Peoria Standard

City of Pekin City Council met Feb. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Hilst.

CALL TO ORDER

City Clerk, Ms. Sue McMillan, called the role and announced all Councilmember were present.

Attendee Name	Organization	Title	Status	Arrived
Rick Hilst	City of Pekin	Councilman	Present	5:09 PM
Karen Hohimer	City of Pekin	Councilwoman	Present	5:05 PM
Dave Nutter	City of Pekin	Councilman	Present	5:07 PM
Becky Cloyd	City of Pekin	Mayor Pro tem	Present	5:09 PM
Lloyd Orrick	City of Pekin	Council Member	Present	5:10 PM
John P Abel	City of Pekin	Councilman	Present	5:06 PM

APPROVE AGENDA

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Lloyd Orrick, Council Member SECONDER: Rick Hilst, Councilman AYES: Hilst, Hohimer, Nutter, Cloyd, Orrick, Abel

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Dave Nutter, Lloyd Orrick SECONDER: John P Abel, Councilman AYES: Hilst, Hohimer, Nutter, Cloyd, Orrick, Abel

4.1. City Council - Regular Meeting - Jan 23, 2023 5:30 PM

4.2. City Council - Special Meeting - Jan 30, 2023 4:00 PM

PUBLIC INPUT

Ann Witzig spoke regarding agenda item 6.2 Accounts Payable To Be Paid Proof List thru January 20, 2023 and pointed out that under dues and subscriptions an expense was listed for fuel in Wisconsin on December 25, 2022 and January 21, 2023. Ms. Witzig also questioned how long the rental agreement was for the new vehicle, wheel loader and back loader. Lastly, Ms. Witzig spoke regarding agenda item 7.7 Agreement with Pekin Park

District for Splash Pad and questioned what account the 3 properties came out of regarding agenda item 7.9.

Diana Lee stated that she was opposed to the buildings to be torn down and asked not to accept the bid for the property.

Debbie Montgomery spoke about Pekin’s history and a Facebook group petitioning to not award the vacant property to the county.

Dustin Maquet, owner of Maquet’s Rail House, provided a background to Council regarding the parking lot project behind his restaurant. Mr. Maquet stated that the parking lot construction on his lot was supposed to begin in April. He informed Council that he owned the lot and had a 25 year lease with the Mission on their parking lot. Mr. Maquet felt that there had been no communication with new officials and was being told that the replacement of his lot was possibly third in downtown or not at all. Additionally, Mr. Maquet questioned the status of the redevelopment agreement that he had submitted and felt that the new BDD tax was not getting reinvested in the downtown.

Matthew Johnson on Highwood, stated that he had sent Council an email regarding the weekly report that stated there was a sewage pipe identified by the creek behind the mall and an erosion plan had been put into effect. Mr. Johnson was curious if the pipe that he took pictures of what the same pipe in the report. Lastly, Mr. Johnson questioned whether the proposals for bids were timestamped and what the loud sonic booms were.

Mayor Pro Tem Cloyd informed Mr. Johnson that the City would review the proposals and make a decision later in the week.

Roger Luft scolded Council on proper conduct.

John McNish spoke regarding agenda item 6.7 Receive and File Bids for Salt Barn Concrete Slab requesting the item be moved to discussion and that he did not recommend providing back milling. Mr. McNish also spoke regarding agenda items 7.2 Purchase Fire Department Vehicle, 7.3 Purchase of Public Works Radios, 7.4 Salt Barn Concrete Slab, 7.6 Engineering Agreement with TWM for Stadium Drive Multi-Use Path and 7.7 Pekin Park District for Splash Pad. Mr. McNish lastly questioned what the trucks were across the street at City Hall and if the city logo could be used for personal gain.

Deputy Chief Ranney explained that those were police department vehicles waiting for plates. City Attorney, Ms. Kate Swise, stated she would have the clerk look into the logo.

