Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met March 18.

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 Seth D. Mingus, and Commissioner Michael L. Sutherland.

Absent: Commissioner Daniel S. Decker and Commissioner Mark E. Hill.

The invocation was given by Mayor Kahl.

Mayor Kahl led the Council and the audience in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

“PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AND PROPOSED WORKING CASH BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR MAY 1, 2025 TO APRIL 30, 2026.”

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

Yeas: Commissioners Mingus and Sutherland and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the Regular Meeting recessed to hold a public hearing at 6:01 P.M.

Those present were the following: Mayor John P. Kahl, 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. Commissioner Mingus explained the purpose of the public hearing is to receive comments on the proposed ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AND PROPOSED WORKING CASH BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR MAY 1, 2025 TO APRIL 30, 2026. He turned the discussion over to Director of Finance, Jeff Becker. Director Becker explained that the Appropriation sets forth the maximum that the City can spend with that amount being set at just under $140,000,000 across twenty-nine funds as can be seen on the last page of the appropriation ordinance in summary. The City is not looking to spend that amount as it is the ceiling that can be spent. The budget expense total is $99,333,656.21.

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

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

Yeas: Commissioners Mingus and Sutherland and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the Regular Meeting reconvened at 6:04 P.M.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; Mr. Mayor, I move that the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on March 4, 2025 be approved as printed.

Yeas: Commissioner Mingus and Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Mayor Kahl read the proclamation regarding Parkinson’s Awareness Month. He presented the proclamation to Roger Halleen. Mr. Halleen explained that Parkinson’s Disease is more prevalent, and it is increasing. He explained that there are some good findings of biomarkers to find Parkinson’s earlier. The proclamation will be on display on April 5 at the Central Illinois Parkin’s Support Group Meeting at Glen Park Place where a neurologist will be speaking on a treatment of the disease. Mr. Halleen commented on different treatments and advances in Parkinson’s Disease, and he invited anyone with Parkinson’s Disease

to the event that will be held in the conference room in the basement at Glen Park Place at 1:30 pm on April 5. He asked those interested to please register online.

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 Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; Mr. Mayor, I move to adopt a consent agenda consisting of items numbered 1 through 4 as listed on the agenda for this meeting to be considered by omnibus vote.

Item Number 1 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-131 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 21 in the amount of $3,090,027.92.

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-120 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Additional Cost for Contract with Ameren Illinois for Undergrounding Utility Lines at New Police Station Project Site (Camp Street).

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-121 on its Second Reading - 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.

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-119 on its Second Reading - 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.

Yeas: Commissioners Mingus and Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Items numbered 1 through 4 listed on the Consent Agenda be hereby approved and adopted, the items numbered 2 through 4 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 2425-131 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 21 in the amount of $3,090,027.92. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-120 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving Additional Cost for Contract with Ameren Illinois for Undergrounding Utility Lines at New Police Station Project Site (Camp Street). (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-121 on its Second Reading - 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. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-119 on its Second Reading - 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. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Yeas: Commissioners Mingus and Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the items adopted by omnibus vote designation.

Resolution No. 2425-125 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 125, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Change Order with G.A. Rich & Sons, Inc. for Springfield Road Water Main Replacement Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425- 125 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. He explained that there was a surprise underground that resulted in additional work on the project. Mayor Kahl explained that this is for a change order with GA Rich. The additional amount is $108,171.05.

Yeas: Commissioners Mingus and Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-124 by Commissioner Sutherland; WHEREAS, in September 2022, the City Council established regulations governing smoke and tobacco shops in the City of East Peoria as set forth in Chapter 35 of Title 3 of the East Peoria City Code (“Smoke and Tobacco Shops”); and

WHEREAS, in addition to the regulations for Smoke and Tobacco Shops set forth in Chapter 35 of Title 3, a special use is also required to maintain a Smoke and Tobacco Shop in a B-2 Business District in the City pursuant to the applicable provisions in Title 5 of the City Code (“Zoning Regulations”); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 2425-062 adopted on October 1, 2024, the City Council implemented a six-month moratorium on the issuance of any special uses or licenses for Smoke and Tobacco Shops in the City; and

WHEREAS, City Officials need additional time to review and re-evaluate the process for granting special uses and licenses for Smoke and Tobacco Shops in the City and to review related Zoning Regulations and planning efforts in order to address ongoing concerns related to Smoke and Tobacco Shops in various commercials and redevelopment areas in the City; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the City to place an additional six-month moratorium on the issuance of any special uses or licenses for Smoke and Tobacco Shops in the City as provided herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. A moratorium is hereby extended on the issuance of any zoning or special use permits or licenses for Smoke and Tobacco Shops, or any other permits of any nature whatsoever, which would allow the use of property in B-2 or B-3 business district within the City of East Peoria for a Smoke and Tobacco Shop, as such Smoke and Tobacco Shops are defined under Chapter 35 of Title 3 of the City Code.

