Peoria City Council Observer Report

The council members approved Consent Agenda with 3 items pulled for discussion.   Other item of interest include:

• Receive and file of Springdale Cemetery Management Authority Annual Budget.  City, County and Park District have inter-government agreement with City providing $60,000 annually; city covers shortfall up to total $250,000.00.
• Receive and file First reading on ordinance amending code to create class NP Liquor License.  This would apply to small not-for-profit groups requesting liquor license for fund raising events and would require smaller lesser fee than current ordinance.
• Approved redevelopment agreement with Fulton Hotel Development, LLC in space formerly occupied by Sully’s on Adams and ICC Perley Building as Tax Increment Financing (TIF)District.  In addition to hotel rooms, space would include rental units and utilization of Niagara Parking Deck.  No city funds would be used for project; no TIF funds distributed to owners until project completed and occupancy license in place.
• Amended budget in amount of $50,000.00 for matching city funds for Bloomberg Public Art Challenge, a two-year initiative. “City of Gratitude” is the theme built around supporting mental illness through the arts.  Matching grant in kind from Peoria Riverfront Museum also received.
• Adopted ordinances to finalize Proposed Medina Plains-Allen Road Business Park TIF District.  Councilor Cyr was recognized for his work on this, as well as City staff, legal department, Dunlap School Board.
• Deferred for 30 days adoption of ordinance amending operation of cannabis business regarding licensing of dispensaries.
• During citizens opportunity to speak: several people spoke in support for keeping Rivermen hockey team in Peoria and funds to replace current ice plant at Peoria Civic Center.  Jesse McGowan also spoke in disagreement with city staff regarding TIF reimbursements for contractors.

As always, you can review agenda, minutes and video at city website:  https://peoriail.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
Connie Romanus, Observer