Peoria Standard

City of Peoria City Council met May 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

A Special Meeting of the City Council of Peoria, Illinois, was held May 2, 2023, 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.

CONVENING OF THE OLD CITY COUNCIL

Mayor Ali recognized current and former elected officials present in Council Chambers.

INVOCATION

Pastor Deveraux Hubbard gave the invocation.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Ali led the pledge of allegiance.

ROLL CALL

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

PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES & COMMUNICATIONS – CITY OF PEORIA

(23-153) Communication from the Mayor and Corporation Counsel with a Request to APPROVE the DECLARATION OF LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY.

Council Member Ruckriegel moved to approve the Declaration of Local State of Emergency; seconded by Council Member Allen.

Corporation Counsel Hayes said the State of Illinois Disaster Proclamation would expire on May 11, 2023, noting the Peoria Declaration of Emergency was updated to reflect that date.

The Declaration of Local State of Emergency was approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula, Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

(23-154) Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller with a Request to RECEIVE and FILE the Month-Ended MARCH 31, 2023, UNAUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT.

Council Member Kelly moved to receive and file the month-ended March 31, 2023, unaudited financial report; seconded by Council Member Riggenbach.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula,

Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

(21-155) Official Canvass Results of the Consolidated General Election for the City of Peoria held on April 4, 2023, with Request to RECEIVE AND FILE.

Council Member Allen moved to receive and file the official Canvass results of the Consolidated General Election for the City of Peoria held on April 4, 2023; seconded by Council Member Jensen.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula,

Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

PRESENTATIONS TO AND REMARKS BY RETIRING ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Ali presented the following Resolution to Council Member Jensen:

RESOLUTION

BETH JENSEN

CITY OF PEORIA AT-LARGE COUNCIL MEMBER

WHEREAS, Beth Jensen has served as Council Member for the City of Peoria, Illinois, from September 3, 2013, to May 2, 2023, and this year brings to an end to nearly 10 years of unwavering dedication to public service and her deep involvement in the community, during which she has given freely of her time in an unselfish effort and has demonstrated the highest ideals of public service by her dedication; and

WHEREAS, Beth Jensen, by her years of efficient service as a Council Member representing the residents of Peoria, has served as a member of the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District Board of Trustees, the Land Bank Board, and the Committee to Diversify Police and Fire Personnel. She was very active throughout the community and with many organizations, and her dedication to the community and its citizens was insurmountable;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this City Council, on behalf of its members, the officials and employees of the City of Peoria, and the citizens of the community, do hereby express to Beth Jensen a sincere and profound appreciation and thanks for her years of dedicated service as a Peoria City Council Member.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Honorable Beth Jensen be presented this Resolution, and this Resolution be spread upon the permanent record of the City of Peoria, Illinois, attested to by the City Clerk.

PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PEORIA, ILLINOIS, this 2nd day of May, 2023 A.D.

/s/ ANDRE ALLEN

Council Member Andre Allen

/s/ CHARLES V. GRAYEB

Council Member Charles V. Grayeb

/s/ JOHN KELLY

Council Member John Kelly

/s/ ZACH OYLER

Council Member Zach Oyler

/s/ RITA ALI Mayor Rita Ali

/s/ DENIS CYR

Council Member Denis Cyr

/s/ DENISE JACKSON

Council Member Denise Jackson

/s/ TIM RIGGENBACH

Council Member Tim Riggenbach

/s/ SID RUCKRIEGEL

Council Member Sid Ruckriegel

/s/ KIRAN VELPULA

Council Member Kiran Velpula

ATTEST:

/s/ STEFANIE TARR

City Clerk

EXAMINED AND APPROVED:

/s/ PATRICK HAYES Corporation Counsel

Council Member Jensen thanked all those in attendance. She said she was appointed to the Peoria City Council in 2013 under former Mayor Jim Ardis and was subsequently elected for additional two terms thereafter. She said it was a rewarding job in which she worked hard to ensure transparency through public discussions and asking tough questions, as well as providing opportunities for public input prior to Council decisions. She said she was an advocate for all neighborhoods, especially older neighborhoods, so they could be strong and thrive. She said she fought to preserve all aspects of public safety, to provide opportunities for the vibrant art community, and to advocate for the environment. She thanked her husband and her sons for their love and support, she thanked her mother for the lessons and inspiration, and she thanked Senator David Koehler and former Mayor Ardis for their support. She thanked Council Members Grayeb and Riggenbach, the only two remaining on the Council since her appointment in 2013, for their support and efforts to serve the citizens of Peoria together. She thanked all Council Members and Mayor Ali for their commitment to the community, noting it was an honor to serve with each one of them and she was excited to witness what they would do next. She said Peoria City Hall was a special place to her since she was hired as an attorney in December of 1994, citing the care of Staff for Peoria serving citizens and making the City a better place. She thanked City Manager Urich and Staff for their daily efforts, and she thanked former Corporation Counsel Glen Collier and his wife Kristi for their support and friendship. She wished the best of luck to Council Members Elect Bernice Gordon-Young and Mike Vespa, noting she believed they would serve the City well with their strengths and experiences. She said the era of transparent government, encouraging public input, and advocation of older neighborhoods would continue, and she said she would remain involved in Council endeavors going forward.

Mayor Ali recognized former Council Member Gale Thetford, who served on the City Council representing the 3rd District from 1997 to 2005, former Mayor Jim Ardis, Treasurer Stephen Morris, Park District Trustee Alex Sierra, Park District Trustee Joyce Harant, Illinois Representative David Leitch, County Board Member Linda Daley, former County Board Chair Andrew Rand, Judge John Vespa, and Judge Joe Vespa, who were in attendance that evening.

Mayor Ali presented the following Resolution to Council Member Ruckriegel:

RESOLUTION

SID P. RUCKRIEGEL

CITY OF PEORIA AT-LARGE COUNCIL MEMBER

WHEREAS, Sid P. Ruckriegel has served as Council Member for the City of Peoria, Illinois, from November 24, 2015, to May 2, 2023, and this year brings to an end over 7 years of dedicated service by Sid Ruckriegel to the City of Peoria, during which he has given freely of his time in an unselfish effort and has demonstrated the highest ideals of public service by his dedication; and

WHEREAS, Sid P. Ruckriegel, by his years of efficient service as a Council Member representing the residents of Peoria, has served as a member of the Peoria Public Library Board, Downtown Development Corporation, Civic Center Authority, Peoria Passenger Rail Leadership Team, Census 2020 Committee, Peoria Public School Joint Committee, Chairperson for the City of Peoria Memorial Day Celebrations, Landlord Working Group, among many others. He was very active throughout the community and with many organizations such as the Alignment Peoria Governing Board, Peoria Riverfront Museum, the Order of Saint Francis Health Systems Advisory Board, and the Heart of Illinois United Way, just to name a few. His dedication to the community and its citizens was insurmountable;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this City Council, on behalf of its members, the officials and employees of the City of Peoria, and the citizens of the community, do hereby express to Sid P. Ruckriegel a sincere and profound appreciation and thanks for his years of dedicated service as a Peoria City Council Member.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Honorable Sid P. Ruckriegel be presented this Resolution, and this Resolution be spread upon the permanent record of the City of Peoria, Illinois, attested to by the City Clerk.

PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PEORIA, ILLINOIS, this 2nd day of May, 2023 A.D.

/s/ ANDRE ALLEN

Council Member Andre Allen

/s/ CHARLES V. GRAYEB

Council Member Charles V. Grayeb

/s/ BETH JENSEN

Council Member Beth Jensen

/s/ ZACH OYLER

Council Member Zach Oyler

/s/ RITA ALI Mayor Rita Ali

/s/ DENIS CYR

Council Member Denis Cyr

/s/ DENISE JACKSON

Council Member Denise Jackson

/s/ JOHN KELLY

Council Member John Kelly

/s/ TIM RIGGENBACH

Council Member Tim Riggenbach

/s/ KIRAN VELPULA

Council Member Kiran Velpula

ATTEST:

/s/ STEFANIE TARR

City Clerk

EXAMINED AND APPROVED:

/s/ PATRICK HAYES

Corporation Counsel

Council Member Ruckriegel said it was an honor serving with Mayor Ali, and he thanked her for her leadership over the last two years. He thanked all those in attendance, noting this meeting demonstrated the meaning of democracy. He thanked his family and friends for their support, and he thanked Andrew Rand, Representative David Leitch, former Mayor Ardis and his wife, and many others that impacted his life and served the community. He said he appreciated serving with the Council, praising the collaborative efforts and diverse perspectives of his fellow Council Members, which benefitted the outcomes. He said the Council Members from 1973 were recently recognized for their impact on the community after 50 years, noting the efforts over the last 71⁄2 years by the Council similarly set the foundation moving forward. He outlined three priorities during his tenure as Council Member: providing financial support for local businesses, investing in public services like road maintenance, and establishing a financial plan for Peoria's future development. He said the Council successfully navigated the pandemic, invested resources in the community, built partnerships with organizations and other entities benefitting the region, the importance of the census, and the creation of the Racial Justice and Equity Commission. He said he was proud to call Peoria home, noting the title of 'Peorian' was for those who were natives and transplants alike. He thanked Council Members Elect Gordon- Young and Vespa for stepping up to the challenge, and he said he was excited to see how they built on the foundation the current Council set.