CONSENT AGENDA

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Lloyd Orrick, Council Member SECONDER: Dave Nutter, Councilman AYES: Hilst, Hohimer, Nutter, Cloyd, Orrick, Abel

6.1. Proclamation Black History Month

6.2. Accounts Payable To Be Paid Proof List thru January 20, 2023

6.3. Pekin Fire Department Monthly Incident Report January 2023

6.4. Tazewell County Animal Control December 2022

6.5. Resolution No. 534-22/23 Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Appointments

6.6. Resolution No. 535-22/23 Land Use Agreement Barnhart Crane and Rigging Co.

6.7. Receive and File Bids for Salt Barn Concrete Slab

NEW BUSINESS

7.1. Resolution No. 536-22/23 Approve Purchase of LifePak15 Cardiac Monitor Interim City Manager, Mr. Bruce Marston, presented the agenda item to Council to approve and adopt a resolution to approve the purchase of LifePak15 cardiac monitors through consortium bidding group Savvik. All LifePak cardiac monitors that were in use were purchased in 2013 and the department had no spares. Mr. Marston explained that there were concerns that if the computer board failed that the technology would not be available due to their age. The fire department planned on replacing the monitors over the course of several financial years through the capitol budget.

Fire Chief Trent Reeise explained that one monitor was purchased in late 2012 and the rest in 2013 and was told approximately 6 months ago that they are no longer making them. Chief Reeise added that the purchase was not budgeted and was willing to move the boat purchase and defer to future capital budget.

Council discussed any issues with the current monitors and the current fire boat.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John P Abel, Councilman SECONDER: Lloyd Orrick, Council Member AYES: Hilst, Hohimer, Nutter, Cloyd, Orrick, Abel

7.2. Resolution No. 537-22/23 Approving Purchase Fire Department Vehicle Interim City Manager, Mr. Bruce Marston, presented the request to Council to approve and adopt a resolution to purchase 1 new command vehicle through Morrow Brothers Ford utilizing Illinois government pricing instead of purchasing the rescue boat that was budgeted for FY23. The proposed vehicle would be a licensed Advanced Life Support (non-transport) quick response vehicle. Mr. Marston continued to explain that the 2008 Expedition was recently examined and found indications of possible engine failure making it no longer fit to be a daily front-line response vehicle.

Councilmember Orrick stated that he would only support the request if the 2008 vehicle was to be rebuilt.

Council discussed whether the maintenance records were up to date and how it was best for the fire department to purchase a vehicle rather than leasing.

Deputy Chief Rendelman added that purchasing the same vehicle with Velde was close to $10K more.

RESULT: ADOPTED [4 TO 2] MOVER: John P Abel, Councilman SECONDER: Karen Hohimer, Councilwoman AYES: Karen Hohimer, Dave Nutter, Becky Cloyd, John P Abel NAYS: Rick Hilst, Lloyd Orrick

7.3. Resolution No. 538-22/23 Approve Purchase of Public Works Radios Interim City Manager, Mr. Bruce Marston, presented the request to Council to approve and adopt a resolution to purchase radios for the street and solid waste departments. Mr. Marston explained that it was important to utilize a particular brand to be compatible with police, fire and Tazewell County radios that were recently purchased in case of a natural disaster or emergency.

Council discussed options for carrying the radios.

Deputy Chief Tony Rendelman explained that as part of the new radio system the vision was not only to provide communication with public works essential functions as defined by FEMA but to functionally expand over in the county to allow public works access in Phase 2 of the project. Deputy Chief Rendelman continued to explain that the city currently leases or rents radio systems that are old and come with many issues. Towers are currently being built and will go online soon. Additionally, pricing was only available until the system goes live.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John P Abel, Councilman SECONDER: Karen Hohimer, Councilwoman AYES: Hilst, Hohimer, Nutter, Cloyd, Orrick, Abel

7.4. Resolution No. 539-22/23 Award Salt Barn Concrete Slab to Verardo Construction LLC

Interim City Manager, Mr. Bruce Marston, presented the request to award the Salt Barn Concrete Slab project to Verardo Construction LLC to pour a concrete slab and apron for the proposed salt barn at 1208 Koch Street. Mr. Marston explained that the structure was contracted separately and that the City received 5 bids for the project with a low bid of $43,800. Staff recommended approval.

