Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met March 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 Regular Meeting held on February 18, 2020 and the minutes of the Special Meeting for a Working Session held on February 25, 2020 be approved as printed.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Mayor Kahl proclaimed April 2020 as “Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month” and presented the proclamation to Roger Halleen, President of the American Parkinson's Disease Association Midwest Chapter. Mr. Halleen thanked Mayor Kahl and the city council for the proclamation. He invited everyone to attend a large event coming up on April 4 at the Jump Center for Health beginning around 11:00 a.m. for the Chapter.

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. 1920-119 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule No. 20 in the amount of $975,912.99.

Item No. 2 – Adoption of Resolution No. 1920-114 on its Second Reading – Resolution authorizing a $5,000 contribution for Illinois High School Association March Madness Tournament Experience from Hotel Motel Tax Funds.

Item No. 3 – Adoption of Resolution No. 1920-115 on its Second Reading – Resolution authorizing and directing the payment of an invoice in the amount of $15,000 to the Fon du Lac Park District for Security Detail at the Winter Wonderland Lighted Display in November and December 2019.

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. 1920-119 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule No. 20 in the amount of $975,912.99. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item No. 2 – Adoption of Resolution No. 1920-114 on its Second Reading – Resolution authorizing a $5,000 contribution for Illinois High School Association March Madness Tournament Experience from Hotel Motel Tax Funds. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item No. 3 – Adoption of Resolution No. 1920-115 on its Second Reading – Resolution authorizing and directing the payment of an invoice in the amount of $15,000 to the Fon du Lac Park District for Security Detail at the Winter Wonderland Lighted Display in November and December 2019. (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.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4488, hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR THE EXCHANGE OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT EASTPORT MARINA AND AMENDMENT TO UNIT OWNERSHIP OF THE EASTPORT RESTAURANT/ADMINISTRATION BUILDING CONDOMINIUM) having been read once by its title and having been laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection, be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Hill explained that Cullinan is interested in selling their portion of the administrative building at the Marina. The change in the ownership and reason for the exchange is to clarify the true responsibilities and ownership that is occurring.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4488 be adopted as presented.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4484, hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF EXCESS CITY PROPERTY AT 116 LOREN STREET IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS) having been read once by its title and having been laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection, be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Hill explained that the property is returning to productive use and the tax roll. This property is being sold to Dan Thompson for $35,000. The city required to get at least eighty percent of the assessed value of the property.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4484 be adopted as presented.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4485, hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF EXCESS CITY PROPERTY AT 402 MONSON STREET IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS) having been read once by its title and having been laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection, be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Hill commented on the property and explained that the property is returning to productive use and the tax roll. This property is being sold at a sale price that is at least eighty percent of the assessed value of the property.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4485 be adopted as presented.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4487, hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 617 ILLINI DRIVE IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS.) – to allow for placement of an accessory structure (storage shed) on the property in the front yard having been read once by its title and having been laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection, be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Hill explained the special use and explained that a storage shed was placed before being permitted. The home on the property is quite a bit off the road and the storage shed cannot be seen from the road. The Zoning Board of Approval approved recommendation requiring that the structure must be enclosed with like materials, among other requirements.

Commissioner Decker explained that he would be abstaining from voting because he has relatives that are neighbors to this property.

