Pekin City Mayor Mary Burress | City of Pekin
Pekin City Mayor Mary Burress | City of Pekin
City of Pekin City Council met March 10.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
MAYOR MARY J. BURRESS PRESIDING
Pledge of Allegiance - Recognitions of Alina Vang and PCHS Girls Basketball Team - Presentation of ACEC Award by TWM, Inc.
Mayor Burress introduced Alina Vang and Girls Basketball to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Serena Paige, a local branch manager for an engineering consulting firm in the Peoria Pekin area, TWM, Inc., addressed the council regarding the city’s ADA Transition Plan. Her firm was selected two and a half years ago to develop the plan, and she shared that it had been recognized with an Engineering Excellence Award by the American Council of Engineering Companies. She spoke of the extensive work completed, including assessing every sidewalk and curb ramp, and the creation of a GIS program that allows residents to track progress in real time. The city committed $1.5 million in the first three years of the plan, with an additional $250,000 allocated annually for the next ten years. She praised the city’s commitment to accessibility and technological integration, including the use of mobile LiDAR and AI, and encouraged students interested in engineering or surveying to consider the growing opportunities in those fields. She concluded by thanking the city for its collaboration and reaffirmed her firm’s dedication to continuing the project.
Call to Order
City Clerk, Ms. Sue McMillan was absent. Deputy City Clerk Ms. Nicole Stewart confirmed all Council Members were present and logged on except for Council Member Orrick who was absent.
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Rick Hilst | City of Pekin | Council Member | Present | 5:30 PM |
| Karen Hohimer | City of Pekin | Mayor Pro Tem | Present | 5:30 PM |
| Dave Nutter | City of Pekin | Council Member | Present | 5:30 PM |
| Mary Burress | City of Pekin | Mayor | Present | 5:30 PM |
| Lloyd Orrick | City of Pekin | Council Member | Absent | -:-- PM |
| John P Abel | City of Pekin | Council Member | Present | 5:30 PM |
| Chris Onken | City of Pekin | Council Member | Present | 5:30 PM |
RESULT: PASSED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Council Member Chris Onken
SECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem Karen Hohimer
AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Council Member Nutter, Council Member Hilst, Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer, Council Member Onken
ABSENT: Council Member Lloyd Orrick
Approval of Minutes
RESULT: PASSED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Council Member Chris Onken
SECONDER: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem John Abel
AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Council Member Nutter, Council Member Hilst, Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer, Council Member Onken
ABSENT: Council Member Lloyd Orrick
4.1. City Council - Regular Meeting - February 24, 2025 5:30 PM
4.2. City Council - Special Meeting - March 5, 2025 4:30 PM
Public Input
No public input was received.
Presentation Lauterbach & Amen, LLP 2022 Audit
Finance Director Eric Dubrowski provided an update on the city's financial audit, noting that the audit for fiscal year 2022 had been completed. He introduced Jennifer Martinson, the partner in charge of the audit from Lauterbach & Amen, to present the findings.
Jennifer Martinson reported that the city received an unmodified or "clean" audit opinion, which is the highest level of assurance, indicating that the financial statements accurately represent the city's financial position. She highlighted key sections of the audit report, including the Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) on page 8, which summarizes the financial statements and key highlights from the year. She pointed out that total governmental funds saw an increase in fund balance of approximately $590,000, with an ending balance of $31.9 million, of which $20.6 million was in the general operating fund. She directed the council to pages 30-31 for more details. Additionally, she referenced the budgetary comparison schedules on pages 105-113 and the five-year trend data on property tax collections on page 157. Ms. Martinson noted that while the audit was positive overall, there were significant journal entries and a required restatement, which were addressed in close collaboration with city staff. She also mentioned a management letter outlining best practices and recommendations, as well as upcoming Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) updates that will be implemented with the finance team’s assistance. She thanked staff members Bob Grogan and Roy Beckham for their hard work, as well as Eric Dubrowski for his role in the final stages of the audit process.
Mayor Burress commended the staff and the audit firm for their diligence in completing three years' worth of audits in less than two years. Ms. Martinson confirmed that preparations for the 2023 audit were already underway, pending council approval.
