City of East Peoria City Council met Jan. 16

Alan Wolff, Ward 2 Alderman | City of Batavia Website

By Philip Gonzales

Feb 22, 2024

City of East Peoria City Council met Jan. 16.

Here is the agenda 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 6:00 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 December 19, 2023 be approved as printed.

Yeas: Commissioner 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 on the agenda to come to the podium and state the matter or matters to be discussed.

Seth Landwehr, petitioner for a Special Use to allow an accessory structure inconsistent with Title 5, Section 6 on property located at 219 Neumann Lane (Ordinance Number 4777 on the agenda), came up to the podium to speak. He explained that the accessory structure he is requesting is for steel siding on the structure. The Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) voted 5-2 to recommend approval of the proposed Special Use to allow the accessory structure as proposed with the condition that its façade (the side facing the street) must be code-acceptable material – not sheet metal. He asked for consideration for all four sides to be steel siding as was in his original request, as the vinyl siding puts him at a financial hardship. He would need to put rock façade if steel siding is not allowed on all four sides. He explained that he built the house on the farthest side of the property and that every dollar of the property counts and that the siding will match his home with red siding, roofing, and trim matching his home. He explained that none of his neighbors have an issue with steel siding if the colors appropriately match his home.

Jack and Leslie Baugh came up to the podium to speak on the proposed Special Use at 219 Neumann Lane (Ordinance Number 4777). They explained that they are next door neighbors of the petitioner. Mr. Baugh passed out an 8 ½ x 11-inch sheet of paper to the City Council consisting of two images depicting the Baughs’ home and the view from the Baughs’ home to the petitioner’s home. He explained that he has a 3.6-acre property and that his home has rough cedar siding on it. He explained that on the left side of the screen, there are what he calls commercial metal buildings. There is another metal structure on the left of Mr. Landwehr’s house from his home. He feels that it is commercial in nature, as there is a commercial door on either side. The side with the large garage door is supposed to face Mr. Baugh’s home. He explained that he and his wife would be willing to compromise and be okay with the metal façade, if the large garage door did not face their home. Ms. Baugh inquired as to whether the ZBA was aware of the aesthetic. She expressed concerns about the aesthetic value of the view of the garage door, as she feels that it commercial in nature with it being a tall and wide garage door, and she does not think the building is a similar aesthetic to the neighborhood. The Baughs want the accessory building to be at the far end of the home with a strong preference to spin the orientation of the structure. There was a discussion about the Baughs’ home and the orientation of their home, with their home facing the southwest and is the combination of three parcels. There is a possibility of subdividing a part of their property.

Steve Kerr, with Mohr and Kerr Engineering, came up to the podium as a representative on behalf of RCC Real Estate Group, the petitioner for the Special Use at 51 Hoffer Lane (Ordinance Number 4776). Mr. Kerr explained that River City Construction bought the Danco Building that is on an irregularly shaped lot that is constrained as far as setbacks and being able to do a whole lot with it. It was purchased to supplement some of their construction yard with MR Mason moving their construction support into the Danco Building. There is a 600 square foot addition that is being torn down, and there will be an addition of approximately 900 square feet planned to be added onto the building. They are requesting a gravel parking area. The gravel parking lot was supported by the ZBA. Mr. Kerr explained that the location will not be generally open to the public. They would like to ask that the ordinance be approved as it was with the ZBA with gravel parking. If there was a change of use, then they would have to pave. Right now, they had to come to the planning commission because of the offsets that they are adding back on and the gravel. If they moved in without making changes, then they would not have to make changes. They are requesting the special use be approved as it was at the ZBA.

Don Bitner came up to the podium to speak about the Special Use at 219 Neumann Lane (Ordinance Number 4777). He explained that he is Seth’s father-in-law. He commented on the neighbors having an issue with aesthetics when the neighbors have orange cones with no trespassing signs at the end of their driveway. He explained that Seth takes care of the lane on his own and at his own expense.

Mayor Kahl asked for any other comments from the audience. There was no response. 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 Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move to adopt a consent agenda consisting of items numbered 1 through 7 as listed on the agenda for this meeting to be considered by omnibus vote.

Item Number 1 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-121 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedules of Bills Listed on Schedules Numbered 15 & 16 in the amount of $3,583,623.36 and $897,626.58.

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-110 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Annual Renewal of Software Maintenance & Support Services from Harris Computer Systems for the City’s Enterprise Software System.

