Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met Dec. 17.

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, and Commissioner Mark E. Hill.

Absent: Commissioner Seth D. Mingus and Commissioner Michael L. Sutherland. 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 Decker, seconded by Commissioner Hill; Mr. Mayor, I move that the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on December 3, 2024 be approved as printed.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

A presentation took place by the East Peoria Beautification Commission announcing the winners of the Christmas Splendor Contest. Festival of Lights Queen Annabel Pulling announced the winners, and prizes were presented by commission member Theresa Unzicker. Mayor Kahl expressed appreciation to everyone who entered for showing their holiday spirit.

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

Item Number 1 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-094 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 15 in the amount of $2,178,549.57.

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-088 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Renewal of Property, Casualty, and Liability Insurance Coverage and Workers’ Compensation and Cyber Security Insurance Coverages.

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4829 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE CLARIFYING REGULATIONS FOR MOBILE HOME PARKS REGARDING SIZE OF INDIVIDUAL MOBILE HOME SITES.)

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-089 on its Second Reading - 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.

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-090 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Guaranteed Maximum Price for New Police Station Project (Camp Street) Under Construction Manager Services Contract with River City Construction L.L.C.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, 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 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 2425-094 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 15 in the amount of $2,178,549.57. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-088 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Renewal of Property, Casualty, and Liability Insurance Coverage and Workers’ Compensation and Cyber Security Insurance Coverages. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4829 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE CLARIFYING REGULATIONS FOR MOBILE HOME PARKS REGARDING SIZE OF INDIVIDUAL MOBILE HOME SITES.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-089 on its Second Reading - 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. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-090 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Guaranteed Maximum Price for New Police Station Project (Camp Street) Under Construction Manager Services Contract with River City Construction L.L.C. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, 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) 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 stated that with the recent assessment increases that occurred over the past few years, the city is holding its tax revenue amount is being held at $5,914,035. This means as assessed values have gone up, it will effectively lower the tax rate the city is applying. The $5.9 million mostly goes to Fire and Police pensions and municipal pensions and Social Security contributions. Alternate revenue sources pay for other city services.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4828 be adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-093 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-093, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Annual Renewal of Software Maintenance & Support Services from Harris Computer Systems for the City’s Enterprise Software System, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-093 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.

This is a necessary software renewal costing $31,824.23.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-092 by Commissioner Hill; WHEREAS, Brad Phelps has been continuously employed by the City from November 3, 1997 through the end of his shift on December 31, 2024, most recently occupying the position of Police Sergeant;

WHEREAS, Brad Phelps announced his intention to retire from employment effective on January 1, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the City is appreciative of the long and continued service provided by Brad Phelps; 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 Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2425-092 be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Hill thanked Sgt. Phelps for his continued and dedicated service of 27 years. Commissioner Decker said he is happy for Sgt. Phelps and sad to see him go, as Phelps enjoys being a police officer. Mayor Kahl said Sgt. Phelps also served his country for 20 years and the city for over 27 years. Sgt. Phelps also brought back the police honor guard and did a phenomenal job.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-092 be duly adopted as presented.

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.

Charlie Morgan of East Peoria approached the podium. He had questions about the city’s obligation for paying the initial funds, wanting clarification on previous comments made by the mayor. Mayor Kahl explained what he said was about the city must pay the first $300,000 of every claim, and added that settlements are separate from the medical claims. The city has looked at trying to do something to reduce workers compensation costs. Mayor Kahl said the situation is frustrating and almost every claim now has an attorney representing the employee. At the end of the day, the city cares about eveyone’s safety, but the culture around work comp must change.

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

Commissioner Decker wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

Commissioner Hill discussed a very bad vehicle accident he was involved in a week earlier at the intersection of Main and Camp streets. A vehicle struck his truck, and the truck flipped onto its side. By the time he tried to exit his vehicle, East Peoria’s fire and police officers were already on the scene helping him get out and checking on the other driver. Commissioner Hill gave thanks to the fire and police officers, and said he appreciates the service he received and that all residents receive. He wished everyone happy holidays.

Mayor Kahl wished everyone Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Motion by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Hill; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, January 7, 2024 at 6:00 P.M.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 6:24 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12172024-1224