Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met June 18.

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 6:03 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, and Commissioner Seth D. Mingus.

Absent: Commissioner Michael L. Sutherland.

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 June 4, 2024 be approved as printed.

Yeas: Commissioner Decker, Hill, Mingus, 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.

Bradley Brooks, the petitioner for a special use at 113 Campus Avenue under Ordinance Number 4801, came up to the podium. He explained that he wants to put up a gazebo and was going to have it professionally assembled and installed.

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 Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move to adopt a consent agenda consisting of items numbered 1 through 3 as listed on the agenda for this meeting to be considered by omnibus vote.

Item Number 1 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-027 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 3 in the amount of $1,255,773.42.

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-015 on its Second Reading - Resolution Accepting Lowest Responsible Bidder for Yard Maintenance Contract Services from Jimax Landscaping LLC.

Item Number 3 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-016 on its Second Reading – Resolution Approving the Purchase of Three New 2025 Ford Interceptor Utility Vehicles for the Police Department from Sutton Ford Inc. and Approving the Outfitting of the Vehicles.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, 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 2425-027 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 3 in the amount of $1,255,773.42. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-015 on its Second Reading - Resolution Accepting Lowest Responsible Bidder for Yard Maintenance Contract Services from Jimax Landscaping LLC. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 3 – Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-016 on its Second Reading – Resolution Approving the Purchase of Three New 2025 Ford Interceptor Utility Vehicles for the Police Department from Sutton Ford Inc. and Approving the Outfitting of the Vehicles. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, 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. 4801 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR AN ACCESSORY STRUCTURE ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 113 CAMPUS AVENUE IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS) be read at length by the Clerk, and that said Ordinance No. 4801 be accepted on its first reading, and be hereby adopted as presented.

Commissioner Hill explained that this ordinance for a proposed special use is coming before the City Council because it is the second accessory structure on the property. This allows the public to express public input. The ZBA voted 5-0 to recommend approval, and the special use is for a gazebo on the lot.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4801 to be duly adopted as presented.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4802 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1910 SPRINGFIELD ROAD IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS) be read at length by the Clerk, and that said Ordinance No. 4802 be accepted on its first reading, and be hereby adopted as presented.

Commissioner Hill commented on the property and explained that it was once a Good Samaritan Senior Living facility. It has since been an eyesore and a place of vandalism with there being multiple people on the site. He explained that this is not much different from how it has been used as it is planned to be multifamily living. There is a new property owner, and Commissioner Hill feels that this is a welcome use as the owner plans to make significant improvements. There were some residents expressing some concerns, and Commissioner Hill feels that it will include significant improvements to the property. Mayor Kahl explained that he feels that the plans will be good changes to the property. Commissioner Decker commented on it being a problem property, and he looks forward to the change.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4802 to be duly adopted as presented.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4803 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR ABOVE-GROUND FUEL STORAGE TANKS ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 206 EASTGATE DRIVE IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS) be read at length by the Clerk, and that said Ordinance No. 4803 be accepted on its first reading, and be hereby adopted as presented.

Commissioner Hill commented on the location of the property. He explained that a new building for Blunier Builders is to be constructed on this site. As a part of this project, they are requesting the outdoor storage of (3) 1,000-gallon fuel tanks approximately 30 feet from the building as per the site plan to serve their snowplow fleet. The size and placement proposed here is acceptable to the Fire Department, if protective bollards are placed around the tanks. Given the existing vegetation on the property, the tanks will be screened from the residential area to the north as well as from view down Eastgate and Village (where most traffic enters and exits the subdivision). The Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) voted 3-2 to recommend the petition if appropriate approvals are received (from the City and State Fire Marshal (if required). Some neighbors along Village Drive attended the ZBA meeting and expressed their opposition to the project citing concerns about the danger presented to neighboring property owners, including the potential for spills. The petitioner indicates they have a $1,000,000 insurance policy to address any such issues on their properties and the EPA-approved tanks are controlled from the interior of the building to prevent unauthorized access to them. Commissioner Hill commented on Blunier Builders working with residents about concerns.

Director of Planning and Community, Ty Livingston, commented that the business owners have been in contact with the State Fire Marshal’s Office. However, local approval is required before the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Commissioner Decker commented on hearing from someone opposed to the above-ground storage tanks. He learned that these tanks are not uncommon. If the owners had built these tanks inside, they would not have had to go through this special use process. He feels going through this process further protects employees. He feels that the topography and distance will not allow it to affect those around the property.

Commissioner Mingus commented on hearing from residents. He explained that he will support this because that (1) above-ground fuel tanks are common in the City and the city has above-ground fuel tanks; (2) the residents are close to a gas station that has below ground fuel tanks; and (3) the special use is for the outdoor storage (the reason is not for leakage, etc.). Also, Eastgate Drive has several trees that protect the neighbors from the view of the site.

