Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met March 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.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move that the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on February 18, 2025 and the minutes of the Public Hearing held on February 18, 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.

Renee Dietrich a resident of East Peoria came up to the podium to inquire about the status of backyard chickens and Ordinance 4783 from February 2024. She explained that she is also a realtor and wondered as those who are purchasing properties inquire about backyard chickens. Mayor Kahl explained that only one resident had taken on the one-year pilot program. He explained that recently there was a resident that was interested in backyard chickens that fell outside of the pilot program zoning requirements. He explained that he asked any commissioner to reach out to the Director of Planning and Community Development, Ty Livingston, if they are interested in seeing any changes regarding backyard chickens.

Mayor Kahl asked for any other comments from the audience. 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 2425-122 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 20 in the amount of $271,692.87.

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4844 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR CHILD DAYCARE CENTER ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 90 EASTGATE DRIVE IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS.)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-114 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving the Purchase of a 2024 Ford F-150 4x4 Crew Cab from Uftring Ford for the Street Department.

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-110 on its Second Reading - Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from Midwest Public Safety for the Purchase of Ten (10) New GETAC Laptops for the City.

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-112 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Purchase and Installation of Replacement of ESDA Tornado Siren Located at South Pleasant Hills Road Location.

Item Number 6 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-113 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Purchase of Portable Fencing for EastSide Centre Softball and Baseball Fields.

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 2425-122 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 20 in the amount of $271,692.87. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4844 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR CHILD DAYCARE CENTER ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 90 EASTGATE DRIVE IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-114 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving the Purchase of a 2024 Ford F-150 4x4 Crew Cab from Uftring Ford for the Street Department. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-110 on its Second Reading - Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from Midwest Public Safety for the Purchase of Ten (10) New GETAC Laptops for the City. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-112 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Purchase and Installation of Replacement of ESDA Tornado Siren Located at South Pleasant Hills Road Location. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 6 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-113 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Purchase of Portable Fencing for EastSide Centre Softball and Baseball Fields. (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. 4838, hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF EXCESS CITY PROPERTY AT 1654 MEADOW AVENUE IN EAST PEORIA) 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 commented on the offer for the property in the amount of $8,571 plus $1,000 for closing costs and discussed the location of the property. The house will be rehabbed.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4838 be adopted as presented. Commissioner Hill explained that the next three ordinances are regarding the proposed new East Peoria Riverfront TIF District redevelopment plan and Tax Increment Financing (“TIF”) district. He discussed the process for the redevelopment area and TIF District.

In November 2024, the City initiated the process to create the new East Peoria Riverfront TIF District as a means to spur economic development in the area along the Illinois River that is northeast of Interstate 74 and northwest of Illinois Route 116 up to Access Road 4 off of Illinois Route 116. This process included preparing the Eligibility Study and Redevelopment Plan & Project for the new East Peoria Riverfront TIF District and placing this report on file with the City Clerk’s Office for public inspection. The Eligibility Study set forth the statutory blighting conditions that exist in this corridor of the City that hamper the ongoing economic development and improvement of the commercial and industrial properties in this corridor.

Also, by City Council action on November 19, 2024, the City Council set the date for a public hearing on the proposed new East Peoria Riverfront TIF District for Tuesday, February 4, 2025, while also setting the meeting of the Joint Review Board for Wednesday, December 11, 2024, to consider this proposed new TIF District. This City Council action on November 19th also established an “interested parties registry” whereby interested persons or entities had the opportunity to register and receive notices and documents regarding the steps being taken by the City to create the new East Peoria Riverfront TIF District. Thereafter, at the meeting on December 11th, the Joint Review Board reviewed and unanimously approved the City’s Eligibility Study and Redevelopment Plan & Project and the creation of the East Peoria Riverfront Redevelopment Project Area for the proposed new TIF District. Further, the City Council held the public hearing on February 4th to receive public comment on the proposed new TIF District redevelopment project area, receiving comments from the public in attendance at this public hearing.

After completing these procedural steps, the City is now able to proceed with adopting the necessary ordinances to approve the proposed East Peoria Riverfront Redevelopment Project Area and to establish tax increment financing for this designated East Peoria Riverfront Redevelopment Project Area, thereby creating this new TIF District. Those three necessary ordinances follow.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4840, hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT ELIGIBILITY STUDY AND THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND PROJECT FOR THE EAST PEORIA RIVERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA) 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 explained that this ordinance approves Tax Increment Financing District Eligibility Study and Redevelopment Plan & Project – East Peoria Riverfront Redevelopment Project Area. This Ordinance makes the necessary findings that the area within the proposed redevelopment project area meets the statutory requirements for a blighted area under the TIF Act, that this area has not experienced growth and development through private investment and is not expected to do so in the future but for the implementation of the Redevelopment Plan & Project, that the Redevelopment Plan & Project are consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan for this area of the City, and that the other statutory requirements under the TIF Act have been met. Accordingly, this Ordinance adopts and approves the Tax Increment Financing District Eligibility Study and Redevelopment Plan & Project for the proposed East Peoria Riverfront Redevelopment Project Area.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4840 be adopted as presented.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4841, hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING THE EAST PEORIA RIVERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA) 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 explained that this ordinance designates the East Peoria Riverfront Redevelopment Project Area. Upon approving the eligibility study and redevelopment plan and project for the proposed redevelopment project area, the TIF Act provides the City with the authority to officially designate a redevelopment project area. This Ordinance thereby approves the designation of the identified area as the “East Peoria Riverfront Redevelopment Project Area”

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4841 be adopted as presented.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4842, hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING TAX INCREMENT FINANCING FOR THE EAST PEORIA RIVERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA) 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 explained that this ordinance adopts Tax Increment Financing – East Peoria Riverfront Redevelopment Project Area. Upon approving the designation of a redevelopment project area, the TIF Act then provides the City with the authority to adopt tax increment financing for the designated redevelopment project area. Accordingly, this Ordinance adopts tax increment financing for the East Peoria Riverfront Redevelopment Project Area, thereby creating the East Peoria Riverfront TIF District.