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4774 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE HOTEL AND MOTEL TAX PROVISIONS OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE TO INCLUDE ONLINE FACILITATION OF SHORT-TERM RENTAL UNITS.)

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-109 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Agreement with Midwest Engineering Associates to Provide Design and Construction Engineering Services for Phase III Pinecrest Drive Pavement Patching Project.

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-111 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Revised Contract Arrangement for Acquisition of New Dump Truck for the City’s Public Works Department.

Item Number 6 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-112 on its Second Reading - Resolution to Approve Contract for Construction Manager Services Agreement with River City Construction LLC for Pre-Construction and Construction Services for New Police Station Project (Camp Street).

Item Number 7 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2324-108 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Five-Year Service and Licensing Agreement with Flock Safety for the East Peoria Police Department’s Automatic License Plate Reader System.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Items numbered 1 through 7 listed on the Consent Agenda be hereby approved and adopted, the items numbered 2 through 7 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 2324-121 – Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedules of Bills Listed on Schedules Numbered 15 & 16 in the amount of $3,583,623.36 and $897,626.58. (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 Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4766 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA ZONING CODE TO ADJUST HOURS OF OPERATION FOR CANNABIS DISPENSARIES IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA) 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 there is one cannabis dispensary that is licensed in East Peoria, and there are two additional ones that can be licensed in the future. As staff has come to understand, this existing location has been operating until 8pm most nights and up until 9 pm Thursday-Saturday as opposed to the code-stated time of up until 7pm. In checking with the police chief, the current operating hours have not posed any issues and up until 9pm is consistent with more traditional retail hours of operation. The proposal changes the code to allow up to 9pm operation and will ensure all dispensaries operate within the same hours.

Mayor Kahl explained that there have not been any issues with the currently licensed dispensary being open until 8pm or 9pm and that he will support the code change.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4775 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 435 TAYLOR STREET AND ADJACENT PARCELS LOCATED AT 429, 433, AND 437 E. WASHINGTON STREET IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS) 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 the petitioner owns these properties, one was craft store/sweet shop. The funeral homes are B-3 and the petitioner wants to change these to B-3 to be consistent with neighboring properties. The petition is to change the zoning of these four properties from B-2 to B-3. In its current form, the City’s Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map shows this area as being commercial. The change to B-3 allows for more potential uses of the properties. Both funeral homes nearby are zoned B-3 and the total frontage of all four parcels makes them eligible to be rezoned, as well.

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 Ordinance No. 4776 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 51 HOFFER LANE TO CONTINUE AND MODIFY THE NON-CONFORMING USES ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS) 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 the new owners have a property that is non-conforming. He explained that hard surface paving is required for all businesses, with the exception being only things are to be stored on surface. The ZBA voted 5-2 with the non-conforming part for recommending approval. On the proposed ordinance, there is the proposal to have a hard surface for the property.

Mayor Kahl explained that the business that was there previously had a non-conforming use. The ask is if the use is changed in the future, then and only then, the parking area on the property would need hard surface paving. The petitioner is seeking to not have to hard pave in the parking area.

Commissioner Sutherland commented on using equipment to load on hard surfaces and expressed concerns about the safety of running construction equipment on hard paved surfaces. He explained that it his understanding that hard paved driveways came in after 1974 and was done for dust control. He explained that he built a duplex and has always had white rock on that property. He feels that white rock driveways and roads are not a nuisance to the City, and he inquired as to a good reason why the property should be hard paved.

Commissioner Mingus inquired about the driveway that comes in off Hoffer Lane and whether it is paved. Steve Kerr, a representative on behalf of River City Real Estate Group, explained that the parcel does not connect to Hoffer Lane. There was a discussion about the property. Access to the parking lot and the parking area are being asked to be paved. The ZBA voted to approve just the paving in the parking areas. What is written in the ordinance is paving the drive to the parking lot along with paving the parking lot. Currently, it is a vacant parcel.

Commissioner Decker inquired as to whether the ordinance reflects the city code and not what the ZBA approved. Ty Livingston, Director of Planning and Community Development explained that the proposed ordinance reflects the city code. He explained that there have been exceptions to the paving if a majority of the neighborhood was rock. The owner would then not have to pave. Commissioner Decker explained that he would be willing to approve both the hard paved and the minimal paving.

Commissioner Mingus commented on the petition using the existing road and not putting in a new road.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we amend Ordinance 4776 by amending part 2 of section 2 to read that the petitioner shall install paving in accordance with site plan.

