Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met Aug. 20.

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 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 August 6, 2024 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. 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 10 as listed on the agenda for this meeting to be considered by omnibus vote.

Item Number 1 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-052 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 7 in the amount of $1,179,802.94.

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-039 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Contract with AT&T for Undergrounding Utility Lines at New Police Station Project Site (Camp Street).

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-043 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Contract with Comcast for Undergrounding Utility Lines at New Police Station Project Site (Camp Street).

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-041 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Additional Time with Tyler Technologies Inc. for Implementation of the Human Resource Management Phase of the City’s Enterprise Resource Planning System.

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-045 on its Second Reading - Resolution Accepting Low Bid from River City Roofing for the Fire Station #4 Roof Replacement Project.

Item Number 6 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-036 on its Second Reading - Resolution Accepting and Approving the Low Bid from Cahoy Pump Service for the Well Number 12 Emergency Removal and Replacement Project.

Item Number 7 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-037 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Rockwell SCADA Software License and Support Renewal for the Water and Wastewater Departments.

Item Number 8 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-038 on its Second Reading - 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.

Item Number 9 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-040 on its Second Reading - Resolution Accepting Proposal from Spec Athletic Flooring for the Eastside Centre Indoor Track Upgrade Project.

Item Number 10 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-044 on its Second Reading – Resolution to Approve Contract Amendment for Additional Structural Engineering Services with Midwest Engineering Associates for New Police Station Project.

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 10 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 2425-052 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 7 in the amount of $1,179,802.94. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-039 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Contract with AT&T for Undergrounding Utility Lines at New Police Station Project Site (Camp Street). (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-043 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Contract with Comcast for Undergrounding Utility Lines at New Police Station Project Site (Camp Street). (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-041 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Additional Time with Tyler Technologies Inc. for Implementation of the Human Resource Management Phase of the City’s Enterprise Resource Planning System. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-045 on its Second Reading - Resolution Accepting Low Bid from River City Roofing for the Fire Station #4 Roof Replacement Project. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 6 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-036 on its Second Reading - Resolution Accepting and Approving the Low Bid from Cahoy Pump Service for the Well Number 12 Emergency Removal and Replacement Project. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 7 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-037 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Rockwell SCADA Software License and Support Renewal for the Water and Wastewater Departments. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 8 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-038 on its Second Reading - 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. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 9 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-040 on its Second Reading - Resolution Accepting Proposal from Spec Athletic Flooring for the Eastside Centre Indoor Track Upgrade Project. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 10 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-044 on its Second Reading – Resolution to Approve Contract Amendment for Additional Structural Engineering Services with Midwest Engineering Associates for New Police Station Project. (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. 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) 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 announced that the next item for consideration was the issuance of not to exceed $20,000,000 alternate revenue 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) to be issued by the City for the purpose of paying the costs of constructing and equipping a new police station and that the Council would consider the adoption of an ordinance providing for the issue of said bonds, and the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest thereon. Commissioner Hill then explained that the ordinance sets forth the parameters for the issuance of said bonds and sale thereof by designated officials of the City and summarized the pertinent terms of said parameters, including the specific parameters governing the manner of sale, length of maturity, rates of interest, purchase price and tax levy for said bonds.

Commissioner Hill explained, and there was read by title an ordinance as follows, a copy of which was provided to each Commissioner prior to said meeting and to everyone in attendance at said meeting who requested a copy:

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4808 be adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-048 by Commissioner Hill; WHEREAS, a vacancy exists on the East Peoria Mass Transit District Board; and WHEREAS, the Honorable Mayor John P. Kahl has recommended the appointment of Brian Joschko to fill the vacancy on the East Peoria Mass Transit District Board; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS, THAT the appointment by Mayor John P. Kahl of Brian Joschko to the East Peoria Mass Transit District Board to fill the vacancy for a term ending April 30, 2028.

AND THAT THIS RESOLUTION NO. 2425-048 BE ADOPTED AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2425-048 be adopted as presented.