(21-156) Consideration of a Motion to APPROVE of the RESOLUTIONS Commending Outgoing Elected Officials and to Direct the City Clerk to Spread the Resolutions upon the Permanent Record.

Council Member Riggenbach moved to approve the Resolutions commending outgoing elected officials and to direct the City Clerk to spread the Resolution upon the permanent record; seconded by Council Member Grayeb.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula,

Mayor Ali - 10.

Nays: None.

ADJOURNMENT

Council Member Allen moved to adjourn the Special City Council Meeting; seconded by Council Member Ruckriegel.

Council Member Oyler said it was a pleasure to sit next to Council Member Jensen for the last six years as they worked together on issues presented to the Council, noting she brought a legal perspective and understanding to the Council and pushed for public input. He said while they did not always agree, they had a good working relationship and supported each other during elections. He thanked her for her service to Peoria supporting historic neighborhoods and resolving challenges for a better Peoria. Council Member Oyler said he and Council Member Ruckriegel shared many steps on their journey on the Council after they were appointed together 6 years ago, and he said he valued their friendship. He said he looked forward to working on issues together in the future, noting he was a monumental force on the Council, and that he would miss his leadership.

Mayor Ali said it was an honor and a privilege serving with and learning from Council Members Jensen and Ruckriegel. She said she respected them both and she wished them well.

Motion to adjourn the Special Meeting was approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Grayeb, Jensen, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Ruckriegel, Velpula,

Mayor Ali - 10.

Nays: None.

The Council Meeting adjourned sine die at 6:47 P.M.

Stefanie Tarr, RMC, CMC, City Clerk

City of Peoria, Illinois

****ADMINISTERING THE OATHS OF OFFICE****

City Clerk Stefanie Tarr administered the Oath of Office to the following newly elected Officials:

At-Large Council Member Bernice Gordon-Young

At-Large Council Member John Kelly

At-Large Council Member Zachary Oyler

At-Large Council Member Kiran Velpula

At-Large Council Member Mike Vespa

CONVENING OF THE NEW CITY COUNCIL

A Special Meeting of the City Council of Peoria, Illinois, was reconvened May 2, 2023, at 7:07 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, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa, Mayor Ali - 10. Absent: Jackson - 1.

PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES & COMMUNICATIONS – CITY OF PEORIA

REMARKS BY NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS

After she welcomed the newly elected and reelected At-Large City Council Members, Mayor Ali opened the floor to them to speak regarding their election.

Council Member Gordon-Young said sitting on the Council was a privilege. She thanked God, and she thanked her parents, especially her mother who taught her that life was bigger than herself, to be kind, and worth was measured by what was in her heart. She reflected on lessons her family taught her and how proud they were of her accomplishments. She recognized her family and friends for their support and efforts during the campaign. She said two weeks after she earned her PhD, she decided to run for a position on the City Council with the support of her husband, who she said supported her in all her endeavors. She thanked her campaign team for their commitment to the mission, and she thanked the citizens of Peoria for their belief in her. She said she was thankful for the opportunity to work with Mayor Ali and the Council, noting she was humbled and committed to moving Peoria forward.

Council Member Kelly thanked former Council Members Ruckriegel and Jensen for their service on the Council, noting they got along well and personified fellowship. He commended Council Members Gordon-Young and Vespa for their election, and he said after meeting with them he was confident in their ability to fill the vacancy. He thanked God for his help in his life, and he reflected on all the things that made him who he was and led him to his seat on the Council. He thanked the citizens of Peoria for his reelection, noting he would do his best to make Peoria a great place. He thanked the organizations that hosted the forums during the campaign that allowed candidates to speak on the issues, and he thanked the incumbent Council Members for their support and wisdom. He said the Council worked through difficult issues together, taking the time to resolve them, and he thanked City Manager Urich and Department Heads for their efforts that were reflected in their Staff that made the Council look good. He reflected on the passing of his father two years prior and his experience as the president of Peorians for Council Manager Government. He thanked his wife Amy, and he reflected on the decision to run for public office, and her support and advice she provided him.

