The dog days are never over, it seems … But local officials are keeping busy.

Peoria County Board

The Peoria County Board met June 13 with all members present except Brandy Bryant.

Following regular business and a 35-minute executive session, the board had a two-hour-plus policy discussion about American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Peoria County received $34.8 million in federal recovery funds and has contracts in place covering all but $9.8 million. Federal law requires those funds be obligated/contracted by Dec. 31, and spent by the end of 2026, or else returned.

The result was small changes in anticipated uses and consensus on staff direction. (For details, go to peoriacounty.gov and check the meeting video at 1:44:15.)

In regular business, the board unanimously approved zoning for two event venues: new construction along U.S. 150 near Kickapoo and revival of the former Kickapoo Creek Winery site.

Members approved $27,101 in commercial kitchen equipment for the new Health and Human Services building. A new $362,000 chip spreader was approved, along with $439,000 to construct a storage building at the Highway Department’s North Station.

Election Commission

Peoria County Board of Election Commissioners met June 18. Commissioner Jeanne Williamson was absent.

According to Executive Director Elizabeth Gannon, an unusual expenditure to repair some voting equipment is less costly than paying for a warranty.

Gannon said she had enough election judges for the primary but will need more for the November general election. Some “snowbirds” are back and willing to work.

Peoria City Council

Councilors met May 28 with all members present. The consent agenda was passed with brief discussion about modernizing traffic signal systems. Councilor John Kelly inquired if this included cameras to detect speeding or red-light violations. City Manager Patrick Ulrich said the city did not have authority for speed cameras.

Council actions included:

• Approved Grey Oak Subdivision on North Knoxville Avenue. Neighbors voiced concerns of flooding on nearby properties.
• Accepted a $2 million federal grant for sidewalks in 61605 ZIP code.
• Mayor Rita Ali discussed process to fill the City Treasurer position.

Council adjourned for executive session on possible acquisition of property, as well as closed meeting minutes review.

On June 11, Councilors approved May 2024 actual expenses of Peoria Township and June 2024 anticipated expenses.

They also received and filed potential revisions on Motor Fuel Code violation penalties. Staff asked to strengthen current ordinance to decrease overdue payments and fees, as well as taxes.

Tim Bertschy and Mary Peterson, steering committee co-chairs for City of Peoria Joint Commission on Racial Justice and Equity, gave an overview of the 2023 Annual Report.

Starting in 2021, this commission identified many racial disparities in Peoria city and county. Critical success factors to implement: Improve Peoria Public Schools, grow employers and jobs, invest in infrastructure and transportation, support sustainability, reinvest in neighborhoods, keep taxes and fees competitive and have efficient government. Some areas of focus: disparities in health, broadband inequity, violence against children, child and youth development, housing quality, and transportation and mobility.

Springdale Cemetery

All members of the Springdale Cemetery Management Authority attended the June 17 regular monthly meeting.

Clifton, Larson and Allen accounting firm will not prepare the 2024 audit, so a new auditing firm must be secured.

The cemetery is experiencing an average financial year and is projected to meet budget. Cemetery reporting categories will change as there is increased interest in cremations over full-body burials. Income may decrease. There is also growing interest in natural burials and scattering gardens.

Of the anticipated $365,000 in state grants, $100,000 is needed for road work and infrastructure improvements. The board discussed hiring an engineer to determine how to best undertake the needed work. The board approved $24,000 for benches and landscaping in a scattering area, replacing a crumbling concrete rose design with granite.

Dunlap District 323

All seven board members were present for regular school board meeting June 20.

Mike McKenzie, financial officer, said finances are good overall with a slight surplus over last year. He recently received the property tax report, but still has not received $590,000 from the state. Property tax of $22 million received was more than last year.

The 42,500 square-foot Dunlap Training Center proposed for the campus is not to exceed $8.5 million, which will be paid from $38 million in reserves. A board member was assured Wilder Waite building plans can continue even with this training center being approved.

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