Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council Met Feb. 16.

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. The City Clerk certifies that notice of the meeting was duly served upon Council Members via email on Friday, February 12, 2021, at approximately 4:45 p.m.

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 2, 2021 be approved as printed.

Yeas: Commissioner 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 on the agenda to come to the podium and state the matter or matters to be discussed.

Brian Mooty with the Kavanaugh Firm came up to the podium to speak on behalf of the special use applicant, Pete Hutchinson, for 2020 Cole Street, East Peoria, Illinois under Ordinance Number 4553. Mr. Mooty explained the background of the location of the special use and that he and his client are requested bond and surety requirement for the construction costs of the project be waived. He further explained that if his client has to obtain a bond and surety, it will use up all of the equity in the project. Mr. Hutchinson is working on getting a construction loan where the bank is going to want to have first interest in the loan, and Mr. Hutchinson will need to obtain collateral in double the amount of the work to be performed due to the loan and bonding and surety requirement. He explained that the applicant has submitted the bond needed for the landscaping portion of the project. He commented on bonds for public projects, but he claims that this is barring small businesses from doing projects. Mr. Mooty is requesting approval of the special use with the exception of the bond and surety requirement for the construction costs of the project.

The City Council discussed bonding requirement and discussed whether the City Council could agree to the waiver of the bond and whether the ordinance could be changed prior to the second reading. The construction costs are estimated at $180,000 to $200,000 costs for the landscaping and total project. There are two bonds involved, one that is for the landscaping and one for the construction of the project. The required bond is done so that a project gets completed.

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

Item Number 1 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-111 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 19 in the amount of $1,637,267.01.

Item Number 2 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-098 on its Second Reading - Resolution approving Administrative Code Enforcement Hearing Officer Agreement with J. Brian Heller, P.C.

Item Number 3 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-100 on its Second Reading – Resolution approving the Eastport Marina Management Agreement between the City of East Peoria and Roberts & Sons Marine Management, LLC.

Item Number 4 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-097 on its Second Reading - Resolution authorizing the purchase of a 2007 Ford F350 Diesel, MedTech conversion (Ambulance) from the Washington Fire Department in the amount of $10,000.

Item Number 5 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4548 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY IN THE POSSESSION OF THE EAST PEORIA FIRE DEPARTMENT.)

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 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 2021-111 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 19 in the amount of $1,637,267.01. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 2 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-098 on its Second Reading - Resolution approving Administrative Code Enforcement Hearing Officer Agreement with J. Brian Heller, P.C.(Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 3 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-100 on its Second Reading – Resolution approving the Eastport Marina Management Agreement between the City of East Peoria and Roberts & Sons Marine Management, LLC. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 4 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2021-097 on its Second Reading - Resolution authorizing the purchase of a 2007 Ford F350 Diesel, MedTech conversion (Ambulance) from the Washington Fire Department in the amount of $10,000. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 5 – Adoption of Ordinance Number 4548 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY IN THE POSSESSION OF THE EAST PEORIA FIRE DEPARTMENT.) (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 Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4551 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1224 CENTENNIAL DRIVE IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS) 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 applicant wants to build an an additional accessory building that has an alternate exterior material from the primary residence. He explained that it is a large property and you cannot view the house from the road. It was approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals by a 4 aye 0 nay vote. The structure is not close to the street and the visibility will not impact the surrounding properties.

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. 4553 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2020 COLE STREET FOR A BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS) 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 special use for a boutique hotel at 2020 Cole Street. Commissioner explained that there are many requirements and they are asking for relief for the bonds. The primary changes are for fire life safety compliance. Commissioner Hill explained those stipulations. There is a bond for the landscaping. Discussion regarding the bonds.

Commissioner Decker explained that the difference between certificate of occupany and bond. Cannot occupy the premises without a certificate of occupancy. Dennis - Still can get the work done without a bond. He is open moving forward.

Commissioner Sutherland inquired about whether it is a financed project. Sometimes a title company is used for payouts. Dennis - Here one might presume that Morton community bank will pay for the project to be done. Discussion about lienwaivers. Process can be there without a title company.

Mayor Kahl will give consideration before the next meeting. He knows that it was a rocky start.

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. 4554 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED OFF BRENYN COURT IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA FOR CONDUCTING TREE FARMING OPERATIONS AND CONSTRUCTING A RELATED STRUCTURE 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 special use is to allow for a tree farming business and constructing a related structure on the property. Building for storing equipment and for a mill. There are hours of operation for power equipment will be 7a-7p daylight hours.

Mayor Kahl commented on viewing the property and wished the owners well in their endeavors.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2021-103 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021-103, hereto attached, a Resolution to Approve Renewal Agreement for Management Services with ProChamps for the City’s Vacant and Foreclosed Property Registration Program, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2021-103 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 agreement and ProChamps completing the vacant and foreclosed property registration program. He explained that there is a fee to register, and the City receives a portion of the fee. The registration ensures that the City has a contact for the property owners. The agreement is for a three-year term with a 30-day notice to withdrawal from the contract. The agreement also provides an alternative source of revenue.

