City Council - Regular Meeting

Councilman Ola, are you

good? Good. Yeah. [clears throat] Good evening everyone. It is 6:03 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025. I'd like to call the meeting of the Poria City Council to order. I'd also like to welcome everyone here in our historic city council audience, our chambers, as well as our listening audience watching on cable channel 22 and the city of Peoria YouTube channel. Madame Clerk, the council mics are open. Please call the role.

Mayor Ali, present. Council member Allen, present. Council member Carmona, here. Council member Seir, here. Council member Gordon Young, present. Council member Jackson here. Council member Kelly here. Council member Oiler here. Council member Rianbach here. Council member Valpula present. And council member Vespa here. You have a quorum present, Madame Mayor.

Okay. Thank you very much. Everyone, please join me and stand for a moment of silent prayer or silent reflection followed by the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Madame clerk, we are at proclamations. We have several proclamations today. Five, in fact. Uh the first recognizes our United States Marine Corps and we have uh Mr. Dell Miller and Mr. Scott Grubs. Would you please come forth to the podium? The proclamation reads, "Whereas the United States Marine Corps has protected Americans and guarded their freedom for the past 250 years." And whereas since its creation on November 10th, 1775 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the term Marine has been associated with courage, professionalism, and military proficiency. Whereas a Marine is trained to hold their ground against any odds and to always be faithful to God, country, and core, standing ready to fight any time or anywhere the president or Congress may designate. And whereas the city of Peoria is proud of our community's contribution to the Marine tradition and salute Marines serving around the globe. Now therefore, I, Reed Ali, mayor of the city of Peoria, Illinois, do hereby celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps in Peoria, Illinois. [applause]

[applause]

Thank you for your service, gentlemen. Thank you, Mayor. I appreciate we all as a group appreciate everything that you do. We appreciate this designation and we celebrate. Our birthdays come around once a year. We celebrate every year, but this one's special. Yes. So thank you very much. Simpify.

You're welcome. Welcome. Thank you. [applause] Our next proclamation recognizes Southside Mission's 100th anniversary. Wow. And we want to welcome uh the executive director of Southside Mission, our own Reverend Craig D. Williams to the podium. And Reverend Williams, um I happily attended your [clears throat] Gayla event. It was gala. It was outstanding. Um, I would like before I read the proclamation proclamation for you to identify who you have standing with you.

Okay. I have Ron Wyatt, our um I'm sorry, I had a brain fart. Um, our um vice president vice president of the board, Lord have mercy. And Mr. Jerry Johnson, who is the assistant executive director and Rich Drager is hiding back there. I don't know why, but he's back there.

Okay, great. Wonderful. Whereas Southside Mission was founded in 1925 with the purpose of providing vital assistance to individuals and families in Peoria, Illinois, particularly in the 61605 zip code. And whereas for an entire century, Southside Mission has faithfully served as a beacon of hope, support, and empowerment for the community, offering essential services and resources such as educational programs, youth summer camps, thrift stores, and food for those in need. And whereas Southside Mission's enduring commitment to serving the underserved through its diverse programs inspires generosity, compassion, and volunteerism, helping build stronger and more resilient communities and families in Peoria. And whereas the 100th anniversary of Southside Mission is a momentous occasion to reflect on the past, celebrate its accomplishments, and look look toward the future with optimism as it continues to serve the people of Peoria for generations to come. Now therefore, I Rita Ali, mayor of the city of Peoria, do hereby recognize and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Southside Mission.

[applause] [applause] WE ARE VERY humble and honored to have this proclamation today. Uh 100red years of service. Um that is just unexplainable. We know that God has just blessed us to continue on serving the uh zip area codes 61605 and and we just so grateful and humble of this uh acknowledgement. Thank you. Only the strongest can survive a century. So congratulations.

