Peoria Standard

City of Peoria Land Bank Board met Feb. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting was held virtually, via GoToMeeting, on February 13, 2023, at 3:30pm. City Manager Patrick Urich called the meeting to order at approximately 3:35pm.

ROLL CALL

Roll call showed the following board members were present Randall Anderson-Maxwell, Treasurer Nicole Bjerke, Director Joe Dulin, Councilmember Denise Jackson, Councilmember Beth Jensen, Corporation Counsel Patrick Hayes, and City Manager Patrick Urich.

Absent were, Marilyn Mosely, Councilmember Zach Oyler, and Kimberly Washburn. Staff Present: Matt Smith and Lane Andrews

Quorum being established, the meeting proceeded as follows.

MINUTES

The minutes for the December 12, 2022, meeting were reviewed.

MOTION

Councilmember Beth Jensen moved that the minutes be approved. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Denise Jackson. Approved unanimously by viva voce vote.

REGULAR BUSINESS

A. Land Transaction Report for December 2022 and January 2023

Matt Smith presented the Land Transaction Report for December 2022 and January 2023. He emphasized the City’s efforts to acquire contiguous properties in order to hold for future redevelopment.

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

B. 2022 Land Bank Year End Report

Matt Smith presented the Land Bank Year End Report for 2022. Smith shared a graphic showing total property acquisitions, transfers, and demolitions by the Land Bank through the year 2022. He pointed out that more funds went to demolition than any other year as the City took a harder stance on dangerous and collapsing structures thanks to the funds available from the American Rescue Plan.

Councilmember Jensen asked that the Year End Report be shared on the website and with City Council.

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

C. 1302 N Bigelow St Rehab Update

Matt Smith shared an update on the property at 1302 N Bigelow, per an agreement between the City and the property owner to provide quarterly updates on the rehabilitation progress. First quarter rehabilitation efforts focused on addressing neglected property maintenance, including foundation and chimney repairs, before the focus shifts to the interior of the property.

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

D. State Legislative Initiatives Update

Matt Smith provided an update on State Legislative Initiatives previously discussed at the August 8, 2022, meeting of the Land Bank Board. Three different draft bills have been developed to tackle the issue of long term abandonment by addressing sales in error and the tax redemption process, defining land banks, and adding municipal liens to property tax bills. The proposed draft legislation has been submitted and the bills are awaiting sponsorship.

Treasurer Bjerke asked for clarification on the movement to the County Trustee of properties with sales in error.

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

OTHER BUSINESS

Councilmember Jackson asked for an update on the demolition of McKinley and Harrison schools. Matt Smith shared that work has begun at McKinley School to remove hazardous materials, including those containing asbestos and lead-based paints. Demolition of the building’s structural components will begin as remediation of the hazardous materials finishes. He noted that the same contractor performing the demolition at McKinley will also be performing demolition at Harrison, pending the signing of the contract. He explained that the contractor plans for both demolitions to be completed by the end of May, if not sooner.

CITIZENS’ OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE BOARD

There were no comments from the public to the Board.

ADJOURNMENT

City Manager Urich entertained the motion to adjourn. Corporation Counsel Hayes moved to adjourn; seconded by Councilmember Jensen at approximately 4:15pm.

https://il-peoria.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02132023-327