City of Peoria City Council and Town Board met March 11

Mayor Rita Ali | City of Peoria Website

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella

Apr 12, 2025

City of Peoria City Council and Town Board met March 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

A Regular Meeting of the Joint City Council and Town Board of Peoria, Illinois, was held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall, Council Chambers (Room 400), 419 Fulton Street, with Mayor Ali presiding, and with proper notice having been posted.

ROLL CALL

Roll Call showed the following Council Members were present: Allen (electronic attendance), Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Jackson, Kelly, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10; Absent: Oyler – 1.

ELECTRONIC ATTENDANCE

Mayor Ali said a notice was received by Council Member Allen, in accordance with rules established in Ordinance No. 16,142, she said Council Member Allen would be deemed authorized to attend the meeting electronically unless a motion objecting to Council Member Allen’s electronic attendance was made, seconded, and approved by two-thirds of the members of the City Council physically present at the meeting. Mayor Ali stated if no such motion was made and seconded, then the request by Council Member Allen to attend electronically shall be deemed approved by the City Council and the presiding officer shall declare Council Member Allen present.

Upon hearing no objections, Mayor Ali declared Council Member Allen present.

INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Ali requested a moment of silent prayer or reflection, and then she led the pledge of allegiance.

PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS, ETC.

Women's History Month – March

150-Year Anniversary of the Peoria Fire Department

MS Awareness Week – March 9-15, 2025

Peoria's First Lego League Challenge

MINUTES

Council Member Riggenbach moved to approve the minutes of the February 11, 2025, Joint City Council and Town Board Meeting, as printed; seconded by Council Member Grayeb.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Jackson, Kelly, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;

Nays: None.

TOWN OF THE CITY OF PEORIA - PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES & COMMUNICATIONS

(25-033) Request from the Town Officials to Approve the February 2025 Actual Expenditures and to Approve the March 2025 Anticipated Expenditures for the Town of the City of Peoria.

Trustee Grayeb moved to approve the February 2025 actual expenditures and to approve the March 2025 anticipated expenditures for the Town of the City of Peoria; seconded by Trustee Kelly.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Jackson, Kelly, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa, Chairwoman Ali – 10;

Nays: None.

(25-034) Communication from the Town Officials with a Request to Approve the Agenda for the Annual Town Meeting to be Held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

Trustee Grayeb moved to approve agenda for the Annual Town Meeting to be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025; seconded by Trustee Cyr.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Jackson, Kelly, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa, Chairwoman Ali – 10;

Nays: None.

CITY OF PEORIA - PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES & COMMUNICATIONS CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BY OMNIBUS VOTE, WITH RECOMMENDATIONS AS OUTLINED

(25-035) * Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request to Approve the Low Bid from Illinois Civil Contractors, Inc. and Award a Contract for the Moffatt Cemetery Infrastructure Improvements Project, in the Amount of $99,715.77, with an Additional Authorization of $9,984.23 (10%) for Contingencies, for a Total Amount of $109,700.00. (Council District 1)

(25-036) Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request to Approve the Master Service Agreement with OpenGov, Inc. for the City of Peoria Enterprise Asset Management System (EAMS), in the Amount of $873,871.13, with an Additional Authorization of $48,831.87 for Contingencies, for a Total Agreement in an Amount Not to Exceed $922,703.00.

(25-037) ** Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel with a Request to Approve the Amended Intergovernmental Agreement between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the City of Peoria.

(25-038) Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel with a Request to Approve Resolution No. 25-038 Releasing the Minutes of Closed Session Listed on Schedule A and for Confidentiality to Remain as to the Minutes of Schedule B.

(25-039) Communication from Mayor Ali and Corporation Counsel with a Recommendation to Approve Resolution No. 25-039 Regarding Compensation of City Employees.

(25-040) Communication from the City Manager and Director of Community Development with a Request to Concur with the Recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission and Staff to Adopt Ordinance No. 18,241 Approving a Special Use in a Class R3 (Single Family Residential) District for the Transfer of Property of a Legal Non-Conforming Duplex for the Property Located at 2510 W. Newman Parkway (Parcel Identification No. 14-31-178-013), Peoria, IL (Council District 1)

(25-041) *** Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller with a Request to Adopt an Ordinance Partially Abating the Tax Hereto Levied to Pay Special Service Area (SSA) Property Taxes on the Holiday Inn Property Tax Special Service Area, in the Amount of $160,000.00.