Council Member Hilst inquired about the auditing of TIF funds and whether reimbursements to government entities are reviewed by the auditing firm or the TIF attorney. Jennifer Martinson confirmed that the audit process includes a review of material expenditures to ensure compliance with TIF regulations. City Attorney Jim Vasselli explained that reimbursement methods vary between TIF districts based on state statutes, intergovernmental agreements, and specific provisions set during the TIF certification process. He noted that some TIF districts declare a surplus while others follow a reimbursement model, depending on their original agreements and statutory requirements. The discussion concluded with confirmation that all TIF-related financial actions are approved by the TIF attorney before being finalized.
Consent Agenda
RESULT: PASSED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Council Member Chris Onken
SECONDER: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem John Abel
AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Council Member Nutter, Council Member Hilst, Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer, Council Member Onken
ABSENT: Council Member Lloyd Orrick
7.1. Accounts Payable Paid Proof List thru March 5, 2025
7.2. Building Department Permit Report February 2025
7.3. Pekin Fire Department Monthly Incident Report February 2025
7.4. Receive and File Proposals for Court Street Sign Relocation Project
7.5. Resolution No. 241-24/25 Approving and Placing on File the Annual Financial Report (AFR) for Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2022
7.6. Ordinance No. 4279-24/25 Approving a Special Use for Miggy’s Shop, LLC for the Operation of an Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary at 359 Court Street (Case SU 2025-03)
7.7. Proclamation Alina Vang, 2025 IHSA Extemporaneous Speaking State Champion
Mayor Burress presented a proclamation to Alina Vang, a junior at Pekin Community High School, recognizing her exceptional talent, dedication, and poise in the field of competitive speech. Alina won an award for extemporaneous speaking on February 17, 2025. In addition to the proclamation, the Mayor presented her with a city coin and invited her to share a few words about her experience. Alina expressed her gratitude to the City Council for acknowledging her achievement, emphasizing the importance of recognizing academic and extracurricular efforts. She also thanked her coaches, English teacher, and teammates, pointing out that while she received an award, the entire speech team deserved recognition for their hard work. She extended her appreciation to all clubs, organizations, and sports teams that put in similar dedication and effort.
7.8. Proclamation Pekin Community High School Girls Basketball Team
Mayor Burress invited Council Member Onken and the coaches to join in honoring the Pekin High School girls’ basketball team. The team won 20 games of their season, securing their first regional championship since 1980 and advancing to sectionals. Eleven of the twelve players were present for the recognition. The Mayor presented a proclamation to Head Coach Brett McGinnis and awarded each player a city coin. Coach McGinnis expressed his appreciation for the strong community support throughout their season, noting that the enthusiasm from fans, both at games and around town, was instrumental in the team's success. He emphasized the importance of continued support to help the program grow in the coming years.
Unfinished Business
8.1. Ordinance No. 4277-24/25 Approving the First Amendment to the Pekin Court Street Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Redevelopment Agreement with Kelly Madden for the Property at 901 Derby Street RESULT: PASSED (4 TO 2)
MOVER: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem John Abel
SECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem Karen Hohimer
AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer, Council Member Onken
NAYS: Council Member Nutter, Council Member Hilst
ABSENT: Council Member Orrick
Ordinance No. 4277-2425, amending the redevelopment agreement for 901 Derby Street, was presented. Economic Development Director Josh Wray explained that the amendment clarifies the tenant’s responsibility to generate $5,000 in sales tax revenue annually, with the obligation to cover any shortfall, while the property owner, Kelly Madden, remains ultimately liable. The amendment also simplifies the agreement by replacing the forgivable loan structure with a grant, ensuring the city recoups $25,000 over five years. Mr. Wray noted that council members previously raised concerns about the fairness of penalizing the tenant beyond the expected revenue requirement, prompting the proposed revision. The council was invited to ask further questions, with Mr. Madden present for discussion.
