Peoria Standard

Peoria County Board met May 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Attendance

Present:

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

Absent:

Members: Brandy Bryant, Steve Rieker

CALL TO ORDER

MOMENT OF SILENCE

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL BY THE COUNTY CLERK

I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Member Daley moved for approval of the minutes, and Member Blair seconded. The minutes were approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 16 ayes.

II. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

A. Peoria Christian girl's volleyball state championship

B. Peoria Genealogical Society 50th anniversary

C. Peoria Motorcycle Club

D. Limestone High School Easter Seals

III. CITIZENS' REMARKS

Joyce Blumenshine addressed the Board about the Carbon Dioxide Pipeline. She stated that there was a press conference at Mount Zion Baptist Church with South Side residents, leaders of the minority, justice, and religious communities about the need for protection from Carbon Dioxide Pipelines and the processes that are included to get it. She expressed how hard they are working to inform the public. She noted that on May 22, 2023, at 6:00 pm at Carver Center, Councilwoman Denise Jackson will hold a forum with several speakers about these issues. She specified that she is here tonight to call attention to the fact that these issues are not resolved and the Federal Pipeline Hazardous Materials and Safety Administration are still reviewing their regulations due to a pipeline break in 2020. She stressed that this leaves Illinois vulnerable. She noted that she wanted to be sure the public and State are protected as well as taxpayers are not held liable for any cost from any problems.

Kate Potter addressed the Board about the Carbon Dioxide Pipeline. She stated that CO2 is a killer and an asphyxiant that can’t be outrun and yet it is being proposed to pipe this close to people’s homes and through Peoria with no current regulations to prohibit it. She remarked that this is a waste of taxpayer money as well as a way for pipeline and polluting companies to gain money. She urged the Board to support a moratorium on CO2 pipelines and for the Board Members to get acquainted with this issue and say no to eminent domain.

Jason Cohee addressed the Board about his dissatisfaction with State’s Attorney, Jodi Hoos. He urged the Board to assist him with getting a Special Prosecutor appointed, to prosecute his mother for financial exploitation of a disabled adult due to a conflict of interest between himself and State’s Attorney, Jodi Hoos.

Selena Pappas, a representative of the board of directors for Peoria Proud, addressed the Board about Governor Ron DeSantis’ visit to Peoria on May 12, 2023. She stated that Governor DeSantis has created policies that have removed rights from minority groups and individuals living in poverty within the State of Florida. She noted that there will be gatherings around the Peoria area on May 12, 2023, to bring non-violent individuals and groups together to promote love, inclusivity, and civic engagement. She stressed that hate has no place in Peoria or the State of Illinois.

IV. CONSENT AGENDA

C1. The Monthly Treasurer's Report

C2. The Auditor's report of expenditures from Accounts Payable system is accessible at www.peoriacounty.gov/auditor/transparency.

C3. Agreement between County of Peoria and the Minority Business Development Center

C4. Agreement with Tyler Enterprise Supervision

C5. Maxwell Road and Middle Road Transportation Alternatives Program Application

C6. 2023 Maintenance Materials Quotations

C7. Chairman Appointments

Member Reneau moved to approve the Consent Agenda and Member Duncan seconded. The Consent Agenda was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 16 ayes.

V. ZONING ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTIONS

1. Case ZBA-2023-009. David Herrmann.

Member Rosenbohm moved to approve the petition and Member Elsasser seconded. Member Elsasser commented that he was thankful that this has been worked out and that Mr. Herrmann has worked nicely with the staff to help come to a resolution. Chairman Dillion mentioned that he will be voting yes because he feels this is the landowner’s right to have this business on his property. He stated that he is only voting yes because of restriction #2 where he has to re-up every year and if he is out of compliance he will lose his home occupation. He reported that this property has been a habitual offender with no resolution for months until now. He stressed that this is not permanent due to the restriction, and Mr. Herrmann will have to comply with the rules but he has the right to have this business on his property. He hoped that going forward the rules would be a little bit more in order than it has been in the past. The petition was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 16 ayes.

2. Case ZBA-2023-013, Todd and Paula Sheridan.

Member Rosenbohm moved to approve the Special Use request and Member Daley seconded. The Special Use request was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 16 ayes.

3. Case ZBA-2023-006, Todd and Paula Sheridan.

Member Rosenbohm moved to approve the Special Use request and Member Allison seconded. Member Elsasser asked how Member Windish felt about this because it is in his district. Member Windish replied that he had no issues with this request. The Special Use request was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 16 ayes.

