A million-dollar no-bid contract raised eyebrows at the Peoria Housing Authority, but board members were told health and safety concerns required a faster process …

Read on. McDuff.

County Board

The Peoria County Board met May 14, with all members present except Dan Kelch.

In regular business, the board unanimously approved amendments to the county code regulating solar and wind energy generating facilities.  These changes were necessary to bring the county into compliance with state law and permit it to retain local siting of these facilities.

Highlights of the consent agenda, which was unanimously approved, include:

• A new three-year commitment to invest in Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
• Acceptance of a $4,000 grant to PCAPS to support diversion and outreach programs.
• Revising PCAPS fee schedule for pet registration and redemption/adoption.
• Amending fees for special use permits and building permits for solar and wind energy generating facilities. Each was revised to begin at $5,000 per megawatt anticipated generation to a maximum of $75,000.
• Preliminary engineering services agreement in the amount of $35,000 with Hutchinson Engineering for safety improvements at various county road intersections.
• Beginning Dec. 1, County Clerk and Treasurer salaries will have total compensation of $122,686. Annual increases will result in total compensation of $132,227 starting Dec. 1, 2029.

Peoria City Council

The Peoria City Council met April 14 with all members present, except Kiran Velpula, who attended electronically.

Councilors approved minutes, and the consent agenda, with two items removed. Support for the housing authority and an amendment to the 2026-27 budget were approved unanimously.

In three separate ordinances, councilors unanimously approved amending development code related to signs.

New business included updates on the Knoxville Redevelopment Corridor and East Village Growth Cell and that Market 309 had received $200,000 in state funding.

During citizens’ remarks, one person announced the release of the 2026-2027 Central Illinois Homeschool Resource Guide. Another resident expressed concern about community unity and encouraged collective action to create positive change.  He was concerned about loss of green space.

Peoria Public Schools

The Peoria Public Schools board met March 23 with all members present.

Manual High School Principal Dr. Devon Hawks and Manual basketball coach Marvin Jordan congratulated the team on its performance as Class 2A state champions. Players were also in attendance.

Director of Curriculum Dr. Tracy Donath and Curriculum Coordinator Lindsay Bohm introduced the young author winners for grades 5-8.

Superintendent Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat recognized the following for “Those Who Excel”: Early Career Educator of the Year, Lottie Phillips Fiddes, Peoria High School; Teacher of the Year Special Recognition, Ria Matos, Sterling Middle School; Teacher of the Year Meritorious Service, Kyle Benefield, Reservoir Gifted Academy; Teacher of the Year (Donald M. Phares Award), Melvin Ama, Dr. Maude Sanders Primary School.

Revenues year-to-date are $162.1 million; expenditures are $177.4 million.

Approved agenda items include extending the OrganicLife Food Service management contract through 2026-27; a $300,000 speech/debate team contract with Advantage Communications for 2026-2027 which will be funded with a donation from Caterpillar, Inc.; extending IDG Architects contract through the 2031-2032 school year.

On April 13, the PPS board met with all members present except Larry Ivory.

Hanover Research presented findings from a $230,000 comprehensive, two-year study of research projects examining student and family engagement, along with teacher retention and engagement.

BreAija Bryant, J-1 Program Manager, and Dr. Comfort Akwaji-Anderson, Director of Professional Development and Teacher Support, recognized 15 J-1 teachers and their district mentor coaches. Bryant said the J-1 program includes 116 international teachers at PPS and 282 teachers across 11 schools sponsored by PPS, representing 16 countries. She noted the program brings global perspectives into the classroom, providing students with a culturally diverse learning experience

Revenues were $170.8 million; expenditures $188.2 million.

Three action items from the consent agenda were tabled until after a presentation at the next board meeting. Highlights of approved items include a $44,839 one-year contract renewal with SchooLinks to support college and career readiness initiatives and $38,190 for renewal of the Writable online program for grades 6-12.

Housing Authority

The Peoria Housing Authority met April 23 with all members present except John Ray Jones

Several citizens spoke, including some attending the meeting remotely. Concerns included: lack of communication between PHA and the public and with residents in Sterling Towers; vouchers not being paid in a timely manner; living conditions in Sterling Towers; and unreasonable eviction procedures for residents of Sterling Towers.

Interim CEO Damon Duncan commented that PHA is aware of concerns and is working on them. A town hall meeting was to be held May 6; PHA wants full public transparency and communications.

A resolution to limit disbursements from Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) escrow accounts to 30% of year-to-date balance was passed by members unanimously.

The FSS coordinator said this a way to provide funds for extraordinary expenses like car repairs that could make it difficult for participants to continue in the program and eventually graduate. The goal is for FSS participants to receive no cash welfare, be employed, and then transition out at the end of five years. FSS also assured board members it provides ongoing workshops covering topics like financial literacy, homeownership, and entrepreneurship.

