Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met July 2.

Here is 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 6:01 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 Seth D. Mingus, and Commissioner Michael L. Sutherland.

Absent: Commissioner Mark E. Hill.

The invocation was given by Mayor Kahl.

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 June 18, 2019 and the minutes of the Closed Meeting/Executive Session held on June 18, 2019 be approved as printed.

Yeas: Commissioner Decker, 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 Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move to adopt a consent agenda consisting of items numbered 1 through 3 as listed on the agenda for this meeting to be considered by omnibus vote.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Items numbered 1 through 3 listed on the Consent Agenda be hereby approved and adopted, the items numbered 1 through 3 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 No. 1 – Adoption Ordinance No. 4443 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2707 N. MAIN STREET IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS.) – to allow massage establishment or to provide massage services on the property. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item No. 2 – Adoption of Resolution No. 1920-024 on its Second Reading – Resolution Approving the Purchase of Replacement Generator for Fire Station 4 from Altorfer Power Systems in the amount of $24,994. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item No. 3 – Adoption of Resolution No. 1920-026 on its Second Reading – Resolution approving the purchase and installation of a replacement of ESDA Tornado Siren located at Illinois Central College from Ragan Communications in the amount of $38,165. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the items adopted by omnibus vote designation.

Resolution No. 1920-030 by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that the claims as listed on Schedule No. 4 be allowed. Mr. Mayor, I, move that the Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to issue orders on the Treasurer for the various amounts, totaling $1,659,130.70, and the schedule of bills be hereby adopted as presented.

Commissioner Sutherland explained that he will be abstaining since there are still some items from his business on the schedule of bills from items purchased before he took office.

Yeas: Commissioner Decker, Mingus, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None

Abstention: Commissioner Sutherland.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 1920-029 by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 1920-029, hereto attached, a Resolution authorizing the purchase of a 2020 International HV507 plow truck chassis from Centre State International Trucks Inc. and authorizing the equipping of said plow truck with a Monroe stainless steel dump body, plow, and mid-mount plow from Monroe Truck Equipment for the Department of Public Works in the total amount of $171,350, be approved, and that this Resolution No. 1920-029 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 the plow will be more efficient as the plow covers more area. The side plow gives around seven feet more coverage. Director of Public Works Dennis Barron explained that this type of plow with side plows are used for wider roads in the city.

Mayor Kahl explained that the city received two bids, and this vendor was the lower of the two bids.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl. Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4446 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 4411 AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS TO BORROW FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $66,000,000 FROM THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL LOAN PROGRAM FOR THE CITY’S SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM UPGRADE PROJECT) 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.

Director Barron explained that the original ordinance was for a little less and the actual bids came in at a higher amount than the engineer’s estimate. This takes into account the increased amount. Phase D has been submitted and then the city will proceed with that portion. The interest rate is around 1.38% for this loan.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl. Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 1920-028 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 1920-028, hereto attached, a Resolution authorizing the purchase of a new Mini-Excavator (John Deere 50G Excavator) for the Public Works Department from Martin Equipment in the amount of $56,000, be approved, and that this Resolution No. 1920-028 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 the city is down to two backhoes and a backup. This purchase allows the city to do a six-foot depth while staying on the easement property. It is much more efficient, and the city budgeted $50,000 for a used mini-excavator, and this mini-excavator is new with a warranty and comes with three buckets. The amount of this mini-excavator purchase is substantially lower than the other bid received.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl. Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4444 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSFER OF EXCESS CITY PROPERTIES ON CHERRY LANE TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY) 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 city owns two properties on Cherry Lane and the city is donating the properties to Habitat for Humanity as the city has done in the past. One of the properties will be built on this year and the other property will be built on in the future.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, 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.

Bob Jorgensen came up to the podium. He asked everyone to come down to the riverfront on July 5 beginning at 8:30 a.m. to volunteer to pick up the garbage and separate recyclables from the 4th of July festivities. Mr. Jorgensen thanked Mr. McCarty for scheduling everything for the event. Mr. Jorgensen invited the council members to take a tour of the Peoria Disposal Company recycling center.

Norman Sales came up to the podium and expressed his opposition to recreational marijuana. He explained that he was pleased that Morton has chosen not to allow the sale in the Morton. He encouraged the City Council to make the same decision as Morton. The only benefit he sees is tax dollars which he feels would be minimal that the city will gain. He feels that it will set a bad example for children and make what he considers a drug more accessible to the next generation. He expressed his disappointment with the governor in signing the legislation. There was no response.

Linda Tiller came up to the podium. She explained that she lives in the Francisville Subdivision of East Peoria across from the high school. She inquired as to how she can get City Council members to come and meet with owners in her neighborhood. She explained that there are more rentals and the properties are not taken care of. She would love to present a better impression for East Peoria. Mayor Kahl asked that she reach out to the him tomorrow. Commissioner Decker explained that there should be information from the Illinois Housing Development Authority study which should have accessed the neighborhood.

Bob Sinks came up to the podium and explained that there is a problem with tires being dumped in his neighborhood. He inquired as to how to slow down the dumping of tires on other people’s property in the city. Commissioner Sutherland indicated that he is putting up cameras on his property where he had issues with others dumping items. Mr. Sinks indicated that he might relocate the tires elsewhere. Mr. Sinks explained that Peoria allows for a tire collection. Commissioner Decker stated that there are tire collection events; however, they may charge a fee.

Commissioner Sutherland explained that these people need to be prosecuted. He explained that he put up a camera.

Mr. Sinks discussed another property where tires were placed. He might take it upon himself to relocate them. He explained that he feels that it will be an ongoing problem.

Mayor Kahl asked for any additional comments from the audience. There was no response.

Mayor Kahl then asked for comments from Council.

Commissioner Decker expressed condolences for the family and friends of Fulton County Deputy Troy Chisum that was killed in the line of duty. Mr. Chisum was also a volunteer on the Northern Tazewell Fire Department. He also expressed condolences to the friends and family of Mike DeVos who died in an accident in his home. Mr. DeVos was actively involved in youth activities in the community.

Motion by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus, Mr. Mayor, I move that a closed meeting or executive session of the city council be held at the conclusion of this regular meeting to discuss the following matter or matters according to exceptions provided in the “Open Meetings Act” and specified as follows:

Section 2(c)(2) – Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Commissioner Mingus echoed Commissioner Decker’s condolences to the families of those who died this past week and wished everyone a happy 4th of July.

Commissioner Sutherland explained that he still learning his role as commissioner. He would like to go through all of East Peoria and put in new infrastructure, streets and sidewalks. He explained that sump pumps should not be put into the storm sewer. He explained that he rode around with the water department and viewed the water treatment plant. He was impressed and explained that it was one of the cleanest places in the city. They did a great job that is above and beyond the call of duty.

Mayor Kahl explained that the city has received numerous fireworks complaints. He explained that fireworks are not allowed in the city and asked that everyone be respectful of neighbors. Unless violators are caught in the act, there is little that the city can do. Free car seat checks are scheduled for this coming Wednesday. He expressed kudos to Sergeant First Class, Jacqueline Bice, for the work that she did on a ceremony commemorating a Korean Veteran Sergeant First Class, Leo Rich, who was awarded a Bronze Star in 1962 for meritorious achievement for his time in service. Ms. Bice did a lot of work to put on the ceremony and Mr. Rich was honored and very appreciative.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, July 16, 2019 at 6:00 P.M.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 6:39 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07022019-661