Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met July 16.

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 6:00 P.M. with proper notice having been given.

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

Absent: Commissioner Daniel S. Decker.

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 Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that the City Council of the City of East Peoria recess the Regular Meeting to hold a public hearing.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

At 6:02 o’clock P.M., the Mayor announced that the next agenda item for the Council was a public hearing (the “Hearing”) to receive public comments on the following proposal to sell alternate bonds in the amount of not to exceed $20,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs of constructing and equipping a new police station in the City (the “Bonds”), and explained that all persons desiring to be heard would have an opportunity to present written or oral testimony with respect thereto.

The Mayor opened the discussion and explained that the reasons for the proposed issuance of the Bonds were as follows: to sell Alternate Revenue Source note to exceed $20,000,000 for the Purpose of Paying the Costs of Constructing and Equipping a New Police Station. Mayor Kahl turned the discussion over to Director of Finance, Jeff Becker. He explained that the city is unsure about the rate yet; however, the amount is not to exceed $20,000,000. He explained that there is a loan for a developer and the payments from the developer on the loan will go toward the payment of the bonds.

Whereupon the Mayor asked for additional comments from the Commissioners. Additional comments were made by the following: None.

Written testimony concerning the proposed issuance of the Bonds was read into the record by the City Clerk. None.

Whereupon the Mayor asked for oral testimony or any public comments concerning the proposed issuance of the Bonds. Statements were made by the following: None.

The Mayor then announced that all persons desiring to be heard had been given an opportunity to present oral and written testimony with respect to the proposed issuance of the Bonds.

Commissioner Hill moved and Commissioner Mingus seconded the motion that the Hearing be finally adjourned.

After a full discussion thereof, the Mayor directed that the roll be called for a vote upon the motion.

Upon the roll being called, the following Commissioners voted:

AYE: COMMISSIONER HILL, COMMISSIONER MINGUS, COMMISSIONER SUTHERLAND, AND MAYOR KAHL. NAY: NONE.

Whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried and the Hearing was finally adjourned. Other business not pertinent to the conduct of the Hearing was duly transacted at said meeting.

Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, the meeting was finally adjourned.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that the City Council of the City of East Peoria adjourn the public hearing and reconvene the Regular Meeting.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; Mr. Mayor, I move that the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on July 16, 2024 be approved as printed.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Mayor Kahl proclaimed July 27, 2024 as National Korean War Veteran’s Armistice Day. He read the proclamation and thanked the Korean War Veterans. He commented on the Korean War Memorial in DC that he feels is one of the finest memorials, and the memorial does a good job of honoring veterans sacrifices.

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.

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 5 as listed on the agenda for this meeting to be considered by omnibus vote.

Item Number 1 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-035 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedules of Bills Listed on Schedules Numbered 4 & 5 in the amount of $2,584,510.60 and $1,922,641.93.

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-023 on its Second Reading – Resolution Approving Microsoft Software Licensing Renewal for the City.

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-024 on its Second Reading - Resolution approving Laserfiche Software Licensing Renewal for the City with ICC Community Development Solutions in the amount of $15,318.98.

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-019 on its Second Reading - Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from Cut Rock LLC for Storm Sewer and Erosion Repair Project Near 125 Bittersweet Lane.

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-020 on its Second Reading - 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.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Items numbered 1 through 5 listed on the Consent Agenda be hereby approved and adopted, the items numbered 2 through 5 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 2425-035 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedules of Bills Listed on Schedules Numbered 4 & 5 in the amount of $2,584,510.60 and $1,922,641.93. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-023 on its Second Reading – Resolution Approving Microsoft Software Licensing Renewal for the City. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-024 on its Second Reading - Resolution approving Laserfiche Software Licensing Renewal for the City with ICC Community Development Solutions in the amount of $15,318.98. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-019 on its Second Reading - Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from Cut Rock LLC for Storm Sewer and Erosion Repair Project Near 125 Bittersweet Lane. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-020 on its Second Reading - 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. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Yeas: Commissioners 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. 4804 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS (ALTERNATE REVENUE SOURCE) OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $20,000,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING AND EQUIPPING A NEW POLICE STATION (SAID BONDS BEING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS FOR WHICH REAL PROPERTY TAXES, UNLIMITED AS TO RATE OR AMOUNT, MAY BE LEVIED, BUT WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO BE PAID FROM SALES AND USE TAXES DISTRIBUTED TO THE CITY)) be read at length by the Clerk, and that said Ordinance No. 4804 be accepted on its first reading, and be hereby adopted as presented.

