Peoria City Council Meeting

​The Council met for a marathon session of over four hours.  Some of highlights:

• Public Hearing regarding annexation of land parcel in Medina Township with several citizens expressing concerns.  Later in meeting, this item was approved by councilors.  It will allow property owner to access sewer services to subdivide land for four residential properties.
• Fire Chief Sollberger and City Manager Urich presented overview of program establishing process to work with insurance companies to collect fire recovery fees for services provided by Peoria Fire Department.  This will apply to non-residents of the city of Peoria.  Any funds recovered will go to the city’s general funds.
• Voted to direct city staff to draft ordinance to issue $20,000,000 bond to fund remaining capital expenses needed for Civic Center operations, including new ice plant.  City Manager Urich explained debt service plan to include interest payments through 2028.  A portion of Hotel-Restaurant-Amusement (HRA)taxes will be used. 
• Community Development Director Dulen presented a thorough report to Council on city efforts related to housing quality and affordable housing.  Councilors commended Director Dulen on the scope and innovative methods city is implementing for quality and affordable housing, including development of Land Bank with Peoria County. 
• Approved real estate transfer for 3917 S.W. Adams and inter-government agreement between City of Peoria, Pleasure Driveway, and Peoria Park District to establish a Freedom and Remembrance memorial to recognize over 2,600 citizens buried in area near Griswold and Adams streets, including Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers, the first black person freed by attorney Abraham Lincoln, Nance Legins-Costley,  and members of the Moffit family to name a few.  Historical signage and markers will be installed.

As always, you can access meeting agendas, minutes and video on website:  www.peoriagov.org

- Connie Romanus, Observer