Peoria County Board Observer Report

Chairman Andrew Rand apologized for not beginning the Oct 10 meeting promptly at 6 p.m. due to waiting for State  Representative  Gordon-Booth, who wished to attend the opening agenda item. The first agenda item was the appointment of Brandy Bryant as the new Board District 5 representative.  Rachel Parker previously held this position and resigned to accept appointment as County Clerk. Board member Steven Rieker announced he would abstain on the vote as he did not have information about the appointment prior to the meeting. Several board members spoke in support of Ms. Bryant. The appointment was approved with a vote of 15 yes, zero no and 1 abstain. The public seating areas of the board room were filled at the opening of the meeting. Much of the audience left after the appointment.

Mike Rucker, Chairman, Friends of the Rock Island Trail, spoke during citizen comments. He expressed concern about the village of Bellevue board being opposed to the potential rails-to-trails project from Bellevue to Farmington. Mr. Rucker said he thinks the project would be an asset to Peoria County off-road bicycle routes and for area recreation and tourism. District 1 Board Member Sharon Williams, whose   area includes the Bellevue section of the proposed trail, commented that she was in support of the project and is looking into the issue.
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The meeting Consent Agenda followed and contained eleven items which were approved. One zoning approval and a resolution for a bid approval followed and both were voted yes. The meeting was adjourned approximately 6:50 p.m.         Joyce Blumenshine, Observer