Peoria Standard

Peoria County Board met May 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Attendance

Members: Member Dillon, Member Williams, Member Blair, Member Bryant, Member Coates, Member Daley, Member Duncan, Member Elsasser, Member Groves Allison, Member Phelan, Member Rieker, Member Rosenbohm, Member Ruhland, Member Salzer, Member Windish

Absent: Member Kelch, Member McCann and Member Reneau

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. MOMENT OF SILENCE

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4. ROLL CALL BY THE COUNTY CLERK

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

5.1 April 10, 2025

A motion to approve the April 10th, 2025, minutes was made by Member Daley and was seconded by Member Duncan.

Motion Carried. (15-0)

6. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

6.1 A proclamation congratulating the Community Foundation of Central Illinois for 40 years of service.

6.2 A proclamation congratulating the Peoria Garden Club for 100 years of service.

6.3 A proclamation congratulating the Foster College of Business at Bradley University on 75 years of excellence in business education.

6.4 A proclamation thanking Woodruff Career & Technical Center.

6.5 A proclamation thanking Dave Ryan for his service to Peoria County.

6.6 A proclamation thanking Beth Crider for her service to Peoria County.

6.7 Ameren Presentation

See attached Ameren Presentation

7. CITIZENS' REMARKS

7.1 Citizens' Remarks

8. CONSENT AGENDA

A motion to approve the consent agenda, except Item 8.16, was made by Member Phelan and was seconded by Member Blair.

Motion Carried. (15-0)

8.1 The Treasurer's report consisting of the Bank and CD's Portfolio for the month of March 2025 and Revenue & Expenditure Reports for March 2025.

8.2 The Finance Department's report of expenditure Reports.

https://www.peoriacounty.gov/199/Transparency-Portal

8.3 A resolution (ITEM 1 CONVEYANCE; ITEMS 2-3 DEFAULTED CONVEYANCES) from the Ways and Means Committee recommending that the County Board Chairperson be authorized to cancel the appropriate Certificates of Purchase.

8.4 Peoria County Sheriff's Office/Dunlap School District 323 SRO Contract

A recommendation from your Public Safety and Justice Committee to approve the intergovernmental agreement for policing services between Peoria County/Peoria County Sheriff’s Office and Dunlap School District 323.

8.5 Approval of the Adult Redeploy Illinois Problem Solving Courts Grant Agreement & FY25 Budget Appropriation

A resolution from your Public Safety & Justice Committee recommending acceptance of the 2025-2026 Adult Redeploy Illinois (ARI) Peoria County Problem Solving Courts Grant Agreement with the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) in the amount of $596,286.00 for one year, and the appropriation of these funds into the FY25 budget.

8.6 Peoria County Adult Probation Problem Solving Courts Treatment Services

A resolution from your County Public Safety & Justice Committee to award the bid for the Peoria County Adult Probation Problem Solving Courts (PSC) Treatment Services to Trillium Place - Human Service Center (HSC).

8.7 Workers Compensation Settlement

A resolution from your County Operations Committee recommending approval of Worker’s Compensation Settlement in Case 010015-0006296-WC for $25,000.00.

8.8 FOP - Corrections Contract Approval

A resolution from your County Operations Committee recommending approval of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Peoria County and Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)-Corrections Unit and to appropriate $180,000.00 needed for FY25 wage increases.

8.9 Occupational Health Services Bid

A resolution from your County Operations Committee recommending approval of the Occupational Health Services bid from OSF Occupational Health.

8.10 Cedar Hills Trail Crossing Bid Letting

A resolution from the County Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of the low bid from N.E. Finch in the amount of $100,769.00 for improvement of the Rock Island Trail crossing on Cedar Hills Drive.

8.11 Smithville Road Headwall Replacement Bid Letting

A resolution from the County Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of the lowest responsible bid from Stark Excavating in the amount of $87,298.01 for replacement of a concrete headwall on Smithville Road.

8.12 Bid Letting for Highway Department Office HVAC System Replacement

A resolution from the County Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of the lowest responsible bid of Standard Heating and Cooling in the amount of $88,785.00 for replacement of the Highway Department Office HVAC system.

8.13 Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN) Intergovernmental Agreement

A resolution from your Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN) and annual membership dues of $500.00.

8.14 FY 2026 PPUATS Annual Joint Funding Agreement

A resolution from the Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of the FY26 Peoria / Pekin Urbanized Area Transportation Study (PPUATS) Joint Funding Agreement and Motor Fuel Tax Appropriation in the amount of $53,900.81.

8.15 Supplemental 2025 General Maintenance Request for Quotations

A resolution from your County Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of the lowest responsive quotation for 2025 Supplemental General Maintenance pavement marking paint from Swarco Colorado Paint of Aurora, Colorado in the maximum amount of $138,750.00.

