Peoria Standard

Peoria County Board met Jan. 13.

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 (Via teleconference), Dillon, Duncan, Elsasser, Fennell, Groves Allison, Pastucha, Rand, Reliford, Reneau, Rieker, Rosenbohm, Salzer, Watkins, Williams, and Windish.

I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

• Approval of December 9, 2021 County Board Minutes

Member Elsasser moved for approval of the minutes and Member Reliford seconded. The minutes were approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 18 ayes.

II. CITIZENS' REMARKS

There were no citizens’ remarks.

III. CONSENT AGENDA (including reports to be filed)

C1. The Treasurer report consisting of the Bank and CD's Portfolio for the month of November 2021 and Revenue & Expenditure Reports for the month of October 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 - conveyance) 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 January 13, 2022 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 (2) year contract extension with Koch Consultants, Ltd. for the provision of professional technical accounting services.

C5. A resolution from your Finance, Audit, and Legislative Affairs Committee recommending approval of a FY2022 budget amendment to the General Fund reserves in the amount of $24,400.00 to appropriate funds for (1) position in the Coroner’s Office and (1) position in the Juvenile Detention Center.

C6. A resolution from your Public Safety and Justice Committee recommending approval of an FY2021 appropriation of additional grant funds awarded to the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office as reimbursement for the purchase of equipment and supplies.

C7. A resolution from your Public Safety and Justice Committee recommending approval of FFY2021-2023 Domestic Violence Grant with the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA).

C8. A resolution from your Public Safety and Justice Committee recommending approval of an FY2022 appropriation to the Juvenile Detention Center budget in the amount of $78,559.00 for the Mental and Medical Services contract with Advanced Correctional Healthcare (ACH).

C9. A resolution from your County Operations Committee recommending acceptance and appropriation of grant funds in the amount of $28,402.00 from Best Friends Animal Society into PCAPS Fund for canine enrichment and housing improvement programs.

C10. A resolution from your County Operations Committee recommending acceptance and appropriation of grant funds in the amount of $5,000.00 from Bissell Pet Foundation into PCAPS Fund for feline spay/neuter program.

C11. A resolution from your County Operations Committee recommending approval of a one (1) year contract extension with the Peoria County Veterinary Medical Association for veterinary services and to serve as the Deputy Administrator for PCAPS.

C12. A resolution from your County Operations Committee recommending approval to appropriate $15,000.00 to the FY2022 PCAPS Fund for expenses related to veterinary care.

C13. A resolution from your County Health Committee recommending approval of the Peoria City/County Landfill budget for the time period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022.

C14. A resolution from your Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of a Preliminary Engineering Agreement with Hermann & Associates, LLC, Peoria Heights, IL for Phase II Engineering for resurfacing of Cedar Hills Drive, at a cost not to exceed $58,581.00.

C15. A resolution from your Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of a Construction Engineering Services Agreement with Millenia Professional Services, Morton, IL for structure replacement on Dogtown Road, at a cost not to exceed $238,369.00.

C16. Chairman Appointments.

Member Reneau moved to approve the Consent Agenda and Member Dillon seconded. Member Williams asked to pull Item C16. The Consent Agenda, except for Item C16, was approved by a roll call vote of 17 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

Member Williams moved to approve Item C16 with the addition of Member Reneau to the TRIAD Peoria Board and Member Fennell seconded. The motion was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 18 ayes.

IV. ZONING ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTIONS

1. Case #ZBA-2021-000039, Petition of David J. Russell and Kim D. Bryan-Russell. A Special Use request from Section 20-5.5.2.2.c of the Unified Development Ordinance. This section allows for Overnight Accommodations, provided that they meet the requirements set forth in Section 7.8 (Overnight Accommodations) and provided that no more than 5 rooms or suites of rooms are rented, and rooms are not rented for a period of more than 14 days. The petitioner proposes to provide overnight accommodations on a short-term rental basis through the websites Airbnb and VRBO. The parcel is located in Medina Township. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval with restrictions. The Land Use Committee concurs.

Member Dillon moved to approve the ordinance and Member Groves Allison seconded. Member Elsasser remarked that he spoke with a former constituent, who now resides near the proposed Airbnb, about some concerns that he believes the Board should consider. Chairman Rand reminded Member Elsasser that facts that were not part of the previous fact-finding discussion cannot be introduced.

