Board members met for the July 11 meeting with all present but Brandy Bryant, Brian Elsasser and Daniel Kelch.

Prior to regular business the board held a 40-minute policy discussion on the City/County Landfill No. 3 issue.

Peoria County, the City of Peoria and the Landfill Committee appointed by those two entities have a contract with GFL for the long-delayed construction of Landfill No. 3.

The current landfill is near the end of its usable life. The new site is permitted and awaits final U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approval.

GFL proposes delaying construction for 15 years, transporting waste to Tazewell County.

Board members considered two options: hold GFL to the existing contract or continue negotiations. Ten of the 15 members present affirmed the contract; one favored negotiating; one abstained because of a business relationship with GFL. Three did not express an opinion.

Chairman James Dillon announced insistence on the existing contract was the consensus. The City of Peoria and the Landfill Committee will form their own positions.

In regular business, the board unanimously approved zoning for two adjacent solar farms on Rt. 91 in Radnor Township. Combined, the two farms should produce sufficient power for 2,200 homes. The board also approved a kennel and training facility in Hollis Township.

Election Commission

The Peoria County Board of Election Commissioners met July 9. Most of the meeting involved next year’s budget. The Commission votes in August, then forwards the budget to the Peoria County Board for approval. The only major change is a raise for temporary employees and election judges.

Commissioners approved that all 2024-26 election judges must be approved by the circuit court. The two-year Runbeck contract includes the first Vote-by-Mail mailing. At 18,000 mailings, it is too large for the election office to handle. New expenditures include collapsible storage crates for voting equipment.

The Commission then went into executive session to discuss the purchase or lease of real property.

Peoria City Council

On June 25, a hearing was held on a state grant on behalf of Salvation Army. Funds would increase beds available to house men and increase capacity for homeless in the area. No public comments were made. Grant submission approved.

Council members received and filed:

• Amending code related to ground-mounted solar energy devices, which would be disallowed in front yards.
• Amending code related to parking.
• Communication from Kimberly Girardo proposing Peoria residents be allowed to raise chickens in their backyards. Nine citizens spoke in favor of the proposal; four against. Concerns include health measures and staffing. The issue will be revisited.

On July 9, all members were present and the consent agenda passed without discussion.

Assistant City Manager Kimberly Richardson reviewed the city’s 2024-29 Strategic Plan, which was approved in draft form last October. Staff will post information on the city website.

Finance Director Kyle Cratty said as of May 31 overall revenue lags 8.3% — due to federal funds not being received — and expenses increased 8.6%. He anticipates the city will meet this year’s budget as planned.

City Manager Patrick Urich said communication with GFL Waste Management was ongoing.

Dunlap District 323

Eight members were present at the July 17 school board meeting. Public comments included concerns about the proposed $8.5 million indoor athletic facility, especially about lack of a swimming pool, need for more baseball, softball facilities, and funding.

Voting 8-0, the board approved $35 million debt certificates for new Wilder Waite school.

Superintendent Scott Dearman explained options for the proposed athletic facility. After lengthy discussion, the proposal for the $8.5 million athletic training center was approved with a vote of 7-1.

Sanitary District

All board members of the Greater Peoria Sanitary District were in attendance July 16, except assistant clerk John Kepple, who was traveling.

Auditors found no reportable issues in fiscal year 2024. Financial statements were “neutral, consistent, and clear.”

Year-to-date, operating expenses are slightly lower than budgeted at 89.7%; scheduled revenues are higher by 5.6%.

A reported increase of 1,400 past-due statements compared to last month have been mailed; staff is monitoring these numbers.

Effluents reports were within federal limits. Effluent fecal coliform exceeded the limit once during June, but fell to low levels afterwards.

GPSD accounting indicated plans to reinvest $1.5 million due to favorable market conditions.

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