8.16 May Appointments

A motion to approve Item 8.16 was made by Member Williams and was seconded by Member Rieker.

Motion Carried. (15-0)

Chairman Dillon noted tonight being a big night. He recognized the 2 Elected Officials that were taking well deserved retirements before their terms were up as well as the appointment of Chad Jones. He noted his appreciation for Assistant State's Attorney Cordis Boswell and State's Attorney Jodi Hoos for all the research they did.

Beth Crider spoke on the appointment of Dr. George McKenna to the Assistant Regional Superintendent. She stated she wanted to hire someone that bolstered her weaknesses and helped balance her out and stated she feels Dr. McKenna is the best fit.

Treasurer Nicole Bjerke introduced Branden Martin as her successor. She stated that he could continue to take the staff and move them even farther forward. She noted that Branden brings an enthusiasm and energy that will blend well amongst the wonderful support system.

Branden Martin stated he is honored and humbled to for the opportunity to be the next County Treasurer. He noted his experience in business, retail, real estate, logistics, and finance will help him continue to work efficiently and deliver results for Peoria County.

Chad Jones thanked Supervisor of Assessments Dave Ryan for this opportunity. He showed his appreciation for the Supervisor of Assessments Office for their support and presence. He thanked Chairman Dillon and The Board for the opportunity and the vote of confidence. He noted the big shoes that he must fill and that he will do his very best.

Chairman Dillon stated the reason he wanted Chad to speak was that it was his success story from accepting the Zoning Board of Appeals seat to his appointment as successor. He noted the succession planning that helped this transition go more smoothly.

9. ZONING ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

9.1 Zoning Case #ZBA-2025-0014, Petition of Michael Stegmaier

A Rezoning request from “C-2” General Commercial to “A-2” Agriculture. The petitioner proposes to rezone 0.95 acres in order to convey property to an adjacent landowner.

A motion to approve the petition was made by Member Rosenbohm and was seconded by Member Ruhland.

Motion Carried. (15-0)

Member Rosenbohm stated the landowner is just trying to rezone the property since he has closed his business down.

9.2 Zoning Case #ZBA-2025-0019, Petition of Friends of Wildlife Prairie Park A Special Use request from Section 20-5.2.2.3.f of the Unified Development Ordinance, which allows for recreational vehicle parks, subject to the provisions of Section 7.11 ("Recreational Vehicle Parks"). The petitioner proposes to develop a recreational vehicle campground and upgrade existing amenities in the “A-2” Agriculture Zoning District.

A motion to approve the petition was made by Member Rosenbohm and was seconded by Member Ruhland.

Motion Carried. (15-0)

Member Rosenbohm stated he is very excited for this as it adds a really good camping ground that can generate a place for locals and travelers to visit.

Roberta English, of Wildlife Prairie Park, stated they are really excited as well and thinks it will be great for the whole area.

9.3 Zoning Case #ZBA-2025-0017, Petition of Ameren Illinois

A Special Use request from Section 20-5.2.2.2.h of the Unified Development Ordinance. This section allows for a special use in the “A-2” Agriculture Zoning District for a Commercial Solar Energy Facility, provided that the conditions inSection 7.17 (“Ground Mounted Solar Energy Equipment”), of these regulations are met.

A motion to approve the petition was made by Member Rosenbohm and was seconded by Member Ruhland.

Motion Carried. (14-1)

Nay: Member Windish

Member Rosenbohm stated this is another exciting one that includes getting a battery storage along with the solar that will allow the storage of the power and use during the night.

9.4 Multi-Township Bids Received for Sealcoat (Township Motor Fuel Tax) A resolution from your County Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of the lowest qualified bids for sealcoating/microsurfacing work done in Akron, Brimfield, Chillicothe, Elmwood, Hallock, Jubilee, Kickapoo, Logan, Princeville, Radnor, Rosefield, Timber and Trivoli Townships.

A motion to approve the resolution was made by Member Salzer and was seconded by Member Duncan.

Motion Carried. (14-0)

Abstained: Member Windish

Member Salzer stated this is the annual motor fuel tax that will be handled by Amy McLaren for the multiple townships.

Member Windish stated he will be abstaining as he is a Road Commissioner.

9.5 Courthouse Plaza & Block Renovations (As Revised, Pending Committee Approval)

A resolution from the County Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of the $6,756,719.00 guaranteed maximum price from CORE Construction Services of Illinois, Inc. for Courthouse Plaza and Block renovations.

A motion to approve the resolution was made by Member Salzer and was seconded by Member Coates.

Motion Carried. (12-2)

Nay: Member Elsasser and Member Rieker

Abstained: Member Rosenbohm

Member Salzer stated this is the beautification of the courthouse plaza that everyone has been asking for. He noted the add-on of the bricks around the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

Chairman Dillon stated that he would be having Kyle Smith speak on this project.

