Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met Nov. 17.

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 Regular Meeting held on November 3, 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 November 28, 2020 as “Small Business Saturday”. He explained that there is never a more fitting time and those small businesses need our support.

Commissioner Hill explained that pursuant to the requirements under the Truth-in-Taxation law, we need to formally mention in open session the anticipated tax levy amount for the City when the City adopts its 2020 Tax Levy Ordinance. This amount will effectively set a ceiling for the City’s 2020 Tax Levy Ordinance, but does not lock the City into this amount, as the City can establish the actual 2020 tax levy amount at any amount less than this ceiling. It is anticipated that the actual tax levy amount will be lower. The actual tax levy amount this past year was $5,529,699. The City estimates that the 2020 tax levy amount will not exceed $5,683,111, which would be a 2.3% increase over last year’s tax levy. Recall that this is the ceiling for the City’s tax levy amount, and the City’s tax levy may be less than this amount. The City will be discussing and reviewing the 2020 tax Levy Ordinance for first reading at our December 1st meeting, with the second reading and final approval at our December 15th meeting. At those meetings, the total tax levy amount and change from last year will be discussed in more detail.

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.

Don Norbits came up to the podium and inquired about the renewal of the insurance coverage. He would like to know about how each department is doing regarding workers compensation insurance and whether there would be a report regarding workers compensation in the near. Mayor Kahl explained that the City went out for bid for the insurance coverage, and the City is getting a lower amount than the previous year. The low bid was received from the current insurance company Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust (“ICRMT”), and another bid was received from another company for worker’s compensation only that came in at a higher amount. Mayor Kahl explained that there are costs for both insurance and settlements for workers compensation. Mayor Kahl and Commissioner Hill commented on the safety committee that meets quarterly regarding safety measures.

Mayor Kahl asked for any other comments from the audience. 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 8 as listed on the agenda for this meeting to be considered by omnibus vote.

Item Number 1 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-068 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 13 in the amount of $4,959,807.70.

Item Number 2 – Adoption of Resolution No. 2021-056 on its Second Reading – Resolution approving the Annual Contribution to the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council.

Item Number 3 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-063 on its Second Reading – Resolution approving the Public Safety Building Camera Replacement Project by Christenberry Systems & Alarm Company Inc. in the amount of $32,320.

Item Number 4 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-057 on its Second Reading – Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City and the County of Tazewell for Animal and Rabies Control Services.

Item Number 5 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-062 on its Second Reading – Resolution Approving an Agreement between the City of East Peoria Police Department and the East Peoria High School District 309 to Provide School Resource Officer Services.

Item Number 6 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4528 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE VACATION OF A PORTION OF HIGHVIEW ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY).

Item Number 7 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4529 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR ACCEPTANCE OF RIGHT-OF-WAY DEDICATION FOR ADDITION TO CITY RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR HIGHVIEW ROAD).

Item Number 8 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4527 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE ADDING A NEW CLASS OF LICENSE FOR PUBLIC GOLF COURSES TO THE LIQUOR CONTROL REGULATIONS OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE).

Commissioner Sutherland explained that some of the expenses include the second distribution to the Fire and Pension Funds, Bass Pro HVAC repairs, Cullinan, WWTP project costs, ERI, payroll – this is

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Items numbered 1 through 8 listed on the Consent Agenda be hereby approved and adopted, the items numbered 2 through 8 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 Number 1 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-068 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 13 in the amount of $4,959,807.70. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 2 – Adoption of Resolution No. 2021-056 on its Second Reading – Resolution approving the Annual Contribution to the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 3 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-063 on its Second Reading – Resolution approving the Public Safety Building Camera Replacement Project by Christenberry Systems & Alarm Company Inc. in the amount of $32,320. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 4 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-057 on its Second Reading – Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City and the County of Tazewell for Animal and Rabies Control Services. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 5 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-062 on its Second Reading – Resolution Approving an Agreement between the City of East Peoria Police Department and the East Peoria High School District 309 to Provide School Resource Officer Services. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 6 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4528 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE VACATION OF A PORTION OF HIGHVIEW ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY). (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 7 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4529 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR ACCEPTANCE OF RIGHT-OF-WAY DEDICATION FOR ADDITION TO CITY RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR HIGHVIEW ROAD). (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 8 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4527 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE ADDING A NEW CLASS OF LICENSE FOR PUBLIC GOLF COURSES TO THE LIQUOR CONTROL REGULATIONS OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE). (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. 4526, hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A TAX LEVY FOR CITY OF EAST PEORIA SPECIAL SERVICE AREA 2019A (ACCESS ROAD 6 IMPROVEMENT) 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 this ordinance is for a tax levy for taxpayers that are benefiting from improvements on Access Road 6. The tax levy will be used to collect and pay the debt on the service road.