City Engineer, Ms. Josie Esker, added that the slab was sufficient to handle the weight of the salt and that millings were allowed per IDOT.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Karen Hohimer, Councilwoman SECONDER: John P Abel, Councilman AYES: Hilst, Hohimer, Nutter, Cloyd, Orrick, Abel

7.5. Resolution No. 540-22/23 Agreement with Tazewell County Recycling Grant City Manager, Mr. Bruce Marston, presented the request to Council to approve and adopt a resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Pekin and Tazewell County to support recycling efforts for the City. Funds would be used to primarily support recycling efforts, equipment repairs, disposal fees and education materials. Mr. Marston explained that reporting guidelines were required so that the County could determine the diversion rate of recycled materials from the landfill.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Karen Hohimer, Councilwoman SECONDER: Dave Nutter, Councilman AYES: Hilst, Hohimer, Nutter, Cloyd, Orrick, Abel

7.6. Resolution No. 541-22/23 Approve Engineering Agreement with TWM for Stadium Drive Multi-Use Path

Interim City Manager, Mr. Bruce Marston, presented the request to Council to approve and adopt a resolution to approve an agreement with Thouvenot, Wade & Moerchen, Inc. (TWM) for survey, phase I engineering, and phase II engineering for the Stadium Drive Multi-use Path project. Mr. Marston explained that the construction project was planned for the summer of 2024 and would utilize ITEP grant funds with the exclusion of engineering fees. The agreement proposed was at an hourly rate with an estimated fee of $65, 292 and would include creating final plans and special provisions.

City Engineer, Ms. Josie Esker, added that the City had originally planned on doing the project internally but was too difficult without an Assistant Engineer. TWM was chosen by the City and the Council in the decent decree. Ms. Esker recommended the company and was assured they knew the rules for ADA compliance.

Council questioned whether the agreement complied with the Procurement Policy. Mr. Marston answered that professional services were not required to be procured and that engineering firms fell under professional services.

Council discussed the terms of the grant and that part of the path was located partially on the High School’s property.

Ms. Esker explained that the grant was for $600K and that it was unknown if the City would be paying any construction costs. Ms. Esker added that the High School agreed to split the 80% match as they are a partner in the project.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Dave Nutter, Councilman SECONDER: Lloyd Orrick, Council Member AYES: Hilst, Hohimer, Nutter, Cloyd, Orrick, Abel

7.7. Resolution No. 542-22/23 Approve Agreement with Pekin Park District for Splash Pad

Interim City Manager, Mr. Bruce Marston, presented the request to Council to approve and adopt a resolution to enter into an agreement with the Pekin Park District for 50% of costs associated with demolition and reconstruction of a new splash pad at the riverfront. The proposed funding was budgeted in the amount of $190K to be split between the Court Street TIF and the Reserve Fund.

Before closing the splashpad down for the upcoming winter months it was discovered that the pump had given out along with many issues over the years with certain jets and spray features not operating properly. The vault of the pumps and electrical system were located below ground and presented a safety concern for staff.

Vortex is well know for splashpads and the Pekin Park District met with their engineer out of Champaign, IL and presented Council with the proposed Master Services Agreement. The proposed plans relocates the pump and electrical system above ground.

Director of the Pekin Park District, Mr. Cameron Bettin, was available for question from the Council. Mr. Bettin explained the history of the splashpad and how the park district partnered with the City of Pekin to assist with funding.

Council expressed concerns of the overhead electrical wires and the homeless. Mayor Pro Tem Cloyd indicated the importance of having a TIF plan.

RESULT: ADOPTED [5 TO 1] MOVER: Dave Nutter, Councilman SECONDER: John P Abel, Councilman AYES: Hohimer, Nutter, Cloyd, Orrick, Abel NAYS: Rick Hilst

7.8. Resolution No. 543-22/23 Authorizing Contribution for Historical Marker Application

Interim City Manager, Mr. Bruce Marston, provided Council with a summary of the resolution regarding the application for Contribution for Historical Marker to be displayed in the pocket park on Court Street suggested by the Main Street Association. The total cost to the City for the application fees and markers would not exceed $8,000.

Nancy Legins-Costley and William Costley were residents of Pekin who had historical ties to Abraham Lincoln. Nancy Legins-Costley was represented by Abraham Lincoln before the Illinois Supreme Court requested to be removed

from slavery. Mr. Lincoln had won her case and her freedom making Nancy Legins-Costly the first individual in the United States to be emancipated by Abraham Lincoln.

William Costley was recognized as the first male slave emancipated by Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Costly served in the union army and was a member of the famed 29th U.S. Colored Infantry, led by General Gordon Granger. The 29th Colored Infantry

liberated Galveston, Texas where General Granger publicly read the Emancipation Proclamation today nationally celebrated as the holiday of Juneteenth.

