Peoria Standard

City of Peoria City Council met Feb. 13.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

A Regular Meeting of the City Council of Peoria, Illinois, was held February 13, 2018, at 6:00 P.M. at City Hall, Council Chambers (Room 400), 419 Fulton Street, with Mayor Jim Ardis presiding, and with proper notice having been posted.

ROLL CALL

Roll Call showed the following Council Members were physically present: Akeson (Arrived at 6:05 P.M.), Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, MayorArdis- 11. Absent: None.

INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Ardis requested a moment of silent prayer or reflection and then he led the pledge of allegiance.

PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS, ETC.

National Engineers Week

MINUTES

Council Member Grayeb moved to approve the minutes of the Joint City Council and Town Board Meeting held on January 23, 2018, as printed; seconded by Council Member Turner.

Approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Akeson, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, Mayor Ardis - 11; Nays: None.

ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING NOTICE TO TOWNSHIP ELECTORS

Mayor Ardis announced, pursuant to Public Act 095-0761, any citizen who wishes to have an item considered on the Agenda at the Annual Town Meeting to be held Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at 6:00 P.M., is required to bring a specific request signed by 15 or more electors to the Clerk no later than March 1, 2018. He continued by saying that any group of registered voters may request an advisory question of public policy for consideration by the electors at the annual meeting by giving written notice of the specific advisory question to the Township Clerk in the same manner as required for an agenda item under subsection (b) of Section 30-10 of the Township Code.

Communication from the City Manager with a Request to APPROVE the ANNUAL CITY AND COUNTY JOINT LEGISLATIVE AGENDA.

Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request to APPROVE a SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT with MIDCO INC. for Security Upgrades at City Hall, in the Amount of $36,102.00.

Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller with a Request to ADOPT an ORDINANCE Partially Abating the TAX Heretofore LEVIED to Pay Special Service Area Property Taxes on the PEORIA SPORTS CENTER PROPERTY TAX SPECIAL SERVICE AREA, in the Amount of $196,000.00.

Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller with a Request to ADOPT an ORDINANCE Partially Abating the TAX Heretofore LEVIED to Pay Special Service Area Property Taxes in the HOLIDAY INN PROPERTY TAX SPECIAL SERVICE AREA, in the Amount of $56,000.00.

Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller with a Request to RECEIVE and FILE the Month Ended DECEMBER 31, 2017, UNAUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT.

REPORT from the CITY TREASURER PATRICK A. NICHTING for the YEAR 2017, with Request to Receive and File.

Mayor Ardis questioned if the Council wished to have any of the Consent Agenda items removed for further discussion.

Council Member Jensen requested Item Nos. 18-024, 18-025, and 18-026 be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion.

Council Member Grayeb moved to approve the Consent Agenda items as outlined in the Council Communications; seconded by Council Member Ruckriegel.

Item Nos. 18-023 through 18-028 (excluding Item Nos. 18-024, 18-025, and 18-026, which Omnibus were Vote removed Designation.

for further discussion) were approved by roll call vote under the

Yeas: Akeson, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, Mayor Ardis - 11; Nays: None.

Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request to APPROVE a SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT with MIDCO INC. for Security Upgrades at City Hall, in the Amount of $36,102.00.

In response to Council Member Jensen's inquiry regarding the installation of security at City Hall, discussions were held regarding what entrances would be used and what would be closed, how it would be implemented, the number of people needed at the entrance, and whether staffing of the position would come from in-house or be outsourced.

City Manager Urich stated that a Request for Proposal was issued and the City was waiting to hear back from various security companies. He said the cost was incorporated into the 2018 Capital Budget. He said with the current climate in today's society, it was in the best interest of all who visited City Hall to have a security system installed.

Council Member Grayeb moved to approve a sole source contract with Midco Inc. for security upgrades at City Hall, in the amount of $36,102.00; seconded by Council Member Oyler.

Approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Akeson, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, Mayor Ardis - 11; Nays: None.

CLERK'S NOTE: Council Member Akeson left the Council Chambers.

Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller with a Request to ADOPT an ORDINANCE Partially Abating the TAX Heretofore LEVIED to Pay Special Service Area Property Taxes on the PEORIA Amount SPORTS of $196,000.00.