(25-042) **** Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller with a Request to Adopt an Ordinance Partially Abating the Tax Hereto Levied to Pay Special Service Area (SSA) Property Taxes on the Peoria Sports Center Property Tax Special Service Area, in the Amount of $150,000.00.

(25-043) Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel with a Request to Approve the Labor Day Picnic at Riverfront Festival Park on September 1, 2025, Sponsored by Peoria Area Community Events, Inc. (P.A.C.E.), Subject to Their Filing of the Necessary Permits and Approval as Required by the City Code.

(25-044) Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel with a Request to Approve the Site Application for a Class B (Restaurant, 50% Food) Liquor License, with On-Site Consumption and Retail Sale of Alcohol for Taqueria Irapuato, LLC d/b/a Coco's Tacos at 319 Main, Contingent Upon the Issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, with a Recommendation from the Liquor Commission to Approve. (Council District 2)

(25-045) Appointment by Mayor Ali to the Downtown Advisory Commission with a Request to Concur:

John Drea (Voting) - Term Expires 06/30/2025

(25-046) Appointment by Mayor Ali to the Metropolitan Airport Authority of Peoria with a Request to Concur:

Emily Shields (Voting) - Term Expires 06/30/2029

(25-047) Appointment by Mayor Ali to the Peoria Housing Authority Board with a Request to Concur:

Ciaron Graham (Voting) - Term Expires 06/30/2025

City of Peoria Joint City Council & Town Board Meeting Minutes March 11, 2025

(25-048) Appointment by Mayor Ali to the Peoria Public Library Board of Trustees with a Request to Concur:

Cecilia Buckner (Voting) - Term Expires 06/30/2026

(25-049) Appointment by Mayor Ali to the Transportation Commission with a Request to Concur:

Keith Wresinski (Voting) - Term Expires 06/30/2027

Mayor Ali asked if the Council wished to remove any Consent Agenda items for discussion.

Council Member Cyr requested Item Nos. 25-037, 25-041, and 25-042 be removed for discussion.

Council Member Jackson requested Item No. 25-035 be removed for discussion.

Council Member Cyr moved to approve the Consent Agenda items as outlined in the Council Communications; seconded by Council Member Grayeb.

Item Nos. 25-035 through 25-049 (except Item Nos. 25-035, 25-037, 25-041, and 25-042, which were removed for discussion) were approved as outlined on the Consent Agenda by roll call vote under the Omnibus Vote Designation.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Jackson, Kelly, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;

Nays: None.

Council Member Jackson recognized the project and its contributors. She expressed gratitude for the funding and encouraged the public to visit the Freedom and Remembrance Memorial Park to honor those who fought for our country’s freedoms and rights.

At the conclusion of her comments, Council Member Jackson moved to approve the low bid from Illinois Civil Contractors, Inc. and award a contract for the Moffatt Cemetery Infrastructure Improvements Project, in the amount of $99,715.77, with an additional authorization of $9,984.23 (10%) for contingencies, for a total amount of $109,700.00; seconded by Council Member Kelly.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Jackson, Kelly, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;

Nays: None.

Council Member Cyr asked if the ATF was supposed to move in on February 3 and whether their status affected the approval of this item. City Manager Urich said it was not an issue, and they had already moved into the space.

Council Member Cyr moved to approve the amended Intergovernmental Agreement between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the City of Peoria; seconded by Council Member Gordon-Young.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Jackson, Kelly, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;

Nays: None.

Council Member Cyr asked about the change from $165,000 to $160,000. City Manager Urich explained that the project was funded through bonds for public improvements, repaid by SSA and sales taxes. Since sales tax is the primary revenue source, the levy was adjusted accordingly. Sufficient revenue from the SSA Hotel and Sales Tax will partially abate the SSA Property Tax, with the remaining $5,570 levied to meet the 2025 debt service payment.

Council Member Cyr moved to adopt an Ordinance partially abating the tax hereto levied to pay Special Service Area (SSA) Property Taxes on the Holiday Inn Property Tax Special Service Area, in the amount of $160,000.00; seconded by Council Member Gordon-Young.

Ordinance No. 18,242 was adopted by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Jackson, Kelly, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;

Nays: None.

