Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met Aug. 5.

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 July 15, 2025 be approved as printed.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Mayor Kahl read and presented the Duck Race Proclamation to Celsy Young with The Center for Prevention of Abuse. He encouraged individuals to buy a duck to help support The Center for Prevention of Abuse. Celsy thanked Mayor Kahl and the City Council for their support. She also thanked City staff at EastSide Centre, Fire and Public Works for their help with the race, along with the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce. This is the 10th Anniversary of the Duck Race being in East Peoria. You can purchase a duck by going to duckrace.com/peoria. Mayor Kahl commended The Center for Prevention of Abuse on training that the organization leads for Police, Fire, and other businesses regarding many important items that include human trafficking.

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.

Jacob Clark with CrossPoint Church in East Peoria stepped up to the podium to speak in favor of the ground mount solar project that the church is proposing through a Special Use. He explained that there is a provision in the church property deeds that only allows the church grounds to be sold to another church; otherwise, the property goes back to the family. He explained that he wanted to mention this to explained that the church will not be abandoning the property anytime soon.

Mayor Kahl asked for any other comments from the audience. 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 and 2 as listed on the agenda for this meeting to be considered by omnibus vote.

Item Number 1 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2526-042 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 6 in the amount of $1,995,487.23.

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2526-033 on its Second Reading - Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a New Two-Post Vehicle Lift for the Public Works Garage from Illinois Oil Marketing Equipment, Inc.

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 and 2 listed on the Consent Agenda be hereby approved and adopted, the item numbered 2 having been read once by its 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 2526-042 - Resolution to Approve Payment of the Schedule of Bills Listed on Schedule Number 6 in the amount of $1,995,487.23. (Adopted by omnibus vote)

Item Number 2 - Adoption of Resolution Number 2526-033 on its Second Reading - Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a New Two-Post Vehicle Lift for the Public Works Garage from Illinois Oil Marketing Equipment, Inc. (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.

Motion by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that Ordinance No. 4865 hereto attached, (AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR GROUND-MOUNT SOLAR ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 304 S. PLEASANT HILL ROAD IN THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS) 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 location of the property, which is the old Pleasant Hill School. The church is coming forward to seek to place ground-mount solar panels on the property. He explained that there was a question about whether the roof would be sufficient to hold the solar panels and that is why the roof is not being proposed. The agreement with the solar panel company is for fifteen years. The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously (6-0) to recommend approval of the Special Use with screening along Bloomington Road so that the residents along Bloomington Road do not see it.

Commissioner Decker commented on living near the property and having concerns regarding the property. He explained that there is a berm on the property; however, it is not very tall. He has a better feeling regarding the screening. He explained that the neighbors are asking that he not support it, because they are concerned about their property values.

Commissioner Mingus inquired and commented on the location of the solar panels on the property.

Commissioner Sutherland explained that he watched the Zoning Board of Appeals hearing and commented on placing the solar panels on the roof of the school. He explained that he has a problem with solar panel companies when they take the solar panels out, and he commented on the screening of the solar panels.

Mayor Kahl commented on the Special Use process. He explained that the special use process gives people the opportunity to comment on the requested special use. He explained that he did hear from neighbor’s weighing in on this proposed special use.

Yeas: Commissioner Hill.

Nays: Decker, Mingus, Sutherland, and Mayor Kahl.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion failed.

Resolution No. 2526-039 by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2526-039, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving Agreement for Bus Benches Situated on City Right-of-Way at Bus Stops Located in the City of East Peoria, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2526-039 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 bus bench agreement. He explained that there was an RFP that was sent out and only Courtesy Bench responded. The outlines several things including the maintenance of the bench and an area around each, as well as provide some expected timelines to place, remove, or repair benches. The proposed agreement is for five-year term. Commissioner Hill explained that the agreement is a well thought out plan. Mayor Kahl noted that there have been some trash receptacles placed near busier bus benches in the City to help with keeping the areas clean.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2526-035 by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Sutherland; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2526- 035, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving an Agreement between the City of East Peoria and Teamsters Local Union No. 627 for the Department of Public Works for a 3-year term commencing on July 1, 2025 and terminating on June 30, 2028, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2526-035 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 Decker explained that this is a three-year term with a 3% increase for year one and 2.5% increase for years two and three. He commented on the public works employees and the great job that they do, especially on the roadways. The city does the garbage service which is not a separate charge like some other communities. Commissioner Sutherland thanked Bret Tucker, Cord Crisler, and Mayor Kahl for their work on the contract. Mayor Kahl thanked the local union and commented on getting a late start on the negotiations there were amicable. He thanked all parties involved.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2526-040 by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2526- 040, hereto attached, a Resolution Authorizing the City of East Peoria to Enter into an Agreement with IDOT for Replacement and Update of Video Detection Systems for Traffic Signals for Route 116 Intersections and Related Funding Appropriation, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2526-040 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 Decker explained that the resolution is regarding the replacement of three detection systems that helps to change the lights located on IL Route 116 intersections with Highview Road, Mariner’s Way, and Blackjack Boulevard. The change allows for more efficient movement of traffic, as the detection system and lights will be based on a much more complex system. The city’s portion of costs is $5,211 with a not to-exceed 125% (approximately $6,511).

