Peoria City Council Meeting

Meeting opened with public hearing to approve 2023-2024 budget for town of City of Peoria, as well as appropriation ordinance for 2023-2024.  Township has reserves to cover 15 months expenses, slightly more than $3,000,000.00. 

Township provides General Assistance to sixty people and Emergency Services to 150-175 households.  A resolution was passed to make donations to Friendship House, Tri-County Urban League, Center for Prevention of Abuse and Heartland Clinic for specified services.

​Supervisor of assessments explained change in outside independent auditors due to favorable bid by Clifton, Larson, Allen, LLP.  2024 Annual meeting of Town of City of Peoria set or April 19, 2024.  Time and location to be determined. 

Other highlights of agenda:

• Presentation on ShotSpotter program was made by representatives of the company, which has recently rebranded as Sound Thinking.  Updates include sending data to communication center, officers, identifying schools and neighborhoods at risk, and gain insight to help develop strategies to reduce gun violence.  Consideration for one year contract to be discussed at next council meeting.  Note:  during citizen’s opportunity to comment, resident of East Bluff spoke in opposition of this program and its effectiveness.
• Adopted ordinance on cannabis business to limit dispensaries to six, with three being social equity licenses, prohibit onsite consumption and reduce wait time for application to one year. Social equity applicants need to provide annual proof of status, may not be located closer than 1500 ft. from another dispensary, and limits on transferal of license.
• Presentation on proposed carbon dioxide pipeline by City Corporation Counsel Hayes.  Detailed report on Item 23-128 available on Agenda link.  Mayor Ali, City Manager Urich, and  Councilors Jackson and Oyler met recently with Biourja to discuss CO2 pipeline.  Corporation Council Hayes presentation included Mount Simon pipeline hub north of Decatur, existing pipelines in Peoria County, pipeline safety and risks of concentrated CO2.  Council asked for additional information. 
• Updated University-War Memorial Drive TIF
• Approved agreement with Berry Dunn McNeil and Parker, LLC for development of strategic plan not to exceed $74,900 plus reimbursable expenses.

Peoria City Council meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 6:00 P.M. at Peoria City Hall; you can view at cable access channel 22, in person or view video online. 
Agenda available at:  https://peoriail.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

- Connie Romanus, Observer