Council Member Cyr noted he had the same question about this item as with Item No. 25-041, pointing out an even larger discrepancy in amounts. He emphasized the bonds were 20-year bonds that were approximately halfway through the SSA commitment, which City Manager Urich confirmed, adding that higher sales tax revenue at this site was beneficial, as the SSA included an additional 1% sales tax.

Council Member Cyr moved to adopt an Ordinance partially abating the tax hereto levied to pay Special Service Area (SSA) Property Taxes on the Peoria Sports Center Property Tax Special Service Area, in the amount of $150,000.00; seconded by Council Member Gordon-Young.

Ordinance No. 18,243 partially abating the tax hereto levied to pay Special Service Area (SSA) Property Taxes on the Peoria Sports Center Property Tax Special Service Area, in the amount of $150,000.00 was adopted by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Jackson, Kelly, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;

Nays: None.

FIRST READINGS

(25-050) Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel with a Request to Receive and File the First Reading of the Amendment to the Urban Decay Abatement Ordinance.

Corporation Counsel Hayes explained the Urban Decay Ordinance, adopted in 2021, supported building single-family homes in specific areas of the City. He said the legislature modified the statute in 2024 to include rehabilitated structures for tax abatements, expanding the program to offer a 10-year rebate on increased taxes for both new builds and rehabilitated homes. He said land would be taxed at the same level but increases in land value would be pooled and redistributed among participants based on income tax liability. He said the program aimed to encourage investment in these neighborhoods and would run for 20 years, with the option for future extensions.

Council Member Kelly expressed his appreciation for Corporation Counsel Hayes for effort and support on this item. He expressed excitement, noting the long process to amend the statute. He said while new homes were authorized in 2021, none had been built yet, though a few were being proposed. He said he worked for eight years to amend the statute to include rehabilitated homes, which he felt were more economically feasible, and he said he hoped successful rehabilitations would lead to new builds. He thanked local legislators, including Representatives Ryan Spain, Jehan Gordon-Booth, and Travis Weaver, as well as Senators Dave Koehler and Win Stoller, for their support. He said the bill passed with only one “no” vote, was signed in July 2024. He said the amendments were being presented to the Council for approval in hopes it would benefit Peoria neighborhoods.

At the conclusion of his comments, Council Member Kelly moved to receive and file the first reading of the Amendment to the Urban Decay Abatement Ordinance; seconded by Council Member Velpula.

Council Member Cyr praised the innovative approach, congratulated those involved, and expressed hope it would make a positive impact on Peoria.

Motion to receive and file the first reading of the amendment to the Urban Decay Abatement Ordinance was approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Jackson, Kelly, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;

Nays: None.

CLERK'S NOTE: Item No. 25-050 will be placed on the March 25, 2025, City Council Meeting Agenda.

REGULAR BUSINESS ITEMS, WITH RECOMMENDATIONS OUTLINED

(25-051) Communication from the City Manager and Director of Community Development with a Request to Approve a Grant Award to Lula NFP to Reimburse Hotel Costs for Unsheltered Individuals, in an Amount Not to Exceed $39,000.00.

A revised Council Communication was distributed to all Council Members.

Community Development Director Dulin provided an update on the Lula motel project, which had received $80,000.00 in funding from the City to house unsheltered individuals, initially set to last through February. He said, since then, the program had been sustained with private funds to keep people off the streets. He said discussions with the State of Illinois led to the identification of a million-dollar grant for homelessness programs through the United Way, some of which could extend the motel project through June 30, 2025. He said due to the timing of state funds, a gap existed between the depletion of private funds and when the state funds would become available in April. He said during the 2025 Budget process, the City had allocated $790,000.00 to address homelessness, with approximately $600,000.00 remaining. He said those funds could be used for local homelessness programs but would not be reimbursed through State funding.

Director Dulin commended Lula NFP for managing the motel project, stating they had successfully moved several individuals into permanent housing, treatment facilities, and shelters. He highlighted their exceptional bookkeeping, and he listed the eligible expenses for reimbursement. He said the City planned to formalize an Agreement with the United Way to continue the program, capping the number of new residents and setting expectations for those exiting, such as ongoing engagement with social services and adherence to a code of conduct. He said while the motel project was effective in the short term, it did not resolve homelessness in Peoria. He highlighted ongoing community efforts, including housing initiatives from the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity, and the success of the flexible rent program. He said continued collaboration among local agencies remained crucial to addressing homelessness long-term.