Member Pastucha commented on a similar case that came before the Board at the November meeting and questioned why the Zoning Board of Appeals previously recommended denial and now recommends approval. Member Dillon summarized that the previous case originally had a recommendation of approval. He stated that the staff recommendation from the beginning was that the cases met the zoning ordinances. He noted that the cases on the agenda have the same restrictions as the previous case, except the fence restriction. Member Pastucha asked whether any complaints have been received on these properties. Ms. Kathi Urban, Planning & Zoning Administrator, said there were no complaints, and the neighbors gave their consent. The ordinance passed by a unanimous roll call vote of 18 ayes.

Chairman Rand asked Jennie Cordis Boswell, Assistant State’s Attorney, to clarify why new facts are not allowed to be discussed. Ms. Cordis Boswell explained that this process is a review of evidence coming out of the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. She stated deliberation is allowed, but outside facts or information cannot be introduced. Member Dillon brought up concerns about the Board addressing the density of these short-term rental properties. He confirmed the issue had been discussed and research was done into the best practices of other counties in the state.

2. Case #ZBA-2021-000040, Petition of Briscoe Financial, LLC. A Special Use request from Section 20-5.5.2.2.c of the Unified Development Ordinance. This section allows for Overnight Accommodations, provided that they meet the requirements set forth in Section 7.8 (Overnight Accommodations) and provided that no more than 5 rooms or suites of rooms are rented, and rooms are not rented for a period of more than 14 days. The petitioner proposes to provide overnight accommodations on a short-term rental basis through the websites Airbnb and VRBO. The parcel is located in Chillicothe Township. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval with restrictions. The Land Use Committee concurs.

Member Dillon moved to approve the ordinance and Member Blair seconded. Member Pastucha asked if there had been any objections or complaints. Member Dillon stated two neighbors gave consent and one had a few concerns. Ms. Cordis Boswell reminded the Board that when voting on the item they may only take into consideration what is coming from the Zoning Board of Appeals and Land Use Committee. The ordinance passed by a unanimous roll call vote of 18 ayes.

3. Case #ZBA-2021-000041, Petition of Holloway Holdings, LLC. A Special Use request from Section 20-5.5.2.2.c of the Unified Development Ordinance. This section allows for Overnight Accommodations, provided that they meet the requirements set forth in Section 7.8 (Overnight Accommodations) and provided that no more than 5 rooms or suites of rooms are rented, and rooms are not rented for a period of more than 14 days. The petitioner proposes to provide overnight accommodations on a short-term rental basis through the websites Airbnb and VRBO. The parcel is located in Chillicothe Township. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval with restrictions. The Land Use Committee concurs.

Member Dillon moved to approve the ordinance and Member Blair seconded. Member Pastucha asked if there had been any objections or complaints. Member Dillon stated no one consented nor objected to the case. The ordinance passed by a unanimous roll call vote of 18 ayes.

4. Case #ZBA-2021-000042, Petition of Randy F. Koors. A Rezoning request from “C-1” Neighborhood Commercial to “R-2” Medium Density Residential. The petitioner proposes to rezone parcels of 0.70 acres and 0.50 acres in order to create a buildable home site and bring an existing residential use into conformance. The parcels are located in Medina Township. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval. The Land Use Committee concurs.

Member Dillon moved to approve the ordinance and Member Rosenbohm seconded. The ordinance passed by a unanimous roll call vote of 18 ayes.

Member Elsasser brought up the conversation with a former constituent. He emphasized that the constituent was not opposed to short-term rentals but wanted to bring some concerns to the Board’s attention. He commended Member Dillon, Ms. Urban, and the Planning & Zoning department for researching the density issue. He inquired about taxes or fees charged by short term rentals and commented that it is often cheaper for families to stay at a short-term rental versus a motel. Chairman Rand commented that the County does not have the authority to add a sales tax to the use of the building. Member Fennell assured Member Elsasser that the constituent sent a letter stating his concerns to himself and the Chairman.

5. Case #ZBA-2021-000043, Petition of Four Creeks, LLC. A Special Use request from Section 20- 5.1.3.3.d of the Unified Development Ordinance. This section allows for meteorological towers, provided that the conditions in Section 5.14.3-3 (Meteorological Towers) are met, in the “A-1” Agricultural Preservation Zoning District. The petitioner requests to install a temporary meteorological tower to record and measure wind data for up to three years. The parcel is located in Millbrook Township. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval. The Land Use Committee concurs.

Member Dillon moved to approve the ordinance and Member Elsasser seconded. Member Dillon summarized the components of the tower. He clarified this is just a study and not approval for a wind farm. The ordinance passed by a unanimous roll call vote of 18 ayes.