Board members unanimously approved a no-bid elevator modernization contract for Sterling Towers East and West for a maximum of $1.5 million. Staff explained four elevators are old and outdated. Health and safety issues include residents being trapped in them and maintenance costs are unsustainable because of their age.

Board members questioned the lack of bidding. Staff explained the procurement process is time consuming and health and safety issues require expedience. Experts estimated the cost proposed was reasonable — made competitive by “piggy-backing” on a Kansas City project. The contract has a “not-to-exceed” amount.

Treasurer Briggett Carter-Meachem said a report on accounts is expected in 45 days.
PHA is working on aged receivables and paying vendors within a “net 30” timeline.

A closed session was held to discuss personnel and litigation.

Health Department

The Peoria City/County Health Department Board met April 20 with a quorum.  Mitchell Popadziuk and Harreld Webster Jr. were absent.

Public Health Administrator Monica Hendrickson updated progress toward meeting a new Department of Justice mandate for Americans with Disabilities Act digital compliance by April 2027.

Board members approved reports on personnel, program and services, performance management and the Community Health Improvement Plan.

Of note, the board also approved an update to multi-event, temporary food establishment rules, attempting to reduce administrative burden and assist vendors obtaining temporary licenses.

Dunlap District 323

The Dunlap District 323 School Board met April 15 with seven members present.

Superintendent Scott Dearman said six Freedom of Information Act requests are pending.

Illinois Association of School Boards representative Vic Zimmerman offered results of a survey for a new superintendent which was completed by 582 people.

Top characteristics preferred are ability to collaborate, good communication skills, financial expertise, professional experience, and ability to promote an inclusive environment. Experience as a teacher, principal, and administrator are important.  However, requiring the person to have superintendent experience and live in the district may limit the pool of applicants.

Zimmerman gave the board a vacancy document listing all possible requirements they could choose in selecting the new administrator.  Once they decide, he will post the vacancy the first week of July, ending the posting on Sept. 21.

Assistant Superintendent Matt Andrews explained a 25-page document proposing district Artificial Intelligence policy, including responsible and ethical use, maintaining academic integrity, usage levels, teacher training and student guidance.

The board approved bill payments of $5,302573, administrator contract renewals, trade contracts for Wilder Waite, maximum price agreement with P.J. Hoerr, and a resolution to intervene property tax appeal.

A closed session followed to discuss employment compensation.

Sanitary District

The Greater Peoria Sanitary District met April 21 and was told GPSD continues to invest in certificates of deposit (CDs) to maximize returns in the current economic market. Year-to-date revenues align with budget, expenses are below budget and cash flow remains stable.

New service connections are expected for the planned development at the Alta-Route 91 area. The board approved a $75,000 agreement with RJN to assess the condition and performance of the Allen Road Force Main, one of the longest in the system.

Effluent levels in the year 2026 remained within federal limits.

Bids were authorized for re-coating the auxiliary pumps and associated piping in the Pump and Blower Building. A $360,145 contract was awarded to Oberlander Electric Company for automation updates on Project 2.

A representative from the Kickapoo Creek Watershed Project thanked GPSD for committing to monitor local water quality. The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission manages this study, with an estimated total cost of $100,000.

Airport Authority

The Metropolitan Airport Authority met April 29 with eight of nine commissioners present.  Absent was Emily Shields. Minutes were approved for the March 25 board meeting; the April 20 Marketing/Air Service Committee and the April 20 Projects/Finance Committee.

Director of Airports Gene Olson noted Phase 1 of the tower construction is nearing completion. Board members approved numerous change orders for the project, including $15,041 for plumbing and $19,578 for a rain barrier switch.

The board approved purchase of two F-250 trucks, the February 2026 financial statements and vouchers payable.

Manager of Marketing & Public Relations Cheryl Bockhold-Sloan said United Airlines cut one flight per week to Chicago in May and had not started June cuts. American has cut one flight per week.  Allegiant has made some adjustments not affecting Peoria.

Tri-County Planning

The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission met May 6.

Peoria County is helping Chillicothe get its viaduct project to Phase 1 Engineering.

TCRPC is staffing Community Development Block Grants (CDBG.) The block grants have been used for housing projects and community revitalization projects. Grant paperwork is complicated; staff will help applicants with that, as well.

Expenses are down for health insurance cost and pensions.

All U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) applications from TCRPC will include a Safety Action Plan to reduce injuries and accidents. Such plans include public education.

TCRPC received its USDOT Metropolitan Planning Organization re-certification.

One commissioner commented there were a lot of Amazon purchases in expenses and wondered if locally purchased merchandise could be bought instead.

LWVGP observers attend and report on local government meetings. For more information, check https://www.lwvgp.org/2025-newsletters.html