City of East Peoria City Council Met Dec. 1.
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 Pro Tem/Commissioner Mark E. Hill 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 (attending electronically), Commissioner Daniel S. Decker, Commissioner Mark E. Hill (as Acting Mayor Pro Tem), Commissioner Seth D. Mingus, and Commissioner Michael L. Sutherland.
Absent: None.
REQUEST BY MAYOR KAHL FOR ELECTRONIC ATTENDANCE
After having established that a quorum was physically present, Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Hill explained that notice was received by Mayor Kahl to attend the open and closed meeting electronically. He explained that unless there was an objection to the request, with a second and approved by a majority, then Mayor Kahl would be allowed to attend the meetings electronically.
Hearing no objection on the request for electronic attendance, Mayor Kahl was declared present by Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Hill. He explained that Mayor Kahl would attend the meetings electronically and Commissioner Hill would preside over the meeting.
The invocation was given by Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Hill.
Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Hill 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 November 17, 2020 and the minutes of the Special Meeting for a Working Session held on November 17, 2020 be approved as printed.
Yeas: Commissioner Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None.
Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Hill declared the motion carried.
Mayor Kahl proclaimed December 7, 2020 as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.”
Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Hill 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 Pro Tem/Commissioner Hill 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 10 as listed on the agenda for this meeting to be considered by omnibus vote.
Item Number 1 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-071 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 14 in the amount of $3,108,972.14.
Item Number 2 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4530 on its Second Reading - (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”).
Item Number 3 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4531 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS AND UPDATING RELATED REGULATIONS UNDER THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE).
Item Number 4 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4532 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 3, CHAPTER 28 OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE PERTAINING TO A HOTEL AND MOTEL TAX).
Item Number 5 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4533 on its Second Reading - (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").
Item Number 6 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4535 on its Second Reading – (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).
Item Number 7 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-069 on its Second Reading – Resolution approving the purchase of five laptops for police vehicles from SHI in the amount of $16,643.90.
Item Number 8 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-052 on its Second Reading – Resolution approving the Wastewater Plant SCADA Client and Tablet Upgrade Project by Concentric Integration in the amount of $19,990.
Item Number 9 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-067 on its Second Reading - Resolution approving the payment to Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. and MacQueen Emergency regarding the Repairs of Fire Engine 4 (17545) Frame Rails and Related Items.
Item Number 10 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-065 on its Second Reading – Resolution approving the Purchase of Three Vehicles from the Missouri Highway Patrol for Active Fleet Use in the East Peoria Police Department.
Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None.
Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Hill declared the motion carried.
Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Items numbered 1 through 10 listed on the Consent Agenda be hereby approved and adopted, the items numbered 2 through 10 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 2021-071 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 14 in the amount of $3,108,972.14. (Adopted by omnibus vote)
Item Number 2 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4530 on its Second Reading - (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”). (Adopted by omnibus vote)
Item Number 3 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4531 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS AND UPDATING RELATED REGULATIONS UNDER THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE). (Adopted by omnibus vote)
Item Number 4 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4532 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 3, CHAPTER 28 OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE PERTAINING TO A HOTEL AND MOTEL TAX). (Adopted by omnibus vote)
Item Number 5 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4533 on its Second Reading - (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"). (Adopted by omnibus vote)
Item Number 6 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4535 on its Second Reading – (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). (Adopted by omnibus vote)
Item Number 7 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-069 on its Second Reading – Resolution approving the purchase of five laptops for police vehicles from SHI in the amount of $16,643.90. (Adopted by omnibus vote)
Item Number 8 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-052 on its Second Reading – Resolution approving the Wastewater Plant SCADA Client and Tablet Upgrade Project by Concentric Integration in the amount of $19,990. (Adopted by omnibus vote)
Item Number 9 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-067 on its Second Reading - Resolution approving the payment to Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. and MacQueen Emergency regarding the Repairs of Fire Engine 4 (17545) Frame Rails and Related Items. (Adopted by omnibus vote)
Item Number 10 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-065 on its Second Reading – Resolution approving the Purchase of Three Vehicles from the Missouri Highway Patrol for Active Fleet Use in the East Peoria Police Department. (Adopted by omnibus vote)
Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None.
Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Hill declared the motion carried and the items adopted by omnibus vote designation.
Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4536 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. 2020 TO THE LAST DAY OF APRIL A.D. 2021.) 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 commented on the working session at the last meeting during which the tax levy was discussed. He explained that this tax levy amount is increasing to approximately $5,555,115 in 2020 for an estimated increase of $25,416 and that the City is seeking to hold at the tax rate the same as last year.
Commissioner Decker commented on the tax levy. He explained that, with the way things are this year, the right thing to do is to try to keep the taxes at least flat so that those that are suffering can get relief.
Mayor Kahl explained on property owner’s tax bill the City of East Peoria Corporate is one of ten taxing bodies. Of the ten taxing bodies, the City’s represents around 12.8%. He will be supporting the rate equivalent choice. He asked that people pay attention to their tax bill and make their voice be heard regarding each taxing body’s tax levy that makes up each property owner’s tax bill. He explained that he is proud that in the past five years that he has voted to keep the property taxes rate equivalent. He explained that the City has not increased the rate in the past 20 years.
Commissioner Hill explained that it is important to note that out of the $5,555,115 the money goes toward the Fire Pension, the Police Pension, IMRF employee pension, emergency funds, and workers’ compensation. There are a couple other smaller items. However, all of the other funds that come to the City comes from alternate revenues.
Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None.
Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Hill declared the motion carried.