Mayor Kahl explained that he heard from several neighbors. He explained that these are heavily regulated, and there are several in East Peoria that have been here for decades. These also go through approval from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and go through inspections. Another area that has had tanks is right at the ICC campus where the truck driving classes are done that is in closer proximity to the residents on Centennial Drive than the proximity of this proposed property and the residents near it. He commented on above-ground fuel tanks being at the marina that are close to residential properties. He feels that the business owners have gone above and beyond reaching out to the neighbors. The owners plan to plant a row of evergreen hedges around the tanks so that they are not visible. Mayor Kahl explained that there is a wood line with topography that has a ravine between this property and the residential properties behind it, and the Fire Chief is ok with the tanks on the property. For those reasons, he will support the ordinance approval.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4803 to be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-023 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-023, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Microsoft Software Licensing Renewal for the City, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-023 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 annual Microsoft licensing renewal.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-024 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-024, hereto attached, a Resolution approving Laserfiche Software Licensing Renewal for the City with ICC Community Development Solutions in the amount of $15,318.98, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-024 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 annual Laserfiche software renewal.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-022 by Commissioner Hill; WHEREAS, the City of East Peoria maintains a City Code Book for City ordinances, which is designated the “1975 East Peoria City Code Book” and which has amended and republished in 1994 and from time to time thereafter; and

WHEREAS, with the assistance from Municode, the City’s current codifier of the East Peoria City Code, City Officials and City Staff have undertaken the project to update, republish, and otherwise codify and re-codify the current provisions of the City Code Book, which includes reorganizing certain portions of the Code Book and making the City Code Book easier to use and navigate (the “New City Code Book”); and

WHEREAS, before approving and implementing the New City Code Book, the City seeks to make the New City Code Book available for public inspection and comment; and

WHEREAS, the City Council hereby finds that it is in the best interests of the City and its citizens to make the New City Code Book available for public inspection and comment prior to adoption of the New City Code Book;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THAT:

Section 1. The above recitations are found to be true and correct.

Section 2. The City Clerk is hereby directed, by no later than June 19, 2024, to place on file and make available in the Office of the East Peoria City Clerk, one or more copies of the New City Code Book for public use, inspection, and examination.

Section 3. The City Clerk shall receive any comments from the public and make such comments available to the City Staff and the City Council prior to final approval of the New City Code Book.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2425-022 be adopted as presented.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-022 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-019 by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 019, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from Cut Rock LLC for Storm Sewer and Erosion Repair Project Near 125 Bittersweet Lane, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-019 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 commented on the repair project.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-018 by Commissioner Decker; WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of East Peoria, Illinois (the “City”), has taken action to submit a competitive public infrastructure application under the STBG program administered by Tri-County Regional Planning Commission; and

WHEREAS, the City has identified the project to rebuild the hill of Centennial Drive as an important and necessary infrastructure project for City (the “Project”), and the Project is awaiting the necessary funding; and

WHEREAS, receipt of STBG funds is essential to allow the City to undertake the Project to rebuild the segment beginning at Main Street to the crest of hill, which is projected to cost an estimated $5,100,00, at the projected time of construction in 2027-28; and

WHEREAS, criteria under the STBG program are such that financial participation by the City of 30% for the rebuilding of the project costs, as the grantee, is required in conjunction with these funds; and WHEREAS, it is projected the match required from the City will be approximately $1,530,000 at the projected time of construction; and

WHEREAS, the City has certain monies allocated for the project with cash on hand, as needed;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THAT the City does hereby commit funds from the City’s motor fuel tax proceeds for use in conjunction with a STBG program.

Motion by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2425-018 be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Decker commented on the current roadway projects that are being completed. Director Livingston explained that this is based on the working session that happened a month or so ago. This is planned as a rebuild of the roadway. There is a resurfacing component that will have to be a part of the roadway projects. He explained that these are best estimates, as it is unknown where this will be four or five years from now with costs. Mayor Kahl commented on Rob Culp working on estimating the future costs and increases being incurred by the city.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-018 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-020 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 020, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Two-Year Additional Services Agreement with Flock Safety for the East Peoria Police Department’s Automatic License Plate Reader System to Add Three Cameras, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-020 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 this is a two-year agreement for three additional cameras. He explained that a lot of communities have cameras that are all tied together.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-021 by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS THAT a permit for a public exhibition of fireworks be held on July 4, 2024 (rain date July 5, 2024) to Midwest Communications, Inc./Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc. in connection with the 4th of July Fireworks (Choose Greater Peoria Red White and Boom) in East Peoria, Illinois

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the $30.00 license fee required by Section 3-4-6 of the City Code be hereby waived.

AND THAT THIS RESOLUTION NO. 2425-021 BE ADOPTED AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2425-021 be adopted as presented.

