Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met Dec. 3.

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 6:00 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 Mark E. Hill, Commissioner Seth D. Mingus, and Commissioner Michael L. Sutherland.

Absent: None.

The invocation was given by Commissioner Hill.

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 Special Meeting for a Working Session held on November 19, 2019; the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on November 19, 2019; and the minutes of the Public Hearing held on November 19, 2019 be approved as printed. Yeas: Commissioner Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Mayor Kahl proclaimed December 7, 2019 as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.”

Teresa Mustain, Coordinator of the Festival of Lights Queen Contest Pageant, presented the newly crowned Queen Chloe Rogers, 1st Runner-up Jadelyn Everett, and 2nd Runner-up Jexie Bolding. Each came up to the podium and expressed their gratitude.

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 Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; 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.

Item No. 1 – Adoption of Resolution No. 1920-090 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule No. 14 in the amount of $2,574,387.47.

Item No. 2 – Adoption of Resolution No. 1920-083 on its Second Reading – Resolution approving the Annual Contribution to the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council.

Item No. 3 – Adoption of Resolution No. 1920-086 on its Second Reading – Resolution Approving Contract with Stark Excavating Inc. for Storm Sewer Extension as part of the Altorfer Lane Improvements.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, 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 2 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 of Resolution No. 1920-090 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule No. 14 in the amount of $2,574,387.47. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item No. 2 – Adoption of Resolution No. 1920-083 on its Second Reading – Resolution approving the Annual Contribution to the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item No. 3 – Adoption of Resolution No. 1920-086 on its Second Reading – Resolution Approving Contract with Stark Excavating Inc. for Storm Sewer Extension as part of the Altorfer Lane Improvements. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

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

Nays: None.

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

Mayor Kahl explained that Ordinance No. 4470 has been pulled from the agenda and the council has decided to move forward with Ordinance No. 4471 for the tax levy for the city.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4471 hereto attached, (ANNUAL TAX LEVY ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR FROM THE FIRST DAY OF MAY A.D. 2019 TO THE LAST DAY OF APRIL A.D. 2020.) – (seeking to keep the same rate as last year – no increase in the rate) 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 Hill explained that the city always has expenses that go up every year and there are capital expense needs. The City Council has decided to try to keep the property tax rate the same as last year. The amount to be levied is around $5,529,550 for the 2019 City tax levy. Commissioner Decker feels that he does not want to raise taxes, but he does not want to not have enough money to meet the needs of the community. He explained that it is difficult to predict the needs and revenues of the city when the budget is completed next year. Commissioner Decker explained that the sales tax is doing better than expected along with there being other revenues that are anticipated in the coming year. He explained that around 2027 and 2028 there should be some debt services falling off and the fruits of the labor will be seen. Mayor Kahl explained that the city in the past few years has sought to keep the property tax rate the same and he seeks to keep the property tax at rate equivalent for 2019. The sales tax was increased to try to keep the property tax rate equal. He explained that the city corporate taxes are a little over 13% on average. There are typically eight or ten taxing bodies on the tax bills. He encouraged everyone to be aware where their property taxes are going. He expressed gratitude to the Commissioners’ efforts on the tax levy.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 1920-088 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 1920-088, hereto attached, a Resolution approving Renewal of Property, Casualty, and Liability Insurance Coverage and Workers Compensation Insurance Coverage with Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 1920-088 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 Hill explained that the resolution is for a renewal of the property, casualty, liability, and workers compensation insurance. It is a minimal increase this year of $4,297. Mayor Kahl explained that this process started four months ago with officials going through all of the city’s assets to ensure that there were proper coverages and amounts. The city will stay on top of it in the future to ensure that everything is accurate.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 1920-091 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 1920-091, hereto attached, a Resolution approving the purchase of 20 desktop computers, 9 laptops, and associated computer equipment to upgrade outdated computer equipment throughout the City from PTC Select in the amount of $23,503, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 1920-091 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 Hill explained the equipment replacement cycle and expressed the importance of replacing these items.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 1920-089 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 1920-089, hereto attached, a Resolution approving Public Works Building Sheet Metal Replacement Project Proposal from Blunier Builders Inc. in the amount of $75,000, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 1920-089 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 Hill explained that there was a weather-related event that damaged the public works building and this project is for reskinning the entire public works building.

Commissioner Sutherland explained that there are rust and problems that he believes are related to the salt being behind the building. He feels that if the city can do so it should move the salt dome.

Mayor Kahl explained that this replaces all of the sheet metal instead of just the one side that had the weather damage.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 1920-087 by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 1920-087, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving a Right-of-Way Use Agreement with CSL Realty LLC (Uniti Fiber), be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 1920-087 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 city had an agreement come before city council in 2018 that was with McCloed USA, and this resolution is an agreement with the new owner, CSL Realty LLC (Uniti Fiber).

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Commissioner Decker departed the meeting at 6:25 p.m.

Resolution No. 1920-065 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Hill; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 1920-065 hereto attached, a Resolution approving a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of East Peoria and the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local #1498, for a period beginning May 1, 2019 and terminating on April 30, 2024, be hereby approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 1920-065 having been read once by its title and having laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection, be adopted as presented.

He explained that this is a second reading of the contract that had a first reading at the last meeting.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 1920-065 be duly adopted as presented.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Hill; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4445 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE PURCHASE OF TOBACCO, ALTERNATIVE NICOTINE PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES BY PERSONS UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE AND AMENDING THE CITY CODE TO PROHIBIT THE POSSESSION OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES BY MINORS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE) 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 ordinance will bring the city code in line with the state law, and additionally, amends the provisions of the City Code that address possession and use of tobacco products by persons under age 18 to include electronic cigarettes.

Yeas: Commissioners Hill, 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. There was no response.

Mayor Kahl then asked for comments from Council.

Commissioner Hill explained that the East Peoria Historical Society is having a Historic Holiday Traditions event on December 7, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Doering Homeplace.

Commissioner Sutherland explained that he is working on trying to require that tracer wire be mandated if people are going under the sidewalks or roadways. This makes it easier to locate water lines. He commented on a truck that was purchased under the old administration that he feels is the wrong truck.

Mayor Kahl commented on The Great Christmas Light Fight that was filmed last week filming the Festival of Lights Parade. He thanked Doug McCarty, staff, and the over 200 volunteers that attended. Winter Wonderland is open Sunday – Thursday from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. The last free car seat check of the year is tomorrow. He reminded everyone that open burning ended on November 30. He explained that all counter business for public works is now located at city hall.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, December 17, 2019 at 6:00 P.M.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 6:34 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12032019-718