Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met Feb. 4.

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.

PUBLIC HEARING:

“PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED EAST PEORIA RIVERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA (NEW EAST PEORIA RIVERFRONT TIF DISTRICT).”

Motion by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move that the City Council recess the Regular Meeting to hold a public hearing.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the Regular Meeting recessed to hold a public hearing at 6:02 P.M.

Those present were the following: Mayor John P. Kahl, Commissioner Daniel S. Decker, Commissioner Mark E. Hill, Commissioner Seth D. Mingus, and Commissioner Michael L. Sutherland. Absent: None.

Mayor Kahl called the Public Hearing to order with proper notice having been given. Mayor Kahl explained the purpose of the public hearing to hold the public hearing is to receive comments on the proposed East Peoria Riverfront Redevelopment Project Area (New East Peoria Riverfront TIF District). Mayor Kahl turned the discussion over to Ty Livingston, Director of Planning and Community Development. He explained that this presentation was presented to the Tax Increment Financing Joint Review Board. The City has a great track record for using Tax Increment Financing (“TIF”) Districts in the past including at the Marina, Levee District, and around Camp Street. One of the goals since the Bass Pro development was to continue the extension of Bass Pro Drive. The City extended the TIF district beyond the former Burger Barge Property. City Attorney Scott Brunton explained that a TIF District is – (1) municipalities use tax increment financing (TIF) to achieve a level of community and economic development for under-developed and under-utilized properties; (2) TIF is most important and most commonly used local economic development tool available and (3) “Tax Increment” is the difference between the property tax revenue generated before and after the TIF District designation. It captures money and reinvests it in the TIF District. Director Livingston commented on East Peoria’s current active TIF districts that are West Washington Street TIF and the Camp Street TIF. He also discussed the advantages of the TIF that includes (1) TIF revenues: Public Infrastructure improvements; (2) Development/redevelopment Agreements (Approved by City Council); (3) Site Assembly & Marketing; and (4) Additional Legal Authority for City.

City Attorney Brunton discussed the legal requirements and procedural aspects for creating the TIF District. A map was shown and explained of the Proposed East Peoria Riverfront TIF Boundary.

City Attorney Brunton explained and commented on Legal requirement regarding Qualifications Factors. He explained that vacant portions of the Project Area qualify as “blighted” based upon a finding that at least 2 required factors for vacant land are present: (1) Obsolete platting and (2) Lack of growth in EAV. Additional “blighting” factor found: project area contributes to flooding. He explained they then looked at the improved parcels and how the area is found to qualify under the criteria. He commented on updating the comprehensive plan currently. He explained that all factors are found to be present.

Director Livingston commented on the lack of growth in EAV and on other TIF District Criteria, including (1) it consists of 24 contiguous tax parcels (totaling 375 acres), (2) contains no residential structures, (3) TIF Plan & Project supports City’s development strategy, and (4) meets the “Buf-For” TIF requirement. City Attorney Brunton explained that if any properties were residential then there would be other processes. However, that does not need to be done because there are no residential properties in the boundaries. He explained the “But-For” TIF requirement.

Director Livingston commented on Key Elements of the TIF Plan and Project that include (1) proposed land use: mixed use, including commercial, residential condominium/multi-family; (2) Total estimated Project Costs are $150.250.000 which includes infrastructure like roadways, curb, gutter, sewer and water mains, bridge across Farm Creek diversion channel, and pedestrian/biking accommodations, where feasible; and (3) Estimated EAV increase for the project area is $50,884,240.

City Attorney Brunton explained that this also allows the City to show the State that it seeks to develop the area and seek assistance from the State. He discussed the timeline for the East Peoria Riverfront TIF.

Director Livingston summarized that this continues the city’s efforts to promote beneficial economic development and growth; redevelopment of under-utilized property; provide revenues for financing public infrastructure improvements for the city; improved access to the Project Area and adjacent areas; and no meaningful adverse impacts on Taxing Districts. There was a concept drawing showing connectivity from Bass Pro to Main Street. Mixed use was shown along the riverfront and in proximity to the interstate.

Mayor Kahl asked for any comments from the audience.

Sally Newkirk came up to the podium. She explained that she lives across from the old Burger Barge. She inquired as to how many stories high the condo would be. Director Livingston explained that the concept that was shown contemplates one or two stories.

