The Peoria City/County Health Department Board met on March 16 with a quorum present.  Karen Cadet-Saintilus, Rahmat Na’Allah, Mitchell Popadziuk, and Sokonie Reed were absent.

The Board approved reallocating $100,000 from the Peoria County Board back to the Health Department’s reserve fund.  A portion of the funds may be used for community art or another community benefit.

A Food Safety Excellence Award presentation recognized establishments that go “above and beyond” in food safety.  Out of more than 900 restaurants in Peoria County, 38 applied for the award, and 15 met the criteria for “Gold” or “Silver” recognition.  “Gold” recipients included Sophia’s Kitchen, Monical’s Pizza, and Woodruff High School Culinary Kitchen.

Environmental Health Coordinator Stephanie Streight’s efforts with the Community Kitchen Program and Food Excellence Safety Awards were highlighted.

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Discussion continued about updates to food safety fees, and the option of changing the fee authority to a Board responsibility.  Board members approved a position statement supporting evidence-based immunization policies, and about $7,500 for the Central Illinois Breastfeeding Taskforce.

— League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria observers attend and report on local government meetings. Check out https://greaterpeoriail.lwv.org/logoreports