City of Peoria City Council met Oct. 26

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella

Jan 20, 2023

City of Peoria City Council met Oct. 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

A Regular Meeting of the Joint City Council and Town Board of Peoria, Illinois, was held at 6:00 P.M. at City Hall, Council Chambers (Room 400), 419 Fulton Street, with Mayor Ali presiding, and with proper notice having been posted.

ROLL CALL

Roll Call showed the following Council Members were present: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10. Absent: Cyr - 1.

INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Ali asked the Council to keep Council Member Cyr and former Township Supervisor Frank Abdnour in their thoughts and prayers as they each recently lost their wife to illness.

She requested a moment of silent prayer or reflection and then she led the pledge of allegiance.

PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS, ETC.

MINUTES

Council Member Oyler moved to approve the minutes of the Joint City Council and Town Board Meeting held on October 12, 2021, as printed; seconded by Council Member Ruckriegel.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

Public Hearings

(21-321) PUBLIC HEARING Regarding the Proposed 2022-2023 Biennial Budget, to be held at City Hall, Council Chambers (Room 400), 419 Fulton Street, Peoria, Illinois.

Council Member Kelly moved to open the Public Hearing regarding the Proposed 2022-2023 Biennial Budget; seconded by Council Member Grayeb.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

Mayor Ali opened the Public Hearing at 6:06 P.M.

Justin Ball, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member and chair of the Government Affairs Committee, discussed a list of concerns and opportunities for the City to increase revenue and promote sustainability that was compiled by the Government Affairs Committee, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, Peoria Area Association of Realtors, and BIZPAC. He suggested investing in computer infrastructure to facilitate online forms and payment options, and to evaluate PDC recycling procedures to determine opportunities for costs savings. He said he would provide additional information to Council Members.

Jeff Kolbus, representing the Peoria Area Association of Realtors, stressed the importance of home ownership and the role of realtors in promoting a stable real estate market. He said citizens opposed the Public Safety Pension Fee and that he supported its sunset at the end of the year. He stated the need for the following: share services with Peoria County and other municipalities to same money; conduct a due diligence on the Illinois American Water Company to see if it would provide for increased revenues; amend Ordinances and the Code to be more comparable with other municipalities; and combine taxes and fees related to real property on one bill.

Chris Crawford said he spoke on behalf of BIZPAC of Central Illinois, an organization that supports candidates and addresses issues for the business community. He said the City should invest in infrastructure and eliminate Township Government.

Following a third call for comments from the public, Mayor Ali determined no one else wished to speak, and she requested the Public Hearing be closed.

Council Member Ruckriegel moved to close the Public Hearing regarding the Proposed 2022- 2023 Biennial Budget; seconded by Council Member Oyler.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

Mayor Ali closed the Public Hearing at 6:19 P.M.

(21-322) PUBLIC HEARING Regarding the ANNEXATION of a Property Having the Address of 12426 NORTH CLINE ROAD (PIN No. 09-19-100-001), Dunlap, Illinois.

Council Member Grayeb moved to open the Public Hearing regarding the annexation of a property having the address of 12426 North Cline Road, Dunlap, Illinois; seconded by Council Member Jackson.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

Mayor Ali opened the Public Hearing at 6:20 P.M.

Following a third call for comments from the public, Mayor Ali determined no one wished to speak, and she requested the Public Hearing be closed.

Council Member Allen moved to close the Public Hearing regarding annexation of a property having the address of 12426 North Cline Road, Dunlap, Illinois; seconded by Council Member Grayeb.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

Mayor Ali closed the Public Hearing at 6:21 P.M.

PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES & COMMUNICATIONS – TOWN OF THE CITY OF PEORIA

(21-323) Communication from the Town Officials Budget Committee with a Request to APPROVE the PROPOSED ESTIMATED TAX LEVY OF $1,344,725.00 (Estimated Tax Rate not to exceed 0.09180) (Pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/18-60) for the TOWN OF THE CITY OF PEORIA.

