​The meeting took place in the small conference room due to HVAC construction. All trustees were in attendance in person or via phone or video conferencing.
Board of Trustees meeting: FY 23 officers were unanimously re-elected and consent agenda passed unanimously.
Investment Committee meeting: Investments are getting higher interest rates 2.06% for T Bills. Off setting that is greatly increased costs for chemicals and electricity. Stock market being up means the pension fund is significantly better which impacts the budget positively. The PPRT (Personal Property Replacement Taxes) revenue is also up significantly and is used for capitol projects.
Finance: The State of Illinois has many past due GPSD  bills. Still working with utility billing software which would need to interact with IL American Water usage data. GPSD is using Cyber security software.
Operations: There were no violations, no backups. They received a Peak Performance Award for the second year. GPSD is ahead of regulations regarding phosphorus using biological removal – 80% reduction. One of two “screw pumps” went out and they are dealing with it as an internal maintenance project. (They also have a backup pump.)  Of note nearby but downstream is the high Kickapoo Creek phosphorus level which is due to farm fields and residential septic systems. Also contributing can be stream erosion.  There is a Bradley student summer study going on.
Construction & Planning: new residential connections are up this year.  Approved $60,699 change order to a sewer lining project which needed bypass pumping and included unexpected pipe failures.
GPSD will participate in an Illinois watershed study group.
Ameren may want an old landfill site that GPSD owns for a community solar project. However there was discussion about the degraded panels at the end of panel life including heavy metals.
The Audit will be reviewed at the July meeting. 
​Cheryl Budzinski, Observer

The Peoria County Board held its regular meeting May 12th with all present but Member Pastucha and two members participating via phone-Members Elsasser and Rieker.  
   A proclamation recognizing the 36th Annual Gerald Brookhart Arts in Education Spring Celebration began the meeting. Monica Hendrickson, Peoria City County Health Department Administrator’s tenth anniversary with the department was also recognized.
    There were no Citizen’s Remarks.  
   The Consent Agenda passed on a vote of 17-0 without discussion.  Items approved included:

• An intergovernmental agreement with the City of Peoria and the Health Department establishing the Peoria Health Equity Fund.  The county and city commit to providing $600,000 each for four fiscal years to address health inequities and the social determinants of health.  Federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds will be utilized.
• Acceptance of two grants to support PCAPS activities.
• Land surveying contract.
• Infrastructure, road improvement, or matching funds for projects on Sheridan Road and Cedar Hills Drive.
• Courthouse fire alarm inspection contract.
• County jail HVAC improvements.

     The regular agenda consisted of several items and all were approved following questions and discussion.

• A special use request for a private landing strip in Kickapoo Township.
• One-time ARPA funded bonuses for county employees.
• Pay increases for the County Clerk, Treasurer, Sheriff, County board members, committee chairs and the board chair.  Increases were small and will not again increase for multiple years.
• A resolution recommending the construction of a new Health and Human Services Campus on the property currently occupied by the City/County Health Department. The Health Committee reviewed more than thirty potential sites and chose the current site.  All committee meeting notes and scoring information on the potential sites can be found here.
• Suspension of the Rules to permit extension of the Declaration of Emergency due to COVID-19 in the county.

   Two items of note during Miscellaneous and Announcements:

• Member Sharon Williams reported that activity continues to reinvigorate the currently stalled Hanna City Rail-to-Trail effort.
• County Administrator Scott Sorrell reported on anticipated significant electricity rate increases this summer. Chairman Rand requested that appropriate experts in this area be asked to update the board at the June meeting.

 Jim Runyon, Observer
   Link to the meeting agenda and video are here:
   Agenda
   Video

   The quorum of the monthly meeting included only Commissioners Manning, Bartolo, and Williamson in attendance.  Discussion on the payment of returned vote by mail ballots was deferred until next month because Commissioner Burke has some input but could not attend the May meeting.
   During his report of the executive director, Tom Bride told the Board that primary ballots to be sent overseas would go out on Saturday, May 14, and early voting would start May 19.  Training on the new voting equipment is continuing throughout the month of May.  Staff is still working through various issues such as provisional ballots. 
   In addition to the dropbox at the Election Office, two more boxes will be located at the Civic Center Box Office and the North Branch Library in Peoria.  They will be available for two weeks starting June 13.  They have not yet been installed, and will have a better camera.  Staff is working on an intergovernmental agreement with the library and will probably have one as well with the Civic Center.  There was a short discussion about the possibility of people putting many ballots in a drop box at one time.  Director Bride assured the Board that each ballot goes through the same vetting process, checking signatures against those on file. 
   Cardboard voting booths have been procured from St. Louis County and will be used until permanent ones arrive from the vendor.
Irene Pritzker, Observer

