APRIL SILVER

On Wednesday, March 12th, West Peoria residents attended an informative community meeting covering key topics such as safety initiatives, upcoming events, and local infrastructure updates.

One of the key highlights of the meeting was the discussion led by Kinga Krider, West Peoria City Administrator, regarding the city’s security-camera grant program. Krider emphasized the importance of outdoor security cameras in deterring crime and enhancing neighborhood safety. The City of West Peoria offers grants to residents to install security cameras on their properties, providing reimbursement of up to $300 for 75% of the installation costs. This initiative encourages residents to protect their homes and properties proactively. Krider shared a recent experience of how security cameras helped recover stolen tools from a work trailer at the new City Hall, underscoring how effective cameras can be in crime detection.

City Administrator Krider stressed the importance of vigilance and the ease of reporting suspicious activity using the non-emergency dispatch number, (309) 672-6011. Krider also announced the option to meet with officers at neutral locations like West Peoria City Hall, to provide an avenue for face-to-face dialogue, building trust, and creating a more personal connection between the police department and the residents. The police department’s commitment to technological advancements was evident. Introducing new tools, such as the dart gun for vehicle tracking and the deployment of drones for night-time surveillance, illustrated a proactive approach to crime prevention and investigation.

TRANSITION: The meeting also outlined the evolution of West Peoria’s infrastructure. The upcoming move of City Hall to its new location in late April will mark a new chapter in the city’s development. The final council meeting in the current building, scheduled for April 22, will serve as a symbolic transition, and the possibility of the Bank of Farmington moving into the former City Hall location shows a blend of tradition and progress.

HISTORIC PICS: Preserving the rich history of West Peoria was a recurring theme of the meeting. A call for historical photographs resonated with residents, particularly pictures depicting former businesses and landmarks. This initiative aims to create a photo archive, a collective memory connecting present-day residents with the town’s past. The encouragement to bring these photos to future meetings emphasized the importance of shared history in building community identity.

THIS ’N THAT: Practical matters were also addressed, with a reminder that yard waste pickup starts on April 4. Finally, the ongoing fundraiser by Scout Troop 11, selling 100-count boxes of 30-gallon trash bags, provides an opportunity for residents to support local youth. The sales, continuing through April, offer a practical way to contribute to Scouts activities and programs. Contact Bob De Sutter at (309) 369-8078 to place orders.