Peoria Standard

Village of Peoria Heights Board of Trustees met November 7.

Here is the minutes as provided by the board:

The meeting was called to order at 6:01 pm.

Everyone stood for the Pledge to the Flag.

Upon roll call, the following Trustees were present: Harn, Goett, Dan Mariscal, Diane Mariscal, Carter, and Reichert. Others present include: Mayor Phelan, Chief Sutton, Administrator Fick, Director Smith, Clerk Gauf, and Council Tibbs.

The minutes from the Departmental meeting on October 3, 2017 were approved as written with a motion by Trustee Goett and 2nd by Trustee Dan Mariscal.

Comments from the Audience: Mike Desmack, a resident of 515 E. Moneta commented on the street parking in his neighborhood and stated that he supported Ordinance 2017 - 1528 (An Ordinance to restrict parking on a portion of Moneta). Also, business owners Christine Gaspar and Tom Smith stated that they were in favor of passing the Ordinance. Gary Stein, who works at the Walker Property, commented that no cars were left on the street for more than 24 hours and opposed the Ordinance. Mayor Phelan mentioned that the Village of Peoria Heights attempted to reach an agreement with the property owner but was unsuccessful. He stated that there is now a pending lawsuit against the Walker property owner and recommended that Ordinance 2017-1528 be passed.

Old Business: No old business was discussed.

New Business:

• Administration/Personnel: Trustee Diane Mariscal reviewed the proposed change to Ordinance 2017 – 1525; An Ordinance Amending Title 1, Chapter 6, Section 2 of the Peoria Heights Village Code to Establish Procedures for Public Comments during Regular and Special Meetings of the Village Board of Trustees. The changes would not allow complaints or remarks about a Village employee in a public meeting. Trustee Diane Mariscal made a motion to approve the Amendment to Ordinance 2017 – 1525, Trustee Reichert 2nd the motion, which was approved with a 6-0 vote. (Trustees Harn, Goett, Dan Mariscal, Diane Mariscal, Reichert, and Carter all voted aye). Administrator Fick discussed the Homefield Energy Contract Amendment (contract extension) to the current energy supply contract with Homefield Energy. The extension was signed without formal board action (not required) and opt-out letters will be sent to residents in a few weeks. Mayor Phelan updated the Board on the agreement with the Chamber of Commerce about the Use of Office Space. The Chamber wanted to change the terms of the agreement, but they signed the lease as presented. Trustee Diane Mariscal presented a couple of options for purchasing new tablets for the Board as there were many problems with the current tablets. Also, the board members were asked to send the Administrative Assistant an email stating their preference of a new tablet or hard copy of meeting agenda items. Trustee Carter suggested that the new tablet purchases be held off until May 2018 when the new budget is approved. Mayor Phelan agreed with Trustee Carter’s suggestion and said that hard copies would be supplied until the new budget. Also Trustee Diane Mariscal described problems with the Village’s email security and it was agreed that new email options should be discussed with Pearl Technology, the Village’s current security consultants. Mayor Phelan introduced Don Welch and Cassie Gier from the Peoria Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. They gave a presentation on the benefits that the Village would receive if a Partnership with the Bureau was formed. The cost would be $1,500.00 for the remainder of this fiscal year. Trustee Diane Mariscal made a motion to approve the partnership with the Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Trustee Harn 2nd the motion, and it was passed with a 6-0 vote. (Trustees Harn, Goett, Dan Mariscal, Diane Mariscal, Reichert, and Carter all voted aye).

• Economic and Community Development: Trustee Dan Mariscal mentioned a request by Sherman’s to erect a sign at the corner of Prospect and Marietta for the Sherman’s Clearance Center. The board discussed the request and no final decision was made. Nick Yates gave an update on the Chili Cook Off that was held to raise money for a dog park at the end of Duryea. The event was successful despite rain and 25K was raised. Additional labor donations were accepted to make the project possible. The board agreed that Mayor Phelan can sign a temporary Easement to build on Village land, so the project can get started. Administrator Fick discussed the idea of forming a Peoria Heights Public Arts Commission to make decisions regarding art in the Village. With the recent donation of art to the Village, opportunities for future donations, request for art fairs, etc. would be decided on by the Arts Commission. The idea is to have people from the art’s community be part of the Commission. Mayor Phelan asked Administrator Fick, Director Smith, and Trustee Dan Mariscal to gather ideas on creating a “sculpture walk” for the recent art donated to the Village. Trustee Dan Mariscal made a motion to grant use of Tower Park on Sunday, May 20, 2018 and Sept 9, 2018 for Public Worship Concerts. Trustee Harn 2nd the motion and it was passed with a vote of 6-0. (Trustees Harn, Goett, Dan Mariscal, Diane Mariscal, Reichert, and Carter all voted aye).

• Building Maintenance: Trustee Goett had nothing to discuss.

• Other: Trustee Carter made a motion to pass Ordinance 2017 - 1528; An Ordinance Restricting Parking on that Portion of Moneta Avenue Lying West of Indiana Avenue in The Village of Peoria Heights. Mayor Phelan gave a history of the parking problems in this area and mentioned that multiple meetings were held with the owners of the Walker property to try to get them to clean up the area. Chief Sutton said this was an on-going issue lasting for years, and agreed with the Ordinance. Council Tibbs talked about the effort that went into trying to reach a resolution, but no resolution was reached. After all the discussion, it was agreed to table the vote until the next Board meeting.

• Other: Trustee Harn discussed a request to have the curb removed between the BP gas Station and the Greyboy building. The board and Director Smith decided it was a bad idea and denied the request.

• Trustee Harn and Director Smith mentioned that the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) has grant money available again this year for projects submitted to enhance the community. ITEP will pay up to 80% of a project costing up to $300K, leaving $60K that could be funded with BDD dollars. The board agreed that the Trailhead project submitted last year should be resubmitted with hopes of receiving this grant.

Payment of Bills: Trustee Harn made a motion to pay the bills as submitted, Trustee Goett 2nd the motion which was passed with a 6-0 vote. (Trustees Harn, Goett, Dan Mariscal, Diane Mariscal, Reichert, and Carter all voted aye).

Executive Session: Trustee Goett made a motion to go into Executive session at 7:39pm, seconded by Dan Mariscal and passed with 6-0 vote. (Trustees Harn, Goett, Dan Mariscal, Diane Mariscal, Reichert, and Carter all voted aye).

Meeting was adjourned at 8:19pm with a motion from Trustee Goett and a second by Trustee Harn.

http://www.peoriaheights.org/images/Updated_deptmin11.07.17.pdf