Trustee Grayeb said he participated in the Township Budget Committee deliberation on the proposed estimated Tax Levy and said he would be supporting the item as outlined.

Trustee Grayeb moved to approve the proposed estimated tax levy of $1,344,725.00 (estimated Tax Rate not to exceed 0.09180) for the Town of the City of Peoria; seconded by Trustee Jensen.

Trustee Oyler stated the proposed property tax increase to fund potential future need for COVID relief assistance was an insufficient reason due to available Federal Funding, and he moved for a substitute motion to approve the estimated Tax Rate at the 2021 Rate of 0.088, seconded by Trustee Kelly.

At the request of Trustee Grayeb, Town Assessor Max Schlafley discussed tax rate changes in previous years and the goal of increasing reserve funds by $57,000 with the proposed tax rate increase. He outlined how the Town had reduced expenses and its reserves.

Trustee Jensen asked how the increase of $57,000.00 was decided and how it would be applied. Assessor Schlafley said the tax levy was only a portion of the General Assistance budget. Township Supervisor LaTrina Leary explained how the Township Budget Committee determined the amount for the Tax Levy, and she discussed other temporary funding available, the ongoing need in the community for COVID relief funds, and the importance of having adequate reserves to meet community needs.

Discussions were held about federal funding awarded to Peoria Township, how the move to the new building impacted the Reserve Fund, and if Peoria Township could request City funds rather than increase the Tax Levy.

Trustee Ruckriegel said he applauded the six-month reserves that were in place, and he asked for a Report Back on the final expenses for the new Township building.

In response to Trustee Allen regarding the tax levy and for how long it would be in effect, Assessor Schlafley said the proposed levy was for next year’s tax bill which would cover Township’s current budget.

Discussions were held on whether the City could provide support to the Township through its relief funds, and City Manager Urich said it could only be done if the Town Board agreed to it. Assessor Schlafley said the Township would be drawing down its reserves and he explained the needed incremental increases over the next couple of years in order to maintain their budget.

Trustee Oyler stated Township Trustees voted to approve the use of the money in reserves for the new Township Building, and he said raising property taxes to maintain six months’ worth of Operating Expenses was not discussed at that time. He said he would continue to support his substitute motion.

Discussions were held about the appropriate amount of reserves that should be held by the Township.

Trustee Ruckriegel said he supported the work of the Township. He said before the Town Board approved the Township Office move, he questioned whether it would result in a tax increase. He said the Board was told it would not. He said he did not agree with a tax increase and he suggested looking at other ways to cut expenses. He said he would support the substitute motion.

Trustee Riggenbach said the Board’s first instinct was to raise taxes. He suggested the possibility of setting aside some Relief Funds for Township. He said he would support the substitute motion. He asked the Town Officials to review the budget.

Township Supervisor Leary explained the Levy had decreased 30% in 2020, which was far greater than the proposed increase for 2022. She said there was still a need in the community for assistance due to the pandemic, and the Town needed to be prepared. Chairwoman Ali asked how much the 30% decrease represented. Township Supervisor Leary said it totaled approximately $500,000.00.

Trustee Velpula asked if this was a one-time increase of the levy and then it would decrease the following year. Town Supervisor LaTrina said the goal was to get the levy back to the 2019 rate, stating the impact the current rate would have should it stay the same.

Further discussions were held regarding community needs, increases required to return the reserve funds to the ideal level, the current fund balance, and how much was expected to be spent from reserves to honor the current budget obligations.

Trustee Kelly asked for a comparison of the reserves to the current operations of the Township, and Supervisor Leary said she would provide a Report Back. Supervisor Schlafley said the Township was in the middle of its budget and would have to draw from its reserves for this year.

Trustee Kelly said he supported the substitute motion because a permanent tax increase was not the appropriate response to a temporary emergency. He stated he would be open to allocating City Fiscal Recovery Funds to assist the Township.

