Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met Jan. 18.

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 4:35 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 January 4, 2022 be approved as printed.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Mayor Kahl asked Officer Bieber to come up and say a few words regarding the Police and Fire Meritorious Service Awards. Office Bieber came up to the podium and explained that this is about that people that saved his life so that he could be here tonight. He commented on the professionalism of the Police and Fire personnel and explained that he put on the Purple Heart and Medal of Valor; however, he would not have those without the fire and police personnel on February 2, 2021. Office Bieber commented on the actions of his fellow Police Officers and Firefighters on February 2,2 021. Officer Piro was his backup officer that took control of the scene, and he could not ask for a better person. Officer Binegar from Creve Coeur assisted, and Officer Bolton helped him to apply pressure and keep him calm. He commented on the Fire Department personnel that helped save his life. Firefighter Drissi saved him in the trauma room. He owes his life for the job that they did, and he would not be here without them. Mayor Kahl thanked the Fire and Police personnel on the job that they have done. He commented on the two situations that have happened in the last year. Mayor Kahl wanted them to know how much he appreciates them. Officer Bieber expressed thanks to Dispatcher Danielle Hinken on the great job she did.

Chief of Police Rich Brodrick and Fire Chief John Knapp presented the Police and Fire Meritorious Service Awards to persons for their actions on February 2, 2021 in helping to save the life of Officer Jeff Bieber. They presented awards to the Police and Fire Officers and a Telecommunications Dispatcher. Honored were East Peoria Police Department Sergeant Matthew Bolton and Officer Justin Piro, East Peoria Fire Department Lieutenant Chris Dunne, Lieutenant Mike Kruse and Firefighters Dan Johnson, Sam Sauder, Hassen Drissi and Mikel Ernst, Creve Coeur Police Officer Travis Binegar, and TC3 Telecommunicator Dannielle Hinken.

Mayor Kahl commended the Police and Fire Departments and conveyed that the entire community supports the Departments.

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

Item Number 1 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2122-094 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 17 in the amount of $3,091,050.67.

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2122-090 on its Second Reading – 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.

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. 4611, hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE REGARDING THE SALARY OF THE CITY’S MAYOR SERVING FULL TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE 2023 MUNICIPAL ELECTION) 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 Hill commented on the ordinance. He explained that there was an original ordinance that was that set up the pay amount that did not take into account taking on executive duties in addition to the Mayoral duties. This change will not go into effect until after the next election. The change creates another option of Mayor as executive, in addition to the Mayor fulltime without executive duties, and the Mayor as part-time. The City Council will determine whether the Mayor will act in a fulltime or part-time capacity. The other ordinance established the pay of a fulltime and part-time Mayor and this creates a third category for fulltime Mayor as City Administrator as well.

Mayor Kahl explained that as he currently sits as Mayor he will abstain out of an abundance of caution.

Commissioner Decker commented on the enormous amount of time that Mayor Kahl has committed to the job as Mayor and fulfilling executive duties as there has not be a City Administrator. There are safeguards in place as the City Council can hire a City Administrator should they wish to do so.

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

Nays: None

Abstain: Mayor Kahl.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4611 be adopted as presented.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Items numbered 1 through 2 listed on the Consent Agenda be hereby approved and adopted, the item numbered 2 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.

Item Number 1 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2122-094 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 17 in the amount of $3,091,050.67. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2122-090 on its Second Reading – 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. (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 Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance Number 4600 (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR AN EVENT CENTER ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 125 CHESTNUT DRIVE IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS) be removed and taken from the table for consideration.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4600 removed and taken from the table for consideration.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4600 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR AN EVENT CENTER ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 125 CHESTNUT 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 when this ordinance came to Council back in October there were concerns over parking and access through the neighborhood via Chestnut Drive. He commended the Overcashes for working with the City professionally to come up with solutions. This addresses the access issue with access coming off of Cimmeron Drive. The Overcashes have purchased a portion of land that connects with Cimmeron Drive to accomplish that access, and the access on Chestnut Drive will be removed. A portion of property may be vacated in the future allowing for more parking.

Commissioner Decker commented on the applicants addressing concerns with the residents that live on that road. Commissioner Mingus inquired as to how cars be kept from accessing the property from Chestnut Drive. The Overcashes explained that there may be a barricade, a dead end with a turnaround, and/or fence.

Mayor Kahl thanked the Overcashes for their work and expressed excitement for the Overcashes new venture.

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. 4627 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 112 WOOD COURT 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 ordinance is for a petition for a short-term rental. The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 6-0 to recommend approval by the City Council.

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. 4628 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 113 WOOD COURT 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 ordinance is a petition for a short-term rental, and the property is near ICC.

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. 4629 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 204 GLORIA PARKWAY 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 ordinance is regarding a petition for a Special Use to allow a detached garage on this property which puts the total square footage of accessory structures on the property greater than 1,250 square feet, and it’s proposed to be in front of the front plane of the home. Given the size and remoteness of the property from the rest of the neighborhood, staff doesn’t have any concerns with the size or the placement. From the petitioner’s original proposal, the garage was placed closer to the home which the Zoning Board of Appeals supported the change. At their meeting, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted 6-0 to recommend this Special Use.