8.2. Resolution No. 238-24/25 Adopting Policy No. 30 - TIF Residential Renovation Program
RESULT: PASSED (5 TO 1)
MOVER: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem John Abel
SECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem Karen Hohimer
AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Council Member Nutter, Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer, Council Member Onken
NAYS: Council Member Hilst
ABSENT: Council Member Orrick
Council discussed Resolution No. 238-24/25, adopting Policy No. 30 for the TIF Residential Renovation Program. Economic Development Director Josh Wray provided an overview, explaining that the policy aims to incentivize the renovation of dilapidated residential properties within TIF districts to prevent blight and emergency demolitions. The revised resolution incorporates council feedback, limiting incentives to 50% of renovation costs, with a maximum of $50,000 for owner-occupied properties and $30,000 for rental units. It also includes a five-year profit-sharing requirement, restrictions on converting owner-occupied properties into rentals, and a personal guarantee clause.
Mr. Wray further clarified that all agreements under this program would be recorded with the County to ensure that any future buyer or seller is aware of the five-year restrictions. He emphasized that the policy does not allocate funding but simply establishes the framework for the program. Funding decisions will be made by the council after the city’s budget is approved, and all TIF agreements must come before the council for final approval.
Council Member Nutter sought clarification on whether the program applies citywide within all TIF districts, to which Mr. Wray confirmed it does.
Council Member Hohimer expressed concerns about rental property acquisitions by developers and suggested prioritizing owner-occupied applicants for an initial 30-day period before opening applications to rental properties. Mr. Wray agreed to implement this approach.
Council Member Nutter and Mayor Burress supported moving forward with the policy, acknowledging that adjustments could be made later if necessary.
The Economic Development Advisory Committee also recommended approval, emphasizing the need for action over perfection. The council recognized the policy as a strong first step toward addressing the city’s housing challenges.
Mr. Wray also reassured the Council that due to limited available funding, the program is expected to impact only a few properties per year, reducing the risk of large-scale developer acquisitions. Additionally, no single developer can receive more than 50% of the total allocated funding in a given year.
New Business
9.1. Resolution No. 242-24/25 Approving a Professional Auditing Services Agreement Exercising the Prior Option of Extension for the Optional Years Ending April 30, 2023 and 2024 with Lauterbach & Amen, LLP RESULT: PASSED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Council Member Dave Nutter
SECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem Karen Hohimer
AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Council Member Nutter, Council Member Hilst, Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer, Council Member Onken
ABSENT: Council Member Lloyd Orrick
Council discussed Resolution No. 242-24/25, approving a professional auditing services agreement with Lauterbach & Amen, LLP, exercising the extension option for the fiscal years ending April 30, 2023, and 2024. Finance Director Eric Dubrowski provided an overview, explaining that the original RFP for auditing services covered five years, with an initial three-year term and an optional two-year extension, which is now being exercised. He confirmed that budgeted figures for FY26 align with the draft budget available to the public.
Council Member Nutter inquired about the exclusion of the Solid Waste Fund AFR and Sewerage Fund AFR from the audit scope. The external auditor, Jennifer Martinson from Lauterbach & Amen, clarified that these were initially considered but later determined to be unnecessary, leading to their removal from the fee structure. She confirmed that if a single audit is required in a given year, it would be handled as an additional service.
Finance Consultant Bob Grogan further explained that in previous years, separate audits were conducted for the Solid Waste and Sewerage funds, but
Lauterbach & Amen recommended integrating them into the comprehensive city audit for efficiency and cost savings. Since there are no statutory or bond covenant requirements for separate audits, consolidating the reports streamlined the process while still including all necessary financial details.