At the request of Trustee Grayeb, Town Assessor Max Schlafley explained the Levy was not fixed and, as a result of the Town Board’s approval, had decreased in previous years. Trustee Grayeb discussed the purchase of the new Township Office Building and how it afforded savings in lieu of rent payments. He said the substitute motion would reduce the reserves below an ideal level and would lead to future adjustments. He commented on the City’s ability to allocate Fiscal Recovery Funds to Peoria Township. City Manager Urich confirmed the City, if requested, could provide funds to the Township.

Chairwoman Ali thanked Township Supervisor Leary and Town Assessor Schlafley for their comments.

Substitute Motion to approve the proposed estimated tax levy at the 2021 rate, not to exceed 0.0880, was approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula - 7

Nays: Grayeb, Jackson, Chairwoman Ali - 3.

PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES & COMMUNICATIONS – CITY OF PEORIA

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BY OMNIBUS VOTE, with Recommendations as Outlined:

(21-324) Communication from the Mayor and Corporation Counsel with a Request to APPROVE the DECLARATION OF LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY.

(21-325) Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request to APPROVE a Sole Source Emergency PURCHASE from TRAFFIC CONTROL CORPORATION, in the Amount of $16,481.00.

(21-326) Communication from the City Manager, Public Works Director, Fire Chief, * and Finance Director with a Request for the Following:

A. APPROVE an AGREEMENT Renewal with HERR PETROLEUM, for One (1) Additional Year, Ending October 31, 2022, to Provide FUEL DELIVERY SERVICES (Large Loads), for the City of Peoria at $.015/Gallon Over the Low Rack Price from the Daily OPIS (Oil Price Information Service) Report Plus Freight $.0025/Gallon; and

B. APPROVE an AGREEMENT Renewal with AG-LAND FS, for One (1) Additional Year, Ending October 31, 2022, to Provide FUEL DELIVERY SERVICES (Small Loads) for the City of Peoria at $.09/Gallon Over the Low Rack Price from the Daily OPIS (Oil Price Information Service) Report.

(21-327) Communication from the City Manager and Director of Community ** Development with a Request to Concur with the Recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission and Staff to APPROVE a RESOLUTION Approving an ANNEXATION AGREEMENT, for Property Identified as Parcel Identification Number 09-19-100-00, with a Temporary Address of 12426 N CLINE ROAD, Located West of ALLEN ROAD, East of CLINE ROAD, South of CEDAR HILLS ROAD, and North of Property Identified as Parcel Identification No. 09-19-100-002, Dunlap, IL.

(21-328) Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller with a Request to ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 17,896 Providing for the ISSUANCE of TAXABLE GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS, in an Aggregate Amount not to Exceed $27,000,000.00, of the City of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois, to Provide for the Refunding of Certain Outstanding Bonds of the City, and Providing for the Levy of a Direct Annual Tax Sufficient to Pay the Principal and Interest on Said Bonds, Authorizing the Sale of Said Bonds to the Purchaser Thereof, and Authorizing the Execution of an Escrow Agreement in Connection Therewith.

(21-329) Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller with a Request to ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 17,897 Providing for the ISSUANCE of GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS, in an Aggregate Amount not to Exceed $17,000,000.00, of the City of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois, to Provide for the Refunding of Certain Outstanding Bonds of the City, and Providing for the Levy of a Direct Annual Tax Sufficient to Pay the Principal and Interest on Said Bonds, Authorizing the Sale of Said Bonds to the Purchaser Thereof, and Authorizing the Execution of an Escrow Agreement in Connection Therewith.

(21-330) APPOINTMENT by Mayor Ali to the HOUSING COMMISSION with a Request to Concur:

Regina Morgan (Voting) - Term Expires 06/30/2022

(21-291) Communication from Mayor Ali with a Request to WITHDRAW the APPOINTMENT of Honorable Mayor Rita Ali to the REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE.