6. Case #ZBA-2021-000044, Petition of Four Creeks, LLC. A Special Use request from Section 20- 5.1.3.3.d of the Unified Development Ordinance. This section allows for meteorological towers, provided that the conditions in Section 5.14.3-3 (Meteorological Towers) are met, in the “A-1” Agricultural Preservation Zoning District. The petitioner requests to install a temporary meteorological tower to record and measure wind data for up to three years. The parcel is located in Princeville Township. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval. The Land Use Committee concurs.

Member Dillon moved to approve the ordinance and Member Elsasser seconded. The ordinance passed by a unanimous roll call vote of 18 ayes.

7. Case #ZBA-2021-000045, Petition of Four Creeks, LLC. A Special Use request from Section 20- 5.1.3.3.d of the Unified Development Ordinance. This section allows for meteorological towers, provided that the conditions in Section 5.14.3-3 (Meteorological Towers) are met, in the “A-1” Agricultural Preservation Zoning District. The petitioner requests to install a temporary meteorological tower to record and measure wind data for up to three years. The parcel is located in Brimfield Township. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval. The Land Use Committee concurs.

Member Dillon moved to approve the ordinance and Member Elsasser seconded. Member Elsasser asserted that these will be temporary structures that will be removed in a few years. The ordinance passed by a unanimous roll call vote of 18 ayes.

8. Case #ZBA-2021-000048, Petition of Peoria County. A Map Amendment to zone parcels of approximately 53.24 acres and 36.19 acres, totaling two parcels of approximately 89.43 acres, to “A-2” Agriculture. The petitioner requests a Map Amendment to correct the error resulting from the subject parcels not currently having a zoning classification. The parcel is located on an island within the Illinois River in Chillicothe Township. (Pending Zoning Board of Appeals and Land Use Committee approval)

Member Dillon moved to approve the resolution and Member Fennell seconded. Member Dillon declared these two parcels had never been zoned and this amendment would bring them to compliance. He conveyed the zoning is consistent with other islands on the river. Member Fennell commented that this will protect the natural land for everyone that uses it. Member Elsasser shared his appreciation for everyone involved in resolving this issue. Member Dillon agreed with Member Elsasser and specifically thanked Ms. Urban and her staff. The resolution passed by a unanimous roll call vote of 18 ayes.

9. A joint resolution from your Finance, Audit, and Legislative Affairs Committee and your Ways and Means Committee recommending approval of a budget amendment to the FY2022 Peoria County Election Commission budget in the amount of $1,244,838.00 for the purchase of a new voting system and upgrades to existing electronic pollbooks.

Member Fennell moved to approve the resolution and Member Groves Allison seconded. Member Rieker moved to amend the resolution and Member Fennell seconded. Member Rieker explained that an additional expense was discovered after committee meetings. He detailed the amount for the upgrade to ePollbooks would increase from $326,734.00 to $333,104.00, and the total budget would increase from $1,244,838.00 to $1,251.208.00. Member Rosenbohm questioned how often the Election Commission upgrades their equipment. Member Rieker stressed this is an important upgrade that does impact all voters in Peoria County. He asked Thomas Bride, County Election Commission Director, to give an overview of the system and why the change is needed. Mr. Bride stated the current system is 15 years old and is at the end of its life. He summarized the evaluation process and reported the decision for the new system was unanimous. He believed the new system should last at least 10 years. Member Rosenbohm inquired whether the money was already in the budget for this upgrade. Scott Sorrel, County Administrator, commented the expense was anticipated but not appropriated into the budget because a vendor and price were not available at that time. Mr. Sorrel specified the amount as amended would come from the Capital Improvement Fund.

Member Blair asked for an explanation of ePollbooks. Mr. Bride summarized the functionality of the ePollbook, stating it is a computer that allows voters to be registered on location on voting day and makes sure they receive the correct ballot. He said it also prevents voters from voting multiple times at different polling places. Member Fennell asked for clarification on how mail-in ballots will be handled. Mr. Bride explained that the ballots are scanned in batches, so a paper record and image are captured for each ballot. He stated their scanners allow for thousands of ballots to be scanned at once. Member Rieker asked Mr. Bride to comment on the security of voter information using this system. Mr. Bride asserted that only the voter registration information is sent to the cloud. He stated that ballot creation, tabulation, and scanning is never connected to the internet. Member Elsasser remarked he was surprised the County was moving to paper ballots. Mr. Bride noted Peoria County was one of two counties in the state using an entirely electronic system. Member Elsasser brought up over-voting and under-voting. Mr. Bride explained that both the Federal and State governments require the voter to be notified when over-voting or under-voting occurs. He mentioned an election judge could void the voter’s ballot and give them a replacement ballot if over-voting happened.

