Peoria Standard

Peoria County Board met Nov. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER

MOMENT OF SILENCE

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL BY THE COUNTY CLERK

Attendance was taken with the Roll Call-Pro voting system, and the following members of the Board were present: Members Blair, Bryant, Daley, Dillon, Duncan, Elsasser, Fennell, Groves Allison, Pastucha, Reliford, Reneau, Rieker (Via teleconference), Rosenbohm, Salzer, Watkins, Williams, and Windish, with Member Rand absent.

I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

∙ Approval of October 14, 2021 County Board Minutes

Member Groves Allison moved for approval of the minutes and Member Windish seconded. The minutes were approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 17 ayes.

II. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

∙ A proclamation recognizing November 27, 2021 as Small Business Saturday

III. CITIZENS' REMARKS

Joan Kisser addressed the Board with regard to Item 1. Ms. Kisser explained that there is a layer of comfort and safety in knowing your neighbors. She expressed concern about strangers rotating in and out of the property on a regular basis. She contended that short-term renters have no vested interest in the neighborhood. She remarked the noise coming from the rental home can be heard inside her own home.

Roberta Frohm addressed the Board with regard to Item 1. Ms. Frohm mentioned the loud music and parties that occur at the rental home. She expressed concern over her son hearing the vulgar music, which can be heard even with her doors and windows closed.

Richard Laukitis addressed the Board with regard to Item 1. Mr. Laukitis brought up the petition that forty-two neighbors signed opposing the proposed use. He suggested this use is not in the best interest of the neighborhood and summarized reasons why.

John McCarthy, Attorney for All American Air B & B, LLC, addressed the Board with regard to Item 1. Mr. McCarthy asked the Board to follow the recommendation of the Land Use Committee and approve the special use permit with the restrictions.

IV. CONSENT AGENDA (including reports to be filed)

C1. The Treasurer report consisting of the Bank and CD's Portfolio for the month of September 2021 and Revenue & Expenditure Reports for the month of August 2021.

C2. The Auditor's report of expenditures from Accounts Payable system is accessible at www.peoriacounty.org/auditor/transparency.

C3. A resolution (item 1, 3 – 57 conveyances; item 2 reconveyance) from the Ways and Means Committee recommending that the County Board Chairman be authorized and directed to execute deeds of said property to the highest bidder, and be authorized to cancel the appropriate Certificates of Purchase. This resolution shall be effective ninety days from November 11, 2021 and any transaction between the parties involved not occurring within this period shall be null and void.

C4. A resolution from your Finance, Audit, and Legislative Affairs Committee recommending approval of a two-year contract extension with Sikich, LLP, Naperville, IL, for the provision of professional independent external auditing services.

C5. A resolution from your Finance, Audit, and Legislative Affairs Committee recommending approval to write off $81,747.38 of Heddington Oaks Accounts Receivable for submission for Medicare reimbursement.

C6. A resolution from your Public Safety and Justice Committee recommending approval of the most responsive bid of Advanced Correction Healthcare (ACH), Franklin, TN, for the provision of Peoria County juvenile and adult detainee mental and medical healthcare services, for an initial 3-year term.

C7. A resolution from your County Operations Committee recommending approval of a contract with HM Life at a premium of $736,500.00 for the provision of Stop Loss Excess Insurance coverage for the period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022.

C8. A resolution from your Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of the FY 2022 Peoria-Pekin Urbanized Area Transportation Study (PPUATS) Annual Agreement and Motor Fuel Tax Appropriation.

C9. A resolution from your Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of the lowest responsible bid of Stark Excavating, Bloomington, IL, in the amount of $1,517,557.55, for the rehabilitation of a bridge (Structure Number 072-3114) on Swords Avenue.

C10. A resolution from your Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of the most responsive bid of Thompson Electronics, Peoria, IL, in the amount of $159,381.00, for the provision of technology upgrades to the Peoria County Boardroom and Conference Room 402.

Member Rieker left the meeting.

Member Daley moved to approve the Consent Agenda and Member Bryant seconded. The Consent Agenda was approved by a roll call vote of 15 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

V. ZONING ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTIONS

1. Case #ZBA-2021-000033, Petition of All American Air B & B, LLC. A Special Use request from Section 20-5.5.2.2.c of the Unified Development Ordinance to provide Overnight Accommodations in the “R-2” Medium Density Residential Zoning District. The petitioner proposes to offer an entire single-family dwelling for rent on a short-term basis through the Airbnb website. The parcel is located in Medina Township. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends denial. The Land Use Committee recommends approval with restrictions.

Member Rieker returned to the meeting.

Member Dillon moved to approve the ordinance and Member Duncan seconded. Member Dillon explained that Planning & Zoning staff reviewed the case and it fell into compliance. He said they came up with a compromise of building a fence along the eastern side of the property. He summarized the restrictions and stated that if the conditions were not met, the special use could be revoked.

Member Elsasser questioned the maximum capacity of people allowed on the property at one time. Kathi Urban, Planning and Zoning Administrator, stated the restrictions only apply to overnight guests. Member Elsasser brought up the parking issue and asked about people potentially parking along the street. Ms. Urban remarked that they cannot regulate street parking. Member Elsasser reiterated his question about Airbnb’s restrictions on maximum capacity. Mr. McCarthy discussed All American Air B & B’s policy does not allow large gatherings. Ms. Urban emphasized that the property would not show in search results for properties allowing events.

Member Pastucha inquired about how long the company had been operating the Airbnb. Mr. McCarthy informed they have been renting the property since March 2021. Member Pastucha questioned whether the presence of Airbnbs is monitored within the County. Ms. Urban declared she has never received a complaint or request for an Airbnb prior to this case. She reported they were made aware of the Airbnb because of a complaint. Member Pastucha asked how many complaints were received. Ms. Urban confirmed there was one complaint from a neighbor.