Commissioner Decker commented the agreement helping to make vacant properties vacant for a shorter amount of time. He wants to ensure that the City eliminates the negatives that may go along with any misunderstandings of properties. He feels that the positives have outweighed the negatives.

Commissioner Sutherland expressed concerns with the registration and asked about how long a property must be vacant to considered vacant under the program. He has an issue when people have a death in the family, live outside the area for a portion of the year, or goes into a nursing home for a time. He feels that there is more damage done by having this registration program and agreement. He will not support the agreement, because he feels that the City can obtain owner information through other means. He feels that it is another layer of government that he will not support.

Commissioner Hill explained that there is a check list to help to ensure properties are vacant. There are around 300 vacant or foreclosed properties in the City. He commented on having issues with a property that was not taken care of and is dangerous. Commissioner Hill commented on the registration process and determining whether property is vacant. The system is not perfect and is not intended to be punitive.

Mayor Kahl explained that the goal of the process was geared toward vacant and foreclosed properties that were not maintained.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, and Mayor Kahl. 

Nays: Commissioner Mingus and Sutherland. 

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2021-108 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021-108, hereto attached, a Resolution Adopting a Community Revitalization Plan for the City of East Peoria, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2021-108 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 Illinois Housing Development Authority Community Revitalization Plan. He explained the process that included a survey and look at the housing stock in East Peoria. There were three areas that were focused on including the area around Kroger, the Richland Farms area, and the area around the high school. Some goals of the plan include revisiting the zoning in the Richland Farms area and looking for ways to rehabilitate existing housing. There has been a large effort on the development the Community Revitalization Plan.

Commissioner Decker commented on the process and explained that there are issues in other neighborhoods. However, the goal is to identify those areas that are in the most need.

Mayor Kahl explained that they have worked on this plan and set goals. He feels that it is a good Community Revitalization Plan for the City.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2021-109 by Commissioner Hill; RESOLUTION APPROVING SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE CITY’S GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN FOR COVID-19

WHEREAS, the City of East Peoria maintains a self-insured group health care plan for the benefit of its employees (the “Plan”); and

WHEREAS, in March 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the City approved and adopted a First Amendment to the Plan on an emergency basis that specifically addressed specific benefits for Plan participants potentially affected by COVID-19 and also addressed qualification for the reinsurance coverage under the Plan (the “First Amendment”); and

WHEREAS, the federal legislation adopted in 2020 to address the COVID-19 pandemic crisis also requires certain COVID-19 related benefits to be offered and covered by employer-maintained health plans; and

WHEREAS, under the terms of the First Amendment, the First Amendment expires on its anniversary date in March 2021; and

WHEREAS, with assistance from Consociate, the third-party administrator of the City Plan, the City’s Insurance and Benefits Committee has prepared a Second Amendment to the Plan that extends the applicable COVID-19 related benefits provided by the Plan in compliance with federal law up to one additional year during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with such Second Amendment to the Plan attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated by reference (the “Second Amendment”); and

WHEREAS, the City’s Insurance and Benefits Committee, by a proper vote, has approved the Second Amendment; and

WHEREAS, the City’s Insurance and Benefits Committee recommends that the City approved the Second Amendment with an effective date of March 1, 2021, as provided herein;

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

Section 1. The City hereby approves and adopts the COVID-19 Second Amendment to the Plan, as provided in Exhibit A, which shall be effective and replace the First Amendment effective March 1, 2021. 

Section 2. The Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to execute the Second Amendment to the Plan as provided in Exhibit A.

Section 3. The City’s Human Resources Director is directed to make available a copy of the Second Amendment to all City employees and officials covered by the Plan, including any retirees, employees on disability, families of deceased employees, or former employees who are covered by the Plan.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2021-109 be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Hill explained that the resolution is to approve the renewal of an amendment to the City’s group health insurance plan that relates to legislation for COVID-19. This extends the changes to the plan that were put into place last year.

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

Nays: None.

Abstain: Commissioner Decker.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2021-109 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2021-102 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021-102, hereto attached, a Resolution authorizing the purchase of five Laptops for Detectives in the Police Department from SHI International Corp in the amount of $17,421.90, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2021-102 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 resolution is for the purchase of laptops for the Detectives in the Police Department.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2021-105 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021-105, hereto attached, a Resolution authorizing and directing the payment of an invoice in the amount of $20,000 to the Fon du Lac Park District for Security Detail at the Winter Wonderland Lighted Display in November and December 2020, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2021-105 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 Fon du Lac Park District provides security at the Festival of Lights Winter Wonderland drive through display, and this resolution approves the payment of those services.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2021-107 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021-107, hereto attached, a Resolution approving the Festival of Lights Building LED Parking Lot Light Upgrade Project by Graybar Electric Supply, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2021-107 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 project that incudes electrical service being consolidated from three electrical services one service. This also includes the replacement of wall packs as well as the upgrade to LED lights in the parking lot. The project will be paid for with electrical aggregation funds. Mayor Kahl express gratitude to Robert Cole in being proactive in making sure the City is efficient. There is an Ameren incentive, and the total estimated green savings is upwards of one million dollars.