Member Pastucha asked Mr. Bride to summarize the voting process with this new system. Mr. Bride said the check-in process of the voter providing their name and address will not change. He described that the voter would be given a paper ballot and they would fill in the boxes on the ballot with a black or blue pen. He stated the voter would insert the ballot into a scanner and it would be dropped into a locked box if there were no discrepancies.

The motion to amend passed by a roll call vote of 17 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay. The resolution as amended passed by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 2 nays, with Members Elsasser and Windish voting nay.

10.A resolution from your Health Committee recommending approval of a Statement of Policy of the County Board that it is in the best interests of the County of Peoria to replace the current facilities housing the Peoria City/County Health Department, the Sustainability and Recycling Services Department, the County Coroner’s Office and morgue, and the Office of the Regional Superintendent of Schools with a new health and human services campus.

Member Williams moved to approve the resolution and Member Duncan seconded. Member Williams announced Mr. Sorrel would be giving a presentation about what was discussed in the committee meeting. Mr. Sorrel stated this is a policy decision to either renovate or replace the existing Health Department campus and consolidate multiple County offices into a new facility. He summarized the assessment process of the County offices and that the design team recommended that replacement is the most cost-effective option.

Member Rosenbohm questioned whether there would be cost savings in combining these County offices and if the buildings they are currently located in are County owned. Mr. Sorrel detailed that the Sustainability and Recycling Services Department is already located in the Health Department building, and the building currently housing the County Coroner’s Office and morgue is County owned. He mentioned that although the Election Commission is not specifically recommended to be consolidated in this decision, the situation will continue to be evaluated and it could be added to the new facility. He expressed the potential cost savings because the Election Commission building is leased. Member Rosenbohm asked if any County services would continue to be offered in the Gift Avenue complex after the offices located there move to the new facility. Mr. Sorrel suggested his preliminary recommendation would be to demolish the structure and have future policy discussions about how to best use that property. Member Pastucha asked if any other County offices were considered for consolidation. Mr. Sorrel highlighted the Veterans Assistance Commission was considered, but they have entered a long-term lease and have more independence than other County offices.

Member Elsasser questioned whether the current Health Department building could continue to be used in the event a decision cannot be reached or it takes longer than expected to find a suitable location to build. Chairman Rand remarked that the County has an ongoing responsibility to serve the Health Department’s needs. Member Williams expressed that the facts show the current facility has reached end of life and needs to be replaced somehow. She stressed that the Health Committee will work hard to find the best location for the new facility. Member Salzer agreed with Member Williams and added that the consolidation of County offices will allow more efficiency. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 16 ayes and 2 nays, with Members Elsasser and Windish voting nay.

11. SUSPENSION OF RULES

Member Fennell moved to suspend the rules and Member Reneau seconded. The motion passed by a roll call vote of 17 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Windish voting nay.

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

Member Blair moved to approve the resolution and Member Reneau seconded. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 14 ayes and 4 nays, with Members Elsasser, Reliford, Rosenbohm, and Windish voting nay.

V. EXECUTIVE SESSION

• Personnel Matters

Chairman Rand announced he would take Miscellaneous and Announcements before the Board went into Executive Session. For those items, see below.

Member Duncan left the meeting.

Member Rosenbohm moved to go into Executive Session to discuss compensation and evaluations and Member Groves Allison seconded. The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote of 17 ayes.

VI. MISCELLANEOUS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Member Reneau commented that he wanted to pull Item C5 from the Consent Agenda simply to communicate the solution regarding the Auditor’s Office positions. Mr. Sorrel explained that when the Board adopted the budget during the October meeting, funds became available to offer the three employees from the Auditor’s Office positions elsewhere in the organization. He stated one employee accepted a position in the Highway Department, one employee accepted a position in the Coroner’s Office, and one employee chose to seek employment elsewhere. He reported positive feedback from both employees and their departments.

Member Dillon thanked Mr. Sorrel, Calvin Kerley, James Middlemas, and their teams for their hard work dealing with the broken sprinkler that flooded part of the Courthouse.

Member Daley recognized Rebecca Spencer, PCAPS Director, for assisting a Board member from a neighboring county with questions about establishing an animal shelter.

VII. ADJOURNMENT

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