Mayor Ali thanked Director Dulin and his Staff, Lula, and all stakeholders for their efforts. She highlighted the additional $200,000.00 from the State, awarded to the Continuum of Care through the United Way, to extend the motel project. She said she worked with Council Member Riggenbach on long-term solutions, with discussions about finding more funding to extend the stay past June 30, 2025. She thanked the State of Illinois Chief Homelessness Officer Christine Haley and all partners for their support, as well as Council Member Riggenbach for his ongoing efforts.

Council Member Riggenbach thanked Director Dulin for the update and noted 25 people had moved from the Lula motel project to other housing, with 59 remaining. He said he supported the request for $39,000.00 as a stop-gap measure to fund the project until the state funding became available, highlighting the success of the project as a temporary solution for vulnerable citizens. He reviewed the potential of tiny homes, citing a successful project in Arkansas, and encouraged exploring it for Peoria. He recognized Kshe Bernard, co-founder of Lula NFP, for her efforts, Nicole Morrow, City of Peoria Housing Coordinator, for coordinating with service providers, and Community Development Staff for their dedication.

At the conclusion of his comments, Council Member Riggenbach moved to approve a grant award to Lula NFP to reimburse hotel costs for unsheltered individuals, in an amount not to exceed $39,000.00; seconded by Council Member Gordon-Young.

Council Member Gordon-Young praised Lula’s dedication after visiting the motel project, highlighting its impact on stability, safety, and public safety. She emphasized the value of relationships and support, noting many residents simply needing shelter. She thanked all involved and invited them to be recognized.

Kshe Bernard, co-founder of Lula NFP, thanked supporters, volunteers, and staff for making the project a success. She emphasized the urgency of the vote to prevent people from returning to the streets. She said with food as the biggest expense, she encouraged donations through Lula Peoria’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LULANFP/.

Council Member Vespa agreed on the need for long-term solutions, and he acknowledged Lula’s efforts in sheltering the homeless before evictions or arrests and credited them, not the Ordinance, for keeping people off the streets. He backed the funding extension as a short-term solution until state grants arrived.

Council Member Velpula said he supported the motion and advocated for tiny homes and necessary dwelling units, highlighting available land through the landbank and the potential for low-income housing tax credits. Director Dulin agreed to provide a report back on necessary dwelling units and encouraged interest in city-owned vacant lots. He noted challenges in housing development due to reduced state projects and limited federal funds. He said collaboration with agencies like Carle Health, OSF, and Peoria County continued, aiming to place 30 individuals in housing within two months. He stressed the need for long-term solutions, ongoing funding efforts, and landlord partnerships through the 100-day challenge.

After Council Member Velpula inquired about the tax credits, City Manager Urich explained the 9% credits were competitive, but the 4% credits were more accessible, depending on financing. He said affordable housing projects required layered funding, including federal home dollars, and he said landbank properties could be rehabilitated. Regarding the grant allocations, Director Dulin said he would follow up with specific amounts, noting a $35 million state fund had six applications, including a permanent supportive housing grant for the chronically homeless and projects at Methodist and Salvation Army.

Council Member Kelly thanked Community Development for helping transition people from encampments to shelter and food. He said after speaking with Kshe Bernard of Lula, he identified three key needs: continued shelter and food, more detox and mental health services, and increased recovery housing. He remarked on the importance of community support said he would vote in favor of the motion. Director Dulin added that mental health assessments were vital in the 100-day challenge, with healthcare providers collaborating to assess individuals. He said while progress was being made, he emphasized the need for national structural changes.

Motion to approve a grant award to Lula NFP to reimburse hotel costs for unsheltered individuals, in an amount not to exceed $39,000.00 was approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Jackson, Kelly, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;

Nays: None.

(25-052) Communication from the City Manager, Corporation Counsel, and Director of Community Development with a Request to Deny the Following:

A. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 18, Article XIV, Section 18-631, Existing Tobacco Retail Licenses of the City’s Municipal Code; and,

B. An Ordinance Approving a Special Use in a Class C2 (Large Scale Commercial) District for a Class 2 Tobacco or Alternative Nicotine Product Sales Use for the property located at 1301 W Pioneer Parkway (Parcel Identification No. 14-05-378-001), Peoria, IL. (Council District 5)

Corporation Counsel Hayes said the code was amended to include a cap on tobacco licenses, stating a new request was submitted for the listed address, which was reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Committee. He recommended a denial based on the cap established in the Code, which he said was designed to allow the Council’s discretion, which was easier to defend rather than a denial based on location. He said this was the first case since the cap was adopted, explaining the Council could vote to change the cap if desired.

