After 47 years in prison for a murder he always said he didn’t commit, almost eight years after he was acquitted — and seven years after he died — Peoria County and the City of Peoria paid $1.25 million to settle with Cleve Heidelberg’s estate.

Peoria County Board

The Peoria County Board met April 10 with all members present except Rob Reneau and Daniel Kelch.

On a 13-3 vote, the board joined the city in a settlement agreement to prevent future litigation from the Cleve Heidelberg estate. Two days prior, the City of Peoria approved a matching amount for a total settlement of $1.25 million. Members Brian Elsasser, Matt Windish and Paul Rosenbohm cast opposing votes. The board unanimously approved a zoning request in Elmwood

Township. The consent agenda passed unanimously, including:

• $3,000 and $2,650 PCAPS grant awards
• $120,000 for Rock Island Trail crossing improvements on Cedar Hills Drive.
• $107,000 for initial engineering with Hutchinson Engineering to replace a bridge on Kickapoo Creek Road near the intersection with Farmington Road
• Engineering agreement with TWM to replace a retaining wall on Cedar Hills Drive.

Two citizens’ remarks were received. One opposed use of a “restraint chair” for those with mental health issues at the Peoria County Jail; the other opposed the Heidelberg settlement.

Election Commission

The Peoria County Election Commission met May 13.

Commissioners learned Trinity Lutheran Church has asked to be removed from the list of polling places.

Election judges need to fill out W-9 forms for the finance department, even if they are not earning over $600 per year, so the County can provide 1099s during tax season.

Voter registration cards will be sent in late June or early July. This is a way to keep voting rolls clean, identifying voters who have moved.

Peoria City Council

On March 25, all Councilors were present at the horseshoe except Zach Oyler.

Consent agenda passed with three items pulled for discussion. That includes donation of one fire truck, which no longer meets safety standards, to Ukraine through U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine. Also approved was purchase of two fire apparatus in 2028, not to exceed $2,400,000.

Council okayed:

• A $70,000 grant to Phoenix Community Services for supportive services
• A $204,873 grant from Heart of IL United Way to LULA to reimburse costs for unsheltered.
• An $8,897,041 bid of Illinois Civil Contractors, Inc. for Combined Sewer Overflow Control Project — Year 4, with contingencies not to exceed $9,786,745. Public Works Director Rick Powers reminded council members of the consent decree intended to reduce overflow into Illinois River. Project started in 2022, and spans 18 years planned work.

The City Council met April 8 with all members present. Consent agenda passed without discussion.

Under regular business, councilors agreed to settle the 2018 Heidelberg case for wrongful death conviction. Considering their fiduciary obligation to taxpayers, council members agreed to settle vs. trial. The city will pay $625,000 to family, with funds coming out of legal department budget.

City Manager Patrick Urich reviewed agreement with GFL Environmental Inc. to provide solid waste management and recycling services for three years with two two-year extensions. Item was passed unanimously.

The Council recognized former councilor Charles Grayeb for 24 years of service.

On April 22, a public hearing was held regarding the 2025-2026 budget for the Town of the City of Peoria. With no persons present to speak, meeting was closed and followed by the annual Township meeting. Officials approved $10,000 donations to the Center for Prevention of Abuse, Friendship House and Peoria Grown.

The Peoria City Council meeting followed with councilors Dennis Cyr and John Kelly absent. The consent agenda was approved without discussion, including up to $7.4 million for Deerbrook Drive reconstruction.

Council held first readings about amending city code for existing tobacco retail licenses and fees for towing vehicles. A representative from Stanton Towing spoke about the expenses towing operators incur and impact of inflation.

This meeting was the last for Grayeb, who would be replaced by Alex Carmona as District 2 representative in May.

Dunlap District 323

Seven members were present at the regular school board meeting on April 16.

Superintendent Scott Dear-man reported eight Freedom of Information Act requests have been completed.

That same day, the district broke ground on its new $8.5 million training center. The 42,500-square-foot facility will house a 165-meter indoor track, dance studio, three courts and training rooms. Funding comes from the $38 million in district reserves. In exchange for signage, sponsor Fortress Bank will give the school $30,000 a year for expenses. The new facility is planned to open in late fall.

Dearman recognized board members Dr. Abby Humbles, Mike Wisdom and Steve Hodel for their service on the board. Newly elected board members were to be seated May 7.

Under public participation, one speaker was concerned maintenance problems meant the swimming pool had been shut down numerous times. She advocated for better swimming facilities.

A parent and his fourth grade daughter spoke of their concerns about a grade school counselor’s 2025-26 assignment. The counselor will be responsible for students in two grade schools instead of one, which they maintain limits her ability to meet student needs.

A third speaker advocated for better special education resources. She praised current special ed staff, but expressed the need for more mental health resources, especially for homebound children. She encouraged the board and community to contact legislators.

Sanitary District

The Greater Peoria Sanitary District Investment Committee and Board of Trustees met on April 15. No public attendees took part in the public hearing to review the 2026 budget or user charges effective May 1. The ordinance was approved as is.

GPSD reviewed the combined annual budget and appropriation filed with the Peoria County Clerk on April 22.

This budget specified total sources of funds as $37,225,340. This number accounted for total operating expenses of $16,185,990, plus total capital improvements and debt service. The GPSD investment committee approved $3 million in CDs in two institutions to capitalize on economic conditions and maximize revenue.

Lower revenues and expenses than the budgeted amount were reported. Accounts payable were also lower than 2024, mainly due to proactive projects in the plants operated by GPSD. Notably, expired connection charges were eliminated, resulting in a fee reduction.

Trustees also approved a tax abatement ordinance. GPSD awarded the following projects:

• Automation updates — Phase 1, Oberlander Electric Company, $815,960.
• Mechanical services contract — Illinois Piping Corp., $297,830.50.
• Kickapoo Creek Bridge painting/recoating — Era Valdivia Contractors, Inc., $87,800

Monthly average billing counts increased for residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. This increase is an indicator of economic growth in these areas.

Springdale Cemetery

The Springdale Cemetery Management Authority met April 21 with four members absent — Betty Duncan, Henry Blackwell, Kathy Ma and Bob Wilton.

The only action items were the previous meeting minutes, the check register and the financial statements. The remainder of the meeting was focused on the general manager’s report. Highlights include:

• Burials in March surpassed the previous month, the previous year and the 10-year average for March.
• The cemetery has lost 10 significant trees this year and has obtained 15 new replacement trees• Memorial Day weekend plans included a welcome tent to share maps, collect surveys, and solicit volunteers. The “Ride to Remember” would highlight 20 veterans with specific signage.
• Cemetery staff identified 40 unmarked veterans’ graves and seek help from the Veterans Administration to get markers.
• The annual spring savanna burn occurred.
• LED lights have been installed in the mausoleum, and quotes for future repairs are being prepared for review.

LWVGP observers attend and report on local government meetings. For more information, check www.lwvgp.org/newso