(21-292) Communication from Mayor Ali with a Request to WITHDRAW an APPOINTMENT of 1st District Council Member Denise Jackson to the REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE.

(21-293) Communication from Mayor Ali with a Request to WITHDRAW the APPOINTMENT of 2nd District Council Member Charles Grayeb to the REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE.

(21-294) Communication from Mayor Ali with a Request to WITHDRAW the APPOINTMENT of 3rd District Council Member Timothy Riggenbach to the REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE.

(21-295) Communication from Mayor Ali with a Request to WITHDRAW an APPOINTMENT of 4th District Council Member Andre Allen to the REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE.

(21-296) Communication from Mayor Ali with a Request to WITHDRAW an APPOINTMENT of 5th District Council Member Denis Cyr to the REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE.

(21-331) APPROVE the COMMITTEE REPORT (POLICY SESSION) from the OCTOBER 12, 2021, Joint City Council & Town Board Meeting, Regarding REDISTRICTING in Response to the 2020 Census Results.

Mayor Ali questioned if the Council wished to have any of the Consent Agenda Items removed for further discussion.

Council Member Riggenbach requested Item No. 21-327 be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion.

Council Member Velpula requested Item No. 21-326 be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion.

Council Member Riggenbach moved to approve the Consent Agenda items as outlined in the Council Communications, seconded by Council Member Kelly.

Item Nos. 21-324 through 21-331 and Item Nos. 21-291 through 21-296 (except Item Nos. 21-326 and 21-327, which were removed for further discussion) were approved by roll call vote under the Omnibus Vote Designation.

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

(21-326) Communication from the City Manager, Public Works Director, Fire Chief, * and Finance Director with a Request for the Following:

B. APPROVE an AGREEMENT Renewal with HERR PETROLEUM, for One (1) Additional Year, Ending October 31, 2022, to Provide FUEL DELIVERY SERVICES (Large Loads), for the City of Peoria at $.015/Gallon Over the Low Rack Price from the Daily OPIS (Oil Price Information Service) Report Plus Freight at $.0025/Gallon; and

At the request of Council Member Velpula, City Manager Urich explained the process and timing for soliciting proposals.

Council Member Jensen moved to approve the agreement renewal with Herr Petroleum, for one additional year, ending October 31, 2022, to provide fuel delivery services (large loads), for the City of Peoria at the $.015/gallon over the low rack price from the daily OPIS (Oil Price Information Service) report plus freight at $.0025/gallon; seconded by Council Member Oyler.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

Council Member Jensen moved to approve the Agreement Renewal with AG-Land FS, for one additional year, ending October 31, 2022, to provide fuel delivery services (small loads) for the City of Peoria at $.09/gallon over the low rack price from the daily OPIS (Oil Price Information Service) report; seconded by Council Member Oyler.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

Council Member Riggenbach expressed concerns approving an agreement to annex 30 noncontiguous acres without connection to a public sanitary sewer. At the conclusion of his comments, he said he would not support the annexation agreement as presented.

City Manager Urich explained the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction and the conditions and timeframe of the proposed agreement.

Mayor Ali asked the City Manager how often this occurred, and City Manager Urich said it was very rare, but said one was approved by Council in Medina Township about one month ago.

Council Member Kelly expressed a concern for expanding the City’s boundaries, which would increase the City’s expansion of roads with less City Staff to take care of those roads. At the conclusion of his comments, he said he would oppose this item, stating he did not see a benefit to annexing this property.

City Manager Urich said the proposed agreement provided for should the property become contiguous to the City within 20 years, it would then be annexed into the City. He said it that did not happen, it would not become a part of the City.

Discussions were held regarding requirements for sanitary system hookups for parcels.

Council Member Jensen recommended a deferral to allow the Fifth District Council Member to weigh in on the item, and she moved to defer this item to the November 9, 2021, Regular City Council Member; seconded by Council Member Ruckriegel.