Council Member Cyr moved to deny an Ordinance amending Chapter 18, Article XIV, Section 18-631, Existing Tobacco Retail Licenses of the City’s Municipal Code, and to deny an Ordinance approving a Special Use in a Class C2 District for a Class 2 Tobacco or Alternative Nicotine Product Sales Use for the property located at 1301 W. Pioneer Parkway (Parcel Identification No. 14-05-378-001), Peoria, IL; seconded by Council Member Velpula.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Jackson, Kelly, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;

Nays: None.

(25-053) Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller with a Request to Receive and File the Month-Ended January 31, 2025, Unaudited Financial Report.

City Manager Urich said the general fund analysis showed a 44% revenue shortfall for January, stating it was too early to draw conclusions. He said revenues from home rule sales tax, state sales tax, and income taxes increased, while personal property replacement tax revenues were projected significantly lower due to the state allocation changes. He said the peak at $22 million would be reduced to approximately $10 million in 2025, stating some might be offset by income tax proceeds.

Council Member Cyr said there was a lot of cash flow activity, stating Finance Director Cratty was concerned about the next few months. He urged caution, especially with five Council Members up for election, and emphasized the need to monitor cash flow. He asked why the end of-year report had not yet been released. City Manager Urich said he would ensure the Council received the report.

Council Member Cyr moved to receive and file the month-ended January 31, 2025, unaudited Financial Report; seconded by Council Member Gordon-Young.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Jackson, Kelly, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;

Nays: None.

City of Peoria Joint City Council & Town Board Meeting Minutes March 11, 2025

UNFINISHED BUSINESS (Including but Not Limited to Motions to Reconsider Items, if Any, from the Previous Regular Meeting)

(25-022) Communication from the City Manager and Director of Community Development with a Request to Adopt an Ordinance Amending an Existing Special Use Ordinance No. 14,654, as Amended, in a Class R4 (Single Family Residential) District to Remove Properties Located at 2925, 3003, 3010, and 3027 N. Twelve Oaks Drive from the Boundary of the Special Use for Elderly Housing, for Properties Located at 3026 N. Parish Avenue, 2902, 2925, 3003, 3004, 3006, 3008, 3009, 3010, 3015, 3019, 3020, 3021, 3022, 3024, 3027 N. Twelve Oaks Drive, and 1010 W. Forrest Hill Avenue (Parcel Identification Nos. 14-32-204-002 thru 14-32-204-012, and 14-32-226-002), Peoria, IL. (Council District 2)

City Manager Urich said this item had been deferred, stating it was a proposed modification to a development on Twelve Oaks Drive.

Assistant Director of Community Development Allison summarized the application, stating there was an existing Special Use for elderly housing from 1959 for a 5-acre property. She said a portion of the property was developed with duplexes for senior residents, but the remaining two acres, which consisted of four lots, were never developed. She said the request was to remove those two acres from the Special Use, allowing it to be developed for duplexes without age restrictions. She said the real change was that the development would be open to residents of all ages, bringing new housing and benefits to the area.

Council Member Grayeb said he met with the neighbors and discussed the proposal, noting he was in favor of removing the Special Use as Staff described. He said it was a positive development for the quiet neighborhood and a great opportunity, stating he supported it.

At the conclusion of his comments, Council Member Grayeb moved to adopt an Ordinance amending an existing Special Use Ordinance No. 14,654, as amended, in a Class R4 (Single Family Residential) District to remove properties located at 2925, 3003, 3010, and 3027 N. Twelve Oaks Drive from the boundary of the Special Use for elderly housing, for properties located at 3026 N. Parish Avenue, 2902, 2925, 3003, 3004, 3006, 3008, 3009, 3010, 3015, 3019, 3020, 3021, 3022, 3024, 3027 N. Twelve Oaks Drive, and 1010 W. Forrest Hill Avenue (Parcel Identification Nos. 14-32-204-002 thru 14-32-204-012, and 14-32-226-002), Peoria, IL; seconded by Council Member Riggenbach.

