City of East Peoria City Council met Jan. 20.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of East Peoria, Illinois was called to order by his Honor Mayor John P. Kahl presiding at 6:00 P.M. with proper notice having been given.
Upon the roll being called the following answered present: Mayor John P. Kahl, Commissioner Daniel S. Decker, Commissioner Mark E. Hill, Commissioner Seth D. Mingus, and Commissioner Michael L. Sutherland.
Absent: None.
The invocation was given by Commissioner Hill.
Mayor Kahl led the Council and the audience in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move that the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on January 6, 2026 be approved as printed.
Yeas: Commissioner Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None.
Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.
Mayor Kahl stated if there was anyone in the audience who wanted to speak on any items on the agenda to come to the podium and state the matter or matters to be discussed. There was no response.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BY OMNIBUS VOTE:
Mayor Kahl asked if any Commissioner wished to remove any items from the Consent Agenda for discussion. There was no response.
Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move to adopt a consent agenda consisting of items numbered 1 through 4 as listed on the agenda for this meeting to be considered by omnibus vote.
Item Number 1 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2526-093 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 17 in the amount of $2,174,455.11.
Item Number 2 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2526-085 on its Second Reading – Resolution Approving Annual Renewal of Software Maintenance & Support Services from Harris Computer Systems for the City’s MSI Enterprise Software System.
Item Number 3 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4889 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PROVISION OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE REGARDING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS.)
Item Number 4 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2526-086 on its Second Reading- Resolution Authorizing Payment of $40,000 to Fon du Lac Park District for Use of Park Property and Security Detail for 2025 Festival of Lights Winter Wonderland Lighted Display.
Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None.
Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.
Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Items numbered 1 through 4 listed on the Consent Agenda be hereby approved and adopted, the items numbered 2 through 4 having been read once by their title and having laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection be adopted as presented.
Item Number 1 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2526-093 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 17 in the amount of $2,174,455.11. (Adopted by omnibus vote)
Item Number 2 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2526-085 on its Second Reading – Resolution Approving Annual Renewal of Software Maintenance & Support Services from Harris Computer Systems for the City’s MSI Enterprise Software System. (Adopted by omnibus vote)
Item Number 3 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4889 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PROVISION OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE REGARDING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)
Item Number 4 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2526-086 on its Second Reading- Resolution Authorizing Payment of $40,000 to Fon du Lac Park District for Use of Park Property and Security Detail for 2025 Festival of Lights Winter Wonderland Lighted Display. (Adopted by omnibus vote)
Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None.
Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the items adopted by omnibus vote designation.
Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4890 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR AN ACCESSORY STRUCTURE ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 221 SUNNYBROOK DRIVE IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS) be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.
Commissioner Hill explained that the Jason Reece petitioned for a Special Use to allow for an accessory structure inconsistent with the requirements set forth in City Code Section 5-6-5 on property located at 221 Sunnybrook Drive, 05-05-04-214-024. The request here is for an accessory building with a sheet metal exterior. It will also be placed closer to the street than the existing home. This request for placement (closer to the street than the home) is based upon the property’s topography as the lot falls off towards the rear. While staff supports the basis for the petition, siding that compliments the home should at least be installed on the façade of the proposed accessory building.
At the Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) meeting, the board asked about the façade as well as the foundation of the structure since vehicles will be parked inside of the building and the lot falls off in the rear. Given the history of this area with landslides, it would be prudent to have a design professional review the foundation for this structure.
The board voted 4-2 to recommend approval of the accessory structure with the conditions the front of it be consistent with the home (siding) and the foundation be reviewed by a design professional. No one attended the meeting in opposition to the proposal. Mayor Kahl commented on the structure being obscured from view, and with no one objecting to the Special Use request, he will support it.
Commissioner Decker commented on the location being close to the ravine. He commented on the recommendation that an engineer look at the structure and explained that the onus would be on them. Commissioner Sutherland commented on what happened at the ZBA meeting.
Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None.
Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.
Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4891 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR GROUND-MOUNT SOLAR ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 110 GARDENA AVENUE IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS) be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.
Commissioner Hill explained that this petition is similar to the ground mount solar requests in the past. The property is a right-angle triangle that comes up to the green space that borders the bike trail. Based on the ZBA’s recommendation, it is being moved toward the peak of the triangle. It is about 329 feet off of Gardena Avenue. The street across is Frevent Avenue. The new placement on the property is in rear and adjacent to an industrial property (J-Tec).
Commissioner Decker commented on it being along the trail and having concerns with it. With no opposition, he will support this on its first reading. However, he will let the City Clerk know if he wants to have it removed from the consent agenda for the second reading of the ordinance. He will reach out to the neighbors to ensure that they did not miss it, and he will continue to investigate it more.
Mayor Kahl explained that he echoes Commission Decker’s sentiments. He explained that he has been consistent in not supporting the ground mount solar petitions with those that are highly visible. He explained that there has generally been public opposition to those that are highly visible. He will support it tonight with the ordinance possibly being pulled from the consent agenda at the next meeting.
Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None.
Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.
Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4892 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR AN ACCESSORY STRUCTURE ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 300 GARDENA AVENUE IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS) be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.