The City Clerk read the ordinance at length.

Commissioner Hill commented on having a previous meeting on the proposed new police station. Commissioner Hill commented on this being a process to issue bonds for the building and equipping of a new police station. He explained on this being backed by property taxes. However, there are proposed other revenues that will pay for the bonds.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4804 to be duly adopted as presented.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4806 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4200 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 commented on the location being the former Carter Lumber. The request is to rezone the property from B-3 to M-1 Manufacturing district. The ZBA voted 5-0 to recommend the petition. The plan shows the intent to screen the property with arbor vitae.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4807 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SIGN CODE PROVISIONS FOR CHANGEABLE COPY (DIGITAL) SIGNS AND THE SIZE OF CHANGEABLE COPY (DIGITAL) SIGNS IN SPECIFIED ZONING DISTRICTS 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 commented on this being a code change for the size of changeable copies signs is just under what is common for some size signs. This would up to 100 square feet without going through a special use process.

At present, these signs can only be up to 70 square feet in size, but as we have learned through sign shops, these types of digital signs are typically sold by the foot. So, typically sizes are 60 square feet, 72 square feet, 84 square feet, on up. The proposed changes here would allow up to 100 square feet, but likely would only allow a maximum size of 8’ x 12’ or 96 square feet. Anything larger than that would require a Special Use.

Yeas: Commissioners 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. 4797 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AND ENACTING A NEW CODE FOR THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, PROVIDING FOR THE MANNER OF AMENDING SUCH CODE, AND PROVIDING WHEN SUCH CODE AND THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE) 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 City Code not being updated and reviewed since 1975. The review that was completed looked for ambiguity, double references, streamlining, among other things. The proposed updated City Code was available at City Hall and online for since June 19, 2024. City Attorney Scott Brunton commented on the City Code review process.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-032 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-032, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Contract with Ameren Illinois for Undergrounding Utility Lines at New Police Station Project Site (Camp Street), be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-032 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 Sutherland commented on undergrounding the lines and the costs of the project being $443,000. Mayor Kahl explained that this will underground the lines along a portion West Camp and not just the police station location.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-030 by Commissioner Hill; WHEREAS, a vacancy exists on the Planning Commission as a result of member Sarah Baker resigning from the Board; and

WHEREAS, the Honorable Mayor John P. Kahl has recommended the appointment of Shelly Farmer to fill the vacancy on the East Peoria Planning Commission;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS, THAT the appointment by Mayor John P. Kahl of Shelly Farmer to the East Peoria Planning Commission to fill the vacancy for a term ending April 30, 2026.

AND THAT THIS RESOLUTION NO. 2425-030 BE ADOPTED AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2425-030 be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Hill and Mayor Kahl welcomed and thanked Ms. Farmer for her willingness to serve. Ms. Farmer has experience in Geographic Information Systems (“GIS”), and she was quick to volunteer to serve. He thanked Sarah Gray for her service the past several years.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-030 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-031 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 031, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving the Payment of the IEPA National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Annual Fees for Wastewater Treatment Discharge for Plant Number 1 from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-031 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 Sutherland explained that the city must pay to fill out the paperwork for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and the costs are $32,500.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-033 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Hill; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-033, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from Concentric Integration for the Harbor Point Lift Station Controls Upgrade Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-033 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 Sutherland explained that resolution is to do with having automated control and operational integrity so that staff can know what is occurring. It modernizes things by automating the system and when there is a problem, employees are notified on the computer and telephone that is something occurring before it becomes an issue. He commented on change of ownership and separating this down there so that the City can assume responsibility.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-028 by Commissioner Sutherland; WHEREAS, Richard Wheeler has been continuously employed by the City from December 27, 1993 through the end of his shift on July 31, 2024, most recently occupying the position of Wastewater Operator;