City Attorney Scott Brunton explained that the last procedural step is filing the ordinances with the County.

Commissioner Decker commented on the 2010 plan that included improving this area after the Levee District was improved There were pictures of the roadway at the time, and these ordinances set the stage for future development.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4842 be adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-120 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-120, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Additional Cost for Contract with Ameren Illinois for Undergrounding Utility Lines at New Police Station Project Site (Camp Street), be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-120 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, as a complement to the work Comcast and AT & Twill be doing for the City along Camp Street for the new police station, undergrounding is also necessary for Ameren. The cost for this work is projected to be $468,000 - slightly higher tl1an the estimate of $443,000 that was provided by Ameren and approved back in August. This difference of $25,000 requires approval by tl1e City Council in order for tl1e bill to be paid which will initiate their work. Mayor Kahl explained that there has been some site work underway already.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-118 by Commissioner Hill; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS THAT: a Public Hearing will be held by the City Council on Tuesday evening, March 18, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers in the Civic Complex, 401 West Washington Street, East Peoria, Illinois, for the purpose of giving interested citizens the opportunity to provide written or oral comments on the proposed Appropriation Ordinance and the proposed Working Cash Budget for the City of East Peoria for the Fiscal Year May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk give public notice of said public hearing in the manner provided by law.

AND THAT THIS RESOLUTION NO. 2425-118 - BE ADOPTED AS PRESENTED. Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2425-118 be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Hill explained that this is a yearly item that schedules the Public Hearing coming up on March 18, 2025. There were working sessions previously during the during the budget planning process.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-118 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-111 by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-111 hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting Bids for the 2025 Street Maintenance Program Projects Funded by Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the City of East Peoria, be hereby approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-111 having been read once by its title and having laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection, be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Decker explained that this is for the street maintenance program. He explained that the streets now have had great improvements even since a couple of years ago, and he expressed excitement about the improvements. This is for the portion using Motor Fuel Tax funds.

Mayor Kahl explained that the City goes out for bid early in the season, and the City has benefited for doing that this year. The next resolution is for the 2025 Street Maintenance Program Projects funded with Non Motor Fuel Tax funds.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-111 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-115 by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-115 hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting Bids for the 2025 Street Maintenance Program Projects Funded by General Funds for the City of East Peoria, be hereby approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-115 having been read once by its title and having laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection, be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Mingus explained the process for determining which street will be included in the program that includes a rating system. He explained that politics is taken out, and the streets are rated. He explained that the City does the rating every year. He explained that each street is numbered one through ten and the streets are taken care of based solely on those numbers. It is not determined based on who lives on the street. The money is then divided based on the street ratings.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-115 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-121 by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 121, hereto attached, a Resolution Designating City Officials Authorized for Approving Joint Purchasing Agreement with State of Illinois for the City’s Annual Purchase of Roadway Salt for Maintaining City Streets During the Winter Season, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-121 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 commented on the salt agreement that is a joint purchasing agreement combined with other entities. It is estimated that we will use an additional 2,500 tons, and the City has some salt left over. He explained that the City must purchase 80% of that salt or 2,000 tons.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-119 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 119, hereto attached, a Resolution Authorizing the Payment of an Invoice from Pace Analytical Services, LLC for Well Water Analysis Testing Project in the amount of $39,562.20, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-119 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 being used for well water testing. It is a baseline analysis test and is a requirement.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-116 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-116 hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting Lowest Responsible Bid and Approving Engineering Services Contract for Phase 2 of Eastside Centre Parking Lot Improvement Project, be hereby approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-116 having been read once by its title and having laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection, be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Mingus explained that this is the second reading on this resolution. He commented on the costs of the project that includes the mill and overlay in the amount of $291,94.50 with a 7% contingency of $20,439.62, and engineering services in the amount of $32,243.41 for a total cost not to exceed $344.677.53. Mayor Kahl explained that it is the south portion of the parking lot, and there was another portion that was done last year with another portion to be done next year.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-116 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 Hill explained that the Farmer’s Market is coming up in June through September every Friday, and the City will be seeking vendors.

Commissioner Sutherland commented on the new police station. He explained that he is still an advocate for having three permanent pumps in the levee area to ensure that water can be removed. He commented on a flood that happened. Currently, there are gas powered pumps and equipment if we know that flood is happening. He would like to take the human element out of having to set up the pumps in case it happens overnight or if there is a human error. He would like the pumps to go off automatically.

Mayor Kahl commented on the State of the City address and explained that there are great things in the coming in the future. He would like to brag about the products and services offered, as well as the things that are happening and projects that are being approved by the City Council. He commented on the media coverage of the State of the City. He explained that the State of the City was a positive address with things going on in the City. He is excited about things coming next year and in the future. He commented on many staff being present and two long-term employees that are close to retirement. He thanked staff and elected officials.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, March 18, 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 6:35 P.M.

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