Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met Aug. 6.

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 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 Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; Mr. Mayor, I move that the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on July 16, 2024 and the Minutes of the Public Hearing 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.

Commissioner Decker entered the meeting at 6:02 p.m.

Mayor Kahl proclaimed August 2024 as “Duck Race Month” for The Center for Prevention of Abuse. Mayor Kahl welcomed and thanked Carol Merna the Director of the Center for Prevention of Abuse. Director Merna explained that this is the 36th year for the Duck Race but this is the 9th year in East Peoria. She thanked the City for its partnership with the Center. The Center for Prevention of Abuse has served nearly 55,000 people and that does not count the more than 350,000 that they have educated, trained and provided information in the past 9 years. She expressed gratitude and hopes to see everyone on August 24, 2024 at EastSide Centre. Mayor Kahl explained that the funds stay local and are spent on the cause. He expressed admiration for Director Merna and the services that are done at The Center for Prevention of Abuse.

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 Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move to adopt a consent agenda consisting of items numbered 1 through 9 as listed on the agenda for this meeting to be considered by omnibus vote.

Item Number 1 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-046 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 6 in the amount of $4,902,631.54.

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4806 on its Second Reading - (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.)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4807 on its Second Reading - (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.)

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-032 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Contract with Ameren Illinois for Undergrounding Utility Lines at New Police Station Project Site (Camp Street).

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-031 on its Second Reading - 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.

Item Number 6 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-033 on its Second Reading - Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from Concentric Integration for the Harbor Point Lift Station Controls Upgrade Project.

Item Number 7 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-029 on its Second Reading - Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a Power Cot from Stryker Corporation for the Fire Department’s New Ambulance.

Item Number 8 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-034 on its Second Reading - Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from ATG-Ram Industries, LLC for EastSide Centre Field 10 Turf Project.

Item Number 9 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4805 on its Second Reading – (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.)

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 9 listed on the Consent Agenda be hereby approved and adopted, the items numbered 2 through 9 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 2425-046 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 6 in the amount of $4,902,631.54. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4806 on its Second Reading - (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.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4807 on its Second Reading - (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.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-032 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Contract with Ameren Illinois for Undergrounding Utility Lines at New Police Station Project Site (Camp Street). (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-031 on its Second Reading - 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. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 6 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-033 on its Second Reading - Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from Concentric Integration for the Harbor Point Lift Station Controls Upgrade Project. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 7 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-029 on its Second Reading - Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a Power Cot from Stryker Corporation for the Fire Department’s New Ambulance. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 8 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-034 on its Second Reading - Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from ATG-Ram Industries, LLC for EastSide Centre Field 10 Turf Project. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 9 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4805 on its Second Reading – (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.) (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. 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) 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 City Code complete review process, dealing with consistencies and updating provisions. He explained that it becomes effective on September 1, 2024.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4797 be adopted as presented.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4808 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $20,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS (ALTERNATE REVENUE SOURCE), SERIES 2024, OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING AND EQUIPPING A NEW POLICE STATION, PRESCRIBING THE DETAILS OF SAID BONDS, PROVIDING FOR THE PLEDGE OF CERTAIN REVENUES TO THE PAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST ON SAID BONDS AND THE LEVY OF TAXES TO PAY SUCH PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST IF THE PLEDGED REVENUES ARE INSUFFICIENT TO MAKE SUCH PAYMENT, AND AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SAID BONDS TO ROBERT W. BAIRD & CO. INCORPORATED) 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 Ordinance explaining the amount, purpose, and other provisions. He explained that it is for $20,000,000 alternate revenue source that is backed by tax levy source that is abated normally in December. It is for the construction and equipping of the new police station.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-039 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-039, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Contract with AT&T for Undergrounding Utility Lines at New Police Station Project Site (Camp Street), be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-039 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 resolution is for the undergrounding of AT&T for the New Police Station project. As a complement to the work Ameren will be doing for the City along Camp Street for the anticipated police station, the same undergrounding has been requested of AT&T. The cost for this work is estimated at $60,140.93 and work is to commence upon City Council authorization.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-043 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-043, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Contract with Comcast for Undergrounding Utility Lines at New Police Station Project Site (Camp Street), be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-043 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 as a complement to the work both Ameren and AT&T will be doing for the City along Camp Street for the anticipated police station, the same undergrounding has been requested of Comcast. The cost for this work is estimated at $184,818.17 and work is to commence upon City Council authorization.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-042 by Commissioner Hill; RESOLUTION TO PLACE COPY OF PROPOSED 2020 NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION PRIOR TO CITY ACTION TO APPROVE 2020 EDITION OF NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE

WHEREAS, in 2014, the City last amended the East Peoria Building Code to include the then most current version of the National Electric Code (the “NEC”), being the 2014 Edition; and WHEREAS, in December 2021, the City approved updated editions of the various international and national building codes for inclusion in the East Peoria Building Code, excluding the NEC, thereby leaving the 2014 Edition of the NEC as the version used in the East Peoria Building Code; and WHEREAS, the NEC was not updated by the City as part of the overall update process in December 2021 because of cost and availability concerns with the requirement in the 2020 Edition of the NEC (the “2020 NEC”) that lighting and electrical receptacles have arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) protection; and

WHEREAS, at this time, prices for AFCI lighting and electrical receptacles have stabilized, and AFCI lighting and electrical receptacles are now widely available; and

WHEREAS, the City now intends to amend the East Peoria Building Code by adopting the 2020 NEC by presenting an ordinance effectuating this update to the 2020 NEC at the City Council meeting on September 17, 2024; and

WHEREAS, the City further intends that the 2020 NEC update to the East Peoria Building Code will have an effective date of January 1, 2025; and

WHEREAS, as required under the Illinois Municipal Code, at least thirty (30) days prior to the adoption of an ordinance amending the City’s Building Code and adopting a new edition of any building code, the City must (1) inform the State’s Capital Development Board of the proposed amendment, and (2) make the proposed edition of the building code to be adopted by the City available for public inspection and review;

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 August 16, 2024, to place on file in the Office of the East Peoria City Clerk, one copy of the National Electric Code, 2020 Edition, for public use, inspection, and examination.

Section 3. The City’s Building and Inspections Department, with assistance from the City Attorney’s Office, is hereby directed, by no later than August 16, 2024, to inform the State’s Capital Development Board of the proposed updates to the 2020 NEC.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Resolution No. 2425-042 be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Hill commented on the arc fault circuit interrupters that are more extensively used. There was a concern previously about availability and pricing. The City received feedback from a contractor and this change is consistent with their electrician training and is consistent with codes that other neighboring communities have adopted. Mayor Kahl explained that this resolution simply puts it out for public inspection.

Commissioner Sutherland inquired about people that do not currently have the arc fault and whether they would be grandfathered in. Commissioner Sutherland expressed concern that an entire house have to be rewired if not grandfathered in.

Mayor asked that any questions be submitted to City staff before the new electrical code is adopted, so that staff can work on answers to those questions.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-042 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-041 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-041, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Additional Time with Tyler Technologies Inc. for Implementation of the Human Resource Management Phase of the City’s Enterprise Resource Planning System, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-041 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 complicated payroll for human resources in that there are four different payroll arrangements. Commissioner Hill commented on the costs of the additional time being $200 per hour up to 180 hours of additional time.

Mayor Kahl commented on ensuring that everything is correct regarding payroll when the new system enterprise resource planning system is implemented.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-045 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-045, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting Low Bid from River City Roofing for the Fire Station #4 Roof Replacement Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-045 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 there being a hailstorm that damaged Fire Station 4 and the barn at that location. The City sought bids and received (2) two competitive bids and the lowest responsible bid was from River City Roofing in the amount of $20,000.00. Mayor Kahl explained that there were 4 buildings in total that were damaged. These are the two that are being repaired, and the Mayor considers these essentially emergencies. The other two buildings will need to be done later as the City has more money.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-036 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 036, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting and Approving the Low Bid from Cahoy Pump Service for the Well Number 12 Emergency Removal and Replacement Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-036 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 Well #12 was installed in 2009 and has not had required service since it’s original installation. The well motor failed after 15 years of continued operation and is requiring removal, replacement and cleaning. Mayor Kahl explained that two quotes were solicited, one from Cahoy Pump Service for $32,321, and Municipal Well and Pump for $47,765. The resolution is to accept the low bid from Cahoy Pump Service at $32,321.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-037 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 037, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Rockwell SCADA Software License and Support Renewal for the Water and Wastewater Departments, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-037 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 this is an annual renewal regarding software licensing for water and wastewater.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-038 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 038, hereto attached, a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 4x4 Crew Cab Work Truck from Uftring Chevrolet, Inc. for the Department of Tourism and Special Events, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-038 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 resolution is for the purchase of a new pick-up truck with the total costs being $50,603. Mayor Kahl explained that the EastSide crews take care of over 70 properties in the city, including maintaining landscaping and plowing. This is to replace older equipment and be available to snow plow city smaller lots.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-040 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 040, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting Proposal from Spec Athletic Flooring for the Eastside Centre Indoor Track Upgrade Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-040 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 this redoing the indoor track as the flooring was done a few years ago. The resolution approves the sanding, scrubbing, and overpour of the 4mm Polysport topcoat on the EastSide Centre indoor track floor from Spec Athletic in the amount of $91,900.00 to match the existing gym floor. This will level everything out as the indoor floor was done a few years ago,