WHEREAS, Richard Wheeler announced his intention to retire from employment effective on August 1, 2024; and

WHEREAS, the City is appreciative of the long and continued service provided by Richard Wheeler; 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 Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Resolution No. 2425-028 be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Sutherland and City Council thanked Mr. Wheeler for his 31 years of service to the city and wished him well in his retirement.

Mayor Kahl explained that the City will pay two installments, the first in the amount of $9,132.00 to be paid on or before August 15, 2024 and the second in the amount of $9,132 on or before January 15, 2025, totaling $18,264.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-028 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-029 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Hill; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-029, hereto attached, a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a Power Cot from Stryker Corporation for the Fire Department’s New Ambulance, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-029 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 purchasing an ambulance and a piece of equipment being needed on the ambulance is the power cot. The total cost is $33,806.19.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-034 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 034, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from ATG-Ram Industries, LLC for EastSide Centre Field 10 Turf Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-034 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 systematically upgrading the fields at EastSide Centre. This is Field 10 which is Dave Rodgers Field. Commissioner Mingus commented on the costs and the total places that have been turfed. Mayor Kahl commented on the quality of the turf fields, and there being a contingency being built into the amount for the project with the amount being $2,136,543 along with the $106,827.15 contingency, totaling $2,243,370.15. There was a base bid and the 4 alternates. This project is scheduled for October beginning and planned to be completed before the high school season begins in March.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Hill; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4805 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE TRANSITIONING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S VEHICLE IMPOUNDMENT HEARINGS TO THE EAST PEORIA CIVIC COMPLEX AND TO THE HEARING OFFICER FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE ORDINANCE VIOLATION CITATION CODE HEARING DEPARTMENT) 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 turned the discussion over to City Attorney Scott Brunton. He explained that there are two different ordinance violation citation code hearing officers. It is much more convenient to have these two hearings handled here at city hall, which is what the ordinance is seeking to do.

Yeas: Commissioners 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 Hill reminded everyone about the Farmer’s Market this Friday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and honey will be available.

Commissioner Sutherland explained that he has three hives and honey. If you want to buy local honey to get the benefit, your bee hives must be within 3 miles of where you live. He commented on the previous agenda items that were controversial. He agrees with the city council member regarding 1910 Springfield Road. Commissioner Sutherland commented on the above-ground storage tanks, and he feels that with how they put in the tanks, it is much better now than ever before. He would ask Commissioner Hill to see how much gasoline people keep in their homes. as he feels that it is more volatile than the above-ground storage tanks. Commissioner Sutherland commented on term limits for elected officials, as he feels that elected officials should be able to get what they want to accomplish within 12 years. He had a goal to put in infrastructure in water and sewer, and he hopes that whoever takes his position in the future will have the same goals. He explained that it does sometimes take a long time to get stuff done.

Mayor Kahl commented on the 4th of July and gave kudos to the staff, emergency responders, Rick Swan, Police Department, Fire Department, and Tourism and Special events staff. He commented on the great fireworks display that it was. He explained that those people take time away from their families on the holiday. He commented on the storms that rolled through and asked for people’s patience regarding outages. He commented on a possible storm cleanup. The city is going to assess different parts of the city that were affected and possibly target areas as was done like the last major storm that rolled through. More information is to come shortly. He commented on people being bothered by the assassination attempt that occurred on former President Trump. He explained that it is ok to disagree and have differences of opinion. We are all human beings. He feels that politics has gotten so low with the rhetoric that is going on. He commented on serving in the military and it not mattering a person’s political affiliation. He expressed sadness over the incident, explained that we are better than that, and we need to do better.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, August 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 6:57 P.M.

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