Kyle Smith explained alternate number 3 was to be accepted which was to fully replace all the pavers around the Soldiers and Sailors Monument instead of just replacing the broken ones. He noted if everything goes according to plan, the mobilization will begin the Tuesday after Memorial Day.

Chairman Dillon noted this has a very tight timeframe. He stated this re imagines the exterior of the Courthouse with new exterior lighting, plants, trees, water features, and sculptures to take us another 200 years. He encouraged everyone to celebrate and talk about it.

Member Phelan commented that he is happy this investment is being made, however, he stated he thought regular or routine maintenance could have put The Board in a better position where less money was spent. He noted he would like to see upkeep, regular, and routine maintenance to the facilities to prevent having to make similar large investments in the future.

Member Rieker stated his expectation was $2 to $2.5 million not $6.7 million for this upgrade project for the plaza. He highlighted that he didn't see the same value engineering with this project as with the Health and Human Services Building project. He shared concerns of the water jet splash pad regarding safety as well as the usability of the space for events to be held and the upcoming deadline.

Chairman Dillon noted this is a pivot from the initial ARPA discussions for allocation. He stated the beginning was very hodge-podge with the general amount always being around $6 million. He mentioned the plan by Terra Engineering having a very basic design, that included the light and water features, along with bids for products that would bring down the overall maintenance cost of the project.

Member Groves Allison stated the celebration date was moved from early September to October after learning the project would be completed by then.

Member Phelan clarified that staff input was received during the process.

Administrator Sorrel stated there was no formal input process, but that staff and employees shared their input as well.

Member Ruhland stated that County, City, and State Government are in a unique position to support and promote local art.

Member Rosenbohm stated he would be abstaining for conflict of interest.

Member Daley asked about the specific landscaping plans with seasonal pictures available.

Administrator Sorrel stated that information was not available in the packet.

He noted that it will be distributed out, in terms of number of plantings and species of vegetation.

Chairman Dillon welcomed Kyle and Melissa to the team.

9.6 Change Order to the Courthouse Facade Project (Pending Committee Approval)

A Resolution from your Infrastructure Committee recommending approval of a change order to the Courthouse Exterior Repairs and Cleaning contract with Western Specialty Contractors in the amount of $102,900.00.

A motion to approve the resolution was made by Member Salzer and was seconded by Member Ruhland.

Motion Carried. (15-0)

Member Salzer asked if a motion was needed to change the resolution. Chairman Dillon stated they are at what was approved out of committee.

Member Salzer wanted everyone to know that this resolution was split regarding the caulking of the windows. He stated he would yield to Member Ruhland regarding the resolution that was adopted by a vote of 4 to 3.

Member Ruhland stated there was a discrepancy related to the north or newer part of the building. He stated the portion regarding the Main Street side is still in-tact and moving forward with committee approval, however the balance of the change order will be subject of some negotiation to stay on track schedule wise with several factors at play. He expressed that Kyle's position in managing projects is very important going forward. He noted holding the companies that are working for the County on a regular basis accountable.

10. MISCELLANEOUS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

10.1 Miscellaneous and Announcements

Member Ruhland recognized Township Supervisor Mike Ratcliff in Chillicothe that attended an emergency preparedness seminar and in turn put together his own seminar for the stakeholders in the northern part of the County. He stated he learned a lot and expressed his gratitude to Mike Ratcliff for being a dedicated public servant that goes above and beyond.

Member Blair stated the advisory committee for the Small Business and Entrepenuership Committee met last week and approved 6 grants.

Member Groves Allison shared that she thought it was a great idea to share a note with a teacher that made a difference in your life. She thanked Mr. Hitzroth for getting her where she is.

Member Williams stated she will be attending the Illinois Association of County Board Member on May 15th for anyone that would like to go.

Administrator Sorrel reminded everyone of the Bison Trek. He stated there are now 20 bison that have been placed, with the PJ Hoerr Bison being placed today, and that we are now sold out of the bison.

Chairman Dillon recognized Clerk Parker for receiving a lifetime achievement award from Bradley University for 2 records that she has held for over 30 years! He also thanked Gretchen, Megan, and Nancy for finding a better option for the proclamations to look more like a diploma. He congratulated Marcellus Sommerville for being appointed to the Merit Commission.

Marcellus Sommerville wished Brooke Sommerville a Happy Mother's Day. Chairman Dillon wished everyone a Happy Mother's Day early.

11. EXECUTIVE SESSION

11.1 Personnel Matters

Member Phelan moved to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel, and was seconded by Member Coates.

The motion Carried. (15-0)

The board entered into Executive Session at 8:10 pm.

12. ADJOURNMENT

12.1 Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the Chairman announced the meeting was adjourned.

https://www.peoriacounty.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05082025-1755