Peoria City Council Meeting

Council members approved consent agenda, after removing two items for discussion.  A Professional Services Agreement with Roadway Asset Services in the amount of $109,778 for pavement condition index update 2023 was deferred to April 11 to allow time for additional information to be presented.

Councilors approved an intergovernmental agreement between the city and Greater Peoria Sanitary District in support of Pringle technologies for Haven on Farm Development with two abstentions (At-large members Sid Ruckriegel and Kiran Velpula) for conflict of interest.

Members of the Greater Peoria Leadership Council gave a presentation on talent attraction strategy. Doug Oberhelman, Misty Dykema and Laura Cullinan spoke on mission and history of Gilmore Foundation, identifying community partners and focus on recruitment and retention of talent.  A website is being developed to communicate information and identify resources.

The 2022 annual report on Joint Commission on Racial Justice was presented by Chairman Tim Bertschy and Co-Chair Mary Peterson.  They identified need to accelerate efforts for racial justice and equity and cited data collected by members of commission in areas of economic development and jobs, quality of life issues and impact on the community, as well as environmental justice in 61602, 61603, and 61605 zip codes.  Plan for 2023 is to create historical record key indicators, Racial Equity Impact Assessment tool (REIA), collaborate with community partners, develop data driven strategic plan.  A website is being developed to post information.

Director of Community Development Joe Dulen and Peoria Park District Executive Director Emily Cahill gave a presentation on use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds for rehabilitation of Logan Park and Morton Square Park to provide more accessible playground area, basketball hoops, as well as access to free activities for qualified families for summer fun passes to Zoo, Children’s Museum, and Aquatic Center.  Focus is improving quality of life in these neighborhoods.  Council approved $875,000 in CBGB funds for these two projects. 

Public Works Director Rick Powers requested approval of a professional services agreement with Cloudpoint Geospatial, Inc. for assessment management system to provide a holistic approach to planning infrastructure priorities over three-year period.  Presentation made by Jonathon Hodel, representative of Cloudpoint Geospatial.  Council approved funding in amount of $78,000 for 2023, $134,000 for 2024 and $13,000 for 2025.

Council approved temporary amendments to reduce fees and allow additional locations for mobile food vehicles and street and sidewalk vendors.  Vote was 8-3, with Councilors Denis Cyr, Zach Oyler and Ruckriegel against.

In new business, Councilor Beth Jensen asked city staff to prepare resolution with opposition, as well as moratorium on proposed CO2 pipeline near southside of city.  Councilor Denise Jackson expressed her concerns on this issue, as well, and asked for due diligence before any decisions made.

The Peoria City Council meets at 6 p.m. on second and fourth Tuesdays at City Hall.  Meeting can also be viewed on Channel 22 cable access and video available online at city website.
For more information, check  www.peoriagov.org

—— Connie Romanus, Observer