Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council Met Jan. 5.

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, and Commissioner Seth D. Mingus.

Absent: Commissioner Sutherland.

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 December 15, 2020; the minutes of the Special Meeting for a Working Session held on December 15, 2020; and the minutes of the Special Meeting held on December 23, 2020 be approved as printed. 

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Director of Tourism and Special Events, Doug McCarty, Public Relations Coordinator/Website Administrator, Jill Peterson, Rick Swan, John Broshears, and FOLEPI brought the winning trophy from the Great Christmas Light Fight and presented it to the City Council. FOLEPI spoke about the award and the Festival of Lights. Mayor Kahl thanked everyone involved who did an amazing job on the Festival of Lights and during the Great Christmas Light Fight Show. Mr. Swan came up to the podium and thanked Director McCarty and John Broshears. Mr. Broshears came up to the podium and spoke about the history of the Festival of Lights and helping with the Festival. Mr. Broshears thanked two of the volunteers that are over 80 years old for their great job on the Festival of Lights and thanked Dan Decker for getting him involved with the Festival of Lights. Mayor Kahl discussed the history of the Festival of Lights and mentioned it being a large part of the community.

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 5 as listed on the agenda for this meeting to be considered by omnibus vote.

Item Number 1 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-082 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 16 in the amount of $3,832,643.79.

Item Number 2 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4538 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING REGULATIONS IN TITLE 5 OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE REGARDING APPROVAL OF SPECIAL USE APPLICATIONS AND ZONING AMENDMENTS BY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS).

Item Number 3 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-074 on its Second Reading – Resolution Authorizing and Directing the Payment of an Invoice to Christenberry Systems & Alarm Company Inc. for the Emergency Repair of the Alarm and Security System at the Festival Building in the amount of $14,121.10.

Item Number 4 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-075 on its Second Reading – Resolution to Approve an Agreement with Waste Management Establishing Tipping Fees for the Acceptance of Solid Waste at the East Peoria Transfer Station.

Item Number 5 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-078 on its Second Reading – Resolution authorizing the purchase of LED lighting for the Festival of Lights from American Lighting at a cost of $17,136.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, 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 5 listed on the Consent Agenda be hereby approved and adopted, the items numbered 2 through 5 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 2021-082 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 16 in the amount of $3,832,643.79. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 2 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4538 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING REGULATIONS IN TITLE 5 OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE REGARDING APPROVAL OF SPECIAL USE APPLICATIONS AND ZONING AMENDMENTS BY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS). (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 3 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-074 on its Second Reading – Resolution Authorizing and Directing the Payment of an Invoice to Christenberry Systems & Alarm Company Inc. for the Emergency Repair of the Alarm and Security System at the Festival Building in the amount of $14,121.10. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 4 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-075 on its Second Reading – Resolution to Approve an Agreement with Waste Management Establishing Tipping Fees for the Acceptance of Solid Waste at the East Peoria Transfer Station. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 5 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-078 on its Second Reading – Resolution authorizing the purchase of LED lighting for the Festival of Lights from American Lighting at a cost of $17,136. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

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

Nays: None.

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

Resolution No. 2021-083 by Commissioner Hill; RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING MORATORIUM ON DEVELOPMENT ALONG EAST WASHINGTON STREET CORRIDOR BETWEEN MAIN STREET AND I-74 (INCLUDING 4 CORNERS BUSINESS AREA)

WHEREAS, numerous vacancies currently exist in business locations and buildings along East Washington Street in East Peoria between Main Street and Interstate 74 (the “E. Washington St. Corridor”), and the E. Washington St. Corridor has also experienced high tenant turnover in recent years; and

WHEREAS, the City lacks a consistent and cohesive strategic plan and vision for development along the E. Washington St. Corridor; and

WHEREAS, due to the high visibility of development and businesses along the E. Washington St. Corridor, it is in the best interests of the City to undertake establishing a consistent and cohesive strategic plan and vision for development along the E. Washington St. Corridor; and

WHEREAS, the City anticipates that funding will be made available to the City in the near future for resurfacing E. Washington Street, which will include the E. Washington St. Corridor; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Planning and Zoning seeks to evaluate options and tools for creating a unified vision and strategic plan for the E. Washington St. Corridor before any new development or redevelopment is undertaken or initiated along the E. Washington St. Corridor, while further seeking to make this Corridor a pedestrian friendly area that will promote commercial and retail business and office space along the Corridor; and

WHEREAS, the City Council hereby finds that it is in the best interests of the City to place a moratorium on the issuance of any zoning or special use permits or building permits, on the issuance of any licenses, or the taking of any other action that would promote or allow the development or redevelopment of any property fronting the E. Washington St. Corridor as provided herein; and

WHEREAS, this proposed moratorium is made in accordance with the provisions of Section 4-12-1 of the East Peoria City Code;

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

Section 1. A moratorium is hereby declared and established on the issuance of any zoning or special use permits or building permits for any property fronting the E. Washington St. Corridor, on the issuance of any licenses for any property fronting the E. Washington St. Corridor, or the taking of any other action by the City that would promote or allow the development or redevelopment of any property fronting the E. Washington St. Corridor (as defined herein).

Section 2. The moratorium declared by this Resolution shall expire six months after the passage and adoption of this Resolution by the City Council.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2021- 083 be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Hill explained that there have been vacancies and changes in businesses leasing spaces in the area. The City wants to make sure that there is a plan in place for the area for the future.

Mayor Kahl explained that there is a Peoria Pekin Urbanized Area Transportation Study (“PPUATS”) project for the resurfacing of this portion of the road in the 2023-2024 year that was unanimously approved. This resolution allows the City to determine what it wants to see in the corridor.

