Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met Jan. 4.

Here are 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 Thursday, December 30, 2021, at approximately 12:39 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 Regular Meeting held on December 21, 2021 be approved as printed.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Mayor Kahl explained that several members of the Theresa Tracy Strive to Survive are in attendance to make a special presentation. He explained that Theresa (Naramore) Tracy was raised in East Peoria, and he was lifelong friends with Theresa. After 6 months of fighting pancreatic cancer, God called her home. The Theresa Tracy Strive to Survive seeks to keep her name alive and well. Family and friends created the nonprofit all volunteer group where 100% of the proceeds go to two organizations.

Mayor Kahl introduced Mr. Orin Naramore from the Theresa Tracy Trot and brother of Theresa Tracy. Mr. Naramore explained that this is the ninth year of the walk/run event, and the fundraising has raised just under $500,000 over the eight years that goes to the University of Illinois College of Medicine Foundation and the Illinois Cancer Care Foundation. A lot of the funding goes toward research for pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult to treat and diagnosis because it is generally not diagnosed until it is in the later stages. The group has grown and now recognizes survivors. This year over 700 people participated in the walk/run event. The donations keep with the values and mission that are given to research, testing and treatment of pancreatic cancer in Central IL. November 6, 2021 was the 9th annual event and set a record for funding raised. Mr. Naramore thanked the City for allowing them to have the event. Kathy presented a check in the amount of $61,844.55 to the University of Illinois School of Medicine Foundation with several representatives in attendance including Dr. Christopher Gondi. Another check was presented to Illinois Cancer Care Foundation in the amount of $61.844.55. Mayor Kahl thanked the Theresa Tracy Strive to Survive for their good work.

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 Mingus; 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 2122-091 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 16 in the amount of $1,119,753.96.

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4621 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 212 LILAC LANE IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS.)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4622 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 290 S. MAIN STREET IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS.)

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4623 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE VACATION OF A PORTION OF THE TAYLOR STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY AND RETENTION OF CITY UTILITY EASEMENT.)

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4624 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ZONING REGULATIONS IN TITLE 5 OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE FOR SPECIAL USES ALLOWED IN B-1 BUSINESS DISTRICTS TO INCLUDE EVENTS CENTERS.)

Item Number 6 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4625 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 125 CHESTNUT DRIVE IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS.)

Item Number 7 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2122-088 on its Second Reading – (A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH IDOT FOR PEDESTRIAN SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE FOR CEDAR STREET EXTENSION REPLACEMENT PROJECT.)

Item Number 8 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2122-086 on its Second Reading – (A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE WOODLAWN LIFT STATION CONTROLS UPGRADE PROJECT BY CONCENTRIC INTEGRATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,520.)

Item Number 9 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2122-087 on its Second Reading – (A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF PRACTICE AMMUNITION FROM RAY O’HERRON COMPANY, INC. FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.)

Item Number 10 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2122-089 on its Second Reading – (A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF FOUR PATROL VEHICLES WITH UPFITTING COSTS INCLUDED FOR A PRICE NOT TO EXCEED $120,000 FOR THE POLICE 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 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 2122-091 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 16 in the amount of $1,119,753.96. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4621 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 212 LILAC LANE IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4622 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 290 S. MAIN STREET IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4623 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE VACATION OF A PORTION OF THE TAYLOR STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY AND RETENTION OF CITY UTILITY EASEMENT.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4624 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ZONING REGULATIONS IN TITLE 5 OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE FOR SPECIAL USES ALLOWED IN B-1 BUSINESS DISTRICTS TO INCLUDE EVENTS CENTERS.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 6 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4625 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 125 CHESTNUT DRIVE IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 7 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2122-088 on its Second Reading – (A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH IDOT FOR PEDESTRIAN SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE FOR CEDAR STREET EXTENSION REPLACEMENT PROJECT.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 8 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2122-086 on its Second Reading – (A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE WOODLAWN LIFT STATION CONTROLS UPGRADE PROJECT BY CONCENTRIC INTEGRATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,520.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 9 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2122-087 on its Second Reading – (A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF PRACTICE AMMUNITION FROM RAY O’HERRON COMPANY, INC. FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 10 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2122-089 on its Second Reading – (A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF FOUR PATROL VEHICLES WITH UPFITTING COSTS INCLUDED FOR A PRICE NOT TO EXCEED $120,000 FOR THE POLICE 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 Sutherland; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4611 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE REGARDING THE SALARY OF THE CITY’S MAYOR SERVING FULL TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE 2023 MUNICIPAL ELECTION) 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 original ordinance number 2777 that established the Mayor and Commissioner salary. The Mayor has been operating as city administrator role as well as doing the Mayoral role. In looking at the salary, a Mayor that was serving as a Mayor and City Administrator the wage was not reflective as someone in that role. This ordinance seeks to make that amount $98,915 after the 2023 election if there is a Mayor serving in the capacity as the Mayor and City Administrator role. The next Mayor may get paid this amount if they do the City Administrator duties. Not hiring a City Administrator has saved the salary of the City Administrator that was $120,000 without benefits for the last City Administrator. If the City Council decides that a City Administrator is needed, then the Mayor will roll back and receive the lower salary.

