Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met April 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of East Peoria, Illinois was called to order by his Honor Mayor John P. Kahl presiding at 6:00 P.M. with proper notice having been given.

Upon the roll being called the following answered present: Mayor John P. Kahl, Commissioner Daniel S. Decker, Commissioner Mark E. Hill, Commissioner Seth D. Mingus, and Commissioner Michael L. Sutherland.

Absent: None.

The invocation was given by Commissioner Hill.

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

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move that the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on April 1, 2025 and the minutes of the Special Meeting for a Working Session held on April 1, 2025 be approved as printed.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Mayor Kahl proclaimed May 2025 as “Motorcycle Awareness Month” by reading the proclamation.

Mayor Kahl proclaiming April 13-19, 2025 as “Public Safety Telecommunicators Week” by reading the proclamation. Mayor Kahl thanked TC3 for the work that they do answering emergency calls and being first responses to 911 calls.

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 Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move to adopt a consent agenda consisting of items numbered 1 through 5 as listed on the agenda for this meeting to be considered by omnibus vote.

Item Number 1 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-143 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 23 in the amount of $2,587,183.92.

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4852 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SELLING PROCESS BY SEALED BID FOR CITY-OWNED SURPLUS REAL ESTATE LOCATED AT 423 CHICAGO STREET.)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-132 on its Second Reading - Resolution Authorizing and Approving the Purchase of Pipe and Accessories Needed for the Neumann Drive Water Main Replacement Project.

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-135 on its Second Reading - Resolution Authorizing the Payment of an Invoice from Banner Fire Equipment, Inc. for the Purchase of a New Fire Engine in the amount of $692,670.

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-133 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving the Purchase of Three New 2025 Ford Interceptor Utility Vehicles for the Police Department from Sutton Ford Inc. and Approving the Outfitting of the Vehicles.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Items numbered 1 through 5 listed on the Consent Agenda be hereby approved and adopted, the items numbered 2 through 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 2425-143 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 23 in the amount of $2,587,183.92. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Ordinance Number 4852 on its Second Reading - (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SELLING PROCESS BY SEALED BID FOR CITY-OWNED SURPLUS REAL ESTATE LOCATED AT 423 CHICAGO STREET.) (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 3 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-132 on its Second Reading - Resolution Authorizing and Approving the Purchase of Pipe and Accessories Needed for the Neumann Drive Water Main Replacement Project. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 4 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-135 on its Second Reading - Resolution Authorizing the Payment of an Invoice from Banner Fire Equipment, Inc. for the Purchase of a New Fire Engine in the amount of $692,670. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 5 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2425-133 on its Second Reading - Resolution Approving the Purchase of Three New 2025 Ford Interceptor Utility Vehicles for the Police Department from Sutton Ford Inc. and Approving the Outfitting of the Vehicles. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

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

Nays: None.

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

Resolution No. 2425-141 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-141, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Lowest Responsible Bid for Construction of Phase 3 of the Levee Park Development in the Civic Plaza, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-141 be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.

Commissioner Hill explained that the East Peoria Community Foundation has been building out the Levee Park, and this is the third phase of the project for the splashpad. There is an OSLAD grant through the state to help the East Peoria Community Foundation to pay for the park. There were bids for the splashpad, and the lowest responsible bid was from Aupperle Construction. In their submittal, they provided the requested list of subcontractors for the project and, more importantly, provided confirmation of splashpad experience - especially with the selected equipment provider. The bid amount was $538,777.75 for work.

Commissioner Sutherland inquired about upkeep and maintenance. Mayor Kahl explained that the City will set aside funds to maintain it.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-142 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus?; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-142, hereto attached, a Resolution to Approve the Salaries, Wages, and Employee Benefits for Certain Non-Union Employees of the City of East Peoria for the Fiscal Year Beginning May 1, 2025 and Ending on April 30, 2026, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-142 be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.

Commissioner Hill explained that this is an annual resolution for salaries and wages. This is the annual merit increases and updates to the salary wages, pay grades, and positions that are exempt and nonexempt.

Mayor Kahl commented on needing a change to the deputy police chiefs and sergeants for a clothing allowance that should be $1600. There was a discussion about pay for police officers and explained that there was a potential for a compaction issue with Deputy Chiefs. This is done annually to ensure that information is included in the salary resolution. The resolution also Includes administrative days for fire in the resolution.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4853 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND REISSUING THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA PERSONNEL POLICY MANUAL) be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.

Commissioner Hill commented on this being an annual item that are changes to the personnel policy manual. Changes are being made to ensure the Personnel Policy Manual meets the changes in laws at the State and Federal levels. This annual review process is undertaken in conjunction with the preparation of the City’s Annual Salary Resolution for the upcoming 2025-2026 fiscal year, which has occurred again this year. As noted last year, after making these revisions and updates to the Personnel Policy Manual, the Personnel Policy Manual will be re-formatted and re-numbered and then re-issued to account for the many revisions that have occurred over the past 10+ years.

Mayor Kahl commented on the city ensuring that it is compliant with state and federal laws.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-136 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-136, hereto attached, a Resolution Regarding Revisions and Updates to the City’s Group Health Insurance Plan, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-136 be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.