Motion to defer to the Regular City Council Meeting on November 9, 2021, was approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

REGULAR BUSINESS ITEMS, with Recommendations as Outlined:

(21-332) Communication from the City Manager and the Public Works Director with a Request to RECEIVE and FILE a PRESENTATION by Mark Fenton, a National Public Health, Planning, and Transportation Consultant, Regarding COMPLETE STREETS and ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION.

A copy of the presentation was distributed to all Council Members.

Council Member Ruckriegel introduced, Mark Fenton, a Public Health Planning and Transportation Consultant, who had been meeting with the Walkability Action Institute Team for the last 18 months to discuss and review complete streets in the City of Peoria. At the conclusion of his introduction, he presented a video to the Council regarding the Complete Streets Program.

Mark Fenton gave a presentation regarding the benefits of Complete Streets and Active Transportation, which included improved environmental, public, and economic health. He reviewed the three elements that supported “active transportation”: land use mix, safe and accessible designs and network. He showed the positive impact COVID had on air pollution during the shutdown and how people became more active. He showed how historic land use and transportation decisions created environments that institutionalize inequities. He explained how a complete streets design could yield a triple bottom line of a healthy economy, healthy environment, and healthy people. He said active transport infrastructure supported real estate values and redevelopment, employee recruitment and retention, employee health and productivity, and retail visibility and sales volume. He said in 2015 the City Council passed a Complete Streets Policy, and he reviewed how the design should be understood as a process, not a specific product. He reviewed some complete street designs, lane reductions, right-sizing, and “road diets”. He explained the balance performance measures for roads and routine accommodations such as incorporating on-road bicycle networks into resurfacing projects. He reviewed a simple maintenance checklist and provided suggestions the City should consider implementing. He reviewed their efforts on educating the community and the organizations that were involved. In summary, he said complete streets and active transportation would benefit the most vulnerable, would reduce chronic and infectious disease risks, required three scales of intervention, supported robust local economies and redevelopment, required inclusive community engagement and input and should be an urgent priority.

Mayor Ali thanked Mark Fenton for his presentation stating she believed Complete Streets was an urgent priority and the direction in which the City should be headed. She expressed her appreciation on the focus of equity, which was the center of this effort.

Council Member Jensen asked City Manager Urich to provide a refresher on the Complete Streets Policy, stating she had been an advocate of Complete Streets since 2013. She said she welcomed the presentation and hoped to continue and advocate for complete streets in the future.

Council Member Jackson said she appreciated the Complete Streets concept, and she inquired about street lighting and how it was critical to the concept. Discussions were held regarding the benefit and timing of walkthroughs to test safety and accessibility features.

Mayor Ali recognized Anthony Corso and Council Member Ruckriegel for their leadership on this project. Council Member Ruckriegel identified Douglas Knight with the Health Department for ensuring health equities were considered with the projects.

Mayor Ali stated this policy was first passed in 2015, but said further steps needed to be taken. She recognized the need for implementation, changes to procedures and processes, training, and education for staff, limited and defined exemptions, specific design and maintenance requirements, and new performance measures.

Discussions were held regarding the expense of incorporating the principles of Complete Streets into City planning and whether the City was considering this policy during current project planning.

At the conclusion of the discussion, Council Member Ruckriegel moved to receive and file a presentation by Mark Fenton, regarding Complete Streets and Active Transportation; seconded by Council Member Grayeb.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

(21-333) Communication from the City Manager and Director of Community Development with a Request to Concur with the Recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission and Staff to ADOPT an ORDINANCE Approving a SPECIAL USE in a Class R4 (Single-Family Residential) District for a SHORT TERM RENTAL at 408 N. COOPER STREET (Parcel Identification No. 18-08-108-003), Peoria, IL (Council District 2).

At the request of Council Member Grayeb, Community Development Director Dulin explained the enforcement options available for compliance issues with Short Term Rental properties. He also confirmed this applicant was planning to enforce a two guest limit.