Thank you. Thank you. [applause] Our next proclamation recognizes Community Foundation Week and we have the president and chief executive officer of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, Mr. Mark Roberts. Also the chair of Community Foundation of Central Illinois board, Leanne Miller. Thank you for joining us. Whereas community members, neighborhoods, institutions, and organizations in the city of Peoria have historically benefited from the ongoing generosity of donations from families, businesses, and community foundations. Whereas the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, CFCI, has granted $147 million in grants to nonprofit organization since its ex inception in 1985. And I remember that when it started. Whereas one of the most significant ways to ensure a strong community, economic vitality, and educational success is through the active presence of a community foundation. In the 2025 fiscal year, thanks to the generosity of donors, CFCI distributed $749 grants totaling 7,712,918 with a focus on supporting children and youth, community improvement, education, health and human services, workforce development, and f and fostering the local arts community. Whereas CFCI has numerous funds and initiatives, including the Women's Fund of Central Illinois, that ensure the

continued support of programs for women and girls. And whereas our community is fortunate to have the Community Foundation of Central Illinois as a resource for collective giving. Their dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly every day to inspire philanthropy, improve the quality of life, strengthen nonprofits, foster collaboration, and provide leadership in central Illinois. Now, therefore, I, Rita Ali, mayor of the city of Peoria, Illinois, do hereby acknowledge November 12th through November 18th as Community Foundation Week in Peoria, Illinois. [applause] Well, well, thank you, Mayor Ali, and thank you, council members. Thank you, uh, city staff as well. I'm pleased to be here, as as the mayor mentioned, with joined here by our board chair of our excellent board of directors at the community foundation, Leanne Miller. And on behalf of our fund holders and our staff and all of the stakeholders of of our community foundation here locally, it's my honor to accept this proclamation. Uh across the country, community foundations help connect people who care with causes that matter. I I love that phrase and I use it frequently. We work to build strong, vibrant communities. And this week, we are celebrating with over 900 other community foundations across the United States. These are organizations that help to provide essential services like health care and food banks and libraries and volunteer fire departments and on and on and on. In 2024, last year, these foundations collectively granted over $30 billion back into their communities, supporting all of those organizations and and so many more. Locally, as the mayor just mentioned, uh we have at the community foundation granted over $7.7 million back into our community last year. That is the the largest amount in the history of the community foundation.

and we've granted nearly $150 million into the um community since our inception in 1985. And it makes me point out we have a 250th anniversary behind us, a 100th anniversary, and this of course would be our 40th anniversary. So, we're proud of that, but we're particularly proud of these community partners as well. So, um we are among the largest community foundations in Illinois by asset size and one of the two largest downstate south of the BBS by asset size. That's good news for our community. And we're making an impact by addressing food insecurity, workforce readiness, issues impacting women and girls, arts and culture in this community, hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to our local students annually, and so much more. What we know is that by aggregating the financial resources of individuals and families and other nonprofits and and u corporations, we can amplify our collective giving to do so much more in a community. And by working with so many partners, we are collaborative focused at the community foundation, we're helping to lead the way towards an ever improving quality of life in our area. So we are very honored to get to do this work on behalf of our community. I see so many of you around the circle here that are engaged with the foundation in some ways. We're thankful for all of you and for all of our community members and we thank you for this recognition today. Thank you so much.

Mark, how how many uh CEOs have there been? There have been four CEOs in the 40-year history of the community foundation. And how long have you lived the organization? It will be it's over 17 years at this point. I had hair when I began, mayor. [laughter] Well, we thank you for your leadership and and Miss Miller, you as well. Thank you for your service. Thank you so much, everyone. [applause] Our next proclamation recognizes Hindu Heritage Month and we have uh Mugda Mugda Padikar and Nikquil Utar. Did I say that right? Yes. Yes.

Okay, good. Or close enough, huh? Thank you. Whereas Hinduism, one of the world's oldest religions, is rooted in the timeless values of truth, compassion, nonviolence, service, and respect for all beings, ideas, and have inspired millions across the globe for thousands of years. And whereas the Hindu community in Peoria and throughout the United States has made invaluable contributions to the fields of education, medicine, business, technology, art, and public service, enriching our city's cultural and civic life. And whereas Hindu Heritage Month offers all Peorian an opportunity to recognize, honor, and celebrate the diverse traditions, languages, philosophies, and cultural practices that are associated with Hinduism and continue to inspire generations. And whereas the city of Peoria proudly acknowledges the Hindu community's commitment to peace, unity, and service reflecting our nation's shared values. Now therefore, I, Reed Ali, mayor of the city of Peoria, Illinois, do hereby recognize the month of October as Hindu Heritage Month in Peoria. [applause]

Thank you honorable mayor Ritali. Um, my name is Nikl Uttar.