CENTER PROPERTY TAX SPECIAL SERVICE AREA

In response to Council Member Jensen's question regarding the abatement of the tax levy, City Manager Urich stated that it was part of the development agreement with the Developer. He said if the hotel and sales tax covered the cost, then the City would abate the difference. He provided an explanation of the levy schedule and how the levy was calculated.

Finance Director/Comptroller Jim Scroggins said, in response to Council Member Jensen, that the money to abate the levy was cash the City had readily available.

At the conclusion of the discussion, Council Member Jensen moved to adopt an Ordinance partially abating the tax heretofore levied to pay Special Service Area Property Taxes on the Peoria Sports Center Property Tax Special Service Area, in the amount of $196,000.00; seconded by Council Member Cyr.

ORDINANCE NO. 17,552 was adopted by roll call vote. Yeas: Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, Mayor Ardis - 10; Nays: None.

CLERK'S NOTE: Council Member Akeson returned to Council Chambers.

Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller with a Request to ADOPT an ORDINANCE Partially Abating the TAX Heretofore LEVIED to Pay Special Service Area Property Taxes in the $56,000.00. HOLIDAY INN PROPERTY TAX SPECIAL SERVICE AREA, in the Amount of

CLERK'S NOTE: See discussions held in Item No. 18-025.

Council Member Jensen moved to adopt an Ordinance partially abating the tax heretofore levied to pay Special Service Area Property Taxes in the Holiday Inn Property Tax Special Service Area, in the amount of $56,000.00; seconded by Council Member Cyr.

ORDINANCE NO. 17,553 was adopted by roll call vote. Yeas: Akeson, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, Mayor Ardis - 11; Nays: None.

FIRST READINGS

Communication from City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request for a FIRST READING Review of an ORDINANCE Amending Chapter 28, Section 83 of the CODE of the CITY OF PEORIA Pertaining to FINES FOR PARKING VIOLATIONS.

A handout was distributed to all Council Members that compared the City's parking fines with other communities in Central Illinois.

Public Works Director Scott Reeise provided an overview of the proposed Ordinance, noting that the City's current equipment was outdated and costly to replace. He said there was newer technology available that could be installed on a smartphone that had ticket-writing capabilities. He said the application even had picture-taking capabilities in order to demonstrate violations that would go straight to an adjudication process for the Hearing Officer. He reviewed the cost of the application noting the nominal additional fee could be included on the tickets issued to cover the costs. He compared Peoria's parking fines from other communities in the Central Illinois area. He said the new application would also give Parking Enforcement the capability of writing warning tickets and to review past violations.

Council Member Oyler moved to receive and file the First Reading review of an Ordinance amending Chapter 28, Section 83 of the Code of the City of Peoria pertaining to fines for parking violations; seconded by Council Member Cyr.

Motion to receive and file was approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Akeson, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, Mayor Ardis - 11; Nays: None.

CLERK'S NOTE: Item No. 18-029 will be placed on the February 27, 2018, Regular City Council Agenda.

REGULAR BUSINESS ITEMS. with Recommendations as Outlined:

Communication from Council Member Akeson that all Public

Commission/Committees and Public Hearings that Meet in City Hall Room #400 be VIDEO RECORDED, LIVE STREAMED, and ARCHIVED.

Council Member Akeson moved to approve all public commission/committees and public hearings that meet in City Hall Room #400 be video recorded, live streamed and archived in order to increase the City's transparency for the public and public business; seconded by Council Member Jensen.

A brief discussion was held regarding the commissions and committees that utilized Room #400, noting the Land Use Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals, to name a few. City Manager Urich said Staff would be trained on the process and the City's Information Systems Director Sam Rivera would monitor the workflow. He said other City Commissions who did not currently utilize Room #400 would be notified of this capability should they want to have access to the technology.

Motion to approve all public commission/committees and Public Hearings that meet in City Hall Room #400 be video recorded, live streamed and archived was approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Akeson, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, Mayor Ardis - 11; Nays: None.

Communication from the City Manager and Human Resources Director with a Request to APPROVE a Three-Year CONTRACT with MESIROW FINANCIAL for Consulting Services Related to the City's DEFERRED COMPENSATION (457) PLANS at a Fee of 0.10% (Ten Basis Points), Not to Exceed $50,000.00, to be Paid from the 457 Plan Assets as a Portion of the Negotiated Savings.