Resolution No. 2021-070 by Commissioner Mingus; RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REINSTATEMENT OF ONE DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF IN THE EAST PEORIA FIRE DEPARTMENT AND APPOINTING RYAN BECK TO REINSTATED DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF POSITION
WHEREAS, Title 1, Chapter 5, Section 2.1 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 East Peoria Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, in December 2018, pursuant to Resolution No. 1819-106, the City temporarily increased the number of firefighters on the Fire Department by three to a total of 33 firefighters in an effort to minimize overtime costs in the Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Resolution No. 1819-106, the temporary increase to 33 in the number of firefighters in the Fire Department that was approved in December 2018 will then decrease back down to 30 through attrition of members leaving the Fire Department after April 30, 2020; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 1920-131 approved in April 2020, the temporary increase in the number of firefighters in the Fire Department to 33 was extended through April 30, 2021, while also decreasing the number of Deputy Chiefs due to budget issues with the pandemic; and
WHEREAS, due to the recent separation by a Fire Lieutenant, thereby reducing the number of active Fire Lieutenants back down to nine (9) as provided in Resolution No. 2021-038, the City would like to fill one of the two vacant Deputy Fire Chief positions at this time; and
WHEREAS, the City Council hereby seeks to reinstate and appoint Ryan Beck to fill the position of Deputy Fire Chief in the Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, the reinstatement of Ryan Beck to Deputy Fire Chief creates an opening in an Assistant Fire Chief position in the Fire Department, which in turn creates an opening in the Lieutenant position in the Fire Department;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THAT:
Section 1. Effective immediately, the Fire Department of the City of East Peoria shall consist of the following personnel:
- One Fire Chief
- One Deputy Fire Chief
- Three Assistant Fire Chiefs
- Nine Lieutenants
- Thirty-Two Firefighters
- One Paid on Call Firefighter
increase in Deputy Fire Chiefs and to request the Police and Fire Commission to undertake the process of appointing an Assistant Fire Chief and Lieutenant to fill the vacant positions hereby created by the increase in Deputy Fire Chief personnel by one.
Section 3. Subject to further action by the City Council, effective on April 30, 2021, pursuant to Resolution No. 1920-131, the Fire Department of the City of East Peoria shall consist of the following personnel upon attrition to the staffing levels established in this Resolution:
A. One Fire Chief
B. One Deputy Fire Chief
C. Three Assistant Fire Chiefs D. Nine Lieutenants
E. Thirty Firefighters
F. One Paid on Call Firefighter
Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Resolution No. 2021-070 be adopted as presented.
Commissioner Mingus explained that this resolution allows the City to bring back a Deputy Fire Chief position due to savings that were had in the budget this year and still stay under the budget that was approved.
Commissioner Decker explained that he will be abstaining from the vote due to his employment with the Fire Department.
Commissioner Sutherland inquired as to whether this was affected by the Washington agreement with Northern Tazewell Fire District. Commissioner Mingus explained that it was not.
Commissioner Hill explained that the goal is to go back to the original staffing when the revenues and economy go back to normal. This is being done without additional costs to the City, and he supports it.
Mayor Kahl explained that he fully supports this decision and feels that we are in a good position to reinstate the Deputy Fire Chief position at this time to bring the Fire Department back to somewhat full staffing. He understands how difficult these cuts were, and he fully supports reinstating the position.
Yeas: Commissioners Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None.
Abstain: Commissioner Decker
Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Hill declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2021-070 be duly adopted as presented.
Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Hill 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 Pro Tem/Commissioner Hill 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” (5 ILCS 120/1 et. seq.) and specified as follows:
Section 2(c)(6) – The setting of a price for a sale or lease of property.
Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None
Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Hill declared the motion carried.
Commissioner Decker expressed hope that everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday. He commented on the good news on the COVID-19 vaccine that will is said to be coming out soon. He explained that he received a call regarding traffic for the Winter Wonderland that has been busier than normal. Commissioner Decker thanked Doug McCarty and other staff and volunteers for their work on the Festival of Lights over the weekend. He explained that there were a lot of people that are coming to the Winter Wonderland drive-through light display.
Commissioner Hill commented on the East Peoria Historical Society’s Chicken Noodle Dinner that is occurring on Saturday, December 5, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. or until sold out in conjunction with the Shop and Stroll. He encouraged everyone to support the East Peoria Historical Society.
Commissioner Sutherland commented on the Festival of Lights Parade and enjoying his time. He reminded everyone to turn off their spigots off outside so that there is no issue during the cold weather. He expressed thanks to Doug McCarty and John Broshears for their work on the Festival of Lights.
Commissioner Sutherland inquired about residents being contact regarding their electrical bill. Commissioner Hill asked people to contact Robert Cole with questions regarding the electrical aggregation. Commissioner Decker commented on scams that go on with resident’s utility bill/ electricity bill that can occur. Mayor Kahl explained that with Homefield Energy is the low bidder for the electrical aggregation. The residential and small business electrical aggregation is an opt out program, so you do not need to do anything if you want to stay with the electrical aggregation program. Mayor Kahl recommended that individuals contact the East Peoria Police Department when solicitors knock on your door to ensure that they have credentials and are registered with the City.
Commissioner Mingus explained that car seat checks are scheduled for tomorrow. He explained that people need to wear a mask and try to limit the number of people that attend.
Mayor Kahl expressed appreciation to John Broshears and Doug McCarty and his staff for their work on the Festival of Lights. He explained that the Festival of Lights will be part of the Great Christmas Light Fight on December 16 from 7pm to 8pm Central Standard Time. It is going to bring a lot of recognition to East Peoria. He thanked Commissioner Hill for presiding over the meeting this evening.
Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, December 15, 2020 at 6:00 P.M.
Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.
Nays: None
Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Hill declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 6:34 P.M.
https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12012020-822
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