Ordinance No. 18,244 was adopted by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Jackson, Kelly, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;

Nays: None.

(25-023) Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request to Adopt an Ordinance to Approve Updates in Chapter 9.5, Section 19-142, and Chapter 31 of the Code of the City of Peoria to Improve Stormwater Management Policies and Procedures. (All Council Districts)

Public Works Director Powers said the proposed update to the Municipal Code was a cleanup of calculations and definitions, including updated rainfall data from 2020, which showed increased rainfall since 1989, noting this would slightly raise development costs due to the need for more rainfall retention. He said the update also clarified definitions, addressed violations for working without a permit, and included mobile home parks in the fee structure due to their impervious surfaces. He said, overall, most changes were clarifications, but the updated rainfall data would have a small impact on development costs.

In response to Council Member Grayeb's question about NPDES, Director Powers explained it stood for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, which were federally required stormwater management guidelines. Council Member Grayeb asked if there were concerns about this model. Director Powers said that if variances were granted, the City must prove proper stormwater management or risk federal intervention. He emphasized the need to educate residents about flood plain changes. Council Member Grayeb noted the City had to convince the Environmental Protection Agency to use a green model for stormwater management, which is now being integrated into road projects.

Council Member Cyr asked what standards the two new residential subdivisions in District 5 would follow. Director Powers confirmed they would follow the old standard, as any projects approved prior to the Code amendments were grandfathered in. In response to whether they would qualify under the new guidelines, Powers noted many variables in the computations.

Corporation Counsel Hayes clarified that projects already approved would adhere to the previous Code. He said for new subdivisions, the updated standards addressed current climate issues, and while some projects may not require the same capacity as the new standards, the difference may be minimal.

Council Member Cyr moved to adopt an Ordinance to approve updates in Chapter 9.5, Section 19-142, and Chapter 31 of the Code of the City of Peoria to improve Stormwater Management Policies and Procedures; seconded by Council Member Velpula.

Ordinance No. 18,245 was adopted by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Jackson, Kelly, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;

Nays: None.

NEW BUSINESS

It was determined there was no New Business to discuss at that time.

CITIZENS' OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL/TOWN BOARD

Mayor Ali granted privilege of the floor to citizens wishing to address the Peoria City Council or Town Board.

Jessamyn Hill, a concerned citizen, distributed the Central Illinois Homeschoolers Resource Guide to all Council Members, highlighting benefits, tips for starting homeschooling, and the availability of digital and paper copies. She also addressed Child Abuse Awareness Month, urging people to report abuse, and discussed the Homeschool Act, highlighting House Bill 2827 allowing homeschool children to participate in public school sports.

Heather Polkinghorne, a Peer Worker with Lula, shared her story of overcoming homelessness and substance abuse, thanking the Council for their support and emphasizing how Lula changed her life.

Kshe Bernard, cofounder of Lula, thanked the Council for positive changes and mentioned she would tell everyone at the motel they were safe to celebrate.

Tara Wood, a concerned citizen, thanked the Council, praised Mayor Ali and Council Member Riggenbach for securing additional funding, and encouraged continued creativity and collaboration in addressing city challenges.

Darcie Cady, a concerned citizen, thanked the Council for approving the grant and reflected on the homelessness Ordinance, suggesting a board of commission could have helped the process. She urged the Council to focus on humanizing, not criminalizing, the homeless.

Alin Aranda, owner of Coco’s Tacos, thanked the City for supporting her new restaurant and she invited the Council to visit once they opened.

Cristell Frausto, Vice Chair of the Peoria Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, discussed challenges new businesses faced, and she thanked the City for its support. She invited everyone to the El Morning Chow ribbon cutting at Distillery Labs on March 28, 2025.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

It was determined there was no need to enter into Executive Session at that time.

ADJOURNMENT

Council Member Cyr moved to adjourn the March 11, 2025, Joint City Council and Town Board Meeting; seconded by Council Member Gordon-Young.

Approved by roll call vote.

Yeas: Allen, Cyr, Gordon-Young, Grayeb, Jackson, Kelly, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;

Nays: None.

The March 11, 2025, Joint City Council & Town Board Meeting adjourned at 8:04 P.M.

https://peoriagov.civicweb.net/document/220155/?printPdf=true

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