Fans of democracy, rejoice! League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria has expanded its coverage of local government in the wake of journalistic cutbacks. First: thanks to the dedicated Observers. Second: there is such a wealth of information we can…
Author Archive for Terry Bibo
The Watch | City Council eyes Trewyn Park update; short-term rental option
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
On Jan. 11, Peoria City Council members set dates to discuss redistricting of the city based on the 2020 census results. The goal is for districts to be nearly equal in population, compact, contiguous, and respectful of geographic boundaries and…
The Watch | Charter Oak tabled; Sheriff Asbell will not stand for election in ’22
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
Peoria City Council discussed disconnection of property — which was annexed to the city in 1993 with the Charter Oak development — at its Dec. 14 meeting. Michael Fleming, attorney for property owners, requested undeveloped parcels without access to roads…
Theo leaves legacy of a (tough) love for journalism
by Terry Bibo • • 1 Comment
Ninety-nine years means a lot of stories for a reporter. Officially, Theo Jean Kenyon’s career spanned World War II and the first Obama Administration. Elegantly dressed and coiffed, she covered Peoria — from advisory committees to zoning commissions — working…
The Watch | Peoria City Council review finds $4 million, County board mulling new election systems
by Terry Bibo • • 1 Comment
Peoria City Council wrestled with its 2022-2023 biennial budget — and each other — during special meetings this fall. On Oct. 26: Peoria Township officials asked for a tax increase, but didn’t get it. City Manager Patrick Urich said recovery…
The Watch | Drawing new lines
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
On Sept. 28, Community Development Director Joe Dulin told the Peoria City Council about the impact of 2020 census data on council districts. Peoria now has 113,150 residents, down 1.6% from 2010. To proportion districts equally means District 1 would…
The Watch | Onward
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
Peoria City Council met Sept. 14 with all members present. A $100,000 grant was approved to Peoria Opportunities Foundation to cover sewer expense overage, with additional funding from Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). The grant was approved, with Councilor John…
The Watch | Once more into the breach
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
On Aug. 10, Peoria City Council discussed old tires, which are costly to the city when dumped. The initial resolution required businesses that dispose of tires to register, pay a $50 fee and keep records. Fines were to defray costs.…
The Watch | The heat remains on
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
On June 24, the Peoria City Council met virtually and did some internal housekeeping: Kiran K. Velpula, Ph.D., was sworn in as at-large councilor to fill Mayor Rita Ali’s unexpired term. Ali’s reappointments for 28 city commissions were approved. Community…
The Watch | Summer in the city
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
On May 25, the Peoria City Council approved borrowing $15 million from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) State Revolving Fund (SRF) at 1.4% interest. A revolving loan over seven years, the loan will be repaid through new sewer rates.…