Section 2. The moratorium declared by this Resolution shall be effective April 1, 2025, and shall expire October 1, 2025, unless earlier terminated or hereafter extended by action of the City Council. Section 3. No person or entity shall operate a Smoke and Tobacco Shop in a B-2 or B-3 business district within the City of East Peoria during the moratorium established by this Resolution unless the Smoke and Tobacco Shops has been lawfully in operation in the City prior to the imposition of this moratorium.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2425-124 be adopted as presented.

Director of Planning and Community Development, Ty Livingston, explained that the City implemented a 6-month moratorium on new smoke shops last Fall. Since then, staff has worked with the City Attorney’s Office on identifying possible approaches to addressing this issue. However, as there are several approaches that have been identified, staff is requesting an additional 6 months to allow for ample time to vet these approaches with our ZBA and Planning Commission before presenting them in front of the City Council.

Yeas: Commissioners Mingus and Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-124 be duly adopted as presented.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4848 hereto attached, (ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR FROM THE FIRST DAY OF MAY A.D. 2025 TO THE LAST DAY OF APRIL A.D. 2026) 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 Mingus commented on the appropriation ordinance being discussed in the public hearing with the total amount being the maximum that can be spent.

Yeas: Commissioners Mingus and Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-123 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 123, hereto attached, a Resolution to approve the Working Cash Budget for the Fiscal Year from the first day of May A.D. 2025 to the last day of April A.D. 2026, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-123 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 Mingus explained that this was discussed during the public hearing and explained that the working cash budget total is $99,333,656.21.

Yeas: Commissioners Mingus and Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-128 by Commissioner Mingus; WHEREAS, the City has acquired title to a parcel of real estate located at 200 Park Avenue within the City of East Peoria through the demolition provisions of the “Unsafe Property” Division of Article 11 of the Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/11-31-1, et seq.), and this parcel is legally described in Exhibit A and depicted in Exhibit B, attached hereto and incorporated by reference (hereinafter the “Parcel”); and

WHEREAS, the City has determined that the Parcel is surplus public real estate owned by the City, and the City considers the Parcel to be excess property of the City and unnecessary for City use or City purposes; and

WHEREAS, the City seeks to sell the Parcel pursuant to the process set forth under Section 11- 76-4.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/11-76-4.1), which provides for the appraisal of the Property by a certified or licensed appraiser and then the sale of the Property by City Officials, by a local licensed real estate agency, or by public auction for no less than 80% of the appraised value; and

WHEREAS, the Parcel is further described by the Parcel’s current zoning classification, size, and use respectively in Exhibit A; and

WHEREAS, the City Council hereby finds that it is in the best interests of the City to sell the Parcel such that the Parcel can be redeveloped and put to use by an interested purchasing party;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THAT:

Section 1. The above recitations are found to be true and correct.

Section 2. The Parcel, after obtaining an appraisal by a certified or licensed appraiser, is hereby directed to be sold by any process set forth under Section 11-76-4.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code for no less than 80% of the appraised value.

Section 3. City Officials are hereby authorized to execute any documents necessary to initiate the sale or transfer of the Parcel and to negotiate the terms of such sale or transfer of the Parcel to an interested purchasing party. The terms of such sale or transfer of the Parcel shall include payment by the purchasing party of the City’s costs, including, but not limited to, the cost of the appraisal and title policy (if requested by buyer), recording fees, and City attorneys’ fees in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00); together with the standard real estate agent commission rate if listed by a local real estate agency.

Section 4. The City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish this Resolution with Exhibit A immediately upon the passage of this Resolution by the City Council in a daily or weekly newspaper circulated in the City of East Peoria.

Section 5. City Officials, in their discretion, are hereby authorized to withdraw the Property from the sale or transfer process for any reason they deem necessary or appropriate.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2425-128 be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Mingus commented on the resolution for the sale of 200 Park Avenue. Recently, the City acquired a long-time troubled property at 200 Park Ave (05-05-05-118-001) through judicial deed. The property no longer has a home on it but does have a couple of sheds. It’s a decent-sized, level-lot that would make for a decent home site.

Yeas: Commissioners Mingus and Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-128 be duly adopted as presented.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4849 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE VACATION OF CITY EASEMENTS ON HOTEL DEVELOPMENT SITE IN THE RIVERFRONT SUBDIVISION) be read at length by the Clerk, and that said Ordinance No. 4849 be accepted on its first reading, and be hereby adopted as presented.