Commissioner Hill explained that this petition for a Special Use is for an accessory structure inconsistent with the requirements set forth in City Code Section 5-6-5 on property located at 300 Gardena Ave, 05-05-12-114-011. The request is to allow a Special Use to replace a detached garage which was damaged in a storm a few years ago, with a steel frame and siding unit, to be attached to the existing pad. While not technically a carport – because it has sides and a door, this structure is consistent with that type of design. A post-frame or stick-built garage would be preferred here as it would be more consistent with the other accessory structures in the neighborhood. The existing pad is 24 x 24 and the proposed structure is 20 x 20. The petitioner indicates its color will complement the adjacent shed. At the hearing, the petitioner also indicated other options are cost-prohibitive given the funds provided by insurance to replace the damaged garage. The ZBA voted 6-0 to recommend approval of the accessory structure. No one attended in opposition to the proposal.
Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None.
Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.
Resolution No. 2526-092 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2526-092, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Proposal from Heart Technologies, Inc. for the Purchase and Installation of IT Network Infrastructure Equipment for the New East Peoria Police Station, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2526-092 be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.
Commissioner Hill explained that this is for IT Networking requirements for the new police station. The costs is $ 119,627.92 and Heart Technologies is completing the work.
Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None.
Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.
Resolution No. 2526-089 by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2526- 089, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Acceptance of the Proposal from Laser Electric for the West Camp Street and Clocktower Drive Traffic Signal Upgrade Project for the New East Peoria Police Station, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2526-089 be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.
Commissioner Decker explained that this is for upgrading the traffic signals at W Camp Street and Clocktower Drive for the New Police Station. The work will be for the traffic signal additions and upgrades to include battery backup, new signs, new pedestrian buttons and new signals to match the new phasing. The total cost of the electrical proposal from Laser Electric is $72,166.00.
Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None.
Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.
Resolution No. 2526-090 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2526- 090, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting the Low Bid from G.A. Rich & Sons, Inc. for the Wastewater Treatment Plant #1 Sludge Tank Ladder & Platform Replacement Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2526-090 be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.
Commissioner Sutherland explained that this is a maintenance item for the wastewater treatment plant. There were three bids with the low bid coming from G.A. Rich & Sons in the amount of $50,000.
Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None.
Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.
Resolution No. 2526-091 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2526- 091, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving the Proposal from Hoerr Construction, Inc. for Additional Slip Lining of Sewer Mains Located Off Centennial Drive, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2526-091 be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.
Commissioner Sutherland commented on sewer main that gave way in the woods. This resolution pertains to expedited lining of additional footage that was damaged from an embankment shift along a creek line. The proposal from Hoerr Underground Construction was provided under the MSA for the lining of 1,441 LF of 24” CIPP. This work will structurally fortify the pipe and help to reduce future failures. This is an area where it is difficult to get equipment. The total amount is for $223,355.
Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None.
Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.
Resolution No. 2526-082 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2526- 082, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving the Purchase of a Motor/Engine Replacement for Fire Ladder Truck #1 for East Peoria Fire Department, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2526-082 be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.
Commissioner Mingus explained that this is for an engine replacement for the ladder truck. The engine parts and labor by Cummins is $73,660.63, and labor by the Peoria Fire Department is estimated at $8,000. There is an additional $5,000 as contingency should other problems arise once the work has started that totals $86,660.63. The repair is estimated to take two to three weeks to be completed. This is significantly cheaper than purchasing another ladder truck.
Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None.
Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.
Resolution No. 2526-088 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2526- 088, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Acceptance of the Proposal from Bradford Systems Corporation for the Lockers and Shelving Equipment Purchase and Installation Project for the New East Peoria Police Station, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2526-088 be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.
Commissioner Mingus explained that the resolution is for the purchase of lockers and shelving equipment for the new police station from Bradford Systems Corporation at a cost of $268,388.10. Commissioner Decker commented on the costs for shelving. Commissioner Sutherland inquired about whether the equipment is made in the USA. Chief of Police David Catton explained that he believes that the equipment is made in the USA.
Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None.
Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.
Mayor Kahl stated if there was anyone in the audience who wanted to speak on any items not on the agenda to come to the podium state the matter or matters to be discussed. There was no response.
Mayor Kahl then asked for comments from Council.
Commissioner Sutherland commented on the new East Peoria Police Station that is under construction. He inquired about being able to dispatch our own police officers from our own building. Chief Catton explained that the city is likely not able to use our own dispatch due to the state law changes. There is a backup plan for the Tazewell County plan to use Peoria. Mayor Kahl explained that originally the plan is that Tazewell County has Pekin as the main location and Morton was the back up. They really have not used Morton. Peoria will be the backup should Tazewell go down. TC3 has the option to upgrade the Morton center and increase manpower there which will cost a lot of money or use Peoria as a backup. Chief Catton explained that everything that we have Peoria has which makes it easier. Peoria also has the space so we could move our personnel to the backup center. Commissioner Decker explained that the city had exceptional dispatch in the past; however, the law did not allow the city to have their dispatch.
Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, February 3, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None
Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 6:31 P.M.
https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/8252?fileID=38801
