City of Pekin City Council met March 20.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Hilst.
CALL TO ORDER
Deputy City Clerk, Ms. Nicole Stewart, called the roll and confirmed all Councilmembers were present except Councilmember Hohimer who was absent.
Mayor Pro Tem Cloyd opened the meeting at 9:05 AM.
Attendee Name Organization Title Status ArrivedRick Hilst City of Pekin Councilman Present 8:45 AMKaren Hohimer City of Pekin Councilwoman Absent 8:41 AMDave Nutter City of Pekin Councilman Present 8:43 AMBecky Cloyd City of Pekin Mayor Pro tem Present 8:50 AMLloyd Orrick City of Pekin Council Member Present 8:44 AMJohn P Abel City of Pekin Councilman Present 8:43 AM
APPROVE AGENDA
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Dave Nutter, Councilman SECONDER: Lloyd Orrick, Council Member AYES: Hilst, Nutter, Cloyd, Orrick, Abel ABSENT: Karen Hohimer
PUBLIC INPUT
Bob Jaskiewicz questioned Council regarding the current total debt of the City of Pekin and how that ranked in the State of Illinois.
DISCUSSION
5.1. Appointment of Acting Mayor
Interim City Manager, Mr. Bruce Marston, led the discussion regarding the appointment of an acting Mayor.
City Attorney, Mr. Joshua Herman, advised that it was best for the City of Pekin to appoint an acting mayor because the Mayor Pro Tem did not have the powers of a Mayor per the city ordinance. An ordinance could be adopted giving the Mayor Pro Tem powers but that ordinance did not exist. The Mayor Pro Tem was appointed per the city code without the powers extended of a Mayor.
Council questioned whether it was in the city’s best interest to extend all mayoral powers to the Mayor Pro Tem.
5.2. Historic Preservation Commission
Interim City Manager, Mr. Bruce Marston, led the discussion regarding the Historic Preservation Commission. Mr. Marston explained that the commission had not been staffed for a number of years.
Mayor Pro Tem Cloyd stated that the last members term expired in 2013. Applications would be sent to interested residences.
Councilmember Nutter suggested updating the code regarding the commission to conform to the present time.
WORK SESSION PUBLIC WORKS FY24 BUDGET
Interim City Manager, Mr. Bruce Marston, led the discussion regarding the Public Works FY24 budget. Mr. Marston stated that he was comfortable with the amounts and pointed out that an Admin and Assistant City Engineer had been included.
City Engineer, Ms. Josie Esker, added that the Assistant City Engineer was included in last years budget as well. Ms. Esker stated that an Engineer Tech was hired and would begin April 4, 2023.
Mr. Marston continued with the budget explanation that included capital line items for building repairs, City Hall improvements, and Riverfront bathrooms.
Mayor Pro Tem expressed concern with those businesses that pay into the BDD and not receiving any of the profit.
Council continued the discussion on what projects BDD funds could be used towards.
Ms. Esker spoke in favor of utilizing BDD funds to improve City Hall and preserve the building.
Mayor Pro Tem Cloyd stated that the BDD funds should be used on city streets.
Council also discussed the splashpad budget for FY23 and how maintaining the riverfront bathrooms would be a requirement.
Public Works Director, Mr. Dean Schneider, added that the City currently had two people on staff for public property and would like to add another maintenance person.
Ms. Esker stated that the City had $1.5M to spend by November 26, 2023 on downtown Court Street and Derby Street for major sidewalk improvements.
Street Department budget discussions included adding a work order system, delivery of the Tandem Dump Truck, tree removal costs, material and hauling costs and increased garbage pickup.
6.1. Public Works FY24 Budget
ADJOURN
There being no further business of the Council, a motion was made by Councilmember Orrick seconded by Councilmember Hilst to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried viva voice vote. Mayor Pro Tem Cloyd adjourned the meeting at 11:12 AM.
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