Council Member Grayeb moved to adopt an Ordinance approving a Special Use in a Class R4 District for a Short Term Rental at 408 N. Cooper Street, Peoria, IL; seconded by Council Member Velpula.

ORDINANCE NO. 17,898 was adopted by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

(21-334) Communication from the City Manager and Director of Community Development with a Request to Concur with the Recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission and Staff to ADOPT an ORDINANCE Approving a SPECIAL USE in a Class R4 (Single-Family Residential) District for a SHORT TERM RENTAL at 110 EAST BRIARWOOD COURT (Parcel Identification No. 14-33-451-017), Peoria, IL (Council District 3).

Council Member Riggenbach moved to adopt an Ordinance approving a Special Use in a Class R4 District for a Short Term Rental at 110 East Briarwood Court, Peoria, IL; seconded by Council Member Kelly.

Council Member Riggenbach stated there was strong neighborhood support for this property. He noted the property owners were limiting occupancy to two people, and he stated he strongly supported the item.

ORDINANCE NO. 17,899 was adopted by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS (Including but not limited to motions to reconsider items, if any, from the previous Regular Meeting)

(21-299) Communication from the City Manager and Director of Community Development with a Request to Concur with the Recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission and Staff to ADOPT an ORDINANCE Approving a SPECIAL USE in a Class R4 (Single Family Residential) District, for a SHORT TERM RENTAL at 1314 N SHERIDAN ROAD (Parcel Identification No. 18-04-154-003), Peoria, IL (Council District 2).

Council Member Grayeb moved to adopt an Ordinance approving a Special Use in a Class R4 District for a Short Term Rental at 1314 N Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL; seconded by Council Member Oyler.

ORDINANCE NO. 17,900 was adopted by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

(21-313) Communication from the City Manager and the Corporation Counsel with a Request to ADOPT an ORDINANCE Amending the SPECIAL SERVICE AREA AGREEMENT between the City of Peoria and WESTLAKE SHOPPING CENTER, LLC (District 4).

MOTION ON THE FLOOR: To adopt an Ordinance amending the Special Service Area Agreement between the City of Peoria and Westlake Shopping Center, LLC.

Council Member Allen moved to defer this item to the November 2, 2021, Special City Council Meeting; seconded by Council Member Ruckriegel.

Motion to defer to the November 2, 2021, Special City Council Meeting was approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

(21-320) Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller with a Request to APPROVE the Estimate of TAXES to be LEVIED, in the Amount of $26,857,931.00, at a Rate of $1.3534, Pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/18 60

Council Member Oyler moved to amend the estimate of taxes to be levied from $26,857,931.00 to $26,817,931.00, which reflects a $40,000.00 decrease, in order to hold the 2021 tax rate; seconded by Council Member Ruckriegel.

CLERK’S NOTE: The estimated rate with the reduction is $1.3514

Motion to approve the estimate of taxes to be levied was approved by roll call vote, as amended.

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

(21-317) Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller with a Request to RECEIVE and FILE the 2022 2023 BIENNIAL BUDGET.

A handout with the requested Report Backs from the October 19, 2021, Special City Council Meeting was provided to all Council Members. An additional handout showing the Fiscal Recovery Funds was also distributed to all Council Members.

City Manager Urich reviewed the Report Backs outlined in the handout.

Mayor Ali thanked the Council for their questions and thanked staff for compiling the data. She asked about the appropriate procedure for the reallocation of funds in the event federal funding was received for specific budgeted items.

Discussions were held regarding procedures to reallocate budgeted funds.

At the request of Council Member Grayeb, Assistant Chief Bachman stated that the ability to keep fires to the room of origin was 71% in 2017 and had dropped to 54% in 2021 after losing two engines. Discussions were held regarding the potential impact of fire equipment reductions on community safety.