Tazewell County Clerk, Mr. John Ackerman, answered the Councils questions. Mr. Ackerman stated that the application fee was $1,000 and pointed out a spelling error on the application. The cost of each marker was $500. The monument had been purchased through Abel Monument with a substantial discount. Mr. Ackerman added that the markers would be placed on both buildings in the pocket park downtown.

Mr. Ackerman suggested that another monument for Mr. Costley could be forthcoming to be displayed at the Tazewell County Courthouse and told a story of Mr. Costley shooting a gentlemen that was beating a woman in the street in which an all-white jury found him innocent based on the character they knew of him. Mr. Ackerman was adamant in wanting to change the story to the true story of Pekin.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rick Hilst, Councilman SECONDER: Lloyd Orrick, Council Member AYES: Hilst, Hohimer, Nutter, Cloyd, Orrick, Abel

7.9. Ordinance No. 4040-22/23 Approve the Purchase of Property at 2211 Court Street, 2213 Court Street, and 2201 Court Street

Interim City Manager, Mr. Bruce Marston, presented the request to approve and adopt an ordinance to approve the purchase of property located at 2211 Court Street for $52,300, 2213 Court Street for 75,300, and 2201 Court Street for $41,000. The property included an approximately 7 foot wide strip along the back of existing Right-of-Way, which the City retained. The purchase also included large temporary easements for the demolition of the structures on each of the parcels. The purchase price included compensation for the loss in value on the remaining property.

Councilmember Hohimer felt it was important that the community understood the reason for the long Court Street construction.

Councilmember Orrick stated that the funds expended for the purchases were not reimbursable if the city were to receive grant funds. Councilmember Orrick felt it took away the City’s money to use somewhere else.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rick Hilst, Councilman SECONDER: Lloyd Orrick, Council Member AYES: Hilst, Hohimer, Nutter, Cloyd, Orrick, Abel

ANY OTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL

Fire Chief Trent Reeise updated Council on the franchise negotiations with AMT. Fire Chief Reeise explained that they had had 5 meetings in total that went very well. Fire Chief Reeise also announced that the Fire Department received a FEMA grant for $90K to be spent on air pacs and one bottles on hazmat. Credit for the grant writing went to Deputy Chief Rendelman.

Councilmember Hohimer requested that the parking lot behind Maquet’s Rail House be added to the Council agenda for February 28, 2023 to be completed this summer.

City Engineer, Ms. Esker explained that the alley and parking lot have been grouped together and that this would be an agenda item at the next meeting.

Councilmember Hohimer commented on the Pekin High School Dragon logo and the City of Pekin logo and how she had received permission to use both logos.

Councilmember Abel questioned what happened with the application received from the Tourism or EDAC Committee and that the County Veteran’s Administrator, Steve Saul, moved to his new facility and would like a handicap parking space at 335 Court Street. Councilmember Abel also questioned how long the cones were going to be at 14th and

Veteran’s. Ms. Esker stated that Veteran’s was a State road but was expecting cones to be there for the next month or two.

Councilmember Nutter clarified that there was an Infrastructure meeting tomorrow but no action would be taken.

Councilmember Orrick thanked Josie Esker and Tony Rendelman for staying abreast on applying for grants.

Councilmember Hilst requested to add to the agenda for the next City Council meeting that all city vehicles be marked with decals to show they are city vehicles. Councilmember Orrick seconded the request.

Mayor Pro Tem Cloyd discussed the two boilers at the riverfront. Interim City Manager, Mr. Marston, stated that the city was being reimbursed for any street maintenance or street workers that needed to supervise that route.

EXECUTIVE SESSION 5 ILCS 120/2 (C) 6. SETTING OF A PRICE FOR SALE OR LEASE OF PROPERTY AND 5. PURCHASE OF PROPERTY

A motion was made by Councilmember Hilst seconded by Councilmember Orrick to move into Executive Session to discuss 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) 6. Setting of a Price for Sale or Lease of Property and 5. Purchase of Property at 7:56 PM. On roll call vote all presented voted Aye. Motion carried.

Mayor Pro Tem Cloyd announced that no action would be taken after Executive Session.

ADJOURN

There being no further business of the Council, a motion was made by Councilmember Orrick seconded by Councilmember Hilst to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried viva voice vote. Mayor Pro Tem Cloyd adjourned the meeting at 8:30 PM.

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