Commissioner Mingus explained that this gives clarity between a Mayor doing City Administrator duties in addition to Mayoral duties on a fulltime basis. City Attorney Scott Brunton explained that this change creates three different options for Mayor and rates of pay depending on those duties that being fulfilled. Those three different options are Mayor as part-time, Mayor as Fulltime without City Administrator duties, and fulltime Mayor with City Administrator executive officer duties. It depends on the duties that the Mayor takes on. Fulltime Mayor can still serve and hire a City Administrator then the salary would decrease as he is not acting as Chief Executive Officer. Commissioner Mingus feels that this would be a good change.

Commissioner Decker commented on the Commission Form of Government. He feels that he likes the Commission Form of Government. The current Mayor is putting in the time and effort that is put into as the Mayor and City Administrator is done at over 40 hours a week. He explained that he has talked with Attorney Dennis Triggs. He explained that it is important to make the Mayor a position that people with that talent would be willing to do. He likes that there are three options for Mayor and sees that this has worked well for the last couple of years. This takes effect after the next election. He feels that it is necessary, and he will support it.

Commissioner Sutherland explained that he is in total support. He likes that this gives the option of three different levels of Mayor and gives different options.

Mayor Kahl explained that will abstain from voting due to his position. He explained that he has not been a part of the process on the ordinance. The amount paid to elected officials must be established at least 180 days before the next election and the pay cannot be increased the term of office. The increases for salary are based on the Consumer Price Index.

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

Nays: None.

Abstain: Mayor Kahl.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2122-090 by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2122- 090, hereto attached, a Resolution Authorizing and Directing the Payment of an Invoice from Mack Sales and Service of Decatur – Morton for the Emergency Repair of a Solid Waste Department Garbage Truck in the amount of $11,964.81, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2122-090 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 repair of the garbage truck. The garbage trucks are used every day, and this was not a normal repair as it difficult to complete. The repair dealt with the drive train of the rear axles.

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.

Deputy Chief of Police David Horn came up to the podium. He explained that the Police Department is taking application to hire new and experienced Police Officers and that the department needs more men and women like Officer Klyber. He commented on Officer Klyber and the incident that has injured Officer Klyber. DC Horn explained that Officer Klyber is a fighter, and he hopes that he will be back in uniform.

Mayor Kahl asked for any additional comments from the audience. There was no response. Mayor Kahl then asked for comments from Council.

Commissioner Decker commented on the incident involving Officer Klyber. He explained that Officer Klyber was trying to protect someone who was in an accident on the road when he was hit by another car. It is important not to drink and drive. He expressed his support to Officer Klyber and hopes to see Officer Klyber soon.

Commissioner Hill commended road crews on their job clearing roadways on the first snow of the season. They hit the hills while it is snowing and then move on to the secondary and residential roads. He expressed support and prayers for Officer Karson Klyber who was injured.

Commissioner Mingus expressed thoughts and prayers to Officer Klyber and family and wished him the best to get back.

Commissioner Sutherland commented on a rash of wet wipes being flushed down toilets in the City. He explained that they clog up wastewater mains. He explained not to flush even those wipes that say they are flushable.

Mayor Kahl commented on flushable wipes that do damage on the back end of pipes after they are flushed. Mayor Kahl expressed support and prayers to Officer Klyber and family. The amount of respect Officer Klyber has from his fellow officers in his short amount of time on the force says a lot about him. He walked in every day with a smile on his face, and he has a bright future. Mayor explained to Officer Klyber that he can do it with support and prayers. He wished Officer Klyber well, and explained that he will continue to prayer for him and do everything to support his family.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, January 18, 2022 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 6:38 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01042022-939