Member Reneau stated he will be abstaining from the vote because he is related to one of the parties involved. Vice-Chairman Fennell mentioned he has stayed at Airbnb’s in the past and reads reviews prior to booking. He observed that the property owners will need to maintain the property well if they want patrons to write good reviews and continue to book the property. The ordinance passed by a roll call vote of 13 ayes, 3 nays, and 1 abstention, with Members Duncan, Pastucha, and Reliford voting nay.

2. A resolution from the Chairman of Public Safety and Justice Committee and the County Administrator recommending approval of an FY 2021 appropriation for expenditures in the amount of $200,000.00 in Circuit Clerk Special Revenue Funds. (Poll Vote per Rules of Order, Article V, Section 18C)

Member Rosenbohm moved to approve the resolution and Member Blair seconded. Scott Sorrel, County Administrator, summarized legislation concerning how the Circuit Clerk’s office collects revenue in Special Revenue Funds. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

3. A resolution from your Public Safety and Justice Committee recommending approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement between Peoria County and Stark County establishing and authorizing the operation of a Joint Emergency Telephone System Board.

Member Rosenbohm moved to approve the resolution and Member Daley seconded. David Tuttle, Emergency Telephone System Board Chairman, highlighted legislation that requires 9-1-1 coverage across the entire state. He stressed the State would cover the initial cost of equipment and setup of the 9-1-1 system, and there would be no cost to Peoria County. He emphasized this will allow our neighbors in Stark County to have access to the same emergency system that we do in Peoria County.

Member Elsasser said he was pleased we can help the people of Stark County. Member Dillon asked for clarification about potential subsidization and if there was an out clause in the agreement. Mr. Tuttle asserted there is an out clause and Peoria County would be reimbursed for monies advanced to get the system operational. Member Groves Allison questioned the potential impact on Peoria County residents. Mr. Tuttle stated he is not aware of any impacts to Peoria County. He clarified this process could take one to two years before the system is operational.

Member Salzer acknowledged that Stark County is the last county in Illinois to receive 9-1-1 service. Mr. Tuttle confirmed. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

4. A recommendation from the Chairman of County Operations Committee and the County Administrator to authorize amendments to Section 5 of the Peoria County Ordinance to update language regarding PCAPS Redemption Fees and Animal Adoption Fees. (Poll Vote per Rules of Order, Article V, Section 18C)

Member Reneau moved to approve the ordinance and Member Blair seconded. Member Reneau explained the amendments allow flexibility of redemption and adoption fees. Member Pastucha commented the updated language allows for rates to be decreased if there is a large influx of animals needing to be adopted. She noted this benefits the County and the families adopting animals as well. The ordinance passed by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

5. SUSPENSION OF RULES

Member Williams moved to suspend the rules and Member Daley seconded. Ms. Cordis Boswell detailed that to consider the next item, which did not come through a committee, the Board must suspend the rules. Mr. Sorrel continued, explaining that only the Chairman may make appointments. He stated this suspension of rules allows for the list of appointments to be deliberated and voted. The motion passed by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

6. Appointments.

Member Dillon moved to approve the appointments and Member Elsasser seconded. Member Dillon highlighted the suspension is necessary to allow business to proceed, since no appointments were made last month. Member Groves Allison noted a scrivener’s error with the length of term for the Building & Property Maintenance Code Board and the PUATS Committee. The motion passed by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

7. A Proclamation extending the Declaration of Emergency due to COVID-19 in Peoria County, Illinois.

Member Reneau moved to approve the resolution and Member Salzer seconded. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 13 ayes and 4 nays, with Members Elsasser, Reliford, Rosenbohm, and Windish voting nay.

VI. MISCELLANEOUS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Member Blair wished everyone a Happy Veteran’s Day and recognized her father, who is a former Green Beret and Vietnam veteran.

Member Salzer discussed the Veteran’s Day parade and stated he was lucky to attend. He recognized the war memorials in the plaza and emphasized the Courthouse is the cornerstone of the County. He expressed we should be proud of what we have done for the Veterans.

Member Dillon reviewed information discussed at the committee meeting regarding redistricting. He noted four public comments have been made and were addressed at the meeting. He informed the Board there will be a special meeting on November 30th to vote on the redistricting maps. He congratulated Gretchen Pearsall and Chris Watkins on receiving the 40 Leaders Under Forty award.

Vice-Chairman Fennell recognized two former Board Members, Steve Morris and Allen Mayer, for their assistance with the redistricting maps. Member Dillon also recognized GIS Manager Josh Thompson for his hard work. He explained that a tutorial of GIS and redistricting will be put on the website for the public to view, as well as the newest version of the redistricting maps.

Member Elsasser wished everyone a safe Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. He conveyed the importance of our war memorials and is proud to have purchased a brick in memory of his father and father-in-law.

Member Groves Allison thanked our Veterans and their families. She acknowledged the Health Department staff and thanked them for creating a positive environment for children receiving vaccinations.

Member Blair announced November 7-13 is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week and thanked the PCAPS staff for their work.

County Clerk Rachael Parker mentioned updated Peoria County service directories were passed out to all Board members and they could request additional copies in her office.

Vice-Chairman Fennell brought up a petition for a forty-eight barge mooring station on the Chillicothe riverfront. He stated he opposed the petition and contended it would make that area of the riverfront unsightly. Member Elsasser presented he also had constituents oppose the petition.

VII. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business before the Board, the Vice-Chairman announced the meeting was adjourned.

https://www.peoriacounty.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11112021-1081