Mayor Kahl explained that if they want to deviate from the current City Code he has concerns. He does not have any concerns with the amendment if the City Code is written differently. At this time, with it deviating from the current City Code, he will not support the amendment.

Commissioner Mingus asked about how to write the code that is not all encompassing. He struggles with all-encompassing rules. He feels that there are a lot of grays in decisions and many decisions are not black and white.

Commissioner Hill explained that the special use is about the non-conforming use and not the driveway.

Commissioner Sutherland commented on a water tax in Peoria because there is not enough saturation with the hard paving. He commented on not having enough saturation in certain areas with hard paving. He feels that this amendment is the right thing to do.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Mingus, and Sutherland.

Nays: Commissioner Hill and Mayor Kahl.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion to amend carried.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; Mr. Mayor, I move you to approve the ordinance as amended.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Mingus, and Sutherland.

Nays: Commissioner Hill and Mayor Kahl.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried as amended.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4777 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR AN ADDITIONAL ACCESSORY STRUCTURE ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 219 NEUMANN LANE IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS) 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 the special use and the front facing nature of the building. The petition here is for an accessory structure to be inconsistent with the requirements of the City Code. In this case, the proposal is for an exterior metal inconsistent with the primary structure as well as two accessory structures (this one and an existing shed) which will exceed 1,250 square feet. With respect to the latter issue, the total square footage of both will be less than 1,400 square feet.

This project was started with the petitioner indicating the accessory structure would have traditional vinyl siding on the exterior. However, since then, he has come back indicating the siding is too much of a premium to pay approximately $30,000 to what he presented to the ZBA.

At the meeting, a neighbor indicated several concerns with this proposal as well as other issues. With respect to the proposal, he indicated concerns about the overall size and the character of it (barn-like). He also mentioned that constructing this building could diminish property values in the neighborhood.

Commissioner Hill explained that the ZBA voted 5-2 to recommend approval of the proposed Special Use to allow the accessory structure as proposed with the condition that its façade (the side facing the street) must be code-acceptable material – not sheet metal. There is an ordinance against metal building, and the ordinance is not based on it being aesthetically pleasing. The vote was on code acceptable material. He explained that the building is just slightly behind the house. The neighbors present at tonight’s meeting are asking for the building to be rotated or moved to the back of the property. Commissioner Hill explained that there were different issues heard tonight than were heard at the ZBA hearing, including the placement of the structure on the property. The building appears to be located just slightly behind the property in the site plan. What is being heard tonight is recommending the special use with the code acceptable material on the front. There is nothing regarding the orientation of the building.

Commissioner Decker commented on the siding and size of the structure being the two main issues regarding the special use. Commissioner Hill explained that accessory structure had to come for a special use because the structure exceeded 1,250 feet. Commissioner Decker inquired as to whether there was a vote on the original request for the façade to be all steel. Director Livingston explained that there was some discussion about the façade. The way the ordinance is worded would require a different façade on one side of the structure. Commissioner Decker explained that the issue the neighbor has is the orientation of the structure and did not have an issue with the size or steel structure, and he would be in favor of a steel structure.

Commissioner Mingus explained that this ordinance is a more difficult decision. He has no issue with the structure, and he feels that people can do with their property what they want; however, there are zoning rules that apply to properties. The only discussion is whether they are ok with the structure and the facade or siding of the structure. He commented that the neighbors do not have an issue with the siding, and it will be a substantial increase in costs, so he feels that he would be in favor of the steel façade and approving the structure.

Commissioner Sutherland explained that it is the petitioner’s property, and he feels that they can do what they want to do. He commented on the structure being a pole barn, where a pole barn will fall without the sides being on it. He commented on the changes that need to be made if vinyl siding is used on a pole barn structure which will cost a lot of money. He feels that if the city allows people to build pole barns then the steel should be allowed. If the city does not want steel façade, then the city should not allow pole barn structures.

Ms. Baugh explained that she and her husband are opposed to the steel structure and the size; however, they are willing to forgo the façade and be ok with the steel building and the size if the orientation is moved. They are expressing a desire to compromise.

Commissioner Decker explained that he believed that size was not an issue, and he will be voting in favor of this item.

Mayor asked about a point of clarification regarding a motion to amend. There was a discussion about presenting a motion to amend.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; Mr. Mayor, I move you to amend by striking condition number 2 in section 2 of Ordinance No. 4777.