Council Member Grayeb moved that the City Council direct the City Manager to restore an engine cut by Council action in 2020, subject to the limitations of the annual appropriation Ordinance and that the City Manager and Fire Chief pursue the 2021 SAFER Grant once the window for application opens; the restoration would be effective November 1, 2021 and remain in effect until Council takes further action; seconded by Council Member Jensen.

Council Member Oyler inquired whether the Council would be able to vote on the motion without proper notice and if the motion would require a supermajority vote. Interim Corporation Counsel Peterson said the Council could take action on items that were already in the budget without requiring a supermajority. City Manager Urich said the motion would be subject to the appropriation authority. He said it would depend on how the Fire Department spent those funds, stating it was his opinion the Department had enough spending authority and it was possible for this to be done.

Discussions were held regarding the timing of the motion, funding available to support the motion, staffing plans, the impact of overtime on personnel, and the budget approval process. City Manager Urich reviewed the Fire Department’s budget, stating there were enough funds to accommodate the motion.

Council Member Ruckriegel expressed a concern for the motion on the floor with the effective date of November 1, 2021, without advanced notice. He commented on the impact overtime could possibly have on Firefighter performance. He also remarked on revenues and expenses and how those would compare over the next five years versus reviewing only two years at a time.

Council Member Jensen stated this motion was due to positions cut due to COVID and should be addressed similarly to other restored cuts. She specified Council said they would look at restoring these cuts when there was money available.

Council Member Riggenbach said the City Manager presented the draft biennial budget last week with the idea of using overtime while applying for the Safer Grant. He expressed his concern with the motion on the floor; however, he said he would be open to discussing and looking at proposals. He said he would not be able to support the motion at this time. He said it was these kinds of decisions that impacted constituents.

Council Member Oyler expressed a concern with the motion on the floor, stating outside legal counsel may need to be consulted.

Interim Corporation Counsel Kapustka said this was a personnel proposal that had previously been budgeted in the 2021 budget, which may not need the vote of the City Council. She said the City Manager sets the number of personnel to work in each department. She said if the concept was to ensure the process was transparent, she said it would not need a vote.

Discussions were held about the appropriate metrics used to determine the efficacy of the Fire Department.

Council Members Grayeb and Jensen moved to call the vote.

Motion to direct the City Manager to restore an engine cut by Council action in 2020, subject to the limitations of the annual appropriation ordinance and that the City Manager and Fire Chief pursue the 2021 SAFER Grant once the window for application opens; the restoration would be effective November 1, 2021, and remain in effect until Council takes further action was approved by roll call vote:

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 6;

Nays: Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel- 4.

Council Member Riggenbach reminded the Council the City adopted a Business Corridor Plan in 2014 for Wisconsin Avenue. He requested a Report Back on the PCI measurement for Wisconsin Avenue, noting an overlay could be appropriate. He inquired how a reduction would impact complete streets, and he commented on the importance of creating consistent cross sections.

Discussions were held about the costs for the demolition of Harrison and McKinley Schools. Council Member Jackson asked for a follow-up once more information was available on the demolitions of these schools. She thanked Staff for considering these projects and stated these demolitions would make a huge difference in the community.

Council Member Ruckriegel asked for Report Backs from the City Manager on pension liabilities at the time the Pension Safety Fee was enacted, the current liabilities, and the projected liabilities over the next three years as well as a report to demonstrate the financial impact of the Pension Safety Fee and various community members. He asked for 20 homes from each Council District to be polled at different price points, divide by what those home paid and what percent of increase the City was passing on. He requested a Report Back with a proposed budget for the next seven years and expressed concern over the City considering tax increases.

Council Member Allen expressed his appreciation for the Report Back on drainage projects. He requested a Report Back showing more detailed information on location of the drainage projects in order to update constituents.

Discussions were held about funds for pavement preservation, roadway projects, the timing of PCI ratings evaluating street conditions, and funds provided by the Pension Safety Fee.

Council Member Jensen requested a Report Back on sustainable green projects and Complete Streets.

