Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met Dec. 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 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 November 19, 2024 be approved as printed.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Mayor Kahl read the proclamation proclaiming December 7, 2024 as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.” He expressed gratitude to the greatest generation that served in World War II and explained that he is proud to have a flag in his office that flew over Pearl Harbor.

Jennifer Cowen, Coordinator of the Festival of Lights Queen Pageant, presented the Newly Crowned Queen Annabel Pulling, 1st Runner-up Amira Dvorak, and 2nd Runner-up Genevieve Kahl. Jennifer Cowen came up and thanked the City Council for continuing the Pageant. The Queen and her court came up to the podium to expressed thanks to the City Council for being a part of the pageant, events, and community.

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

Item Number 1 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-091 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 14 in the amount of $1,331,534.00.

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4826 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 111 WEST WASHINGTON STREET IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS.)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4827 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF EXCESS CITY PROPERTY AT 1654 MEADOW AVENUE, EAST PEORIA.)

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4821 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 6 OF TITLE 4 OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADOPTING THE 2020 EDITION OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE PREPARED BY THE NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION.)

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-084 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Supplemental Phase III Engineering Services Contract with Fehr Graham Engineering for IDOT Portion of the East Washington Street Resurfacing Project.

Item Number 6 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-085 on its Second Reading - Resolution Allocating $1,000,000 of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the 2025 Street Maintenance Program and Confirming and Approving 2025 Engineering Extension Agreement with Patrick Meyer & Associates and Associated Rate of Compensation for Engineering Services Related to the 2025 Street Maintenance Program.

Item Number 7 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-086 on its Second Reading - Resolution Authorizing and Approving the Purchase of a New Water Line Tapping Machine and Associated Equipment from Hydra-Stop for the City’s Water 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 7 listed on the Consent Agenda be hereby approved and adopted, the items numbered 2 through 7 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 2425-091 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 14 in the amount of $1,331,534.00. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4826 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 111 WEST WASHINGTON STREET IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4827 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF EXCESS CITY PROPERTY AT 1654 MEADOW AVENUE, EAST PEORIA.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4821 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 6 OF TITLE 4 OF THE EAST PEORIA CITY CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADOPTING THE 2020 EDITION OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE PREPARED BY THE NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-084 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Supplemental Phase III Engineering Services Contract with Fehr Graham Engineering for IDOT Portion of the East Washington Street Resurfacing Project. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 6 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-085 on its Second Reading - Resolution Allocating $1,000,000 of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the 2025 Street Maintenance Program and Confirming and Approving 2025 Engineering Extension Agreement with Patrick Meyer & Associates and Associated Rate of Compensation for Engineering Services Related to the 2025 Street Maintenance Program. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 7 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-086 on its Second Reading - Resolution Authorizing and Approving the Purchase of a New Water Line Tapping Machine and Associated Equipment from Hydra-Stop for the City’s Water 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 Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4828 hereto attached, (ANNUAL TAX LEVY ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR FROM THE FIRST DAY OF MAY A.D. 2024 TO THE LAST DAY OF APRIL A.D. 2025) 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 this is the annual tax levy. The city has determined to hold its tax levy amount. This means that the tax rate is expected to decrease because of holding the tax levy amount the same. He commented on the assessed values going up on properties due to the Supervisor of Assessments increasing those assessed values of homes and properties going up. The city’s tax rate has been flat for some time. Commissioner Hill indicated that the two East Peoria school districts will hold the line of the tax levy and will be lowering the tax levy rate will be lower.

Commissioner Decker commented on holding the tax amount and explained that he is hopeful that other taxing bodies will do the best that they can to keep the taxes down.

Mayor Kahl explained that he is hopeful that the other taxing bodies will do the best that they can to keep taxes down as well. He explained that there are several other taxing bodies that affect one’s taxes as there are nine other taxing bodies. There have been increased valuations to the tune of around 30% in the past few years. He feels that East Peoria has high property taxes due to other taxing bodies that are not the city. He is proud of the council for holding the line on property taxes.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-088 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-088, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Renewal of Property, Casualty, and Liability Insurance Coverage and Workers’ Compensation and Cyber Security Insurance Coverages, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-088 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 this is an annual item for the city’s insurance. He explained that the city has worked with Kuhl & Company as its broker. There will be an increase in liability and a decrease in the workers’ compensation coverage. He commented on cyber security insurance coverage, and the amounts for the insurance with the total premium being $1,020,081, which is approximately a 3% increase from last year.