An updated Council Communication reflecting a new EEO number was distributed to all Council Members.

Council Member Cyr moved to defer this item to the March 27, 2018, Regular City Council Meeting; seconded by Council Member Oyler.

Motion to defer to the March 27,2018, Regular City Council Meeting was approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Akeson, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, Mayor Ardis - 11; Nays: None.

Communication from the City Manager and the Chief Information Officer with a Request to APPROVE the Selection Process and Authorization for Staff to Enter into an AGREEMENT with PLANTE MORAN for Project Management Consulting, in the Amount of $277,300.00.

City Manager Urich said approval of this item would replace the City's OneSolution information and financial systems with Enterprise Resource Planning software stating that the new system would provide project management services for Staff.

Information Systems Director Sam Rivera reviewed the process for selecting a new Project Management Consultant, noting that the City had received nine responses to the Request for Proposal. He explained the process of implementing the new system noting that it would be too much for one Staff member to implement the new system while staying current with the old system. He said it was more beneficial to hire a consultant for the implementation process in order to keep the City from being backlogged. He said once the system was implemented, then the consultant would no longer be needed.

Council Member Cyr moved to approve the selection process and authorization for Staff to enter into an Agreement with Plante Moran for project management consulting, in the amount of $277,300.00; seconded by Council Member Ruckriegel.

Approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Akeson, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, Mayor Ardis - 11; Nays: None.

Communication from the City Manager and the Director of Public Works with a Request to Execute a JOINT AGREEMENT with the ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION for the Federally-Assisted MACARTHUR HIGHWAY BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION.(Council Districts 1 & 2)

Council Member Grayeb moved to approve the execution of a joint agreement with the lllnois Department of Transportation for the Federally-assisted MacArthur Highway Bridge Reconstruction; seconded by Council Member Moore.

Council Member Grayeb remarked on the great improvements being made in the City, specifically as it related to the City's infrastructure. He said the MacArthur Highway Bridge had been in need of repair for quite some time, noting this item would address those issues. He said efforts were made to receive constituent input and the final rendering was a beautiful design that kept its iconic features and would enhance pedestrian safety.

Public Works Director Scott Reeise provided a breakdown of the timeline of the project noting it was due to begin on March 9, 2018, with bid letting. He said the bridge was proposed to be closed May through November. He said after November the bridge would be opened with few project details to be completed. He said the City had conversations with the llinois Department of Transportation regarding minority participation. He said lOOT worked through a process to have the project on a local letting which allowed them to increase minority participation from 4% to 18%. He provided an explanation of how lOOT conducted its lettings stating that they averaged Woodford, Tazwell and Peoria Counties. He said the minority participation would be broken down into groups and that the City had a software program that would allow for tracking and provide a breakdown of the workforce.

Council Member Moore remarked on the importance for those impacted by the MacArthur Highway Bridge to begin looking for alternative routes beginning in May and going through November. She said once the project was complete, it would provide for a complete streets scenario.

Council Member Akeson requested that an image of the design be made available to the public on the City's website.

Motion to approve the execution of a joint agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the federally-assisted MacArthur Highway Bridge Reconstruction was approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Akeson, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, Mayor Ardis - 11; Nays: None.

Communication from the City Manager with a Request to APPROVE a Loan from the City's REVOLVING LOAN FUND to CAST TECHNOLOGY INC., in the Amount of $250,000.00, and to Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Necessary Documents.

Council Member Moore moved to approve a loan from the City's Revolving Loan Fund to Cast Technology Inc., in the amount of $250,000.00, and to authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents; seconded by Council Member Grayeb.

Council Member Moore expressed her appreciation to the owner of Cast Technology, Jim Mehlenbeck,for his contributions to the people of the City of Peoria. She commented on the marquee posted outside the building with inspirational expressions on a daily basis. She encouraged everyone to visit and take a tour of the facility. She commented on the number of African-American employees employed by the company, not because he was asked or required to, but because he believed it was the right thing to do.

