Peoria Standard

City of Peoria Land Bank Board met July 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting was held virtually, via GoToMeeting at 3:30p.m. City Manager Patrick Urich called the meeting to order at approximately 3:30.

ROLL CALL

Roll call showed the following board members were present Randall Anderson-Maxwell, Nicole Bjerke, Joe Dulin, Councilmember Denise Jackson, Chrissie Kapustka, Marilyn Mosley, City Manager Patrick Urich, and Kimberly Washburn.

Absent were Councilmember Beth Jensen and Councilmember Zach Oyler.

Staff Present: Matt Smith and Lane Andrews

Quorum being established, the meeting proceeded as follows.

MINUTES

The minutes for the May 9, 2022, meeting were reviewed.

MOTION

Director Joe Dulin moved that the minutes be approved. The motion was seconded by Marilyn Mosley. Approved unanimously by viva voce vote.

REGULAR BUSINESS

A. Land Transaction Report for May and June 2022.

Matthew Smith, Land Manager, presented the Commissioners the Land Transaction Report for May and June 2022.

Councilmember Jackson asked how many properties in the 61605 the city was looking to demolish utilizing the Stronger Communities (SCP) funding.

Mr. Smith explained that the first round of the SCP funding, $150,000, was completed, but $45,000 transferred from another program would allow for an additional 4 properties to be demolished.

Councilmember Jackson inquired how much of the ARPA grant money has been used for demolitions. Mr. Smith indicated that he would discuss the breakdown of demolitions by funding source later in the meeting.

There being no further questions, comments, or need for action, the meeting continued to the next item on the Agenda.

B. City-owned Demolition Property Salvage Work Contract Discussion

Mr. Smith suggested exploring additional salvage companies to contract to remove architectural items from properties slated for demolition. The last RFP for salvage contractors was put out in 2017 and other companies might be interested in contracting with the City.

Director Dulin asked Mr. Smith to update the contracts and send proposals to other companies who might be interested.

There being no further questions, comments, or need for action, the meeting continued to the next item on the Agenda.

C. Land Bank Property Holdings for Development Discussion

Mr. Smith explained that the city is looking to acquire larger holdings in areas in need of intervention. He showed maps of these areas illustrating the city’s current holdings in each area with the opportunity for redevelopment.

Councilmember Jackson shared concerns about citizens on fixed incomes who might struggle to afford increased taxes and be priced out of their neighborhoods, as well as being able to take advantage of city programs to improve their own properties as projects improve areas around them.

Treasurer Nicole Bjerke asked about the maximum time for holding properties.

City Manager Urich stated the importance of finding the right developer to work with, reminding the board of the $8 Million spent on the Behrends St project. He expressed the need to keep in mind total prospective cost when holding properties.

Kimberly Washburn asked what percentage of residential properties are owner-occupied and inquired about what potential there is for grants for rental property improvements in the future.

Director Dulin noted that the East Bluff project is open to landlords but underutilized and that the Health Department’s lead rehab program is available to landlords. Director Dulin indicated he will compile a report of the rates of owner-occupied and rental properties by district.

Kimberly Washburn expressed concerns about improvements beyond the health and safety improvements offered by the Health Department and that landlords might not be aware of the opportunities. She inquired about incentives for landlords to put money back into their properties,

Director Dulin stressed the importance of trying to keep individuals from purchasing properties that need demolished.

There being no further questions, comments, or need for action, the meeting continued to the next item on the Agenda.

D. Land Bank Mid-Year Activity Report

Mr. Smith shared success stories of two properties: one rehabilitated and the other in process. He shared the status of land activity related to acquisitions, transfers, and demolitions in the first half of the year as well as the funding sources and council districts of the demolitions.

Councilmember Jackson inquired about two specific property demolitions, both partially burned.

Director Dulin shared that the city is working along with the police department to identify and address potentially vacant properties and those that are targets for crime or other reoccurring issues.

There being no further questions, comments, or need for action, the meeting continued to the next item on the Agenda.

OTHER BUSINESS

Randall Anderson-Maxwell asked about properties in the area south of McClure that are taking advantage of ARPA funds and suggested working with the Realtors’ Association.

Matt Smith shared that there are several properties approved for the down payment assistance and others that have already closed. He also shared that there has been excitement expressed by the public about the program.

CITIZENS’ OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE BOARD

There were no comments from the public to the Board.

ADJOURNMENT

Patrick Urich entertained the motion to adjourn. Nicole Bjerke moved to adjourn; seconded by Randall Anderson-Maxwell at approximately 4:29p.m.

http://www.peoriagov.org/content/uploads/2020/03/07-11-2022-Land-Bank-Board-Meeting-Minutes_1660840956_add.pdf