Mayor Kahl explained that roads will be closed beginning around 9pm and that this is a great display that ranks in the top 2% of fireworks displays in the nation.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-021 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-025 by Commissioner Mingus; WHEREAS, Dale Orr has been continuously employed by the City from April 27, 2004 through the end of his shift on May 31, 2024, most recently occupying the position of Sergeant in the Police Department;

WHEREAS, Dale Orr announced his intention to retire from employment effective on June 1, 2024; and WHEREAS, the City is appreciative of the long and continued service provided by Dale Orr; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to execute the attached Separation Agreement; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THAT:

Section 1. The above recitals are found to be true and correct.

Section 2. The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the Separation Agreement with such changes as the Mayor, in his sole discretion, may decide are in the best interest of the City of East Peoria.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2425-025 be adopted as presented.

Mayor Kahl and Commissioners thanked Dale Orr for his service and wished him well in his retirement.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-025 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-026 by Commissioner Mingus; WHEREAS, Kim Riggenbach has been continuously employed by the City from June 8, 1999 through the end of his shift on June 9, 2024, most recently occupying the position of Assistant Chief in the Fire Department;

WHEREAS, Kim Riggenbach announced his intention to retire from employment effective on June 10, 2024; and

WHEREAS, the City is appreciative of the long and continued service provided by Kim Riggenbach, and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to execute the attached Separation Agreement; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THAT:

Section 1. The above recitals are found to be true and correct.

Section 2. The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the Separation Agreement with such changes as the Mayor, in his sole discretion, may decide are in the best interest of the City of East Peoria.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2425-026 be adopted as presented.

Mayor Kahl and Commissioners thanked Kim Riggenbach for his service and wished him well in his retirement.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-026 be duly adopted as presented.

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.

Linda Dean came up to the podium. She explained that this is her first City Council meeting and she did not know that she should have come up to speak earlier on the proposed special use at 206 Eastgate Drive. The major issue is how dangerous this is. She explained that diesel fuel is a category 4 and it is very dangerous to breathe in. It is important to make a well-informed decision when choosing a place to live. She explained that she studied propane, diesel, and gasoline and propane is not as bad. Gasoline and diesel are very dangerous. She explained that there are catastrophes that no one can help except God. There are children, older people and younger people living on Village Drive. She would not wish this upon anyone in the neighborhood, and she feels that there should be an industrial spur that has these types of businesses. She did know that the property was zoned commercial; however, she did not know the opportunity of fuel being stored there. She feels that it is best to look out for everyone and to make it the safest place for the environment and people. She hated to say what if this was in your back yard. She feels that it would affect those behind the backyard and those next to them.

Mayor Kahl explained that he appreciates her comments and responded to her before the meeting. The City Council had heard how she felt. He explained he and Ms. Dean are not going to agree. He explained that supported the proposed special use for the reasons stated. If the State Fire Marshal and IEPA allow them with all of the precautions that are taken, then he thinks there is a reason for that. He explained that he does not live in fear. She heard from a real estate agent that it is basically common sense why no one would like to live by a flammable liquid. Mayor Kahl explained that if it was next door, it would be different. This is 300 feet to the closest house and the people in the neighborhood must pass a gas station to get to their homes. He explained that the business owners explained the necessity of needing those fuel tanks to fuel the equipment that they operate their business on. He feels that the business owners have gone above and beyond what is required of them.

Mayor Kahl asked for any additional comments from the audience. There was no response.

Director Livingston commented on survey on the comprehensive plan that is available. You can give information online. There has been one public meeting, and there will be another event that allows people to give comments on the City’s comprehensive plan. The City encourages people to give comments.

Mayor Kahl then asked for comments from Council.

Commissioner Decker commented on Springfield Road. He encouraged people to drive the speed limit on the road. It is a $12,000,000 project and will take to the beginning of November to get the job done. He is looking forward to getting the job done. He asked everyone to be patient and drive with respect.

He explained that they are continuously working on Washington Road. He wished everyone a great 4th of July Celebration. On September 25th the Vietnam Wall will be arriving. He looks forward to get that going. He asked anyone wanting to volunteer to please contact him.

Commissioner Hill commented on door-to-door solicitors in neighborhoods. Chief Catton explained that they register solicitor’s permits on City letterhead and are to display and carry it. The hours of the solicitors are also on the letterhead. Every individual must be registered. If you do not want someone to solicit, you must have a no soliciting sign up. Mayor Kahl commented on energy companies and telling people not to share information from your energy bill. If concerned, call the Police Department. Commissioner Hill announced the winners of the June Paul Peterson Bright Spot Awards:

• 2336 Cole Street

• 313 Indian Circle

• 153 Jay Street

• 124 Lakewood Avenue

• Business - Regulator Roasting Company, 2128 E Washington Street.

Commissioner Hill commented on the Farmers Market that is Fridays from 4pm to 7pm through the end of August.

Mayor Kahl commented on the roadway improvements and asked for patience during the improvements. He thanked the City Council for accomplishing the large projects. The Police Department does issue tickets in construction zones. Mayor Kahl explained that the July 2 City Council meeting will be canceled.

Motion by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, July 16, 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 7:18 P.M.

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