Senior Development Specialist Cesar Suarez provided an overview of the City's Revolving Loan Fund noting that the City initially contributed $250,000.00 and the EDA contributed $550,000.00 to the Fund. He said that amount had increased and was used as a job creation tool. He said these types of loans could be applied to a project up to one-third to one-half of the total project cost. He said when the City received an application it was reviewed by a panel, which was considered a commercial loan. He said this loan was unanimously approved by the panel.

Mr. Jim Mehlenbeck, owner of Cast Technology, provided a history of the company noting it had started as a brass foundry and heating company that made parts for the railroad and furnace companies. Since then, he said the company had grown to provide for customers such as Caterpillar and Oshkosh. He said Cast Technology was the oldest supplier to CAT and he said it was their hope to continue to grow the company and to bring in new clients.

Mayor Ardis expressed his appreciation to Mr. Mehlenbeck for his contributions and loyalty to the community.

In response to Council Member Akeson, Senior Development Specialist Suarez said the Revolving Loan Fund model continued to be replenished and had the potential to continue to grow. He said the use of the fund was preferably as a revolving loan fund. He provided an explanation of the interest rate and how it was determined, noting that the City Council and the EDC had previously provided input on the same.

Council Member Jensen said she would be abstaining from voting on this item due to her husband's firm's representation of Cast Technologies.

Motion to approve a loan from the City's Revolving Loan Fund to Cast Technology Inc., in the amount of $250,000.00, and to authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents was approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Akeson, Cyr, Grayeb, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, Mayor Ardis - 10; Nays: None; Abstention: Jensen - 1.

Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel with a Request to ADOPT an ORDINANCE Amending Chapter 18 of the CODE of the City of Peoria Pertaining to MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT.

Council Member Turner moved to defer this item to the February 27, 2018, Regular City Council Meeting.

Council Member Grayeb said it was important to ensure that those business owners who were operating reputably knew that this Ordinance was not intended towards them. He said additional time was needed to review this matter in order to protect those practitioners operating from their home.

Motion to defer was seconded by Council Member Grayeb.

After further discussion and inquiry, Council Member Turner amended his motion to defer this item to the March 13, 2018, Regular City Council Meeting; seconded by Council Member Grayeb.

Motion to defer to the March 13, 2018, Regular City Council Meeting was approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Akeson, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, Mayor Ardis - 11; Nays: None.

Communication from the City Manager with a Request to RECEIVE and

FILE a PRESENTATION from GREATER PEORIA LlSC Regarding their 2018 WORK PLAN.

A copy of the presentation by LlSC was distributed to all Council Members.

City Manager Urich introduced Karen Davis, Executive Director of Greater Peoria LlSC, who provided the presentation on the LlSC 2018 Work Plan.

Director Davis expressed her appreciation to the City Council for the opportunity to provide the presentation. She said her first six months in Peoria had been very welcoming, noting the efforts of Mayor Ardis and City Manager Urich. She expressed her appreciation to Council Member Riggenbach and Council Member Moore for their support of LlSC's efforts in their Districts. She provided an overview of LlSC's mission, efforts, and investments since 2012 along with accomplishments. She said LlSC would continue with their efforts in the City and she identified the partnerships with Caterpillar Foundation, State Farm, City of Peoria and OSF Health as just a few of their funders.

Council Member Riggenbach expressed his appreciation for the efforts of LlSC in his District and within the community, noting that their work was very tangible and provided a tremendous boost to the neighborhoods.

Council Member Moore highlighted the 100 Leader Academy, noting its importance of educating the community on how to care for their neighborhoods.

Mayor Ardis welcomed Director Davis to the community and expressed his appreciation for her efforts. He identified the funders of LlSC, highlighting the efforts of Caterpillar and other corporations who played a part in bringing LlSC into the community. He said the City of Peoria was fortunate to have LlSC in the community deploying their efforts.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Council Member Moore moved to receive and file a presentation from greater Peoria LlSC regarding their 2018 Work Plan; seconded by Council Member Riggenbach.

Approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Akeson, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, Mayor Ardis - 11; Nays: None.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS (Including but not limited to motions to reconsider items. if any. from the previous Regular Meeting)

Communication from the City Manager with a Request to ADOPT an ORDINANCE LEVYING an Addition to Sales Tax within the WESTLAKE SPECIAL SERVICE AREA. (Council District 4)

In order to prepare the requested information from other Council Members, Council Member Montelongo moved to defer this item to the February 27, 2018, Regular City Council Meeting; seconded by Council Member Akeson.

