Peoria County Board Observer Report

         The Peoria County Board met Sept. 9, with all members present.
         One presentation and three proclamations preceded regular business.  The owner of Trefzger’s Bakery and developer Katie Kim thanked the board for a $589,000 Keystone Fund loan that partially enabled their building renovation and relocation to Peoria Heights.  Trefzger’s was able to repay the loan in full with interest ahead of schedule.  Several Board members commented this was an excellent use of funds and look forward to similar business loans in the future. Proclamations recognized National Rail Safety Week, National Preparedness Month, and the 20th anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001.
​         One citizen offered remarks and a petition related to requested use of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funds available to the county to improve broadband internet service in rural Peoria County. An email from Beth Crider, Regional Superintendent of Schools, was read supporting this use of ARPA funds.
         The regular agenda was short with the seven items on the consent agenda passing on a 17-1 vote with no discussion. Two items were pulled from the consent agenda for discussion.  One requested approval of the Farnsworth Group and the other of River City Construction for preliminary consultation on the Health and Human Service Campus project. The county is exploring consolidation of these services at a remodeled Health Department site on Sheridan Road, or relocation of services to another existing site, or construction of a new facility.  Following discussion both passed on 17-1 and 16-2 votes, respectively.
     One resolution was approved on a 17-1 vote accepting a grant agreement that funds independent contractor attorneys who serve as appointed Guardians ad Litem in juvenile and neglect court. A second resolution approving the collective bargaining agreement between the county and the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council-Corrections unit also passed on a 17-1 vote. 
         A proclamation was approved on a 15-3 vote extending the Declaration of Emergency due to COVID-19 in Peoria County.
——— Jim Runyon, Observer