9.2. Resolution No. 243-24/25 Approving Sign Relocation Costs for Court Street
RESULT: PASSED (5 TO 1)
MOVER: Council Member Dave Nutter
SECONDER: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem John Abel
AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Council Member Nutter, Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer, Council Member Onken
NAYS: Council Member Hilst
ABSENT: Council Member Orrick
City Manager John Dossey provided an overview, stating that four commercial signs needed to be relocated for the project: Advantage Auto at 1215 Court Street, Big Dog Auto at 1227 Court Street, CVS at 910 Court Street, and State Farm at 1000 Court Street. CVS opted to handle its own signage as part of its property purchase, while State Farm is awaiting further progress in the project before determining the exact relocation. State Farm’s sign will be brought back to the council once its location is finalized. With the city in a transition period following the departure of the city engineer, city staff reviewed quotes obtained from multiple vendors. While the amounts would typically require a formal Request for Proposal (RFP), staff determined that the process remained competitive given the project timeline. Quotes were received from Schwartz Electric and Laser Electric, with Laser Electric submitting the lower bid of $36,860 for Advantage Auto and Schwartz Electric submitting the lower bid of $45,646 for Big Dog Auto. Staff recommended selecting the lowest bid for each sign, totaling $82,506.
Council Member Hilst expressed concern that the city was not following policy regarding the RFP process and moved to lay the resolution over and issue an RFP. However, the motion failed for lack of a second.
Discussion continued regarding the validity of the quotes, some of which dated back to September and November of the previous year. It was clarified that Hanson Engineering had been coordinating the project phases in advance, and that the quoted amounts were still considered valid. The project remains on a tight timeline, with a March 20 deadline to submit documents to IDOT for the April letting. Any further delays could risk the $3 million grant funding for the project.
Staff assured the council that the process remained competitive and that State Farm’s sign relocation would be addressed separately when necessary.
9.3. Resolution No. 244-24/25 Approving GIS Service Agreement with Cloudpoint Geospatial
RESULT: PASSED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Council Member Dave Nutter
SECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem Karen Hohimer
AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Council Member Nutter, Council Member Hilst, Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer, Council Member Onken
ABSENT: Council Member Lloyd Orrick
Resolution No. 244-24/25 approves a GIS service agreement with Cloudpoint Geospatial. City Manager Dossey explained that the city currently utilizes Cloudpoint for GIS mapping services, and the existing contract is set to expire at the end of March 2025. The proposed new contract extends the agreement for three years, running from April 1, 2025 to March 30, 2028.
Currently, the city pays $94,200 annually ($7,850 per month). The new contract proposes a $100 monthly increase, bringing the cost to $7,950 per month or $95,400 annually—a 1.25% increase. Staff recommended approval of the contract to continue GIS mapping services with Cloudpoint.
9.4. Resolution No. 245-24/25 Approving an Extension of Copier Lease with GFI Digital
RESULT: PASSED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Council Member Dave Nutter
SECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem Karen Hohimer
AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Council Member Nutter, Council Member Hilst, Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer, Council Member Onken
ABSENT: Council Member Lloyd Orrick
City Manager John Dossey introduced Resolution Number 245-24/25, which approves the extension of the copier lease with GFI Digital. The original lease for the city’s copier fleet, signed in June 2019, has ended, and the proposed extension would continue for an additional 36 months. This extension will result in a monthly savings of $521 and will also provide an upgrade to the equipment at the street facility, allowing for larger format printing for sewer operations. The lease extension will cost $1,089 per month, totaling $13,068 annually or $39,204 over the three-year period. Staff recommended approval of the resolution, and IT Administrator David Hess was available to answer any questions. No additional questions or concerns were raised.
9.5. Resolution No. 246-24/25 Approving Renewal with Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)
RESULT: PASSED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem Karen Hohimer
SECONDER: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem John Abel
AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Council Member Nutter, Council Member Hilst, Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer, Council Member Onken
ABSENT: Council Member Lloyd Orrick
City Manager John Dossey presented Resolution Number 246-24/25, which approves the renewal of the software maintenance agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI). Mr. Dossey explained that ESRI is the software used to house the city's GIS mapping, including the mapping for sewers, snow routes, and other critical infrastructure. As a sole source procurement, ESRI has been utilized for several years, and CloudPoint, which manages the city’s GIS mapping, also uses this software. The costs for the software renewal remain the same as those expensed in fiscal year 25. The agreement will begin on May 15, 2025, and end on May 14, 2026. Staff recommended approval of the resolution.