Motion to defer to the February 27, 2018, Regular City Council Meeting was approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Akeson, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, Mayor Ardis - 11; Nays: None.

Communication from the City Manager and the Community Development Director with a Request from the Planning & Zoning Commission and Staff to ADOPT an ORDINANCE Amending the UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE Related to SIGNS.

Community Development Director Ross Black provided a presentation regarding the proposed Ordinance to amend the Unified Development Code as it related to signs. He said the amendment was in light of Supreme Court case Reed vs. Town of Gilbert, wherein it was determined that temporary signs could not be regulated according to content. He said the City could no longer regulate according to the type of sign, but it could be regulated in terms height, size, materials, location, amount of time displayed, just to name a few. He reviewed the proposed regulations that the suggestions made by the City Council from the First Reading review.

Council Member Jensen expressed her appreciation for modifying the Ordinance to address previous concerns; however, she expressed a concern for families who had more than one child involved in sports and the need for concessions to have these signs displayed on private property.

Discussions were held regarding how to address the situation of families who post signs advocating for their children's activities or sports in their front yard.

Council Member Ruckriegel inquired how rental and for lease signs would be regulated and whether there could be a distinction between temporary and permanent signs; however, Director Black said a distinction between signs could not be based on the content of the signs.

Director Black stated that other communities throughout the country were struggling with the same issue. He recommended the City Council to defer this item in order for additional review of other options.

Council Member Jensen moved to defer this item to the February 27, 2018, Regular City Council Meeting.

In response to Council Member Akeson, Director Black said he would review the definition of "temporary" sign to see if signs could be regulated accordingly.

Council Member Cyr seconded the motion to defer.

Motion to defer to the February 27,2018, Regular City Council Meeting was approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Akeson, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, Mayor Ardis - 11; Nays: None.

Communication from the City Manager with a Request to ADOPT an ORDINANCE Amending the City of Peoria 2018-2019 BIENNIAL BUDGET Relating to the Use of the NORTHSIDE BUSINESS TIF Fund Balance. (Council District 1)

City Manager Urich said the attorneys recommended extending the deadline another 30 days, and Council Member Moore moved to defer this item to the March 13, 2018, Regular City Council Meeting; seconded by Council Member Riggenbach.

Motion to defer to the March 13, 2018, Regular City Council Meeting was approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Akeson, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, Mayor Ardis - 11; Nays: None.

NEW BUSINESS

Federal Infrastructure Investment Program Council Member Jensen inquired as to how the Federal Infrastructure Investment Program would affect the City's current and future projects as well as the road repairs. City Manager Urich said he would work with Public Works Director Scott Reeise and provide a Report Back to the Council addressing the issue.

New Tax Bill Affecting Local Pension Plans Council Member Jensen said a tax bill recently approved by Congress might possibly affect the local pension plans for local governments. City Manager Urich said he was unaware if there would be an impact on Illinois, and more specifically, the City's pension plans. He said there would be some impact on the economic development work with regards to the tax code changes. He said he would review the issue and provide a Report Back to the City Council.

Dream Center Providing Transportation to Grocery Stores Council Member Riggenbach said the Dream Center of Peoria was providing transportation to those affected by the closing of the Kroger stores. He said a schedule was provided on the Dream Center's website at https://www.dreamcenterpeoria.org/grocery-shuttle/ or call 309-676- 3000. He said donations would be greatly appreciated to offset the cost of $700 per week for the shuttle.

Council Member Moore expressed her appreciation for the efforts of Assistant Community Development Director Joe Dulin and Staff for distributing the Dream Center's bus schedules to grocery stores throughout the Southside and the East Bluff. She said there were additional services for the elderly who were unable to get out and pickup prescriptions, and she encouraged them to call the Dream Center at 309-676-3000.

National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research Council Member Moore announced the possible closing of Peoria's Ag Lab, and she advocated for it to stay open.

Status of Vacant Positions in City Manager's Office Council Member Moore requested a status of the vacant positions in the City Manager's Office. City Manager Urich said a number of applications had been received for both positions.