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-044 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker?; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 044, hereto attached, a Resolution to Approve Contract Amendment for Additional Structural Engineering Services with Midwest Engineering Associates for New Police Station Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-044 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 an amendment with an additional cost of $57,500. Mayor Kahl explained that the City did a time and material agreement. The footprint of the building has increased, and the cost at a maximum this amount. There are still design meetings occurring.

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.

An East Peoria resident came up to the podium to commented on a notice she received regarding her carport. She explained that she has had a carport for a year. She explained that the code enforcement officer stated that the carport was a danger. The resident explained that she has signatures from people in her neighborhood that they have no problem with the carport. She explained that she has a carport because she works and she does not want to shovel snow in the morning. She commented on a neighbor’s privacy fence that has trees/shrubs between the curb and the fence that she feels is a safety concerns as it covers sightlines at the corner. Mayor Kahl explained that the City will be in touch with her tomorrow.

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

Commissioner Decker commented on not being able to be at the last meeting and thanking everyone for their work after the storm. He explained that public works and fire were busy. He expressed pride in everyone coming together to work together. Commissioner Decker commented on The Traveling Vietnam Wall that will be arriving in town on September 25, and there will be an opening ceremony on September 26. That Sunday will be a closing ceremony. Commissioner Decker explained that they are trying to make it as successful as the last event. The East Peoria Community Foundation is helping with holding donations. The donations will go toward the Honor Flight. Commissioner Decker looks forward to it being a great event.

Commissioner Hill commented on the July Paul Peterson Bright Spot Award Winners. The winners of the July Bright Spot Awards are:

o Springfield Road area - 428 Cottonwood Circle

o Illini Drive area - 124 Oakmoor Drive

o Sunnyland/Robein/Washington Road area - 402 Woodrow Drive

o Meadow Avenue area - 106 Julian Avenue

o Business - Lincoln School, 801 Springfield Road

The deadline for entries for the August Bright Spot Award is Saturday, August 10, 2024.

Commissioner Hill commented on the Farmers Market that occurs every Friday through the end of August. There will be honey at the next Farmers Market on Friday.

Commissioner Sutherland commented on the Springfield Road project and asking people to follow the speed limit. There was discussion about burning limbs from the storm. Chief Zimmerman is asking people to wait until the burn season when things are dead and dry instead of burning green items and producing a lot of smoke. There was a discussion about the Suicide Prevention telephone number. The number is 988.

Commissioner Decker commented on funding being reduced for mental health in the state. He knows that there is an effort to make ERS stronger. He wished that people would try to work on a solution to help with mental health.

Commissioner Mingus explained that Car Seat Check event is tomorrow at Central House.

Mayor Kahl explained that the state eliminated the grocery tax that went to the local government. Back in 1990, the state went through huge tax reform and eliminated the local municipalities own grocery tax. The Illinois Department of Revenue collects the grocery tax and collects a fee to administer the tax. He commented on how he feels that the state has a spending issue and not a revenue issue. Now, it is left up to local governments to then have to implement the grocery tax on its own. The state will still facilitate the tax collection and still collect the fee. He anticipates implementing a grocery tax in the future. It is another example of how people in Springfield hinder local governments. The state and federal government have layers between them and the citizens. The local government has direct contact and respond directly to people that elect them. He explained that you must watch every bill going through the state government as he feels that it is trying to take away the local governments power. He explained that he will be presenting an ordinance regarding the grocery tax in the future. The state grocery tax stops on January 1, 2026. There is a deadline prior to it going into effect which is in October 2025 to get it filed with the state so that it can be implemented. It is only for certain grocery items. Mayor Kahl explained that on Thursday the city is a host city for the consulates from Canda and Mexico at the Par-A Dice that are significant trade partners with the country.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, August 20, 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 7:12 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/6820?fileID=35128