Council Member Oyler said when he was sworn-in as an At-Large Council Member six years ago, he did not know he would be the longest serving member after Council Members Grayeb and Riggenbach, and he thanked them for their guidance. He said he faced monumental challenges, and he said he was thankful citizens gave him a third term on the Council, and thankful for the support of friends and family as he worked through challenges of public service. He said the efforts of the Council in Chambers was a small aspect of the service of a Council Member driving the community forward. He said the need was great, there was work to be done, and he believed he served something higher than himself fighting for economy, citizens, and neighborhoods in the best City in the country, and he asked God to bless the City of Peoria.

Council Member Velpula said he took the oath of the At-Large Council Member when he was appointed two years ago, and he thanked Mayor Ali and the Council Members for making his dream possible. He said that night was special because he was chosen by the citizens of Peoria to represent them for a full term. He thanked his parents for empowering him to build a quality life, which he chose to grow his professional career and raise his family in Peoria. He remarked on his efforts to make Peoria a hub for educational opportunities. He said he was ready to continue the work making Peoria a better place, noting the Council did not always agree, but he said they all wanted to attract more jobs, improve schools, and make neighborhoods safer. He thanked the citizens for choosing him to represent them, noting it was a sacred trust. He said he would do his best to continue to earn their support and trust. He thanked his mentors, family and friends, and he thanked those present with him that evening for their support. He showed gratitude towards his wife and son for their unwavering support, emphasizing how much he loved them.

Council Member Vespa thanked everyone in attendance; he thanked God, his family, and his supporters. He recognized his father and uncle who worked hard to become judges, noting integrity was a common family thread; he said he could not have chosen better role models. He recognized the strong women in his family as well, including Maggie Vespa, who he said was a trailblazer working for NBC representing Peoria, who followed in the footsteps of her mother who was a reporter and anchor in Peoria. He said there was an incredible responsibility to live up to their example, and he said as a native of Peoria he was committed to the future of the City. He remarked on the opportunity afforded by the campaign to meet citizens, his responsibility to help Peoria reach it's potential, and the great Staff at the City as well as the faith he had in them and the Council. He said he looked forward to the next few years, and he said he was ready to get to work.

Mayor Ali thanked the newly elected and reelected Council Members. She said it was a privilege and honor to attend the 50th anniversary of the 1973 City Council, who maintained a bond over the many years, noting four of the nine members were still alive today; Les Bergsten, Bruce Brown, James Bateman, and former Mayor Richard Carver. She said they had a long list of accomplishments, including establishing the Civic Center and establishing one of the first equal employment opportunity offices in the country. She said they explained how they were so successful by looking past their differences, finding what they had in common, keeping focused on their goals, as well as building relationships and trust. She encouraged the Council to work together as a team so they could achieve the same heights as the 1973 City Council, and she said she was excited to work with the newly composed Council.

(23-157) Communication from the Mayor and Corporation Counsel with a Request to APPROVE the DECLARATION OF LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY.

Council Member Allen moved to approve the Declaration of Local State of Emergency; seconded by Council Member Velpula.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa,

Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

(23-158) DISTRIBUTION OF COUNCIL RULES

Corporation Counsel Patrick Hayes distributed the Council Rules and said the Council had up to 90 days after the new members were sworn in to choose to amend these rules. He requested input on adjustments to the rules from the Council Members, noting some suggestions were indicated in red on the handout. He said, at the direction of the Council, Staff could establish a date to adopt proposed changes or schedule a Policy Session for discussions. He said a proposed Civility Pledge was also included in the proposed amendments as suggested by the Illinois Municipal League (IML).

Council Member Oyler moved to receive and file the Council Rules, seconded by Council Member Kelly.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa,

Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

CITIZENS' OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL/TOWN BOARD

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

BENEDICTION BY MONSIGNOR JASON GRAY

Monsignor Jason Gray gave the Benediction.

ADJOURNMENT OF THE NEW COUNCIL

Council Member Allen moved to adjourn the Special City Council Meeting; seconded by Council Member Kelly.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa,

Mayor Ali - 10;

Nays: None.

The Special City Council Meeting was adjourned at 7:39 P.M.

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