Mayor Kahl inquired as to previous structures that are steel and whether they were required to have a different façade. Director Livingston explained that the City Code has a statement that speaks to the side that faces the street must be something other than sheet metal. However, with the pole barn structures, that has not always been required. Commissioner Hill explained that there have been exceptions because the buildings were not visible to the public and a deviation or an exception was allowed. Mayor Kahl explained that this area is unique, and Neumann Lane is a private roadway, and the public will not be driving down the lane. Mayor Kahl would support the ordinance as amended based upon its uniqueness.

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

Nays: Commissioner Hill.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; Mr. Mayor, I move you to approve the ordinance as amended.

Mayor Kahl explained that the amended motion was on the table and asked if there was no further discussion a vote.

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

Nays: Commissioner Hill.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion as amended carried.

Resolution No. 2324-114 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2324-114, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving an Engagement Agreement Between the City of East Peoria and Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. for Bond Underwriter Services, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2324-114 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 resolution going along with the building of the new Police Department building. It approves a letter for the underwriting services should the City go forward with the alternative revenue bonds.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2324-118 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2324-118, hereto attached, a Resolution of Adoption of the Updated Tri-County Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2324-118 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 reviewing the plan every several years. Director Livingston explained that the Public Works Department, Fire Department, Drainage and Levee District, and Sanitary District work together on the plan. They look at flooding and identify items to make the City eligible for funds.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2324-116 by Commissioner Hill; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS, THAT the reappointment by Mayor John P. Kahl of Ty Livingston, Director of Planning and Community Development, to the Tri-County River Valley Development Authority Board of Directors be hereby approved for a term beginning in 2024 and ending in 2026.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2324-116 be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Hill explained that this is for an appointment to the Tri-County River Valley Development Authority (“TRVDA”) Board. Ty Livingston was the City representative for several years and is being reappointed. The TRVDA Board has bonding opportunities among other opportunities. This Board also helps with hearing about the developments in the area.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2324-116 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2324-117 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2324-117, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving the Purchase of a 2023 Ford F-150 with Lift Gate Fit Out from Morrow Brothers Ford, Inc. for Facilities Management, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2324-117 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 resolution is for the purchase of a truck for Facilities Management. The older truck that is currently used by Facilities Management will be repurposed for the EastSide crews.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2324-120 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2324- 120, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Revised Use Policy for Civic Complex Meeting Rooms and Shared Spaces, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2324-120 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 resolution is for an update of the meeting room and shared space rules that further clarifies that the space is not to be used for selling things. Mayor Kahl explained that this is a further refining that both the Library and City were on the same page.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2324-115 by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2324- 115, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving the Purchase of a Used 2016 Skid Steer Loader from Tazewell County Asphalt, Inc. for the Street Department, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2324-115 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 Decker explained that the previous skid steer is from 1997. The used 2016 skid steer has 5,000 hours and is a good deal.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2324-119 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2324- 119, hereto attached, a Resolution Authorizing and Directing the Payment of an invoice in the Amount of $40,000 to the Fon du Lac Park District for Use of Park Property and Security Detail at the Winter Wonderland Lighted Display from November 2023 to January 1, 2024, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2324-119 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 explained that the City uses the Park District for security detail and the use of the park. This is for the payment of those services and use.

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 the weather including it being so cold. He explained that he has received compliments on the crew plowing the roadways.

Commissioner Hill commented on roadways being clear for him to get to work.

Commissioner Sutherland explained that the laterals are in on the Oakwood-Avondale project. He commented on the sewer capital fee, and he does not want the sewer capital fee being extended beyond what is currently. When the bonds are paid, then the sewer capital fee will be removed. He explained that you never know who will be up here in the year 2035. Commissioner Sutherland commented on the possibility of allowing licensed drivers to drive four wheelers and golfcarts on less busy streets. He does not believe that the ban on snowmobiles should have been approved in the past. He commented on firearm laws and laws regarding the purchase of certain types of stain and lightbulbs that he believes are not good laws. He hopes that things change in the next 9-10 months with the government.

Commissioner Mingus explained that he has had people approach him about the possibility of allowing golf carts on less busy streets in the City. He explained that he has researched other communities that register, charge, and place signs on the back of golf carts. Commissioner Mingus explained that the new fire station is nearing completion. He is hopeful that it will be completed within the next 30 days or so and is dependent upon the radios being installed.

Mayor Kahl commended the public works crews on the snow removal and care of the streets. With respect to the golfcarts and side by side vehicles, he explained that he know that many neighboring communities have allowed them. He would be willing to ask staff to research and possibly have the city council consider it.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, February 6, 2024 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 7:35 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01162024-1134

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