Mayor Ali stated the November 2, 2021 Special City Council Meeting was almost entirely devoted to the biennial budget and requested Council Members be prepared with additional budget motions at that time.

Council Member Kelly moved to receive and file the 2022-2023 BIENNIAL BUDGET; seconded by Council Member Ruckriegel.

Discussions were held about reallocating money to new projects if federal money earmarked for budgeted items was received.

Motion to receive and file 2022-2023 Biennial Budget was approved by roll call vote:

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 9;

Nays: Oyler - 1.

NEW BUSINESS

Halloween Safety

Police Chief Echeverria stated hours for trick or treat were changed from 5-8 P.M. to 5-7 P.M. this year in an effort to get kids home earlier. He also said the Police Department was hosting a drive-thru trick or treat event at the Police Station at 600 SW Adams St., Peoria, Illinois on October 29, 2021, from 5-7 P.M. He confirmed there would be extra police patrols on Sunday, October 31.

Short Term Rentals

Council Member Oyler requested a list of fines issued related to Short Term Rentals as well as the amounts and an agenda item for the Special City Council Meeting on November 2, 2021, with a Council vote for a 90-day suspension on all fines, termination of fines already issued, and cancellation of all hearing officer dates.

Township Relief

Council Member Allen asked Staff to bring back a proposal for the Trustee Board to review to support the Peoria Township. Council Member Jackson discussed the importance of preparing for emergencies and said she supported this idea as she would be concerned if the Town could not meet the needs of the community.

Harvest Fest

Council Member Jackson said the St. Paul Baptist Church at 114 W. Forrest Hill Ave., Peoria, Illinois was hosting their annual Harvest Fest at 5 P.M. on October 31, 2021, which was a drive thru this year.

Trunk or Treat

Council Member Jackson said a trunk or treat event would be held on Friday, October 29, 2021, from 4 P.M. to 5 P.M. at Roosevelt Magnet School at 1704 W. Aiken Ave, Peoria, Illinois.

Department Heads

Council Member Riggenbach requested Department Heads be present in Council Chambers during budget discussions going forward.

CityLink

Council Member Jensen said CityLink was conducting meetings to receive public input on their new strategic plan. Information can be found at www.citylinkonthemove.org. Upcoming meeting dates were stated as follows:

• Monday, November 1, 2021 from 12–1 P.M. – virtual on Microsoft Teams

• Monday, November 1, 2021 from 5-6 P.M. – virtual on Microsoft Teams

• Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 12–1 P.M. – Pekin Public Library, 301 S. 4th St.

• Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 2–3 P.M. – East Peoria City Hall, 401 W. Washington St.

• Friday, November 5, 2021 from 11 A.M.–12 P.M. – Tri County Urban League, 317 N. MacArthur Highway, Peoria

• Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 7–8 A.M. – CityLink Transit Center, 407 SW Adams St. Peoria

• Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 4–5 P.M. – CityLink Transit Center, 407 SW Adams St. Peoria

Alpha Phi Alpha Annual Fatherhood Breakfast

Council Member Allen said the annual Fatherhood Breakfast would be held on October 30, 2021, at Trewyn School at 1419 Folkers Ave., Peoria at 9 A.M. It was a free event open to all fathers and father figures.

CITIZENS' OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL/TOWN BOARD

It was determined that there were no citizens wishing to address the City Council/Town Board at this time.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Consideration of a Motion to enter into EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to 2(c)(2) Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees, and, 2(c)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting, or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that such an action is probable or imminent; and, 2(c)(21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.

Council Member Allen moved to go into Executive Session pursuant to 2(c)(2) Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees, and, 2(c)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting, or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that such an action is probable or imminent; and, 2(c)(21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06; seconded by Council Member Oyler.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

ADJOURNMENT

Council Member Oyler moved to adjourn the Joint City Council and Town Board Meeting; seconded by Council Member Kelly.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Grayeb, Jackson, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

The Regular Joint City Council and Town Board Meeting was adjourned at 9:38 P.M.

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