Commissioner Hill commented on this resolution being an annual item. The city’s insurance committee made recommendations for changes to the plan to ensure compliance with law changes. Currently, the Committee is recommending revisions to the Plan to comply with recent legislative requirements for municipal self-funded health plans in Illinois like the City’s Plan. These required revisions include limiting the copayment amount for epi pens, removing step therapy requirements for mental health prescription drugs, adding coverage for hearing aids, and covering mental health counseling services for first responders at 100%.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-140 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2425-140, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting and Approving the Proposal from Heart Technologies, Inc. for the City IT Network Switch Upgrade Project, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2425-140 be accepted on its first reading as read by its title, and be laid on the table for no less than one week for public inspection.

Commissioner Hill commented on the city needing new network switches. The amount is $25.916.66 for the switches and related gear.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2425-139 by Commissioner Decker; WHEREAS, Tazewell County (the “County”) annually provides a grant (the “Grant”) to help fund the curbside recycling program operated by the City; and WHEREAS, the County has offered to provide the Grant in the amount of $50,000.00 for 2025; and WHEREAS, the Grant will be disbursed under the terms of an intergovernmental agreement between the City and the County;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THAT the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to execute an intergovernmental agreement between the City and the County under such terms and conditions as the Mayor in his discretion deems appropriate providing for the distribution of a curbside recycling grant in the amount of $50,000.00 from the County to the City.

Motion by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2425-139 be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Decker explained that this is for the annual grant from Tazewell County. The grant does not pay for the entire cost of recycling; however, it does help offset some costs.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-139 be duly adopted as presented.

Resolution No. 2425-138 by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS, THAT the reappointments by Mayor John P. Kahl of the following individuals to various boards and commissions of the City of East Peoria be hereby approved:

East Peoria Planning Commission

Corby Gorman, Member Term: May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2028 East Peoria Fire and Police Commission

Mike Johnson, Member Term: May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2028 East Peoria Mass Transit District Board

Mike LaHood, Member Term: May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2030

Motion by Commissioner Mingus, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move that Resolution No. 2425-138 be adopted as presented.

Commissioner Mingus explained that this is for the reappointment of board and commission members. Mayor Kahl expressed appreciation for the individuals being reappointed as they have served for many years.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and Resolution No. 2425-138 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.

Don Gilbert came up to the podium and expressed concern regarding a recovery home located on Fondulac Drive in East Peoria that he feels is a business in a residential area, have many cars in and out of the residence beginning early in the morning, have had police calls, and is in a residential area and close to a school. He inquired whether there are any other recovery homes in a residential area in East Peoria. He thanked Chief Catton and Commissioner Sutherland for their assistance. Mayor Kahl explained that the city has discovered two recovery homes, with one being located on Fondulac Drive and the other being located on Pekin Ave. The homes appear to have either seven or eight individuals in the homes. Mr. Gilbert explained that there was a police call to the home on Fondulac Drive. Mayor Kahl explained that Director of Planning and Community Development, Ty Livingston, has been given information regarding these homes, it appears that they may be in violation of city regulations, and the city is unsure if they are made to disclose that they are in the city to the city itself. Mayor Kahl commented on needing to ensure that all applicable laws are complied with regarding the property and its use, and he understands their concerns and takes them seriously. Mayor Kahl explained that he will be in touch with Mr. Gilbert. Commissioner Sutherland explained that the owners do not have to inform the police department that they are doing this. He feels that people need a place to live. However, he has a problem with the location of this property as it is close to an elementary school.

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

Commissioner Decker explained that he is concerned as well with hearing about the recovery home that is in a residential area.

Commissioner Hill commented on the Farmer’s Market and the early registration vendor discount being through May. The applications are available online on the city’s website.

Commissioner Sutherland commented on the Neumann Lane Water Project beginning. He asked that people be patient during the project. He commented about getting an auxiliary water meter if you want to fill your pool and water your garden without sewer charges and encouraged residents to call city hall if they think they have a leak. Commissioner Sutherland commented on the new police station being built and explained that he would like automatic pumps for flooding to be installed. He commented on kids being involved in summer programs with police and firefighters.

Commissioner Mingus explained that he was surprised to hear of the recovery home and has questions regarding the home. There was discussion regarding ownership of the homes and the City looking into compliance with the homes regarding City regulations.

Mayor Kahl commented on the 100th anniversary of Caterpillar that is today and explained that he wants to do a proclamation; however, he wants to get their approval on the proclamation first. There was an open house at the Caterpillar Visitors Center earlier in the day. He explained that the Caterpillar machines will be on display that are painted centennial gray. The original tractors were gray in color and the Caterpillar logo was a wavy red. He commented on the history of Caterpillar and explained that his dad retired from Caterpillar. Caterpillar switched to a highway yellow color for their tractors and then to a goldish color. Caterpillar then switched to the Caterpillar yellow color used today because the highway yellow was not available. Caterpillar will be making a limited edition of the tractors this year. He expressed gratitude to Caterpillar for choosing to do business in the greater Peoria area for a century. Mayor Kahl commented on the many companies that began due to their support of Caterpillar and its operations. He encouraged everyone to visit the Caterpillar Visitors Center to see the tractors and other displays.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, May 6, 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 6:54 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/7539?fileID=36182