City of East Peoria City Council met Aug. 1

By Philip Gonzales

Oct 13, 2023

City of East Peoria City Council met Aug. 1.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of East Peoria, Illinois was called to order by his Honor Mayor John P. Kahl presiding at 6:02 P.M. with proper notice having been given.

Upon the roll being called the following answered present: Mayor John P. Kahl, Commissioner Daniel S. Decker, Commissioner Mark E. Hill, Commissioner Seth D. Mingus, and Commissioner Michael L. Sutherland.

Absent: None.

The invocation was given by Commissioner Hill.

Mayor Kahl led the Council and the audience in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move that the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on July 18, 2023 be approved as printed.

Yeas: Commissioner Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Mayor Kahl proclaimed August 2023 as “Duck Race Month” for The Center for Prevention of Abuse. Mayor Kahl read the proclamation at length and presented the proclamation to Ms. Carol Merna the Executive Director of the Center for Prevention of Abuse. Carol Merna thanked the City and Mayor Kahl. She explained that the success of the agency is solid partnerships and relationships to which the City of East Peoria is one. The Duck Race is August 26, hopefully, with a record number of ducks sold. She thanked the City and leadership, Fire Department, EastSide Centre, and the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Kahl asked people to attend. Come enjoy the fun beginning at 11am. There are free services offered to those that need assistance. 100% of the funds are used for the purpose and stay in the area.

Mayor Kahl stated if there was anyone in the audience who wanted to speak on any items on the agenda to come to the podium and state the matter or matters to be discussed. There was no response.

Mayor Kahl explained that Ordinance Number 4740 and Resolution Number 2324-056 are being pulled for future consideration.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BY OMNIBUS VOTE:

Mayor Kahl asked if any Commissioner wished to remove any items from the Consent Agenda for discussion. There was no response.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move to adopt a consent agenda consisting of items numbered 1 through 13 as listed on the agenda for this meeting to be considered by omnibus vote.

Item Number 1 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-055 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 6 in the amount of $3,760,565.19.

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4738 on its Second Reading – (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3407 AND 3443 NORTH MAIN STREET IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS.) – (Special Use to Allow Outdoor Storage on the Property.)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-041 on its Second Reading - Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of the Proposal from EJ Equipment, Inc. for the Repair of a Garbage Truck Mechanical Arm.

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-034 on its Second Reading - Resolution accepting the Low Bid from Kreiling Roofing Company for the EastSide Centre Baseball and Softball Concession Stands Roof Replacement Project.

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-035 on its Second Reading – Resolution Accepting the Low Bid from Lonewolf Concrete Inc. for EastSide Centre Fields 1 and 7 Dugout Upgrade Project.

Item Number 6 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-036 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving One-Year Agreement with Waste Management for Garbage Collection and Recycling Services at Eastside Centre.

Item Number 7 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-037 on its Second Reading – Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from Electric Pump for the Harbor Point Lift Station Pump Replacement Project.

Item Number 8 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-038 on its Second Reading – Resolution Approving the Purchase of New Excavation Shoring Box from Altorfer Rents in the amount of $21,660.

Item Number 9 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-042 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving the Payment of the of the IEPA National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Annual Fees for Wastewater Treatment Discharge for July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.

Item Number 10 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-039 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving an Agreement Between the City of East Peoria Police Department and East Peoria Community High School District No. 309 to Provide School Resource Officer Services.

Item Number 11 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-046 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving the Purchase of Three New 2023 Ford Interceptor Utility Vehicles for the Police Department from Sutton Ford Inc. and Approving the Outfitting of the Vehicles.

Item Number 12 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-045 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Purchases for East Peoria Police Department from State of Illinois Legislative Grant.

Item Number 13 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4741 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LIQUOR CONTROL REGULATIONS OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE TO ADD A NEW CLASS OF LICENSE FOR RECREATIONAL CENTERS AND TO ADJUST THE REQUIRED AGE FOR SERVERS IN LICENSED ESTABLISHMENTS.)

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Items numbered 1 through 3 listed on the Consent Agenda be hereby approved and adopted, the items numbered 2 through 3 having been read once by their title and having laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection be adopted as presented.