Mayor Kahl explained that city staff went out for proposals to compare costs, and the city is moving forward with Kuhl again. He commented on the workers’ compensation insurance and explained that the workers’ compensation coverage does not account for the settlement claims because they are not covered by insurance. He commented on the costs of workers’ compensation settlements that have been approximately $600,000 this year so far. Mayor Kahl explained the workers’ compensation process and explained that the city covers the first $300,000 out of pocket for each claim. He explained that the settlement costs of approximately $600,000 were not accounted for in the budget and must be taken away from other expenditures. He believes that the city should budget for the workers’ compensation settlements out of every 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 Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4829 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE CLARIFYING REGULATIONS FOR MOBILE HOME PARKS REGARDING SIZE OF INDIVIDUAL MOBILE HOME SITES) 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 that he explained is simply clarifying the size of the sites for mobile homes explaining and that the requirement has been in the City Code before 1998. The footprint size has not changed.

Commissioner Sutherland explained that he is trying to figure out the mobile home situation in East Peoria. He explained that mobile park owners have an issue putting new mobile home units on their site. He feels that the water line and sewer lines are the mobile home park owner’s problem if the water and sewer bills are being paid. He feels that the rules and regulations must be smart.

Mayor Kahl explained that these code requirements have been in place for well over twenty years and were put in place to improve the properties.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4830 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR DEDICATION OF RIGHT-OF WAY FOR CITY PROPERTY ADJACENT TO THE INTERSECTION OF CAMP STREET AND RIVERSIDE DRIVE) be read at length by the Clerk, and that said Ordinance No. 4830 be accepted on its first reading, and be hereby adopted as presented.

The City Clerk read the ordinance at length. Commissioner Decker commented on the Rebuild Illinois Bond Funds being used on the project. The City has acquired the necessary additional right-of-way from property owners adjacent to the Riverside Drive-Camp Street intersection to proceed with this project. The City also owns property that is adjacent to the Riverside Drive-Camp Street intersection that needs to be dedicated as additional right-of-way for this project. This Ordinance dedicates this City property needed for Riverside Drive-Camp Street intersection improvement project as additional public right-of-way for this project.

Mayor Kahl explained that this project has been in the works for years and these rights-of-way have taken some time to get worked out. In working with IDOT on this intersection improvement project, the current plan is to put this project out for bid in January 2025.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4830 to be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-089 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 089, hereto attached, a Resolution Authorizing and Approving the Trade-In of a 2005 Vactor Truck and the Purchase of a New Vactor Truck for the Public Works Department from COE Equipment, Inc., be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-089 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 the purchase that replaces a 2005 Vactor truck. Currently, the city owns two Vactor trucks that are used by both the Water and Street Departments. There have been times when the City has used a third Vactor truck. This Vactor truck will cost $499,714.02, and he will support this item. Commissioner Sutherland commented on the Vactor truck only being used certain times of the year due to the weather. Commissioner Decker expressed appreciation in the purchase as the Street Department also uses the Vactor truck.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-090 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 090, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Guaranteed Maximum Price for New Police Station Project (Camp Street) Under Construction Manager Services Contract with River City Construction L.L.C., be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-090 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 guaranteed maximum price being for the new East Peoria Police Station Project with the guaranteed maximum price being $21,596,201 (including allowances and a contingency).

Mayor Kahl explained that the building will be two stories and 40,000 square feet. Mayor Kahl expressed excitement in the project. The bids took two hours to be read and came in under the estimated costs due to the interest in bidding on the project.

Commissioner Decker commented on how this new building can be influential to recruiting police officers. He commented on the problems with the current police station, and the new police station will improve things for the operation of the police department. Commissioner Sutherland commented on police buildings that are older and often prove difficult with technology use, and the new East Peoria police station will be second to none for technology.

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 Hill commented on the Christmas Splendor contest submissions ending today. Information on the contest can be found on the city’s website and judging will be December 10 and 11, 2024.

Commissioner Mingus explained that the final Car Seat Check Event of the year is tomorrow at Central Fire House.

Mayor Kahl encouraged everyone to attend Folepi’s Gifts Galore Shop & Stroll this Saturday, December 7, 2024 from noon to 3:00 p.m. where the Grinch and Folepi will be in attendance.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, December 17, 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 6:54 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/7176?fileID=35771