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2526-041 by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2526- 041, hereto attached, a Resolution Authorizing the City of East Peoria to Enter into an Agreement with IDOT for Reconstruction of the Cedar Street Extension Bridge and Interchange with Illinois Route 116 and US Route 24 and Related Funding Appropriation, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2526-041 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 Decker explained that the resolution is regarding work that is being done on the Cedar Street Extension Bridge Reconstruction Project. This is the City’s portion of the extension and is a joint funding agreement and is tied into the cedar street extension. The engineer’s pre-bid estimated cost for the City’s portion of the Cedar Street Extension Bridge Reconstruction Project is $47,603 with a not-to-exceed 125% (approximately $59,504) of IDOT’s estimated construction and engineering cost. This Resolution approves appropriating and spending $47,603 for the City’s portion of this IDOT project and depending on the final award/completion cost, the City’s cost will not exceed 125% of the estimated cost. The State’s estimated total construction cost for this Cedar Street Extension Bridge Reconstruction Project in East Peoria is $79,231,143. Commissioner Sutherland explained that it affects his department too as it affects the sewer and relining of the sewers. He does not feel that the state is very helpful as it was difficult to get traffic controls from them for work the City did in conjunction with the project.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2526-036 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2526- 036, hereto attached, a Resolution Approving the Payment of the IEPA National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Annual Fees for Wastewater Treatment Discharge for Plant Number 1 from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2526-036 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 explained that this will cost the city $32,500 and explained that it is the fee that is charged annually that is required by the IEPA to discharge treated wastewater into the waterway.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2526-037 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2526- 037, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting Proposal from Fehr-Graham & Associates LLC for Engineering Services for New Chemical Storage System Project at Wastewater Treatment Plant #1, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2526-037 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 explained that this has to do with the engineering of one of the wastewater plants. Mayor Kahl explained that this is for engineering services for a Chemical Storage System at WWTP #1. The proposal includes $7,000 for preparing bidding documents, reviewing shop drawings, and providing limited construction observation for the Tank Platform and Access Ladder at WWTP #1, previously designed by Fehr Graham earlier this year. The scope of services encompasses design, bid preparation, construction oversight, and IEPA-required documentation. The proposed fee is not to exceed $190,000 on a time-and-materials basis.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Resolution No. 2526-038 by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA, ILLINOIS that Resolution No. 2526- 038, hereto attached, a Resolution Accepting Proposal from TWM, Inc. for NPDES Permit Program Requirements Projects at Wastewater Treatment Plant #1 and #3, be approved. Mr. Mayor, I move you that this Resolution No. 2526-038 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 explained that this resolution deals with more paperwork because it is for requirements regarding projects at Wastewater Treatment Plant #1 and #3. He explained that this is additional work, and he feels that the state should help pay for the costs. Mayor Kahl explained that the city sought bids and received two. This was from TWM in the amount of $109,500.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

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.

Paul Thewlis stepped up to the podium and asked for help regarding his neighborhood that he moved to two years ago. He explained that there are several properties that are violating City code. He explained that he moved there from a larger house and that he is paying more in taxes and feels that the neighborhood is looking bad. He requested the City to start enforcing City codes to make it look better. He feels that it is taking his property value down. Commissioner Hill explained that the City can look at the property and will pass along information to staff in the morning.

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 received comments on Meadow Avenue properties and that code enforcement sought to work on changes and improvements to that neighborhood. He commented on the code enforcement process and limits.

Motion by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus, Mr. Mayor, I move that a closed meeting or executive session of the city council be held at the conclusion of this regular meeting to discuss the following matter or matters according to exceptions provided in the “Open Meetings Act” and specified as follows:

Section 2(c)(1) – The Employment, appointment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.

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

Nays: None

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried.

Commissioner Hill commented on the code enforcement process, the Meadow Avenue corridor, and another property that had a building that was demolished. He explained that the Farmers’ Market that occurs on Fridays from 4pm to 7pm has four more weeks left this year. He asked for anyone interested in being the Farmers’ Market Coordinator to reach out.

Commissioner Sutherland commented on lead line replacement assistance, costs of sewer and water repairs and replacements, and life expectancy of clay sewers. He is concerned with people getting ripped off by contractors on the costs of repair and replacement of sewer and water lines and systems and asked that individuals ask questions and get multiple estimates and proposals.

Commissioner Mingus explained that the Car Seat Check Event is scheduled for tomorrow at Central Firehouse from 1pm to 4pm.

Motion by Commissioner Sutherland, seconded by Commissioner Decker; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn until Tuesday evening, August 19, 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 6:55 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/7818?fileID=36299