Commissioner Decker commented on there being a lot of interest in the area and it being well-traveled. He believes that it is a smart decision to take a pause.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2021-083 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2021-084 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021-084, hereto attached, a Resolution approving an Agreement between the City of East Peoria and the Teamsters Local Union Number 627 (Buildings and Inspections) for a period beginning January 1, 2021 and terminating on December 31, 2022, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2021-084 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 history of the bargaining unit, and the agreement now covers one employee. The agreement is consistent with other union agreements. The agreement begins January 1, 2021 and wage increases will be deferred until May 1, 2021.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4540 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE GRANT OF EASEMENT TO AMEREN FOR POWER TRANSMISSION LINES OVER BIKE TRAIL PARCEL) (Parcel Number 01-01-29-401-038) be read at length by the Clerk, and that said Ordinance No. 4540 be accepted on its first reading, and be hereby adopted as presented.

Commissioner Decker explained that the lines need to be taken care of and this easement protects them.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4540 to be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2021-081 by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021-081, hereto attached, a Resolution Authorizing the City of East Peoria to Allocate Rebuild Illinois Bond Funds for the Local Portion of Funds Required for the River Road/Camp Street Intersection Reconstruction Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2021-081 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 project coming to fruition that will help with the traffic in the area. These funds will free up City funds for other areas.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Hill; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4537, hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 4446 AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS TO BORROW FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $68,500,000 FROM THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL LOAN PROGRAM FOR THE CITY’S SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM UPGRADE PROJECT) 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 Decker explained that this is an amount not to exceed the loan amount. He commented on keeping cost savings and the need to ensure that the City continues to move on with the project.

Commissioner Hill explained that this ordinance and project are key to the City upgrading a dilapidated sewer system.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4537 be adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2021-072 by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021-072 hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting Low Bid for Phase D of the City’s Sanitary Sewer System Upgrade Project, be hereby approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2021-072 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 Decker commented on receiving two bids and receiving the low bid from Williams Brothers. He wants to get this project completed to upgrade the sanitary sewer system.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2021-072 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2021-079 by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Hill; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021-079, hereto attached, a Resolution approving a professional services agreement with Farnsworth Group, Inc. for renewal of National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) Permits for the City’s Wastewater Plants, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2021-079 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 this resolution approves a contract with Farnsworth Group to assist the City in submitting it’s NPDES permits to ensure that the City meets the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) requirements.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2021-080 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021-080, hereto attached, a Resolution authorizing the purchase of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and Cardiac Monitors for the City of East Peoria Police and Fire Departments from Stryker Medical in the amount of $106,282.57, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2021-080 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 authorizes the purchase and replacement of monitors and AEDs that are the end of their life.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4539 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE TO PROHIBIT THE POSSESSION OF TOBACCO, ALTERNATIVE NICOTINE PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES BY PERSONS UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE ON SCHOOL PROPERTY) be read at length by the Clerk, and that said Ordinance No. 4539 be accepted on its first reading, and be hereby adopted as presented.

The City Clerk read the ordinance at length.

Commissioner Mingus commented on the current regulations prohibiting the purchase of tobacco to anyone under the age of 21; however, it is not illegal to possess tobacco if the person is at least 18 years. This ordinance makes it illegal to possess tobacco, alternative nicotine products, and electronic cigarettes if the individual is under 21 years of age on school property. It ensures that tobacco is out of the possession of students in schools, which is good for schools and students.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4539 to 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 commented on the Great Christmas Light Fight winners’ trophy and the Festival of Lights. He explained that he was part of the parade when the parade had individuals wearing lights on clothing close to the time that the Festival of Lights Parade began. He commented on the other competing light contestants that had great displays as well. He thanked everyone for the job that they have done with the Festival of Lights, specifically thanking Mr. Broshears. Commissioner Decker explained that there is a possibility of scheduling a brush pickup for the community to handle the brush that has fallen from the ice and snow event that caused limbs and branches to fall. The City is currently in the process of contacting a contractor for pricing and availability and will let everyone know as soon as the City knows when that will occur. The same rules apply as when the City does the normal brush pickup. He explained that he had his first vaccine shot last week. He said it is nice to know that he feels that vaccinations will hopefully speed up in the future. He explained that we need things to turn around, as businesses and people are hurting greatly during this pandemic. He urged the state to ease restrictions on businesses wherever possible. He is hopeful that businesses can open and reduce restrictions on businesses and try to rebuild from what was lost.

Commissioner Hill commented on being a character walker in the Festival of Lights Parade with his wife at the beginning of the Parade. He explained that the City has come quite a long way from those first years of the parade. Beginning in February, the City will begin the budget discussion process. All the public meetings will occur in City Council Chambers. He commented on coming out of a challenging year with estimated loses being based on a partial year. Commissioner Hill looks forward to things being better later in the year.

Commissioner Mingus thanked everyone who worked on the Festival of Lights Parade and commented on the improvements to the Parade to make it much more efficient. He commented on winning the Great Christmas Light Fight giving the City community pride. Car seat checks are not a set date in January and Feb but can be scheduled by appointment.

Mayor Kahl commented on the ice and heavy snow weather event that caused damage to trees and explained that brush pickup is planned for the future. The same rules that apply during normal brush pick-up will apply with this brush pick-up. We are in a new year and budget discussions will begin soon. The City remains hopeful that this year will be a better year than last all the way around. He thanked those that helped with the Festival of Lights over its entire 36-years’ worth of volunteers. He commented on enjoying the Parade with his mother and family over the years.

Motion by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, January 19, 2021 at 6:00 P.M.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 6:50 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01052021-831