John P Abel, 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem | City of Pekin
John P Abel, 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem | City of Pekin
City of Pekin City Council met March 28.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Mary Burress.
Notice was posted on March 26, 2025 of a special meeting under the provisions of the Open Meetings Act on the City of Pekin website.
Call to Order
Roll was called by City Clerk Sue E. McMillan. Four members were physically present and a quorum declared.
City Clerk, Ms. Sue McMillan, confirmed all Council Members were physically present and logged in.
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Rick Hilst | City of Pekin | Council Member | Absent | --:-- |
| Karen Hohimer | City of Pekin | Mayor Pro Tem | Absent | --:-- |
| Dave Nutter | City of Pekin | Council Member | Present | 12:50 PM |
| Mary Burress | City of Pekin | Mayor | Present | 12:50 PM |
| Lloyd Orrick | City of Pekin | Council Member | Absent | --:-- |
| John P Abel | City of Pekin | Council Member | Present | 12:50 PM |
| Chris Onken | City of Pekin | Council Member | Present | 12:50 PM |
RESULT: PASSED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Council Member Chris Onken
SECONDER: Council Member Dave Nutter
AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Council Member Nutter, Council Member Onken
ABSENT: Council Member Rick Hilst, Council Member Lloyd Orrick, Mayor Pro Tem Karen Hohimer
Communications
4.1. Ceremonial Signing of Closing Documents for Purchase and Sale Agreement with Epic Pharma Solutions Inc for Property Commonly known as 305 Hanna Drive
Mayor Burress welcomed everyone to the Ceremonial Signing of Closing Documents for Purchase and Sale Agreement with Epic Pharma Solutions Inc. for Property Commonly known as 305 Hanna Drive.
Mayor Burress announced that the developer bringing their business to Pekin was a major win for the City of Pekin and the Pekin Community. The company manufactures essentially all components for IVs, including stands, tubes, bags, etc. After a nationwide site search, Epic Medical was coming to the Midwest for the access to reliable and quality water along with the relatively mild weather. Epic was coming to Pekin because of the shovel-ready site in Riverway Business Park and the City’s ability to make the land deal happen very quickly. She expressed appreciation for the support of all state and federal legislators who help move the project forward.
City Manager John Dossey informed the attendees and the public that Epic Medical was a medical manufacturer based out of Singapore and did nearly 40% of their business in the U.S. Pekin City Council approved on March 24, 2025 the purchase of 66 acres from the City in the Riverway Business Park
just south of Pekin Sports Complex for a purchase price of $500,000 and with no City incentives. Mr. Dossey gave major credit for bringing the development to Pekin along with 100 plus jobs to Economic Development Director Josh Wray.
Chris Setti, CEO Greater Peoria Economic Development Council expressed gratitude to many people present involved in the project and felt without the partnership and willingness to work with Epic, DCEO, Intersect Illinois, GPEDC, Illinois American Water and Ameren Illinois the project could not have happened.
Mayor Burress recognized others that were in attendance or their representative: Travis Weaver, 93rd District Representative, Neal Anderson 47th District Senate, Doris Turner 48th District Senate, Darin LaHood Congressman, Alyson Grady Deputy Director and Salvador Garza Region Manager Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Board Chair Brett Grimm, Sheriff Jeff Lower and County Administrator Mike Deluhery Tazewell County; Amy McCoy Executive Director Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, Drew Leman Chair Pekin Economic Development Advisory Committee, and City Attorney James Vasselli.
Freddie Lee, Founder and CEO, Felicia Lee, Board Director, Abhay Raut, Commercial Director Epic Medical were introduced and took part in the signing of the documents. Mr. Lee spoke of the cooperation of the City of
Pekin and the ability to make the land transfer happen so quickly that they could be operational by the end of 2026. Gifts were exchanged including a signed City of Pekin flag and a City of Pekin Coin. Council Members remained in the Council Chambers speaking with guests and sharing appetizers.
Public Input
No one from the public approached the podium to address the Council. Adjourn
Council adjourned at 1:20 PM.
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