National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research Council Member Grayeb echoed the comments of Council Member Moore, noting that the lab employed a couple hundred scientists. He said the lab continued to do work that benefited mankind and he advocated for the need of the lab to remain open. He encouraged the public to contact their local legislators to let them know that the citizens of Peoria were not in favor of the closing of the lab.

Job Fair Hosted by PCCEO Council Member Moore expressed her appreciation to Assistant Director Dulin for his efforts in formulating a job fair hosted by the Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Development for JIMAX Landscaping for February 19, 2018, from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the PCCEO Office Building located at 711 West McBean.

CITIZENS' OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL/TOWN BOARD

Hearing no objection, Mayor Ardis granted Privilege of the Floor to those citizens wishing to address the City Council Town Board.

Charles Williams, a citizen of Peoria, expressed his concern regarding recent events of the Police Department. He said he had previously expressed his concerns to the City Council in a letter he had sent to them. He remarked on the importance of all City personnel following the City's rules and regulations and he encouraged the City Council to visit the Police Department.

Jessie McGown. Jr., a citizen of Peoria, expressed his concern for the recent events that took place with the Police Department. He said there needed to be an investigation conducted on the entire Department, noting that issues were with both uniformed and civilian employees. He explained his concern for the Restorative Justice Initiative wherein an employee at the Police Department had to take control of the initiative in order for her to assist and that he was forced off the initiative when he expressed his concerns for the process. Additionally, he commented that some of the Police Officers were posting inappropriate pictures on Facebook and he asked that the Police Department be managed better.

Dick Williams, a citizen of Peoria, stated that the stormwater utility bills would be sent to the residents sometime in 2018. He expressed the need for more green

infrastructure, noting that the rooftops of the downtown buildings could be utilized. He said before the bills were sent out to the residents, the City needed to ensure that it did all it could do to resolve the stormwater and CSO issues. He expressed his appreciation for the complete streets design, and he identified Orange Prairie Road as a good example of a complete street. He remarked on the need for more complete streets in future developments in order to attract the younger generation. He expressed his concern for a recent Weaver Farm development noting its potential impact on the properties nearby as it related to stormwater.

Mary Hayes, a citizen of Peoria, expressed her concern with the recent events of the Pere Marquette and the Peoria Police Department. She said there needed to be a substantial amount of improvement in the City and with whom the City Council associated. She recommended an internal, outsourced investigation within the City.

Karrie Alms, a citizen of Peoria, commented on the lack of communication the City had with the citizens of Peoria. She said it was an ongoing problem. She expressed a concern with the leadership of the City and the process by which the City was led. She reviewed a copy of a blank employee evaluation form stating there needed to be a more meaningful matrix with meaningful solutions. She reviewed the definition of "CORE," noting that it could not be done by one individual. She expressed the importance of engaging the City and to save the community together with the City Council and the City Manager.

Kevin Jones, a businessman in Peoria, said he spoke before the City Council in December about issues with the City's Code Enforcement Department. He provided examples of some of the issues surrounding the Department noting wrong types of tickets being issues. He expressed his concern with attempts to work with the Police Department to address issues at some of his properties. He remarked on the need for better communication from the City when there were issues that needed addressed. He said other investors in the City were having the same issues. He said he would be reaching out to the City Council individually to discuss his concerns.

Dr. John Carroll, a citizen of Peoria, expressed his appreciation for the implementation of additional Advanced Life Support engines. He reviewed Dr. Jackson's statement noting that the goal of the City was to provide care throughout the area and to meet citizen needs as quickly as possible. He said there were now five ALS engines and seven basic life support engines and he thanked the City Council for their support.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Consideration of a Motion to enter into EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to 2(c)(1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee to determine its validity; 2(c)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting, or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that such an action is probable or imminent; 2(c)(21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.

Council Member Cyr moved to go into Executive Session pursuant to 2(c)(1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee to determine its validity; 2(c)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting, or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that such an action is probable or imminent; 2(c)(21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06; seconded by Council Member Oyler.

Approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Akeson, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, Mayor Ardis - 11; Nays: None.

ADJOURNMENT

Council Member Grayeb moved to adjourn the Regular City Council Meeting; seconded by Council Member Ruckriegel.

Approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Akeson, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Montelongo, Moore, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Turner, Mayor Ardis - 11; Nays: None.

Meeting adjourned at 8:20 P.M.