Mayor Kahl commented on Brian Joschko who had expressed interest in serving on boards and commissions. This is filling a vacancy on the Mass Transit District Board. Mayor Kahl expressed appreciation for Mr. Joschko’s interest in serving on the Board.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-048 be duly adopted as presented.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4809 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE UPDATING THE NOTICE PROVISIONS FOR NUISANCE ABATEMENT UNDER CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 7 OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE) 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 nuisance properties related to tall grass and weed and this being a clarification. He commented on the process for nuisance properties related to tall grass and weeds. This Resolution revises the notice provisions in Chapter 3 of Title 7 of the City Code for properties with occupied structures, which will align this provision of the City Code with current practice and improve the notice procedure.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-051 by Commissioner Hill; WHEREAS, the City of East Peoria maintains a self-insured group health care plan (“Plan”) for the benefit of its employees, with the entire Plan booklet most recently being re-issued and effective on January 1, 2015; and

WHEREAS, City Officials have determined that it is necessary to clarify the eligible dependent status under the Plan when a participant is receiving coverage due to an extension of benefits under the Plan; and

WHEREAS, the proposed revisions to the Plan as provided herein are clarifying and implementing current practice under the Plan and are thus being made to ensure consistent implementation going forward;

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

Section 1. Effective immediately upon the adoption and passage of this Resolution, Section 10.11(a) of the Plan is hereby amended as follows (additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikeout): 10.11 Extension of Benefits

(b) Total Disability

(1) If a Covered Person is Totally Disabled as a result of a Sickness or Injury on the date coverage under this Plan terminates, and the Covered Person receives disability benefits under the Illinois Pension Code (40 ILCS 5/1 101, et seq.), coverage will continue under this Plan for the Covered Person and his Covered Dependents.

Coverage will cease on the first to occur of:

(A) the date the Covered Person returns to active service;

(B) the date the Covered Person elects a refund option or separation benefit of pension funds;

(C) the date the Covered Person loses benefits under the Illinois Pension Code; or

(D) the date of the Covered Person’s death; except that if the surviving spouse or civil union partner is entitled to receive a survivor benefit under the Illinois Pension Code, his or her coverage may be continued until the date he or she remarries or dies.

Coverage for a Covered Dependent will cease earlier when the person is no longer an Eligible Dependent as defined in this Plan.

(2) Unless otherwise set forth by a collective bargaining agreement or other contractual obligation, if a Covered Person or Covered Dependent is Totally Disabled as a result of a Sickness or Injury on the date coverage under this Plan terminates and coverage is not otherwise extended under this Plan, coverage will continue with respect to the Total Disability until the earliest of:

(A) the date a Physician certifies that the Covered Person or Covered Dependent is no longer Totally Disabled; or

(B) twelve (12) months or a time period equal to the Employee’s credited continuous service, whichever is less, following the beginning of the Total Disability.

(3) If a Covered Person is Totally Disabled and is receiving an Extension of Benefits as provided under this Section 10.11(b), new dependents cannot be added to the Covered Person’s coverage under this Plan after the Covered Person begins receiving disability benefits and is receiving an Extension of Benefits as provided herein. Furthermore, once an Eligible Dependent of a Covered Person receiving an Extension of Benefits under this Section 10.11(b) terminates coverage under this Plan, the Eligible Dependent will not be permitted to be added to the Covered Person’s coverage under this Plan. Additionally, the spouse or civil union partner of a Covered Person receiving an Extension of Benefits under this Section 10.11(b) shall lose eligibility for coverage upon remarriage or subsequent civil union.

If a Covered Person receiving an Extension of Benefits under this Section 10.11(b) is allowed to re-enroll in the Plan under the Employer’s Personnel Policy Manual, the Covered Person is only permitted to re-enroll any dependents who were dependents under the Covered Person’s coverage with the Plan at the time the Covered Person dropped coverage under the Plan pursuant to the Employer’s Personnel Policy Manual; such re enrolling Eligible Dependent shall be immediately eligible for coverage under the Plan upon being properly re-enrolled in the Plan. If the Covered Person dies before re-enrolling in the health plan while enrolled in another health plan or during the 45-day period after terminating coverage under another health plan, the Covered Person’s dependents who are eligible to re-enroll in the Plan may re-enroll in the Plan, subject to complying with the applicable provisions of the Employer’s Personnel Policy Manual.

Section 2. The City’s Human Resources Director is directed to furnish notice or otherwise make available a copy of these changes to all City employees and officials covered by the Plan, including any retirees, employees on disability, families of deceased employees, or former employees who are covered by the Plan.

