Peoria Standard

Peoria County Board met March 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Attendance

Present:

Members: Jennifer Allison, Eden Blair, Brandy Bryant, Camille Coates, Linda Daley, Jimmy Dillon, Betty Duncan, Brian Elsasser, Nathan Hoerr, Daniel Kelch, Danny Phelan, Rob Reneau, Steve Rieker, Paul Rosenbohm, Terrence Ruhland, Phil Salzer, Sharon Williams, Matt Windish

CALL TO ORDER

MOMENT OF SILENCE

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL BY THE COUNTY CLERK

March 9, 2023 Agenda

I. APPROVAL OF 2-09-23 MINUTES

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

II. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

A. A Proclamation recognizing the 125th anniversary of Bradley University B. A Proclamation recognizing March 12-18, 2023 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week

III. CITIZENS' REMARKS

Nicholis Hall addressed the Board about and exclusion of gender-affirming care for employees in the Employee Health Plan, which puts the burden of cost on them if they choose to seek care. He stressed that the gay community is under a domestic terrorism warning due to the amount of violence and extremism occurring in the LGBTQ Community. He referenced that when the twin towers fell, our country’s stance was that we don’t give in to terrorism. He emphasized by excluding healthcare for trans people we are giving the people who would rather see our trans neighbors dead, exactly what they want. He hopes the Board will make the effort to help trans people get the healthcare that they need.

Marshall Seidel, Vice President of Peoria Proud, addressed the Board on gender-affirming healthcare. He emphasized that healthcare is something that everyone needs and deserves. He stressed when healthcare is denied, they may have to move away or people may take their own lives. He declared that healthcare is about not just feeling physically better but mentally better as well. He noted healthcare whether gender-affirming or not is a right and affects you or the people that you care about.

Cassie Lucchesi, President of Peoria Proud, addressed the Board on gender-affirming healthcare. She referenced the employees’ healthcare benefits section under the limitations and exclusions specifying section 9.46. She expressed this particular section negatively impacts employees’ health, and quality of life and does not promote diversity or equality in the workplace. She also mentioned that this is a violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act. She urged the Board to express its commitment and support to the LGBTQIA+ employees and revoke the policy exclusion.

Chairman Dillon asked for a motion to suspend Section 12 of the rules to take a voice vote instead of a roll call vote. Member Daley moved to suspend the rules and Member Allison seconded. The motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote of 18 ayes.

IV. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Monthly Treasurer Report

B. The Auditor’s report of expenditures from Accounts Payable system is accessible at www.peoriacounty.gov/auditor/transparency

C. IDHS Grant for Safety Improvements

D. 2023 Peoria City/County Landfill Budget

E. MFT Appropriation for Pulsifer Road Bridge Rehabilitation

F. Multi-Township Bids for Sealcoating and Tilling

G. Funding for Old Galena Road

H. Appropriation for purchase of radios for Highway Department Fleet

I. Appropriation for installation of radios for Highway Department Fleet

J. Cooperative Research Grant with Bradley University

K. Chairman Appointments

Member Kelch asked to pull Item F. Member Blair asked to pull Item J.

Member Elsasser moved to approve the Consent Agenda and Member Rosenbohm seconded. The Consent Agenda, except for Items F and J, were approved by a unanimous voice vote of 18 ayes.

Member Elsasser moved to approve Item F and Member Salzer seconded. Members Kelch and Windish said they would be abstaining due to being Road Commissioners. Item F was approved by a voice vote of 16 ayes and 2 abstentions with Members Kelch and Windish abstaining.

Member Salzer moved to approve Item J and Member Rosenbohm seconded. Member Blair explained that she would be abstaining due to Bradley University being her employer. Member Salzer inquired as to why Member Blair had to abstain because she does not work for this particular department at Bradley. Ms. Cordis-Boswell clarified that Member Blair doesn’t have to abstain but some Members prefer to err on the side of caution due to the optics of it. Member Blair confirmed what Ms. Cordis-Boswell stated was correct. Item J was approved by a voice vote of 17 ayes and 1 abstention, with Member Blair abstaining.

V. ZONING ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTIONS

A. Monthly Delinquent Taxes-February 2023 (via Poll Vote)

Member Duncan moved to approve the resolution and Member Bryant seconded. The motion passed with a unanimous voice vote of 18 ayes.