9.6. Resolution No. 247-24/25 Approving a Professional Service Agreement with Giffin Reeise Engineering, Inc (GRE)
RESULT: PASSED (5 TO 1)
MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem Karen Hohimer
SECONDER: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem John Abel
AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Council Member Nutter, Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer, Council Member Onken
NAYS: Council Member Hilst
ABSENT: Council Member Orrick
City Manager John Dossey introduced Resolution Number 247-24/25, which approves a professional service agreement with Giffin Reeise Engineering (GRE) for engineering services. Mr. Dossey explained that following the departure of the city engineer on February 7, the city is currently conducting a search for a new engineer. Due to time constraints and the ongoing need to maintain various projects, Mr. Dossey proposed a six-month agreement with GRE, at an estimated cost of $84,000. GRE will provide up to 20 hours per week of service to continue work on ongoing projects.
Council Member Hilst raised a concern about not issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), asking why the city did not follow the standard procedure. Mr. Dossey responded that due to the short notice and the complexity of ongoing projects, it made sense to bring in Justin Reeise from GRE, who is familiar with the city's projects. He added that if a suitable candidate is not found soon, an RFQ will be issued.
Council Member Abel supported the decision, emphasizing the cost and time savings of bringing in someone with existing knowledge of the projects.
Council Member Nutter asked whether the contract would start immediately or be retroactive, and Mr. Dossey confirmed it would be effective immediately.
City Attorney Jim Vasselli clarified that state law allows for exceptions to procurement processes when the professional has experience with the entity, which in this case, allows GRE’s involvement to ensure the continuity of ongoing projects and avoid disruptions.
Staff recommended approval of the resolution.
9.7. Ordinance No. 4280-24/25 Approving and Authorizing the Reallocation of Private Activity Bonding Authority for 2025 to Tri-County River Valley Development Authority
RESULT: PASSED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem Karen Hohimer
SECONDER: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem John Abel
AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Council Member Nutter, Council Member Hilst, Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer, Council Member Onken
ABSENT: Council Member Lloyd Orrick
Economic Development Director Josh Wray introduced Ordinance No. 4280- 24/25, which approves and authorizes the reallocation of private activity bonding authority for 2025 to the Tri-County River Valley Development Authority (TRVDA). Mr. Wray explained that each year, the state allocates bonding authority, or volume cap, to municipalities based on population. This authority allows municipalities to issue tax-exempt bonds for industrial development projects. Pekin’s 2025 allocation is approximately $4 million. If the city does not obligate this volume cap by May 1, it reverts to the state. Instead, the city has the option to transfer the allocation to TRVDA, one of ten regional economic development authorities in Illinois, ensuring the funds remain within the Tri-County region. TRVDA has requested the city’s volume cap allocation and can hold it for up to three years if unused. Staff recommended approval of the ordinance.
Council Member Hilst sought clarification on whether the allocation was actual money or simply bonding authority. Mr. Wray confirmed it is the authority to issue tax-exempt bonds rather than a direct financial resource. Council Member Hilst further inquired whether the city anticipates needing to issue bonds in the coming year, to which Mr. Wray responded that while industrial projects could arise, the city has not historically managed these bond allocations internally and prefers to rely on TRVDA’s expertise.
Council Member Abel, a former appointee to TRVDA, supported the transfer, noting that the goal is to keep the allocation within the region rather than allowing it to return to the state.
Council Member Nutter asked whether the city could later request a portion of the funds back from TRVDA if a project arises. Mr. Wray confirmed that TRVDA exists to support projects within the region and could allocate funds back to the city if needed, provided the funds are still available.
Council Member Onken asked whether TRVDA could deny a request if funds were already allocated elsewhere. Mr. Wray acknowledged that this is a possibility but noted that industrial projects typically require long lead times, allowing the city to plan accordingly.
Council Member Hilst inquired whether the funds could be used for the second phase of the Derby Street project, to which Mr. Wray clarified that the bonds are restricted to private industrial development and cannot be used for road construction.