Commissioner Mingus explained that he will be abstaining from voting due to his relationship with the petitioner.

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

Nays: None.

Abstain: Commissioner Mingus.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4630 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 132 BARRINGTON LANE 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 proposal here is for a Special Use to allow an expansion of an existing detached garage on this property which puts the total square footage of the accessory structure greater than 1,250 square feet. Given the size of the property as well as the location of the existing accessory structure, staff doesn’t have any concerns with this proposal. At their meeting, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted 6-0 to recommend this Special Use.

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. 4631 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF THE CITY’S CONDOMINIUM IN THE EASTPORT MARINA BUILDING AT 701 MARINERS WAY IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA) 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 last addressing this potential sale in July where the City Council voted to investigate selling the property. This for the sale of the City’s portion of Marina building, Unit 1. This for the purchase sale and contract for $140,000. The City will lease the unit for a period for the amount of $140,000 so that we can use Unit 1.

Commissioner Decker commented on getting this in the hands of a private business.

Mayor Kahl explained that three years ago Cullinan and the City owned the condominium. Cullinan sold the property another business. This is a leaseback and allows for renovations and improvements to move forward. He thanked the owner for bringing this forward as this positions the other owner better and takes the burden off of the City.

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. 4626 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND EXPANDING THE PLAN FOR THE EAST PEORIA FOUR CORNERS OVERLAY DISTRICT) 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 ordinance is for an update to the existing overlay district extending the district to identify the desired development for this area and creating incentives for businesses in the area. The plan talks about the width of sidewalks to make them more pedestrian friendly as well as other items.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2122-093 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2122-093, hereto attached, a Resolution to approve abating and eliminating various 2021 tax levies for Water and Sewer Bond Issues, Tax Increment Financing Bond Issues, and Development Bond Issues, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2122-093 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 bonds that the City has are backed by tax levies. Since there are sufficient alternative revenues, this resolution is abating those bonds from the tax levies. This is an annual resolution item.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2122-092 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2122- 092, hereto attached, a Resolution approving One-Year Extension of Mower Rental Agreement with Martin Sullivan Inc. for the mowing of City-Owned Properties and Right-of-Ways, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2122-092 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 is basically an extension of old agreement. This benefits the City greatly in the work of mowing city properties and right-of-ways.

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 Officer Klyber and thanked those that supported him as he travelled to the rehab facility up North. Commissioner Decker expressed condolences to Commissioner Sutherland on the passing of his mother.

Commissioner Hill expressed well wishes to Officer Klyber as he fights and goes through rehabilitation.

Commissioner Sutherland apologized for the residuals left over on Faulkner Road from the Sewer Main repairs and explained that it is not finished. As soon as weather breaks and manpower is available, Faulkner Road will be remedied. He explained that this has been the first launch at repairing main, and hopefully, several thousand feet will be repaired every year. He does not know if this is the best form of government for the City. He sees that it gives too much power to City Commissioners, and he sees when you remove that power, it stops things that need to be dealt with quickly. He is not used to the government processes that can slow things. He wants to bring up term limits and look at the pros and cons about why people are involved in City government for decades. His water video is soon to be done. He has seen the video that is being done professionally. Commissioner Sutherland is excited to get the video out there to explain how to decipher bills, save money, and ask for help.

Commissioner Mingus congratulated the police and fire department who received the awards tonight. He expressed appreciation for police and fire personnel for their hard work. They take risk going out every day not knowing how things will turn out. He is proud to be the Commissioner over the Fire Department.

Mayor Kahl expressed not only the elected officials, but the community is behind the first responders. He expressed thanks to Jeff and Kim Ackerman and their outstanding staff for their work on the fundraiser for the Klyber family at Potbelly’s. He asked for prayers for Officer Klyber as he will need it as he goes through rehabilitation. Officer Klyber has a wonderful family, and he expressed support and prayers for them as well. Mayor Kahl explained that he feels that, at the state and federal level, he feels that there needs to be term limits. He has a different take on local government. Locally, you are not insulated from the public and the public could agree that you are to be held accountable and you should not serve another term. He commented on the money that flows through the state and federal government that plays a key role. He does not see money affecting those at a local level and hope that stays the same. It is up to the citizens of East Peoria, and local elected officials are held accountable at a local level.

Mayor Kahl explained that he lost a friend, Todd Smith, that he grew up with. Mr. Smith joined the Marines serving for 20 years. He retired and was brought back in a civilian capacity. He had a viral infection in his brain several years ago and survived; however, unfortunately he was notified that his friend passed on January 7, 2022. He will be attending the funeral. He explained that this friend flew in from North Carolina just to witness his swearing in as Mayor. He expressed condolences and God speed to his friend, Todd Smith.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, February 1, 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 6:56 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01182022-946