Section 3. The revisions made by this Resolution shall be immediately effective as provided herein, but shall be incorporated into the Plan document upon the next annual revision to the Plan document.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2425-051 be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Hill turned the discussion over City Attorney Scott Brunton. Attorney Brunton explained that this resolution is a clarification that City Officials have recently determined the City’s Group Health Care Plan needs to be clarified regarding the eligible dependent status under the Health Care Plan when a participant is receiving coverage due to an extension of benefits under the Health Care Plan. This Resolution revises the provisions of the Health Care Plan for a participant receiving coverage due to an extension of benefits to track the current practice under the Plan, which will ensure consistency in providing Plan benefits for eligible dependents going forward. While current practice will remain in place, this Resolution clearly codifies this current practice for these dependents or potential dependents. This is a cleanup provision and how things have been done.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-051 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2524-050 by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2524- 050, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Change Order with Knapp Concrete Contractors, Inc. for the Veterans Drive Bridge Repair Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2524- 050 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 this is for an additional $144,977.75. The original approved expenditure was $676,389.06, and the new total is $821,366.81. He explained that there was additional work that was needed on the project that was not anticipated. There was additional damage found. With the additional damage, there was a decay from the inside and an underdrain was placed to help prevent the same issue in the future. It was a much-needed project. Mayor Kahl explained that without removing the surface of the bridge there was no way of knowing the extent of the repairs needed, and there was a possibility of additional work. Commissioner Decker believes that the project is still on schedule.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-047 by Commissioner Mingus; WHEREAS, Ryan Beck has been continuously employed by the City from February 16, 2000 through the end of his shift on August 29, 2024, most recently occupying the position of Deputy Fire Chief;

WHEREAS, Ryan Beck announced his intention to retire from employment effective on August 30, 2024; and

WHEREAS, the City is appreciative of the long and continued service provided by Ryan Beck; 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 you that Resolution No. 2425-047 be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Mingus commented on Ryan Beck’s retirement thanking him for his service and wishing him well in his retirement. Mayor Kahl and Commissioners thanked Ryan Beck for his 24 years of service and wished him well in his retirement.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-047 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-049 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 049, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from Cummins Sales and Service for Engine Overhaul for Fire Engine Number 3 (2015 Pierce), be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-049 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 being an engine overhaul explaining that the engine had a lot of service hours and wear and tear from going up and down the hills. He commented on the service hours on the engine that has a lot of wear and tear. He explained that it is cheaper to fix rather than replace the entire engine. Mayor Kahl explained that the city has three mechanics in Public Works and another person in the Fire Department that is a great resource who all recommended moving forward with this overhaul.

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 mentioned the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall that is arriving on September 25, 2024 around 10:00 am. On the September 26, 2024 at 11:00 am, there will be an opening ceremony. He is hoping to raise a lot of money for the Honor flight. There will be a closing ceremony on September 29, 2024. Anyone wanting to be involved can email VietnamEastPeoria@gmail.com or contact him. The East Peoria community Foundation is receiving donations. However, please note that it is for the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. There are many opportunities for volunteering. He commented on Vietnam veterans attending and their emotions. The next Honor Flight is honoring vets that do not want to or cannot fly (a flightless flight on September 26, 2024). The Flightless Honor Flight will be stopping at the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall that day. There is another flight on September 3rd which may be the last Honor Flight of the year.

Commissioner Hill commented on a protest in the 1970s in Chicago at the DNC. He commented on people channeling their anger toward something positive and quoted a poem. There are only two more weeks for the Farmers Market. There are varying people that are attending each week. The Farmers Mark is from 4pm-7pm the next two Fridays.

Commissioner Sutherland commented on money being less valuable than on can purchase washers. He hears about price freezes in the country. He explained that he feels that prices do not get cheaper with price freezes, and price freezes have never worked in any country that has tried it that he knows about. He wants individuals to be aware of price freezes and who you vote for. He explained that there was a large sewer break, and they are working on fixing it now.

Mayor Kahl reminded everyone to be careful with kids now being in school with school buses. It is the 36th annual Duck Race this Saturday at 1:00 pm. He thanked the Fire Department, Public Works, and EastSide Centre for their assistance with the race. There are 3,500 ducks left to purchase. Check out the Center for Prevention of Abuse’s website for more information. The Peoria Area World Affairs Council hosted General David Petreaus yesterday where he spoke on lessons learned and leadership. Mayor Kahl thanked the Police Department, Chamber of Commerce, and Par-A-Dice for their work on the event and making it a success. At the last meeting, Commissioner Sutherland challenged everyone to know who to call for suicide prevention. You can call or text 988 if someone is having suicidal thoughts. He commented on having lunch today with the Commissioner Sutherland, and it being the anniversary of his son’s death, Martin. Mayor Kahl explained that Commissioner Sutherland is honoring his son’s life by bringing up the topic.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, September 3, 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 6:44 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/6862?fileID=35146