9.8. Ordinance No. 4281-24/25 Authorizing the City Manager to Enter Into a Loan Agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for the CSO Project
RESULT: PASSED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem Karen Hohimer
SECONDER: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem John Abel
AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Council Member Nutter, Council Member Hilst, Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer, Council Member Onken
ABSENT: Council Member Lloyd Orrick
City Manager John Dossey presented the ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into a loan agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the final phase of the wastewater treatment project, known as the CSO project. The city received notification on March 6, 2025, of loan approval in the amount of $21,750,322.55 at an interest rate of 1.87% for water pollution control improvements. Mr. Dossey explained that staff is seeking council approval to execute the agreement to secure funding and proceed with the project. A draft of the loan agreement was provided, and staff anticipates receiving the signed copies from the EPA shortly. Once received, the city will have seven days to return the signed document. On March 6, 2025, a notice of intent to award was sent to the contractor, and the project must be awarded by the deadline. The Farnsworth Group issued the bid award, ensuring that rebidding would not be necessary. Mr. Dossey emphasized the importance of securing financing as soon as possible to avoid delaying the project. If council decided not to proceed, the city would need to cancel the contractor’s agreement immediately.
Council Member Nutter confirmed that the Finance Director responded to all his questions regarding the loan and that he was satisfied with the financial details. He noted that the budget adjustments would be reviewed accordingly. He also inquired whether the city had received the final signed loan agreement from the EPA. Mr. Dossey stated that he had reached out to the state and expected to receive the signed copies within the week.
Council Member Hilst asked about the city’s financial audit reports, which are required as part of the loan approval process. He referenced the need for the most recent reports and questioned whether any issues might arise. Mr. Dossey confirmed that the EPA had already received the city’s 2022 audit and was aware of the ongoing efforts to complete the outstanding reports. He noted that discussions with Lauterbach & Amen had ensured the loan process could proceed, and the city would provide updated audits as soon as they were finalized.
9.9. Discussion on Street Banner Designs
Economic Development Director Josh Wray presented an update on a proposed street banner program in partnership with CGI Digital. CGI Digital specializes in community banner programs at no cost to the municipality, funding the initiative through local business sponsorships. The company guarantees a minimum of 25 banners regardless of sponsorship participation, and businesses that sponsor banners receive their banners after they are removed. The program allows for a new banner design each year for three years. Potential banner locations include downtown ornamental poles and the taller poles along Parkway between Court and Broadway. The Beautification Committee provided feedback on the initial designs, expressing a preference for Design 1 for a historic theme and Design 6 for a marigold theme. Council was asked for input before finalizing the 2025 design.
Council members discussed various design preferences, ultimately favoring Design 3 for its color and vibrancy and Design 6 for its marigold feature. There was consensus on these selections, barring any further objections. Mr. Wray confirmed that CGI Digital would handle installation, maintenance, and removal of the banners at no cost to the city, aside from staff time coordinating with the company.
Council reached consensus on moving forward with Designs 3 and 6 for the 2025 banner program.
Any Other Business To Come Before The Council
City Manager John Dossey announced that the city's audit report would be available online the following morning. Additionally, the first draft of the city budget had been posted earlier in the day and was available in a binder for council members, on the city's website, and at the front counter. Mr. Dossey highlighted formatting changes in the budget document to improve clarity and provide more detailed explanations for each department. Council members were encouraged to report any errors or typos.
Fire Chief Trent Reeise informed the council that applications for the department’s two year hiring list would open in April, with testing scheduled for May 31. Further details would be provided as the application process progressed.
The Mayor recognized efforts by staff in supporting a community member with metastatic breast cancer by changing the city’s light colors. Additionally, the Mayor acknowledged the police department’s successful fundraising for the Special Olympics and requested that the city’s lighting be adjusted to reflect the organization’s colors.
Council Member Hilst inquired about the status of the ADA Transition Plan, questioning whether it had received final approval from a federal judge. Mr. Dossey stated that he was unaware of any recent updates and would follow up with legal counsel for clarification. Council Member Hilst noted that when the plan was originally approved, it was expected to go before the judge within a month, but nearly a year had passed without further information. Mr. Dossey acknowledged the delay, attributing it to legal proceedings and court scheduling, and committed to seeking an update.