Madeleine Decker came up to the podium and explained that she lives on N. Main Street across the street. How many access points from North Main Street into the TIF district. Director Livingsot explained that the primary connection would be from Bass Pro. He explained that there are already other access points. There may be frontage road and likely utilizing an access point that is already there. Ms. Decker also inquired as to whether the TIF District will still be done whether or not the Par-A-Dice is there. Director Livingston explained that there are several other properties located in the TIF District and that it will move forward.

Mayor Kahl asked for any other comments from the audience. There was no response. Mayor explained that people can still provide input and ask questions until the ordinance is adopted. Mayor Kahl asked for any comments from the City Council. There was no response.

Motion by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move to adjourn the Public Hearing and reconvene the Regular Meeting.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the Regular Meeting reconvened at 6:25 P.M.

Those present were the following: Mayor John P. Kahl, Commissioner Daniel S. Decker, Commissioner Mark E. Hill, Commissioner Seth D. Mingus, and Commissioner Michael L. Sutherland. Absent: None.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move that the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on January 21, 2025 and the minutes of the Special Meeting for a Working Session held on January 28, 2025 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 6 as listed on the agenda for this meeting to be considered by omnibus vote.

Item Number 1 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-109 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 18 in the amount of $1,050,145.45.

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4833 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR AN ACCESSORY STRUCTURE ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 106 OAKDALE ROAD IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS.)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-099 on its Second Reading - Resolution Authorizing Payment of $40,000 to Fon du Lac Park District for Use of Park Property and Security Detail for 2024 Festival of Lights Winter Wonderland Lighted Display.

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-102 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Purchase of Backstop Padding for Eastside Centre Softball Fields One and Two.

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-100 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Sixth Amendment to Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of East Peoria, the Fondulac Park District and East Peoria Community High School District #309 Regarding the Creation of Eastlight Theatre, Inc.

Item Number 6 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-101 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Amendment to Amended Construction and Lease Agreement – Theatre and Storage Building Between the City of East Peoria, the Fondulac Park District, and East Peoria Community High School District #309.

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 6 listed on the Consent Agenda be hereby approved and adopted, the items numbered 2 through 6 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 2425-109 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 18 in the amount of $1,050,145.45. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4833 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR AN ACCESSORY STRUCTURE ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 106 OAKDALE ROAD IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-099 on its Second Reading - Resolution Authorizing Payment of $40,000 to Fon du Lac Park District for Use of Park Property and Security Detail for 2024 Festival of Lights Winter Wonderland Lighted Display. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-102 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Purchase of Backstop Padding for Eastside Centre Softball Fields One and Two. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-100 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Sixth Amendment to Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of East Peoria, the Fondulac Park District and East Peoria Community High School District #309 Regarding the Creation of Eastlight Theatre, Inc. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 6 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-101 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Amendment to Amended Construction and Lease Agreement – Theatre and Storage Building Between the City of East Peoria, the Fondulac Park District, and East Peoria Community High School District #309. (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. 4831 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF EXCESS CITY PROPERTY AT 545 BLOOMINGTON ROAD IN EAST PEORIA) be read at length by the Clerk, and that said Ordinance No. 4831 be accepted on its first reading, and be hereby adopted as presented.

The city clerk read the ordinance at length.

Commissioner Hill commented on the ordinance explaining that the property had an appraisal. The offer is $25,000 + $1,000 for closing costs to acquire and rehabilitate the property. The property size is large; however, the house needs some work.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4831 to be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-108 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-108, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Extension of Software Licensing Agreement for the City’s Geographical Information System (GIS System) with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (“ESRI”), be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-108 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 resolution that is for GIS software renewal and the amount per year being He commented on the amount per year being $29,300. It is a valuable tool for the city.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-106 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-106, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from Heart Technologies, Inc. for the City Wireless Infrastructure Upgrade Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-106 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 upgrade and replacement of wireless components and infrastructure for the City.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-107 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-107, hereto attached, a Resolution Abating and Eliminating Various 2024 Tax Levies for Water and Sewer Bond Issues, Tax Increment Financing Bond Issues, and Development Bond Issues, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-107 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 it is an annual item. The City bonds are backed by tax levies. However, the City determined that it has sufficient other funds to pay for the bonds from other sources and abate those amounts from the tax levies.