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. 4555 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE APPROVING TRANSFER OF REAL ESTATE ON RIVERSIDE DRIVE TO THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA (Parcel Identification Number 01-01-29-406-014)) be read at length by the Clerk, and that said Ordinance No. 4555 be accepted on its first reading, and be hereby adopted as presented.

The City Clerk read the ordinance at length.

Commissioner Hill explained that the City has property that is located next to property owned by Morton Community Bank (“MCB”). The property acquisition will allow for future development by this property located by the intersection of West Camp Street and Riverside Drive. MCB will pay for the 2020 property taxes.

Mayor Kahl thanked MCB and explained that the property acquisition makes the City’s property more attractive.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4555 to be duly adopted as presented.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4556 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PROMOTION AND TRANSFER PROVISIONS OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA PERSONNEL POLICY MANUAL) be read at length by the Clerk, and that said Ordinance No. 4556 be accepted on its first reading, and be hereby adopted as presented.

The City Clerk read the ordinance at length.

Commissioner Hill explained that the change is needed to clarify the current policy manual because there a person who is in a part-time position and the position will move to a fulltime position. This change allows the City to retain the same person in the position without having to post the position.

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

Nays: None.

Abstain: Commissioner Decker.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4556 to be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2021-096 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021-096 hereto attached, a Resolution approving Change Order #6 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project, be hereby approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2021-096 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 Sutherland commented on the total cost of the change order. He explained the reasons for the change order that deal with creating an entryway into a building so that equipment could be repair among other items.

Mayor Kahl explained that there are four different items/reasons for this change order. Sometimes these items are combined to ensure efficiency in the process. The City is at 1.72% for change orders which is under the budgeted amount for change orders. These items in the change order were necessary items.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2021-096 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2021-104 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021- 104, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City and the County of Tazewell for Planimetric Data Acquisition Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2021-104 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 agreement has to do with obtaining information Planimetric data to ensure the City knows the location of manholes, flow rating of the pipes, and other items. It saves money by communities sharing in the costs and data acquisition.

Mayor Kahl explained that the Regional Tri-County Planning Commission does a lot for the region and spearheaded this acquisition.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2021-106 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Hill; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021-106, hereto attached, a Resolution authorizing and approving the purchase of 30 new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Air Cylinders from Municipal Emergency Services at a total cost of $29,250, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2021-106 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 agenda is for the purchase of cylinders for Firefighters to use in their duties, and these new cylinders replace expired cylinders.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl. Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2021-110 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2021- 110, hereto attached, a Resolution approving the Purchase of Four Ford Explorers 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. 2021-110 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 approves the purchase of four used Ford Explorers to replace older vehicles on the Police Department. These newer vehicles replace an aging fleet.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, 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. 4552 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 3, CHAPTER 3 OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE TO CHANGE THE NUMBER OF CLASS D LIQUOR LICENSES AUTHORIZED TO BE ISSUED WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY) 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 ordinance increases the number of restaurant liquor licenses by one.

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. There was no response.

Mayor Kahl then asked for comments from Council.

Commissioner Decker commented on the snowfall event that happened the past couple of days. He thanked Public Works for working together as a team to clear the roads. The Water Department crews helped with plowing and would have to be pulled off of plows to help with water main breaks. He asked individuals to take vehicles off of the street during a snow event so that the plow can clear the streets.

Commissioner Hill thanked Public Works for clearing roads of snow. The Farmer’s Market is planned for the upcoming season, and the City is seeking a volunteer coordinator for the Farmer’s Market. If someone is interested, please reach out to Commissioner Hill or the City.

Commissioner Sutherland explained that the Sewer Treatment Plant Upgrade Project is a $66 million project. He asked residents and users of the sewer treatment plan to not pump their sump pumps into the City Sewer, as this would reduce the costs of the upgrade project. Commissioner Sutherland explained that a video to explain the City water/sewer bill will be coming. He explained that a leaky toilet can leak up to 200 gallons per day which is almost a tanker full per month. He asked people to ensure that they do not have a leak if they have a larger water bill than normal. A family of four normally uses 10,000 gallons per month and watering lawns or plants can increase water bills.

Commissioner Mingus thanked Public Works for their work on plowing and clearing the streets. He explained that a new firefighter was sworn in earlier this morning.

Mayor Kahl commented on call loads being higher than normal and plowing crews should catch up to secondary streets this evening.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, February 23, 2021 at 4:00 P.M.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 7:36 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02162021-847