Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met Sept. 3.

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 Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; Mr. Mayor, I move that the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on August 20, 2024 and the minutes of the Special Meeting for a Working Session held on August 20, 2024 be approved as printed.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Mayor Kahl read the proclamation proclaiming September 11, 2024 as “Patriot Day” and asked that we never forget September 11, 2001.

Mayor Kahl read the proclamation proclaiming September 15-21, 2024 as “Child Passenger Safety Week” and gave the proclamation to Commissioner Mingus. Commissioner Mingus reminded everyone of the upcoming car seat check that is tomorrow from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Central Fire House.

Mayor Kahl read the proclamation proclaiming September 2024 as “National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.”

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

Item Number 1 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-058 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 8 in the amount of $899,536.12.

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4809 on its Second Reading - (ORDINANCE UPDATING THE NOTICE PROVISIONS FOR NUISANCE ABATEMENT UNDER CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 7 OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE.)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2524-050 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Change Order with Knapp Concrete Contractors, Inc. for the Veterans Drive Bridge Repair Project.

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-049 on its Second Reading - Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from Cummins Sales and Service for Engine Overhaul for Fire Engine Number 3 (2015 Pierce).

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 4 listed on the Consent Agenda be hereby approved and adopted, the items numbered 2 through 4 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 2425-058 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 8 in the amount of $899,536.12. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4809 on its Second Reading - (ORDINANCE UPDATING THE NOTICE PROVISIONS FOR NUISANCE ABATEMENT UNDER CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 7 OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2524-050 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Change Order with Knapp Concrete Contractors, Inc. for the Veterans Drive Bridge Repair Project. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-049 on its Second Reading - Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from Cummins Sales and Service for Engine Overhaul for Fire Engine Number 3 (2015 Pierce). (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.

Resolution No. 2425-057 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-057, hereto attached, a Resolution Making Declaration of Official Intent Regarding Certain City Expenditures to be Reimbursed from Revenues from New TIF District, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-057 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.

Director of Planning and Community Development Ty Livingston explained that City Officials have recently determined that the City should investigate and subsequently create the new Riverfront TIF District to spur economic development in the area along the Illinois River that is east of Interstate 74 and north of Illinois Route 116 up to Access Road 4 off of Illinois Route 116. In an effort to establish this new TIF District in the City, the City will be engaging certain professional services to ensure the proper and appropriate creation of this new TIF District, along with assisting with the implementation phase of this new TIF District. This Resolution declares the City’s intent to reimburse itself at a future time for the expenses incurred in obtaining these professional services for the creation and implementation of the new Riverfront TIF District. This reimbursement will occur when the new TIF District is generating revenues in a manner that is sufficient to pay any TIF District eligible projects costs, including these professional services incurred by the City in establishing and implementing this new TIF District. Director Livingston commented on the City’s long track record for implementation and utilization of the TIF District tool.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-053 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-053, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting Low Bid from River City Roofing for the Water Treatment Plant Roof Replacement Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-053 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 several buildings being damaged by hail. This resolution is for the water treatment plant, and there were two bids received with the low bid coming from River City Roofing.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-054 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 054, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from Concentric Integration for the Walmart Lift Station Controls Upgrade Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-054 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 will allow electronic monitoring of the lift station remotely by employees.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-055 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 055, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving and Accepting the Proposal from the City of Peoria for new Firefighter and EMT Training Services through the Peoria Fire Training Academy, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-055 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 firefighter and EMT training is done through the Peoria Fire Academy. The amount is $35,100 for six people. Mayor Kahl explained that the reason this item is on the agenda is that it was over the dollar amount that had to be approved by the City Council. He explained that these invoices do not always come to the City Council if the amount is a lower so that it can be approved by the Fire Chief or Commissioner.

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. 4810 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PROVISIONS OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE THAT PROHIBIT CAMPING AND SLEEPING ON PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY) 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 the City Code amendment. Mayor Kahl explained that the city already had prohibition on public property. Mayor Kahl and City Attorney Scott Brunton explained that the amendment is to update and clarify the provisions of the City Code that address camping and sleeping on public property, including the placement of camping and related items on public property for purposes of creating a campsite or overnight temporary living space in areas not designated for such use. This Ordinance provides additional language that better defines that creating a campsite or overnight temporary living space on City property in areas not designated for such use is prohibited, while also clearly designating the use of City property for sleeping in such places as similarly prohibited.

There was discussion about other public property that is not city owned. City Attorney Brunton explained that this does not cover public properties not owned by the City, and the other governmental bodies can pass their own regulations regarding this topic.

There was a discussion regarding agencies available to assist people that are homeless. Mayor Kahl commented on people damaging property and causing safety issues for everyone

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-056 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 056, hereto attached, a Resolution Requesting Permission for Temporary Closure of State Maintained Roadways for a Public Event for the Festival of Lights Parade on November 23, 2024, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-056 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 the resolution explained that it is for the closure of state-maintained roadways for the Festival of Lights Parade on November 23, 2024.

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.

Don Norbits, resident, came up to the podium and commented on property taxes. He commented on increases in valuation of properties and explained that it is difficult for people to pay taxes especially those on fixed incomes. He explained that his assessed value for his home has gone up by 25% over the past four years. Mr. Norbits expressed concerns that the increase in assessed values and properties taxes will push people out of the area and state. Mayor Kahl asked that people reach out to their state representatives to ask for a change as the increase in assessed values is the result of a state law. He also asked people to contact their county board members. Mayor Kahl expressed the need for someone to take accountability for the increases.

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

Commissioner Hill commented on the assessed valuations of his property over a twenty-year period. In the last four years, there was an 8.64% increase. He commented on other recent increases. He explained that the assessed valuation is based on this year’s taxes, so there will also be an increase in the taxes from other taxing bodies that will increase the tax rate in the future. He commented on the City’s tax rate being pretty level and other taxing bodies increasing their rate over the past twenty-one years. Commissioner Hill explained that there is a statutory code that allows the county assessor to increase the amount. He feels that everyone is being taxed on unrealized gain, accelerating rates that he may not be able to sell the property at or the value that the tax assessor is basing the amount on. He reminded everyone that the assessed value will be going up. He asked that other taxing bodies take into account that the assessed values have gone up; therefore, if the rates also increase, it compounds to taxpayers.

Commissioner Sutherland explained that Springfield Road repaving is set to start by the end of this week beginning at Main Street and working toward Washington Street toward Springfield Hill. There will be manholes begin done as well. Helpfully, the people completing the curbing will be out of the way by the time the individuals completing the repaving get to the end of Springfield Road. The project is set to be done, weather permitting, before the Festival of Lights. Commissioner Sutherland commented on 988 hotline signs for suicide prevention that gets the word out for assistance for suicide prevention.

Mayor Kahl commented on the last honor flight happening today and Commissioner Decker being gone on that Honor Flight. He commented on the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall that is scheduled for September 25 to September 29 in Levee Park. They are looking for volunteers for information assistance and security, as well as setting up and tearing down. Please know that setting up and tearing down requires heaving lifting. Commissioner Decker gave his cell number of 309-251-9174 for those interested in volunteering.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, September 17, 2024 at 6:00 P.M.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 6:39 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/6899?fileID=35192