Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council Public Hearing met June 2.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move that the City Council recess the Regular Meeting to hold a public hearing. 

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

Nays: None 

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the Regular Meeting recessed to hold a public hearing at 6:01 P.M. 

Mayor Kahl called the Public Hearing to order with proper notice having been given.

Those present were the following: Mayor John P. Kahl, Commissioner Daniel S. Decker, Commissioner Mark E. Hill, Commissioner Seth D. Mingus, and Commissioner Michael L. Sutherland. Absent: None.

Mayor Kahl explained the public hearing is on THE REBUILD ILLINOIS FAST-TRACK PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT APPLICATION FOR ALTORFER LANE RECONSTRUCTION. Mayor Kahl explained that the City Council Meeting is being held via remote attendance by Zoom Meeting by the public due to the Governor's Executive Order regarding COVID-19 and the relaxing of the Open Meeting Act requirements. Public comments are being taken remotely via Zoom Meetings during the meeting. The meeting is also being shown on Facebook Live on social media. Mayor Kahl turned the discussion over to Director of Planning and Community Development, Ty Livingston.

Director Livingston explained that the REBUILD ILLINOIS FAST-TRACK PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT is a cut out of a larger grant that was just announced in the middle of May and public input is a part of this process. Director Livingston explained the amount of the grant money available across the state is $25,000,000. He explained that he has heard that the State is no longer taking application; however, the City has done the legwork for the application and will proceed with the application. The grant funding being requested is $500,00 with the City’s local funding commitment being $143,500. The total project cost is $643,500. This application is for an improvement to Alorfer Lane that is north from the Jimmy Johns. There was a temporary road created fifteen plus years ago; however, there has been no permanent road. The project will benefit the current sizable amount of development in the area and the new development that includes a new hotel. Currently, two hotels, Kohls, and Enercon Engineer all utilize the road temporary road and will benefit from the permanent road. There is a $20 million hotel planned to open next year that will benefit from this project as well. The future impact is great because there is developable area north of I-74, and there is underpass at the end of this stretch of roadway improvement. While this improvement does not get to the underpass point, it is a great jump-off point for future development.

Director Livingston discussed the project activities. The project activities/improvements planned include a new roadway with storm sewer, curb and gutter, as well as some landscaping to improve the overall visibility. Landscaping improvements and sidewalks will be done by the hotel developer on the east side of the road. Director Livingston feels that we have a strong application. $500,000 is the minimum that can be asked for. The City is also providing greater than 20% toward the project in the amount of $143,500.00. If the grant is received, it will free up resources for other projects. The City is optimistic about the project.

Commissioner Decker explained that he is excited that the City is in the running for the application. He feels that the city is in good standing since the city is ready with this project.

Mayor Kahl asked for any comments from the audience Zoom meeting to raise their hand to be heard. The City Clerk explained how to raise your hand to make public comments by pressing *9 to raise their hand on the telephone or click the raise your hand button online. Director Livingston explained that the application was available online and at City Hall prior to the public hearing and individuals were able to make comments before the public hearing as well. Director Livingston explained that he did not receive any comments prior to the public hearing.

There was no response with public comments via Zoom meetings.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move that to adjourn the Public Hearing and reconvene the Regular Meeting. 

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

Nays: None 

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the Regular Meeting reconvened at 6:08 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06022020-776