The City Clerk read the ordinance at length. Director Livingston explained that there will be an access easement to the trail. This is cleaning up the property. Pursuant to the Purchase-Sale Agreement and the Development Agreement between the City and Frontier Hospitality Group, Inc. and its related entity

Illinois River Hospitality LLC), the City will be transferring title to the Developer for project site for the development of a new Hampton Inn hotel. The City currently holds two easements across the project site for access to the Illinois Riverfront Promenade. The City and the Developer have refined this access easement, and at closing upon the transfer of the project site to the Developer, the City will receive this new access easement. As a result, the current City easements will no longer be necessary and can be vacated. This Ordinance vacates these current City easements upon the transfer of the project site to the Developer and the City’s acquisition of the new access easement.

Yeas: Commissioners Mingus and Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Ordinance No. 4849 to be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-129 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 129, hereto attached, a Resolution Regarding Reinsurance Carrier for the City’s Group Health Insurance Plan for the 2025-2026 Plan Year (Reunion Health Services Inc.), be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-129 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 Mingus turned the discussion over to Director Becker who explained that claims went down a little, and there is a little bit of savings that is shown on the reinsurance renewal. The reinsurance rates quoted by Reunion Health Services will be an increase of approximately 13.2% from the current rates for individual specific coverage for the new Plan year starting on May 1, 2025, while the rate for aggregate coverage will see a slight decrease of 0.5% for this reinsurance coverage for the new Plan year.

Yeas: Commissioners Mingus and Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-130 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 130, hereto attached, a Resolution Regarding Employee Contribution Rates for the City’s Group Health Insurance Plan, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-130 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 Mingus explained that contribution rates went down a little bit. As a reminder, the City Council has previously approved moving to the City paying 80% of the monthly total contribution rate for the employee’s selected plan option (PPO Plan or HDHP), with the employee paying the remaining 20% of the monthly contribution rate for the selected plan option. This 80%-20% cost sharing arrangement will continue for the upcoming 2025-26 Fiscal Year.

Yeas: Commissioners Mingus and Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-126 by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425- 126, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving the Purchase of 100 Dome Top Garbage Toters from Wastequip in the amount of $40,423.04, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-126 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 Mingus explained that this resolution is for the purchase of garbage toters for EastSide, the Levee District, and Riverfront Park areas. The new garbage toters will have the new logos on them.

Yeas: Commissioners Mingus and Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-127 by Commissioner Mingus; WHEREAS, vacancies will exist on the East Peoria Board of Fire and Police Commissioners as a result of longtime members Charles Morgan’s and Dennis Tucker’s resignations effective March 31, 2025 after having honorably served our community for 23 years and 25 years respectively; and

WHEREAS, the Honorable Mayor John P. Kahl has recommended the appointment of Rickie Huthison to fill the vacancy on the East Peoria Board of Fire and Police Commissioners created by Charles Morgan’s resignation; and

WHEREAS, the Honorable Mayor John P. Kahl has recommended the appointment of Rick Ward to fill the vacancy on the East Peoria Board of Fire and Police Commissioners created by Dennis Tucker’s resignation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS, THAT the appointments by Mayor John P. Kahl of Rickie Huthison to the East Peoria Board of Fire and Police Commissioners to fill the vacancy for a term beginning April 1, 2025 ending April 30, 2026 and Rick Ward to the East Peoria Board of Fire and Police Commissioners to fill the vacancy for a term beginning April 1, 2025 ending April 30, 2027.

AND THAT THIS RESOLUTION NO. 2425-127 BE ADOPTED AS PRESENTED.

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2425-127 be adopted as presented.

Mayor Kahl and Commissioners Mingus and Sutherland expressed appreciation for Charlie Morgan and Dennis Tucker’s service on Fire and Police Commission and wished them well. They attended their last meeting yesterday. The board members have done a lot of work to ensure that Police and Fire Departments are staffed.

Yeas: Commissioners Mingus and Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-127 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 Sutherland asked everyone to keep poisons out of the river. He asked that weed killer not be used before the weeds can be seen, and that insecticide only be used when you have an issue with insects and be put on around dusk to help the honeybees. Commissioner Sutherland commented on suggesting that the City let projects the summer before the projects are to be started in order to know about underground work for water, sewer, or other underground structures. There are permits that are necessary for water and sewer underground work by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (“IEPA”) as well as engineering work that needs to be done. He commented on public works records that are lost. He cautioned residents about companies and contractors taking advantage of residents and giving extraordinarily high bids on projects for work done on projects such as water lines and sewer lines. He recommended residents get multiple bids and explained what he believes is the current average waterline repair cost. The average replacement for sewer lines is $6,500 to $7,500 and the average replacement for water lines is $2,000 to $3,500. He asked people not to pay any more than that.

There were no other comments from the Council.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, April 1, 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 6:42 P.M.

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