​   During the Township portion of the meeting, the Trustees certified the actions taken at the April 12, 2022 Annual Meeting regarding placement of an advisory question of public policy at general election to be held on November 8, 2022:  “Should the State of Illinois Adopt an Independent Citizens Commission for the Federal and State Redistricting Process, that Would be Guided by Principles Established in Fair Maps Initiatives?” This will be submitted to the Peoria County Election Commission by the Town Clerk to be placed on November 8, 2022 ballot.
   Consent agenda of nine items approved without discussion.  Under regular business, the Council approved CDBG Public Service Commission to funding for  non-profit capital program in amount of $563,085.00.  These funds will be used for neighborhood revitalization and healthy living programs.
   The Public Works department was recognized for its efforts to coordinate area road repairs and avoid conflict with state roadwork schedule over the next year.  Some of the areas to be addressed are Orange Prairie Road, Nebraska from University to Sterling Ave, Allen Road from Northmoor to War Memorial Dr. 
   Council deferred voting on Video Gaming Ordinance until May 24, 2022 meeting.  Information on fee structure for other communities in Illinois is available city website (go to Agenda, click on item 22-119 to view), as well as proposed Ordinance.  The next council meeting is scheduled for May 24, 2022.  Minutes, agendas and recordings of meetings are available at https://peoriail.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx  
Connie Romanus, Observer

​Peoria Public Schools
  On May 9, the PPS board approved a new K-4 math curriculum for the district at a cost of $897,706. Piloted this school year, the new curriculum is expected to better prepare younger students for Algebra 1 readiness, introducing grade-appropriate concepts earlier.
 
The board was also presented details of an amended 2021-22 district budget. A public hearing of the amended budget is scheduled for Monday, June 13 at the regularly scheduled PPS board meeting. Details of the amended budget are posted on the district's website at https://peoriapublicschools.org. 
Becky Doubleday, Observer

​The May 2, 2022 PHA Board of Commissioners met for regular monthly meeting in person and virtually. 
   Several individuals spoke during community comments at beginning of meeting.  One resident of Sterling Towers complained about bed bug infestation that has led to sleeping in car.  CEO Newman planned to meet with this person after meeting.  Landlord complained about communications and lack respect of PHA employees.  He needed to have electrician do some repairs and inspection scheduled before work completed.  
   Minutes of the regular meeting of March 7, 2022 were approved, as well as, closed session meeting of March 7, 2022, and special meeting of March 31, 2022.  This Observer is monitoring PHA website for posting of meeting minutes within 10 days of Board approval per IL Open Meetings Act (OMA).  As of May 18, 2022, the minutes of February 7 and March 7, 2022 meetings are not available on website.  It is also noted that CEO report and reports listed under Consent Agenda are not readily available to the public to review.  This lack of transparency raises concerns that PHA does not have an effective plan in place to follow Open Meeting Act. e.  Note:  LWVGP requested FOIA in March from PHA to review meeting reports and minutes not posted at that time.  PHA staff and legal representative forwarded records that were requested in reasonable timeframe.
   Reports approved by consent agenda. 
   Resolution approved to amend employment contract of new Chief Executive Officer,  who started April 25, 2022.
   Under new business, Chair Cannon announced “lunch and learn” meeting scheduled for Board members on May 17, 2022.
   The next scheduled meeting of the PHA Board of Commissioners is June 6, 2022 at 4:30 P.M.                                      Connie Romanus, Observer

Council members approved consent agenda -thirteen items- unanimously, as well as minutes of April 12, 2022 joint city council and township minutes.
   Communication from City Manager Urich to approve intergovernmental agreement to establish public health equity fund between city, Peoria County and Peoria County Board of Health of $600,000 over four years.  Goal to address health and safety outcomes in impoverished areas.  Mayor Ali suggested presentation of plan as it is developed.
   Communication from City Manager and Director of Community Development presented to approve amending comprehensive plan that includes East Bluff Housing Needs Assessment and Community Revitalization Plan.  Plan supported by third district Councilor Riggenbach and passed by ten to one vote, John Kelly opposed.
   Council passed ordinance to amend Chapter 31 of Code of City of Peoria relating to stormwater utility fee.  This allows for property owners who are able to prove all stormwater was retained on property may be eligible for additional reduction in fee.  This application process requires submission of engineering reports and other paperwork.
   Finance Director Cratty presented overview of pension fund structures in Illinois and ongoing consolidation of police and fire pensions.  See minutes at www.peoriaorg.gov for full discussion.
   Continued concerns regarding panhandling at intersections and public safety had the attention of the council and citizens.  Interim Corporation Counsel Kapustka gave presentation on existing state laws and ordinances related to this issue, as well as provided options being used by other municipalities.
   City Manager Urich communicated information on predicted Ameren energy rate increases related to Regional Energy Supply Auction on April 14, 2022.  The current contract with City will expire at end of May 2022, resulting in energy purchases on volatile market.  More information is anticipated over next few weeks.  Rate increases raised from $5.00/megawatt to $236.00/megawatt and could result in consumer expense increase of $500.00 per year.
   The Peoria City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 6:00 P.M.  You can listen on WCBU radio, view on public access channel 22 or watch online https://peoriail.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
Connie Romanus, Observer

The Peoria Public Schools Board held its regularly scheduled meeting on April 25, 2022  with all seven board members present.
 