Mayor Kahl explained that the interest rate that the City received for the loan for the improvements is 1.95%.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4526 be adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2021-060 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021-060 hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Renewal of Property, Casualty, and Liability Insurance Coverage and Workers Compensation Insurance Coverage, be hereby approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2021-060 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.

Commissioner Hill explained that the City went out for bid on the City insurance. The low bid came from Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust (“ICRMT”) with Kuhl Insurance as the Broker. The City has been with ICRMT since 2008, and there is a savings with the costs along with a COVID19 discount. Commissioner Hill stated the costs for each insurance coverage.

Commissioner Decker explained that he would be abstaining due to his employment with the City.

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

Nays: None.

Abstain: Commissioner Decker.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2021-060 be duly adopted as presented.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4530 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ZONING REGULATIONS IN TITLE 5 OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE FOR SPECIAL USES ALLOWED IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS). (Permitting Boutique Lodging as a Special Use in the “R-1, One-Family Dwelling District”) 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 is in the process of amending the City Code to allow for short term rentals and boutique lodging. There is a property with an old church the would like to apply for a special use to allow for a boutique lodging. This would allow for an old church or old school that could be turned into boutique lodging to apply for a special use. The City Code changes also impose fire and building code requirements. This amendment went before the Zoning Board of Appeals and was recommended for approval. These properties must also comply with the hotel/motel tax, cannot be used by the operator, must be for renting the space, and cannot be for outdoor parties.

Commissioner Decker and Commissioner Hill discussed comments received regarding noise and safety concerns at the Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) meeting. A gentleman who spoke with the concerns explained that he was speaking on behalf of other neighbors. The operator of a proposed boutique lodging that may be coming before the City Council soon indicated that he would make rules that would remedy noise and safety concerns. There was only one resident and not a strong case against recommending approval of the City Code change. Commissioner Decker explained that no one has reached out to him regarding this item after the ZBA meeting, and knowing he has not heard an outcry, he will be supporting the ordinance tonight with some reservations. Commissioner Hill commented on parking being an issue with short-term rentals, boutique lodging, and at-home businesses. Mayor Kahl explained that he will be supporting the 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. 4531 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS AND UPDATING RELATED REGULATIONS UNDER THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE) 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 this City Code amendment updates the regulations regarding short-term rentals or Airbnbs. There may be increased traffic, parking, and other concerns. Parking must be enough so that there is parking for each room offered for rent. The allowance will be managed through a special use on the property. Short-term rentals will also require a fire inspection to ensure that they are up to code.

Mayor Kahl explained that Director of Planning and Community Development, Ty Livingston, has worked hard on this item for many years. Hotels/motels are regulated already in the City Code, and it is important to keep an even playing field by also regulating short-term rentals.

Commissioner Decker commented about the dangers present with there are no regulations.

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. 4532 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 3, CHAPTER 28 OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE PERTAINING TO A HOTEL AND MOTEL TAX) 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 this is last part of the short-term rental City Code amendments. The City Code change requires hotel and motel tax be collected by short-term rentals.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4533 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 800 MEADOW AVENUE IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS). (Changing the zoning classification of the Property from “R-2, One-Family Dwelling (Residential) District" to "B-3, Business Service District")) 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 property at 800 Meadow Avenue was noncompliant. It was previously Junebug’s restaurant. The zoning for this and Ordinance Number 4535 will be used for a commercial kitchen for catering and the rest of the building will be rented.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4535 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 800 MEADOW AVENUE IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS). (Special Use to allow residential living quarters on the second floor of the primary building 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 that the ordinance is for a special use to allow for living quarters on the second floor of the primary structure, and the special use approval will bring the property into alignment with the City Code.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4534 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR ANNEXATION OF THE QUAIL MEADOWS GOLF COURSE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2215 CENTENNIAL DRIVE TO THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS) be read at length by the Clerk, and that said Ordinance No. 4534 be accepted on its first reading, and be hereby adopted as presented.