Item Number 1 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-055 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 6 in the amount of $3,760,565.19. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 8 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-038 on its Second Reading – Resolution Approving the Purchase of New Excavation Shoring Box from Altorfer Rents in the amount of $21,660. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 12 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-045 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Purchases for East Peoria Police Department from State of Illinois Legislative Grant. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the items adopted by omnibus vote designation.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4739, hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING BID FOR SALE OF CITY-OWNED SURPLUS REAL ESTATE LOCATED AT 238 FRANKLIN STREET IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS) having been read once by its title and having been laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection, be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Hill commented on the Ordinance being one of five properties that were for sale by the City. The property is a small unbuildable parcel. The price is $500 plus a processing fee totaling $1000.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4739 be adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2324-052 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2324-052, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting the Low Bid from RK Custom Builders, INC. for EastSide Centre Field 7 Dugout Roofs Replacement Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2324-052 be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.

Commissioner Hill commented on this being for the roofs on EastSide Centre Field 7 dugouts. This doing some finishing touches on the roof.

Mayor Kahl explained that this item is very similar to the next item. RK Custom Builders, INC. was the low bid.

Commissioner Decker commented on the upgrades to the fields coming together. Commissioner Mingus explained that all expenses at EastSide Centre are worth it.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2324-051 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2324-051, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting the Low Bid from RK Custom Builders, INC. for EastSide Centre Field 1 Dugout Roofs Replacement Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2324-

051 be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.

Commissioner Hill explained that this for the replacement of the dugout roofs on Field 1. This field has been turfed previously.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2324-054 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2324-054, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting Bid from ATG-Ram Industries for Synthetic Turf on Eastside Centre Fields Two, Three and Four, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2324-054 be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.

Commissioner Hill explained that this is for further turfing of the fields at EastSide Centre, specifically for Fields 2, 3, and 4. He commented on investing and moving forward on the improvement plan for EastSide Centre and explained that people reviewed other turf projects that the vendor has done on other fields. The conclusion was unanimous that those that saw the project stay with ATG-Ram Industries for the turfing of these fields. The base cost is $1,999,296.00 plus eight alternates for a total cost of $2,780,808.00. Commissioner Hill commented on savings in water, fertilizers, mowing, and other maintenance. These changes make the fields more competitive to outside rentals. Commissioner Hill commented on the quality of the turf, as there were differences in the turf products. Mayor Kahl explained that he viewed the fields and the recommendation is unanimous.

Commissioner Mingus inquired about the netting and where that would be located. Mayor Kahl commented on the gage of steel used for the dugout roofs being a stronger gage made for this purpose. The gage of steel has not been an issue on a 4 year old field that had the same product.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2324-053 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2324-053, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting the Proposal from JIMAX Landscape, LLC for the Four Corners Bell Towers Demolition Project., be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2324-053 be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.

Commissioner Hill commented the bell towers deteriorating and have stood there since 1984. Mayor Kahl explained that this project is four years in the making, as John Broshears approached the City regarding the bell tower, as the area is difficult to maintain and upkeep. Mr. Broshears suggested using the bells in a new design to be reused around the Civic Complex. The project began during the road closure, and there was a medallion and time capsule that were removed and secured in a safe space. That current area will become greenspace. The cost is $31,844.40.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2324-050 by Commissioner Mingus; RESOLUTION APPROVING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA AND THE EAST PEORIA SANITARY DISTRICT FOR POLICING SERVICES

WHEREAS, the East Peoria Sanitary District (the “Sanitary District”) is in need of experienced policing services from properly equipped and trained police officers from time to time in order to promote and maintain the security and safety of Sanitary District property and enforce the Sanitary District’s ordinances and resolutions; and

WHEREAS, the City of East Peoria (the “City”) maintains a Police Department manned with properly equipped and trained full-time police officers and part-time police officers (the “EPPD”), and the EPPD is able to provide the Sanitary District’s desired policing services from time to time for Sanitary District property located in East Peoria; and

WHEREAS, Article 7, Section 10 of the Constitution of the State of Illinois and Section 5 of the Illinois Intergovernmental Cooperation Act authorize state and local governing bodies to cooperate in the performance of their services and responsibilities by contract and other agreements, and to combine, transfer or share powers by contract and other agreements; and

WHEREAS, the City and EPSD seek to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement whereby the EPPD will provide policing services for the EPSD for promoting and maintaining the security and safety of Sanitary District property and for enforcing Sanitary District ordinances and resolutions (the “Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, the City Council hereby finds that it is in the best interests of the City, EPSD, and the community to enter into the Agreement for providing policing services to the EPSD as provided herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THAT the Agreement (Exhibit A) with the EPSD is approved, and the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City of East Peoria Police Department, together with such changes therein as the Mayor in his discretion deems appropriate.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2324-050 be adopted as presented.