4. Designating Ordinance Amendment #2 for Peoria Rural Enterprise Zone and Amendment #2 to the Peoria Rural Enterprise Zone Intergovernmental Agreement

Member Blair moved to approve the amendment and Member Kelch seconded. Member Williams stated she would be voting nay because of the threshold for prevailing wage. Chairman Dillon thanked Sally Hanley and Administrator Sorrell for all their hard work. He explained that this was not an easy process and Sally got it done. He commented that there will be a truck stop going in on Kickapoo Edwards’s blacktop. He explained that the County doesn’t have many tools to aid in economic development but later, there will be substantial road improvements made and this is one of the only tools the County can offer for development. He mentioned Sally Hanley, who presented last night at Brimfield School Board for them to participate in the Enterprise Zone for the school district. He confirmed the school district did pass that and will be participating in it. He thanked Sally Hanley for all her hard work and the time she put into getting this done. Member Elsasser mentioned that the place that will be coming to the area has amazing fried chicken. Chairman Dillon remarked that they are investing heavily in the area with new gas stations and have been very forthcoming when they have asked for information and were willing to meet in person. Member Kelch expressed he felt that Chairman Dillon, Sally Hanley, and Scott Sorrell did an outstanding job presenting at Brimfield School Board and getting this to go through to help the area. The amendment passed with a roll call vote of 15 ayes and 1 nay, with Member Williams voting nay.

5. Jean M. Ligon Animal Welfare Grant from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois (Pending Committee Approval)

Member Allison moved to approve the resolution and Member Blair seconded. Chairman Dillon reminded the Board that because this is a budget amendment a super majority is required for passage. The resolution was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 16 ayes.

6. Juvenile Redeploy Service Provider Contract with Counseling and Family Services dba FamilyCore (Pending Committee Approval)

Member Allison moved to approve the resolution and Member Phelan seconded. The resolution was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 16 ayes.

7. SFY2024 Juvenile Redeploy Grant Agreement with IDHS (Pending Committee Approval)

Member Allison moved to approve the resolution and Member Duncan seconded. The resolution was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 16 ayes.

8. City of Peoria Temporary Easement (Pending Committee Approval)

Member Salzer moved to approve the resolution and Member Elsasser seconded. Member Salzer stated that this has to do with one-way streets that the City will be working on around the Courthouse on Adams and Main as well as Main and Jefferson. The resolution was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 16 ayes.

9. Design Variance for Left Turn Lane on Kickapoo Edwards Road

Member Salzer moved to approve the resolution and Member Kelch seconded. Member Salzer explained that we need to help businesses and show that we are a business-friendly County. He also thanked Amy McLaren and her staff who have worked so hard to help the businesses on the Kickapoo-Edwards blacktop. The resolution was approved by a unanimous roll call vote of 16 ayes.

VI. MISCELLANEOUS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Member Ruhland noted that there is a construction fence up around the Heath Department.

Member Blair mentioned that the start of the business GP.org microgrant program is taking its first applications and will start reviewing them after May 15th. She stated that it appears that they have quite a few applications and reminded everyone that to be considered for the application, each founder would have had to meet with two mentors and get their stamps of approval to get through the passport. She is thankful to have so many great mentors working with some great entrepreneurs in the area and she is excited to be giving out those grants. She also congratulated all the Bradley graduates whose commencement is on Saturday, and she reminded everyone to be careful driving down Main Street and Farmington Road as her students are out celebrating.

Member Allison said that she has an Eighth Grader graduating next week and will be moving on to Limestone where she looks forward to being on the Student Council and fundraising. She expressed being very proud of her oldest daughter and noted how quickly time goes.

Member Reneau reminded everyone that tomorrow is the last day for the Arts in Education celebration at the plaza. He also mentioned that Monday will be Peace Plays in Peoria, where they send music out to different schools and they all come together to play the same music together. He recognized the Regional Superintendent and Dave Poehls for doing an incredible job putting this together this year. He commented that the plaza is alive again with food trucks and people out and about. He urged everyone to come out and see Richwoods Jazz Band, which his son is a part of. He remarked that the second song has a sophomore soloist, Jackson Andrews, who does an amazing job and would appreciate anyone coming out and showing support.

Member Rosenbohm congratulated Member Rieker on his retirement and becoming a grandfather to a little girl.

Member Salzer complemented Brooke Sommerville, Chief Deputy for the Peoria County Clerk’s office, for doing a good job running the Board meeting for the first time.

Member Elsasser expressed that any time a National figure, whether Republican or Democrat, it is good publicity for the area. He also wished everyone a safe and blessed

Memorial Day and noted how thankful he was for everyone who has given their lives on our behalf.

Chairman Dillon also complemented Brooke Sommerville, Chief Deputy for the Peoria County Clerk’s office, for doing a good job running the Board meeting for the first time. Especially with her husband Marcellus Sommerville, the CEO of Friendship House in the North Valley in attendance. He emphasized that what Marcellus Sommerville, is doing with after-school programs, the food pantry, and everything else is remarkable. He also mentioned to the Board that next Executive Session, they will be having the ARPA discussion so it may be more in-depth.

VII. ADJOURNMENT

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

https://www.peoriacounty.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05112023-1423