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

Nays: None

Abstain: Commissioner Decker.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4487 be adopted as presented.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4490 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $7,100,000 TAXABLE GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS (TARGET AREA BUSINESS DISTRICT TAX ALTERNATE REVENUE SOURCE), SERIES 2020A, AND $2,820,000 TAXABLE GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS (COSTCO AREA BUSINESS DISTRICT TAX ALTERNATE REVENUE SOURCE), SERIES 2020B, OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF REFUNDING CERTAIN OUTSTANDING ALTERNATE REVENUE BONDS OF SAID CITY, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A BOND ORDER IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, PLEDGING CERTAIN REVENUES OF SAID CITY AND AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SAID BONDS TO MORTON COMMUNITY BANK) 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 then gave a public recital of the nature and purpose of the Bond Ordinance, which included a reading of the title of the Bond Ordinance and statements (1) that the Bond Ordinance provides for the issuance of taxable general obligation alternate bonds to refund certain outstanding alternate revenue bonds of the City previously issued in connection with the certain business district project costs to be incurred in and for the Target Area and the Costco Area Business Districts heretofore designated by the City, (2) that the bonds are issuable without referendum pursuant to authority of the Illinois Municipal Code and the Local Government Debt Reform Act to accomplish debt service savings, (3) that the Bond Ordinance delegates the authority to sell the bonds to certain designated officers of the City, who are to execute a bond order in connection with such sale, (4) that the Bond Ordinance provides for the bonds to be paid by various pledged revenues as described and set forth in the Bond Ordinance, but there is also a back-up levy of taxes to pay the bonds, and (5) that the Bond Ordinance provides many details for the bonds, including provision for terms and forms of the bonds.

Commissioner Hill explained that original bonds were issued in 2012 and refunded in 2016. This is being reissued through Morton Community Bank with potential savings being slightly over 3% or approximately a savings of $377,000 over the life of the loan.

Thereupon the Mayor directed that the roll be called for a vote upon the motion to accept the Bond Ordinance.

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 Ordinance No. 4491 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4200 E. WASHINGTON STREET IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS.) – to allow for the outdoor storage of garbage dumpsters on the property 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 special use. The business Kev’s Kans is looking to store a limited number of dumpsters in a location that is shielded and fenced.

Commissioner Sutherland explained that the address should be 4200 E. Washington Street and not W Washington Street. The motion was amended to state the correct address.

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 Ordinance No. 4492 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING SPECIAL SERVICE AREA 2019A IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA AND APPROVING SPECIAL SERVICE AREA 2019A PROJECT TO IMPROVE ACCESS ROAD 6, THE FUNDING OF ROAD IMPROVEMENTS TO ACCESS ROAD 6, AND THE LEVYING OF PROPERTY TAX AGAINST THOSE PROPERTIES BENEFITTED BY THE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS) 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 ordinance and process for the Special Service Area that began back in September of last year. Access Road 6 is in bad shape and the funding of the road improvement is being paid for by the property owners along the street. He explained that the 60-day period for comments and complaints after the November hearing has passed with no comments.

Director of Planning and Community Development, Ty Livingston, explained that the payment of this project will become part of the property tax bill. This ordinance establishes the Special Service Areas, authorizes the loan process, and authorizes the taxing process.

Commissioner Decker explained that fixing the roads has been a struggle with limited funds and that this road does not service residents of the city but is rather a commercial area. The property owners came together to get the road fixed and an agreement was reached.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 1920-117 by Commissioner Hill; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS THAT: a Public Hearing will be held by the City Council on Tuesday evening, March 17, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers in the Civic Complex, 401 West Washington Street, East Peoria, Illinois, for the purpose of giving interested citizens the opportunity to provide written or oral comments on the proposed Appropriation Ordinance and the proposed Working Cash Budget for the City of East Peoria for the Fiscal Year May 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk give public notice of said public hearing in the manner provided by law.

AND THAT THIS RESOLUTION NO. 1920-117 BE ADOPTED AS PRESENTED.

Commissioner Hill explained that the City will be conducting a public hearing on the proposed Appropriation Ordinance and the proposed Working Cash budget at the next City Council meeting. It is also anticipated that the City Council will consider a first reading on both.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 1920- 117 be adopted as presented.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 1920-117 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 1920-118 by Commissioner Hill; 

WHEREAS, Lynn Dixon has been continuously employed by the City from February 21, 2000 through February 28, 2020, most recently occupying the position of Accounts Receivable Clerk.

WHEREAS, Lynn Dixon announced her intention to retire from employment effective at the end of the day on February 28, 2020; and

WHEREAS, the City is appreciative of the long and continued service provided by Lynn Dixon; and 

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to execute the attached Separation Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THAT:

Section 1. The above recitals are found to be true and correct.

