Peoria City Council Observer Report

   Council members discussed request from City Manager and Chief of Police regarding approval of $25,000.00 for Cure the Violence Assessment using American Recovery Funds. Chief Echevarria and Officer Hodges gave presentation on evidence-based initiatives to reduce gun violence. Some councilors expressed frustration at not being kept up to date on gun violence initiatives and asked for quarterly updates. After more than one hour of debate, the vote was 5-5, with Oyler, Ruckreigel, Valpula, Kelly and Grayeb voting nay. During the debate, Councilor Allen encouraged the council to trust the Chief of Police and his efforts to reduce gun violence using the training and focus that was successful in Decatur.
   A presentation on the Municipal Aggregation Program and current state of the electricity market was made by representatives for Good Energy, local electric buying group for past ten years. Charles Decastage made the presentation to the council. He explained the process for buying power at auction this spring in view of electricity shortages, decommission of coal powered energy and not having sufficient renewable energy sources available. Auction rates were as high as $236.66MW-day vs $5.00/MW-day. Good Energy representatives are continuing to monitor pricing and encourage approximately 38,000 area residents that have opted into city plan not to opt out of the program. Ameren has purchased energy for June and July at higher rates. City Manager Urich hopes to have electric energy contract for City of Peoria from Good Energy within next 10-12 days. If resident opts out during this time, they will not be able to get back into city plan. Click on item 22-177 on Agenda to get summary of presentation.
   Council passed ordinance to amend traffic and motor vehicle code to be unlawful for occupant of motor vehicle to interact with pedestrian while vehicle is not legally parked and on traveled portion of roadway. In addition, this action makes it unlawful for an individual to remain on median on roadway when not lawfully crossing roadway. Meeting agendas, video and minutes are available at: https://peoriail.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx   Next meeting is June 13, 2022 at 6:00 P.M.
Connie Romanus, Observer