counsel Patrick Hayes wants to strengthen tools to address concerns on specific short-term rental properties. Staff will present recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission and report back.

Councilor Tim Riggenbach requested report back on little houses from Community Development Department and an update on Social Services program through Peoria Police Department. Police Chief Eric Echevarria said a new hire would start Jan. 22 at Wisconsin Avenue sub-station and focus on aiding crime victims.

Dunlap District 323

All members were present at the Jan. 18 regular meeting.

Dr. Scott Dearman said the district e-learning plan is in place. E-learning is used on the fifth snow day if four snow days are used. He said a referendum on building a new school in place of Wilder Waite Elementary will occur in November.

President Abby Humbles read the board policy for public participation at board meetings.

The chair of the Social Studies department discussed the board’s rejection of the “History Through Sports” class proposal. Objections referenced text author Howard Zinn and his “socialist leanings” during the last board meeting. But Zinn is not one of the authors. Further, social studies teachers do not have any political bias in their teaching and curriculum choices; some students were disappointed this class would not be offered. It was intended as an alternative for students uninterested in taking AP. He explained the class proposal and materials were scrutinized very carefully by committee.

Discussion continued about an additional high school entrance, including concerns about traffic congestion. A new high school entrance is a possible solution. There is discussion with IDOT about this problem.

Dr. Dearman suggested purchasing four vehicles could alleviate the personal mileage expense of $125,000 during the last four years. Directors and teachers could use them when driving from building to building or to conferences. He was asked to present a formal proposal.

The open meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m., followed by a closed session.

League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria observers attend and report on local government meetings. For more information, check the LWVGP website