PPS Announcements (Upcoming Events)

• PPS is held the Annual Kindergarten Roundup at the Peoria Zoo on Saturday, April 30.
• Planning is underway for 2022 Summer School programming, scheduled for grades K-8 from June 13 through July 1 and for high school students June 6 to June 24. Students will attend the school they normally attend during the school year. Registration is open at www.peoriapublicschools.org/summerschool2022
• The Mayor’s Youth Program in conjunction with the City of Peoria Public Works Department will give students work experience during the summer. The application deadline is Monday, May 9.

 
PPS Awards and Recognitions
Superintendent Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat congratulated four PPS teachers – Emily Dawson, Shannon Sailer, Michelle Salazar and Lauren Wulf for earning advanced teaching credentials by achieving National Board Certification. The rigorous program, which is paid for by the state for eligible teachers, takes educators approximately two years to complete.
 
Student Showcase: Middle School Speech Team
Six PPS middle schools implemented a new speech and debate program targeted at fourth graders to improve their oral communication, vocabulary, analytical writing and public speaking skills. The schools – Glen Oak, Harrison, Lincoln, Trewyn, Roosevelt and Sterling – are using a program developed by Bradley alumni Salvatore Trajino of Advantage Communications. The hope is that next year up to 350 students will participate. The PPS District Championship is Saturday, May 14 at Manual High School.
 
District Presentation: Woodruff Career & Technical Center Solar Panel Installation
Installation of 545 solar panels at Woodruff Career & Technical Center should generate more than 318,000kWhs and offset 226 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. The construction process including roof updates began in 2019 and was funded by a $1.6 million award from the Edwards Power Plant. Contractor Ruyle estimates school district saving about $16,000 annually. Students in Woodruff’s Renewable Energy Program have been able to observe throughout the construction process, which has produced approximately 1,400 union job hours. Next semester students will monitor the solar panels, studying the energy production onsite.
 
Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda, which can be found at https://peoriapublicschools.org/domain/57, was approved unanimously.
 
To see the meeting, go to the Peoria Public Schools YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNu3PTGzEyjDH6qV7FKSnA.
 
Becky Doubleday, Observer

​Presentation of the Landen Memorial Volunteer Service Award was made to John Martin in recognition of his volunteer service since 1997 in the joint association of the PPD and the Peoria Irish Fest/ Erin Feis.
Presentation of the Rhodell E. Owens Distinguished Group Community Service Award was made to Kappa Alpha Psi.
Information Security Supervisor, Willie Howe, reported that over $10,000 was saved with revamping of the golf telephone system.
Chief of Park District police, Todd Green, commented on the job posting for one full time officer to bring up to to four, the number of officers needed.
During public comments, a member of the Center Bluff Coalition discussed the need for a shelter at Columbia Park. Staff will be following through with that request.
The last Springdale Cemetary Management Authority meeting minutes were included in the meeting packet and will be routinely included from now on.
Trustee Bright was absent. The meeting convened at 6:00 and adjourned at 7:05.
MA, Observer

The Peoria County Board held its regular meeting April 14th with all present but Member Salzer and three members participating via phone-Members Bryant, Fennell, and Reliford.  The meeting was brief—38 minutes.
Many proclamations began the meeting recognizing the following:

• Brimfield High School Girls Basketball IHSA Class 1A State Championship
• National Correctional Officers Week
• National Police Week
• National Work Zone Awareness Week
• National County Government Month
• Peoria Humane Society for their fundraising efforts and support for PCAPS animal shelter

 
There were no Citizen’s Remarks.  
The Consent Agenda passed on a vote of 17-0 without discussion.  Most items were focused on regular financial matters.  The employment agreement with County Administrator Scott Sorrell was amended following his performance review. 
The regular agenda consisted of three items and all were approved.

• A special use request for an Airbnb/VRBO property in Limestone Township.
• Suspension of the Rules to permit extension of the Declaration of Emergency due to COVID-19 in the county.

Jim Runyon, Observer
Link to the meeting agenda and video are here:
Agenda
Video
​