Commissioner Hill explained that the Fon du Lac Park District requested the annexation of the golf course property, which will allow the property to have City water. Mayor Kahl and the Commissioners expressed agreement with the annexation of the property. Commissioner Sutherland asked whether the water is potable and whether Fon du Lac police will respond to issues with the property. Mayor Kahl explained obtaining City water was the driving force behind the annexation request and the police response is a question for TC3.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4534 to be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2021-069 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021-069, hereto attached, a Resolution approving the purchase of five laptops for police vehicles from SHI in the amount of $16,643.90, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2021-069 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 approves the purchase of laptops for police vehicles. There have been three laptops that have failed so this is replacing those three and adding two more and is a much-needed replacement. Each police officer receives their own laptop, and this was a budgeted item because they cannot do their job without it.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2021-064 by Commissioner Decker; 

WHEREAS, the Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/1 et seq.) requires the City to give public notice of its schedule of regular meetings at the beginning of the calendar or fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, the City shall post said public notice at City Hall and send copies in the manner provided by law; and 

WHEREAS, the City desires to approve of such notice in the form attached hereto and incorporated herein as attached;

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

Section 1. The City of East Peoria, Tazewell County, Illinois, adopts hereby the public notice of its regular meetings in the form attached.

Section 2. The City Clerk of the City of East Peoria is directed to post a copy of the Public Notice contained in this Resolution in the City Hall and to supply copies of this Notice in the manner provided by law.

Section 3. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval in the manner provided by law.

Motion by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2021- 064 be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Decker explained that this is a yearly item, and this resolution is setting out the regular meeting dates for the next calendar year.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2021-064 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2021-052 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021-052, hereto attached, a Resolution approving the Wastewater Plant SCADA Client and Tablet Upgrade Project by Concentric Integration in the amount of $19,990, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2021-052 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 SCADA hooks up to the pumps, valves, tells the water levels, and can monitor those things remotely through monitors, laptops, and telephones. In order to provide instant information, this purchase is being done so that the system can be brought up to date. This project is not paid through the Waste Water Treatment Plant project.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2021-067 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Hill; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021-067, hereto attached, a Resolution approving the payment to Pierce Manufacturing Inc. and MacQueen Emergency regarding the Repairs of Fire Engine 4 (17545) Frame Rails and Related Items, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2021-067 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 there were frame rail issues that resulted from a manufacturing defect and there were some required items that needed to be fixed to make it roadworthy. The fixes that are proposed for approval are all required items with none of the items being cosmetic. It is a 2006 frontline vehicle that is at the end of its life.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2021-065 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021-065, hereto attached, a Resolution approving the Purchase of Three Vehicles from the Missouri Highway Patrol for Active Fleet Use in the East Peoria Police Department, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2021-065 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 this resolution is for the purchase of three vehicles for the Police Department. The vehicles will be purchased with DUI funds which are can only be used for certain things, and this does not affect the budget.

Mayor Kahl explained that a couple of vehicles were sold, and the Police Department lost a 2009 Impala due a traffic accident last week. The Police Department were down fourteen vehicles. The Police Department has a designated DUI officer and one of the vehicles will be for that officer. These are restricted funds.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2021-066 by Commissioner Mingus; RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TEMPORARY INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PATROLMEN ON THE EAST PEORIA POLICE DEPARTMENT

WHEREAS, Title 1, Chapter 3, Section 7.1 of the East Peoria City Code authorizes the City Council to determine from time to time by Resolution the number of individuals to hold each rank on the Police Department; and

WHEREAS, there is one anticipated retirement of current Police Department personnel in the near future; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the City of East Peoria to temporarily increase the total number of individuals holding the rank of Patrolmen in the East Peoria Police Department by one to 35 until the anticipated retirement of the Police Department personnel; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the City that after the anticipated retirement of the personnel in the near future, the total number of Patrolmen in the Police Department be reduced by one back to 34;

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

Section 1. Effective immediately, the Police Department of the City of East Peoria shall consist of the following personnel:

A. One Police Chief

B. Two Deputy Chiefs 

C. Six Sergeants

D. Thirty-five Patrolmen

Section 2. The Police Chief is hereby authorized and directed to notify the Police and Fire Commission of the increase in Patrolmen.