B. Master Development Agreement for Solar Photovoltaic Project

Member Salzer moved to approve the resolution and Member Ruhland seconded. County Administrator, Scott Sorrell, made a presentation on the Agreement for the Solar Photovoltaic Project. Member Allison inquired how Hawk-Attollo was selected and what other sites were recommended but not included. Mr. Sorrell explained that Hawk-Attollo brings knowledge and expertise due to operating in the Solor Community for a long time. He mentioned there has been consideration of a roof-mounted array on the Health and Human Services campus. He stated that the Jail and the Courthouse will also be evaluated as a possibility. Member Phelan questioned if the Board moves forward with this agreement, and decided to terminate it before the end of the agreement, what this looks like. Mr. Sorrell emphasized that there would be language on recourse and protections written into the agreement on years five and ten handled by the State’s Attorney’s office. Member Hoerr asked for an expansion on the S-RECs in 15 years and what the collateral payment is. Mr. Sorrell explained that we have an obligation by participating in the program and getting the incentive to make those available for 15 years. He stated that most of the incentives are reimbursable at the front end and they hold the collateral back to year 15 where we get 2% as collateral and then we are free and clear and have generated the carbon offset necessary to have participated in the program. Member Rosenhohm inquired if the Board bought the system how many FTEs would it take and if they are available to do maintenance. Mr. Sorrell expressed that the maintenance would be integrated into the facilities department due to it not being considered full-time. He noted that no one, at this time, has the skillset or tools to handle the maintenance of the panels. Chairman Dillion stressed that what the Board is voting on at this meeting, is agreeing for Hawk-Attollo, to own, operate and maintain. Member Ruhland inquired if the 5 and 10-year dollar amounts are a fixed price. Mr. Hawksworth stated that the IRS requires that the buyouts are not predetermined within the power purchase agreement. Member Ruhland then asked if the letter of intent takes into account the degradation of the panels. Mr. Hawksworth stated that this was correct. Member Ruhland questioned if, for some reason, approval at any stage is denied, if the contract becomes null and void. Mr. Hawksworth, explained that there is a contract period and it is contingent on meeting the milestones and getting the system energized. Member Elsasser informed the Board that he wasn’t sure if he was prepared to vote tonight. The motion passed by a voice vote of 17 ayes and 1 nay with Member Elsasser voting nay.

Member Allison left the meeting around 7:27 pm.

E. SUSPENSION OF RULES

Member Daley moved to suspend the rules, and Member Reneau seconded. Ms. Cordis Boswell explained that the rules must be suspended to vote on the following item because it did not come through the committee before coming to the full Board. The motion passed by a voice vote of 16 ayes and 2 nays with Members Allison and Windish voting nay.

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

Member Williams moved to approve the resolution and Member Blair seconded. The motion was passed by a voice vote of 13 ayes and 4 nays, with Members Elsasser, Hoerr, Rosenbohm, and Windish voting nay. Member Allison was absent.

G. MISCELLANEOUS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Member Phelan discussed that he recently had a meeting with the Coroner’s office and there were connectivity and network issues. He remarked that there was a solution proposed in September that has not been implemented. He hoped this would bring some attention to the matter.

Member Allison returned to the meeting around 7:30 pm.

Member Rosenbohm complimented the Highway Department for doing a great job when a constituent needed some culverts replaced. He remarked that the Highway Department completed the project in a fast, efficient, and safe manner.

Member Salzer suggested the Board Members attend the Farmer’s Breakfast at Expo Gardens which is well worth the money, $1.25.

Member Elsasser mentioned that he attended a City Council meeting the previous week He stated that he and his group spoke around 6:15 pm and their issue was not voted on until about 9:45 pm. He was thankful for the way the County Conducts its meetings as a professional courtesy, they usually move the agenda items up so a big group can leave.

He remarked that he felt sorry for his Bradley Braves for having a bad game and recommended everyone go out and give them a boost for next week’s home game.

Member Williams reminded Limestone Township folks that the last meeting to talk about the referendum that will be on the ballot is on March 23, 2023, at Alpha Park Library at 5:00 pm. She conveyed that there will be a question and answer period and that the topic is contracted curbside trash and or recycling service.

Member Ruhland congratulated Member Rieker on his pending retirement from CAT.

Member Dillon asked the Board to leave their Ipads after the meeting so IT can look at them. He thanked Jim Runyon and the League of Women Voters for allowing him to speak at Drinks and Dialogue. He remarked that Tim Shelley with WCBU reached out and would like a monthly or bi-monthly interview with Board Members and discuss what is going on after the meetings. He invited everyone to attend the first West Side Irish Parade and commented that it has 35 floats.

H. ADJOURNMENT

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

https://www.peoriacounty.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03092023-1381