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 Ordinance No. 4836 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE PARTIALLY ABATING THE 2024 TAX LEVY IN THE AMOUNT OF THE RECAPTURE REVENUE FROM THE ADJUSTMENTS FOR CERTIFICATES OF ERROR, CERTAIN COURT ORDERS, OR FINAL ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS OF THE PROPERTY TAX APPEAL BOARD) 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 another abatement. Back in August 2021, the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (“PTELL”) was amended to include a new statutory provision that automatically imposes an additional property tax levy for all taxing bodies in a county subject to PTELL. This automatic property tax levy is meant to recover (“recapture”) property taxes that are lost by these PTELL taxing bodies due to EAV reductions resulting from decisions of the State’s Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB), court decisions, or certificates of error issued by the County. The recovery of these lost property taxes is referred to as “recapturing” this property tax revenue – or “revenue recapture”. With Tazewell County adopting PTELL back in 1998, the City is a taxing body covered by this recently adopted provision, and as a result, automatically receives this additional property tax levy as part of the City’s 2024 property tax extension for the tax bills that will be sent out in May 2025.

Although this property tax revenue recapture is automatically imposed, the City can abate this additional revenue recapture tax levy so that it is not added to the City’s property tax levy. City Officials have determined that this 2024 revenue recapture tax levy should be abated, thereby allowing the City’s overall property tax rate to remain unchanged from prior years. Accordingly, this Ordinance provides for this abatement of the 2024 revenue recapture tax levy

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. 4837 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING ELECTRONIC SWEEPSTAKES MACHINES IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA) 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 electronic sweepstakes machines and prohibiting them. City Attorney Brunton explained that they are not legal and they look a lot like video gaming machines.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-104 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 104, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from Municipal Well and Pump for the Well Number 1 and 3 Rehabilitation Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-104 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 resolution. There were two bids received from Cahoy Pump and Municipal Well and Pump, with Municipal Well and Pump being the low bid. Mayor Kahl explained that one will be a complete pump replacement and the other will be rehabilitated.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4835 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A RECONNECTION FEE FOR WATER USERS WITH DISCONTINUED WATER SERVICE DUE TO NON-PAYMENT OF WATER BILL) 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 ordinance. He inquired about whether people on leave in the military or other who are in the hospital would be charged the reconnection fee.

City Attorney Brunton explained that there is some cleaning up of language, and as far as the reconnection fee, there will be some grace given and done administratively. It is difficult to come up with every instance when grace will be provided. The reconnection fee is the last fee. Two other fees are attached that include a $25 late fee and a 10% increase. However, there is grace given in the other fees. There is also notice given before water is shut off.

Mayor Kahl explained that the staff cannot charge a reconnection fee unless it is placed in the ordinance. He explained that there are several people that have their water shut off consistently. The City gives a lot of notice. This fee is not for snowbirds who shut off their water and get it turned back on. Mayro Kahl commented on all of the resources that are used in reconnecting when people do not pay and get their water shutoff. It is the understanding that there may be something in writing.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-105 by Commissioner Mingus; WHEREAS, Chris Rieker has been continuously employed by the City from February 16, 2000 through the end of his shift on February 22, 2025, most recently occupying the position of Assistant Fire Chief;

WHEREAS, Chris Rieker announced his intention to retire from employment effective on February 23, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the City is appreciative of the long and continued service provided by Chris Rieker; 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 that Resolution No. 2425-105 be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Mingus explained that he has served the city for 25 years. He thanked him for his service and wished him well in retirement. Commissioners and Mayor Kahl thanked Chris for his service and wished him well in retirement.

Commissioner Mingus commented on the total payouts to be provided to Mr. Rieker.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-105 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. There was no response.

Mayor Kahl then asked for comments from Council.

Commissioner Decker commented on the Chamber Of Commerce Dinner, and he explained that Rick Swan staff does a great job.

Commissioner Hill gave kudos to the Teresa Tracy Trot that raises money to try to find a cure for pancreatic cancer. They raised over $100,000 this year that took them over the $1,000,000 mark overall in fundraising. He explained that the Farmer’s Market is coming with it usually beginning in June.

Commissioner Sutherland commented on him wanting to make change to the mobile home provisions of the city code in the future. He asked people to be cognizant of what they put down the sewers as it makes it to the river. He asked people to dispose of chemicals properly. He thanked the street department for their hard work and hopes that the funding for the street department increases year after year.

Mayor Kahl congratulated Kassandra Brown on winning Citizen of the Year and congratulated the businesses that won at the Chamber of Commerce Dinner. The Theresa Tracy Stive to Survive is an all volunteer organization. He encouraged people when they donate to look at what the money is going toward. He explained that the recipients for the Theresa Tracy Strive to Survive turn out for the fundraisers for those that treat and do research on pancreatic cancers.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, February 4, 2025 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 7:08 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/7323?fileID=35987