Section 3. Effective after the anticipated retirement in the near future, the Police Department of the City of East Peoria shall consist of the following personnel:

A. One Police Chief

B. Two Deputy Chiefs 

C. Six Sergeants

D. Thirty-four Patrolmen

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Hill; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2021- 066 be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Mingus explained that this resolution authorizes a temporary increase to get someone ready with training to get them closer to being trained when a current employee on the Police Department retires.

Mayor Kahl explained that back in May the City reduced staff on the Police Department due to the pandemic, and the City brought back an officer that was laid off. There are two openings and there are two open spots in the academy in January. The City would like to stay ahead because there is a lot of training involved. If this temporary increase is not completed, there is additional overtime, and it is costly.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2021-066 be duly adopted as presented.

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 Decker explained that he missed the last council meeting, because he was sick with COVID19. He knew that he was healthy and he had good medical care. He explained that COVID19 is something to take seriously and people should try to stay away from getting it. There are people that have no symptoms and have COVID19. There are also healthy people that have very serious conditions resulting from COVID19. Recently, a wife of an officer on the Fon du Lac Park District Police Department passed away from COVID19. Commissioner Decker explained that it is difficult to make decisions that affect many people during this time. It is our responsibility to tell people to take COVID19 seriously. He spoke to the recent mitigations by the governor and some inconsistencies. He commented on the toll that COVID19 and the mitigations have taken on the livelihoods of people. Commissioner Decker is hopeful that there will be systems in place that when businesses must close there is also financial support. This is not a one-sided topic. There are other things to consider and people. He respects the decision that the Mayor has made because we need to look at the businessowners as well. Commissioner Decker encouraged everyone to do what we can to get through this time. He asked people that don’t like to wear a mask to wear one that says something. He wears one because he wants to end this pandemic as soon as possible. Commissioner Decker is also hopeful that a vaccine comes out soon so that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Commissioner Hill explained that the City Council has taken the virus seriously and taken measures, such cleaning protocol, plexiglass, sanitation stations, and taken many of the CDC recommended steps. The City Council is spacing out. Commissioner Hill explained that the East Peoria Historical Society has cancelled its Holiday Traditions Open House but will have a Chicken and Noddle Drive Through Dinner event on Saturday, December 5 from noon to 3:00 pm. Dinners are $10.00 each, and you can make reservations by calling 309-397-0962.

Commissioner Sutherland explained that there will be a large invoice that will be paid out of the Sewer Fund rather than out of the Wastewater Treatment Plant building fund that will save tens of thousands of dollars. He explained that the three walls were damaged at one of the buildings for wastewater treatment, and he made the decision to not make the building bigger which saved a lot of money.

Commissioner Mingus supports what the Mayor has done and said during this time. He explained that he asked citizens to try to be respectful of everyone’s position. The restaurants are doing a good job with mitigation. He spoke to the masks because he wants to be respectful and doing what we can to support the community. We need to work together and be respectful of peoples’ opinions.

Mayor Kahl explained that the Christmas Splendor Contest that is centered around Christmas decorating has begun with the entry deadline being December 6, 2020. There are three home categories: (1) Folepi Christmas Splendor, (2) Festive Inflatables, and (3) Traditional. In addition to the home categories, there are a Business/Church/School and Neighborhood category. Judging will begin on December 8 and end on December 9. Mayor Kahl commented on the Tier 3 Mitigations that Governor implemented beginning on Friday at midnight. The Festival of Lights Parade will go on Saturday, November 21, 2020 with plenty of room to social distance. Mayor Kahl commented on the divisiveness going on now and the toll that it is taking on people from a physical, monetary and mental toll. He explained that from the beginning it has been about balance and everyone has a right to protect their livelihood. He asked that everyone be mindful of the businesses and their policies as well as other people. Mayor Kahl explained that he is not taking a decision of defiance; but, rather, they have a difference of opinion and they are trying to strike a balance. He asked everyone to do their best to protect themselves and others.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, December 1, 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 7:26 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11172020-820