Mayor Kahl and City Attorney Kate Carter explained that the agreement allows for the City to enforce sanitary district rules on sanitary district property. There has been some area vandalized recently.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2324-050 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2324-057 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2324- 057, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving an Agreement Between the City of East Peoria and the Policemen’s Benevolent Labor Committee for a Four-Year Term Commencing on May 1, 2022 and Terminating on April 30, 2026, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2324-057 be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.

Commissioner Mingus commented on the contract that begins on May 1, 2022 and ends on April 30, 2026. Mayor Kahl highlighted some of the changes. He credited everyone that sat at the table for coming together on an agreement for the first time since 2008. He explained that it is a good agreement.

Years 0-1 and 1-2 there is a bump to be more competitive and attract more qualified candidates. As negotiated by the parties, the police officers will receive a 2.0% wage increase for the first year of the new Agreement on a retroactive basis. Thereafter, the new Agreement provides a 2.5% wage increase beginning May 1, 2023, a 3.0% wage increase beginning May 1, 2024, and a 3.0% wage increase beginning May 1, 2025. This also includes a true 80/20 cost share in insurance. He commented on a change to the field training officer that increased pay from 5% to 10%. There is also a proposed change to the education allowance that is going away; however, the annual clothing allowance has been increased by $500 per year. There is also now a light duty policy. These are good improvements, and Mayor Kahl appreciates the support that the City Council has given to the law enforcement. He feels that we are in a good spot, and it is a good agreement for both parties.

Commissioner Decker commented on enjoying being in a community that does support their police department, and he explained that he will support law enforcement.

Commissioner Hill commented on the past few years being difficult for police officers and explained that we have a good police force.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Mayor Kahl stated if there was anyone in the audience who wanted to speak on any items not on the agenda to come to the podium state the matter or matters to be discussed. There was no response.

Mayor Kahl then asked for comments from Council.

Commissioner Decker commented on being happy that improvements are being done at EastSide Centre. In years prior, the City was offered one of the band competitions. When the City is able to sponsor events like that, there are more opportunities for revenue. He looks forward to what is to come to EastSide Centre. EastSide Centre is paid for and the investment at EastSide is a fragment that is put into other facilities.

Commissioner Hill announced the July Brightspot award winners that are the following: (1) Business - Gary Dieters Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 444 E Washington Street; (2) Springfield Road Area - 115 Brentwood Drive; (3) Illini Drive Area - 116 Clayton Court; (4) Richland/Pekin Avenue Area - 262 Keil Street; (5) Meadow Avenue Area - 104 E Eden Street. The next entry deadline is Thursday, August 10, 2023, and the entry form is available on the City’s website. The Farmer’s Market is on Friday from 4pm 7pm and runs through the end of August. A great performer is for this coming Friday’s Farmer’s Market is returning.

Commissioner Sutherland commented on being on the school board when the football field was conceived and that they could not have alcohol. He commented on swimming pools in neighboring communities. He commented on tax money paying for park district fields that he can’t use. The rules that the park district has is that the things need to pay for themselves. He does not understand how a park can pay for itself. He feels that the park district should have a pool. He commented on the park district owning a lot of property outside of the City limits. He commented on the closure of the 100 block of East Washington Street and recommending the use of alternative routes. There has not been a bad accident; however, people have been speeding through Kroger.

Commissioner Mingus explained that car seat checks will be at Central Firehouse tomorrow.

Mayor Kahl expressed condolences to the family of Lindy Arnold who was the longtime City Clerk. The St. Jude run is this Saturday. He asked people to show up to show community support. The race kicks off around 8am, and there is an itinerary posted. He commented on Governor Pritzker signing a law that allows individuals that are not citizens of the United States but that are authorized to work in the US being able to apply to be police officers. He explained that the individuals must take an oath of office to uphold the United States Constitution and Illinois Constitution that does not apply to them. He expressed concerns over the laws that are being adopted.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, August 15, 2023 at 6:00 P.M.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 6:55 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08012023-1091

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