Section 2. The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the Separation Agreement with such changes as the Mayor, in his sole discretion, may decide are in the best interest of the City of East Peoria.

Commissioner Hill commented on Lynn Dixon’s service to the City. Commissioners and the Mayor thanked Ms. Dixon for her service and wished her well.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 1920- 118 be adopted as presented.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 1920-118 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 1920-121 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 1920-121, hereto attached, a Resolution accepting the Lowest Responsible Bids for the Public Safety Building Emergency Power Generator Replacement Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 1920-121 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 the replacement of the generator including concrete work, electrical work, and the generator replacement. The total costs are $49,885. The contractors for the project are Altorfer Cat Power System, RNS Electric Inc., and C&G Concrete Construction Co. Inc.

The old generator is from 1986 and two bids were received with the lowest responsible bid chosen.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 1920-120 by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 1920-120, hereto attached, a Resolution approving a Two-Year Mower Rental Agreement with Martin Sullivan Inc. for the mowing of City-Owned Properties and Right-of-Ways, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 1920-120 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 commented on the agreement. The reason for the rental instead of the purchase is due to the maintenance costs and hours put on the machines. There is no need to worry about the maintenance, and there is a new mower every year. There is a total of four mowers each year. Director of Tourism and Special Events, Doug McCarty, explained that even at government costs it is a better cost to rent the mowers. He explained that the mowers need to be rugged and industrial due to the properties that need to be mowed. This is the same price as the previous 2-year agreement for mower rental. The department evaluates the hours on each mower and switches the mowers to ensure that each mower is under the 300 service hours.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, 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.

Gina Driscol came up the podium. She explained and asked that if everyone could listen to what the police and fire have done and stop putting out the negative comments but put out the positive that the city has done. She asked the citizens to take responsibility on things that can help the city. She explained that Commissioner Decker asked citizens to place their garbage cans far apart so that the arms can get around them and the drivers do not have to get out of their vehicles. Commissioner Sutherland has requested residents to not flush things into the sanitary sewer that should not be flushed. She recommended that residents take care in cleaning up their yards.

A gentleman came up to the podium and inquired as to the revenue that is coming back from the March Madness. Director McCarty explained that the revenues exceed the costs the city give to March Madness through hotel tax revenue and sales tax revenues that come not just from basketball but for other IHSA sponsored events. The gentleman then expressed concerns he has about a safe space in the Fondulac District Library for children and hormone blockers that are given to children that he believes have adverse health effects. He does not feel that it is safe for children.

Mayor Kahl explained that the library is a separate entity from the City with a separate board that controls it.

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

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)(1) – The Employment, appointment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.

Section 2(c)(6) – The setting of a price for a sale or lease of property owned by the public body.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Commissioner Decker commented on the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall that is coming to East Peoria and thanked those helping with the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall for everything that they are doing. There is a link to the information about the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall on the city’s website.

Commissioner Hill explained that the Historical Society is hosting their Chili Supper this Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and April 18 is an electronic recycling event happening at the Festival Building from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. There is a charge for monitors and televisions at the recycling event.

Commissioner Sutherland read an email regarding the I-74 Bridge closure taking place over seven months beginning at the end of this month and estimated to last through the end of October. It will take longer to get across the river as a result. He commented on the Sewer Treatment Upgrade Project that is going well and the work on Oakwood Road that is completed except for manhole lining, jetting, and blacktopping.

Commissioner Mingus invited those that need assistance with car seat installations to attend the upcoming car seat check event that is occurring tomorrow at the Fire Department.

Mayor Kahl explained that there are part-time positions open at EastSide Centre and anyone interested can pick up applications at EastSide Centre. There are commercials coming out about the upcoming census. You can find information at Census2020.gov. It is important that every person in your home gets counted. This coming Friday is the Mayor’s State of the City address that begins at 7:00 a.m. Mayor Kahl explained that he asked opinions about the Farmer’s Market and has not received a response, so the Farmer’s Market is happening this year. It begins the first Friday in June and continues through the last Friday in September.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, March 17, 2020 at 6:00 P.M.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 6:53 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03032020-747