Peoria Standard

The West Peoria Public Safety Committee met June 21.

The Public Safety Committee is a standing committee of the West Peoria City Council.

Here are the meeting minutes as provided by the West Peoria Public Safety Committee:

1. Call to Order 

Chair Ganson called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.

2. Roll Call

Members present were Chair Ganson and Alderperson Meismer. Also present were City Administrator Carlson, Code Enforcement Officer Wallace, Margie Barnes, Bridget Domenghini of Peoria County Animal Protection Services, John Siewert II and City Clerk Silver. Mayor Dillon arrived at 6:45 p.m. Absent was Alderperson Thomas.

3. Additions to/or Deletions from the Agenda 

Alderperson Meismer added a discussion of the noise ordinance as item 10 C.

4. Guest Bridget Domenghini, PCAPS Director 

Director Domenghini outlined current actions used in the event of dangerous animals and the responsibility of the owners. Domenghini also gave specifics of what behavior is considered dangerous and how hearings are conducted. The committee discussed complaints about barking. Domenghini outlined the process PCAPS uses to manage nuisance barking and provided handouts. PCAPS can be contacted for wildlife in living spaces or on properties including raccoons. Deceased animal responsibility unless it’s a dog or a cat in which case they want to be notified so they can scan the animal for microchips and notify owners. City Administrator Carlson noted the good working relationship the City has experienced working with PCAPS in the past.

5. Approval of Minutes – May 17, 2016 

Alderperson Meismer made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 17, 2016 meeting. Chair Ganson seconded the motion. Motion Carried.

6. Review of Monthly Financial Report 

Alderperson Meismer made a motion to receive and file the monthly financial report dated April 30, 2016. Chair Ganson seconded the motion. Motion Carried.

7. Public Comment 

No public comment was offered.

8. Reports

a. Community Officer Report 

b. Code Enforcement Officer's Report

i. Vacant Lots/Structures/Nuisance Properties 

ii. Parking Violations 

c. City Administrator's Report

i. Annexation Update

Code Enforcement Wallace reported approximately 50 cars parking the wrong way as tagged and the violations seem to be decreasing. Inoperable cars and grass violations have seen an increase as well. Enforcement of the basketball hoop ordinances have been underway. An occurrence on Avon Curve was discussed. Chair Ganson brought up a violation on the 2100 block of Alice, Officer Wallace is aware of the situation and described to the committee what is happening with the property. A car requiring towing on Manor Parkway was discussed as well as a property for sale where the vegetation is in violation of city ordinances.

City Administrator Carlson reported an additional code officer will start on June 27, Jerry Baker will be joining the Code enforcement department with a background in building code. Carlson also reported there is $3,000 left in the residential reimbursement program and the committee discussed how the program has benefited the city with approximately $400,000 in improvements to properties.

9. Old Business

a. Programs & Projects Review

i. Residential Programs

1. Reimbursement Program 

2. Paint Program

b. Animal Control – Vicious Dogs (See Item 4)

c. Goals

d. West Peoria News/Community Word Submission

The committee discussed the paint program and follow through with violations from last year for peeling paint. Mayor Dillon and City Administrator Carlson recommended second notices on properties that have not complied.

Materials from PCAPS Director Domenghini was determined to be useful for communicating to residents in the West Peoria News and Community Word.

Bicycle patrol and a saturation detail conducted within the city the week of June 13 and the details of the patrols were discussed.

10. New Business

a. Review and Recommendation to council on Ordinance 2016-10 An Ordinance Prohibiting Beekeeping Within the City Limits 

b. Review and recommendation to council regarding flashing stop signs at Waverly

Alderperson Meismer made a motion to recommend approval of Ordinance 2016–10 An Ordinance Prohibiting Beekeeping Within the City Limits and send to council. Chair Ganson seconded the motion. Motion carried.

The committee discussed the options for flashing stop signs at Waverly and Chair Ganson will follow up with the resident. In addition, the committee directed that community officers be notified to pay extra attention at those intersections to ensure speed control.

Alderperson Meismer noted a resident reported a concern about start and stop times at the speedway which were violated on Saturday, June 18", 2016. It was reported by neighbors that races started as late as 10:45 p.m. Mayor Dillon commented on past history of the special events at the venue. Alderperson Meismer confirmed that he was aware that the races were running after 10:30 p.m. Mayor Dillon says that Hoyle and the two track owners will be notified via letter that the ordinance needs to be obeyed.

Public Comment Mayor Dillon reported that he followed up with the Beautification Committee regarding the concerns of a resident and the Welcome Wall appearance. West Peoria Residents' Association heads the Beautification Committee and Mayor Dillon has no plans to interfere with the volunteer efforts of the Beautification Committee and thanks the Committee for its efforts.

12. Adjournment

Alderperson Meismer made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:24 p.m. Chair Ganson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously by voice.