Council Member Abel expressed pride in the young community members present at the meeting, emphasizing their achievements.
Council Member Nutter acknowledged the updated budget format and commended the fire department for their quick response to an incident on Westgate.
Council Member Onken echoed Council Member Abel’s sentiments, praising local students for their excellence both academically and in extracurricular activities.
Executive Session 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) 1. The Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees of the Public Body; 2. Collective Negotiating Matters; 5. Purchase or Lease of Real Property for Use of the Public Body; 11. Litigation; 6. Setting the Price for Sale of Municipally Owned Property
A motion was made by Council Member Hilst seconded by Council Member Onken to move into Executive Session to discuss 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) 1. The Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance or Dismissal of Specific Employees of the Public Body, 2. Collective Negotiating Matters, 5. Purchase or Lease of Real Property for Use of the Public Body, 11. Litigation, and 6. Setting the Price for Sale of Municipality Owned Property at 7:03 PM.
RESULT: PASSED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Council Member Rick Hilst
SECONDER: Council Member Chris Onken
AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Council Member Nutter, Council Member Hilst, Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer, Council Member Onken
ABSENT: Council Member Lloyd Orrick
Council returned to open session at 9:01 PM.
New Business Continued
City Attorney Jim Vasselli confirmed all Council Members were physically present and logged in except for Council Member Orrick who was absent. Council returned to open session at 9:01 PM.
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Rick Hilst | City of Pekin | Council Member | Present | 5:30 PM |
| Karen Hohimer | City of Pekin | Mayor Pro Tem | Present | 5:30 PM |
| Dave Nutter | City of Pekin | Council Member | Present | 5:30 PM |
| Mary Burress | City of Pekin | Mayor | Present | 5:30 PM |
| Lloyd Orrick | City of Pekin | Council Member | Absent | -:-- PM |
| John P Abel | City of Pekin | Council Member | Present | 5:30 PM |
| Chris Onken | City of Pekin | Council Member | Present | 5:30 PM |
RESULT: PASSED (5 TO 1)
MOVER: Council Member Rick Hilst
SECONDER: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem John Abel
AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Council Member Nutter, Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer, Council Member Onken
NAYS: Council Member Hilst
ABSENT: Council Member Orrick
Police Chief Seth Ranney introduced the contract agreement covering the period from May 1, 2023, through April 30, 2026, and opened the floor for council discussion.
Council Member Hilst expressed several concerns with the contract, explaining his reasons for not supporting it. He pointed out issues with the travel allowance, stating that one-day training conferences were considered eight-hour workdays, while week-long conferences were counted as 40-hour workweeks, regardless of actual classroom hours. He opposed this structure, arguing that employees could potentially receive pay for more hours than they attended training. Council Member Hilst also voiced concerns regarding the insurance structure, noting that individual and spouse coverage rates remained unchanged for the first two years of the contract, while taxpayer costs continued to rise. Family and child insurance rates would increase slightly in the third year, but he felt the overall structure was problematic. Regarding leave policies, Council Member Hilst questioned the necessity of 12 sick days per year, believing it to be excessive. He also raised issues with compensatory (Comp) time, arguing that it should be paid out rather than used as additional vacation. He noted that with 12 sick days, 10 holidays, two personal days, and up to five weeks of vacation, the potential to accumulate and use Comp time could result in up to seven weeks off, which he believed would contribute to increased overtime expenses. Finally, Council Member Hilst addressed the residency policy, which had previously required officers to live within a 20-mile radius of the city center. He expressed concerns over the removal of this requirement from the contract.
Adjourn
There being no further business to come to the Council a motion was made by Council Member Hohimer seconded by Council Member Nutter to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried viva voce vote. Mayor Burress adjourned the meeting at 9:06 PM.
RESULT: PASSED (6 TO 0)
MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem Karen Hohimer
SECONDER: Council Member Dave Nutter
AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Council Member Nutter, Council Member Hilst, Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer, Council Member Onken
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Council Member Orrick
https://pekinil.portal.civicclerk.com/
Alerts Sign-up