I am MDAG. We are volunteers of Hindu 7 Poria chapter. [snorts] And thank you honorable mayor Ali for this proclamation. The members of Hindu community in Peoria are proud to have contributed to the great city of Peoria. In many ways [clears throat] as physicians, professors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and in numerous civic and volunteer roles. Our community has found success not only in personal and professional endeavors but also in enriching the social and cultural fabric of Poria. However, this progress has been possible only because of the warm welcome, support, and encouragement we have received from broader Peoria community. Just as seed can grow into a strong and flourishing tree only when nurtured by the fertile soil, water and protection, our community has thrived thanks to the inclusive and supportive spirit of Poria. And for that, we are deeply grateful. Thank you.

You're welcome. Thank you. The months of October and November hold special significance for Hindus as they mark the celebration of important festivals such as Nawatri and Diwali. These festivals promote the message of triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. In the spirit of giving and service, we are honored to participate in initiatives like the ongoing SA Diwali food drive which will benefit center for prevention of abuse neighborhood house and treatment school. Through this which we share the joy of Diwali with our less fortunate brothers and sisters of Peoria. We hope that in turn the many vibrant and joyous Hindu festivals celebrated across the city have also enriched the lives of all Peorians promoting the values of unity, peace, universal oneness that lie at the heart of our ancient Hindu faith. Thank you once again for recognizing October as Hindu heritage month and for celebrating the diversity that strengthens our community. Thank you.

And also congratulations on your amazing Diwali event at the Por Civic Center this past weekend. Congratulations. [applause]

Our final proclamation recognizes Native American Heritage Month. Uh, it's presented by the city of Peoria and we have Robert Chef, otherwise known as Woof Eyes, and Julie Ellis. Is Julie here also? Yeah, she's back here.

Okay. Whereas the history and culture of our great nation have been significantly influenced by American Indians, Alaskan Native peoples, and indigenous peoples. And whereas the contributions of Native American Indians have enhanced the freedom, prosperity, and greatness of America today, their customs and traditions are respected and celebrated as part of a rich history throughout the United States. And whereas the name Peoria derives from the Algan language spoken by the Peoria tribe of Indians of Oklahoma. While Peoria originally meant comes carrying a pack on his back, a more modern translation has defined it as to dream with the help of a man too. And whereas we recognize the Native Americans who lived in Illinois and contributed to our community's cultural legacy, we acknowledge those who made their home here first. The sock, Mescoi, Padawatami, Kikapoo, Wnebago, Cahokio, Kalasia, and Peoria among many others. And whereas Native American Awareness Week began in 1976 and recognition was expanded by Congress and approved by President George Bush in August 1990, designating the month of November as Native American Heritage Month. Now therefore, I Rita Ali, Mayor of City of Peoria, do hereby acknowledge November as Native American Indian Heritage Month in Peoria. [applause] You gota you got to um kind of bear with me for a minute. On September the 8th, I

had cervical spine removing my neck. I got 90% robotic in my neck now. I still recovering, so kind of bear with my speech a little bit. Um I'm not in my native gear because of that reason. Um Marily, I got a certificate here for you. I don't know if you realize this is our fourth year. So, um, before I speak, I want to play, um, a thing on YouTube from our Native Americans. I want to speak about before I play this. Here in Peoria, Illinois, I heard that there's a I guess not a law, but someone in the the political forums has said that Native Americans can't speak Native American language. Why? Why can't we speak Chinese? You speak Hundu, you speak any inner languages, why can't we speak Native American language? Three police officers told me that in the last three weeks there's an ordinance. I didn't know that. So I asked, I'm going to play this. If I go to jail for speaking my native language, then take me. So, I'm gonna play this real quick from our Native American person that's a very outspoken person that just went to Congress last week. So, I'll play this real quick. This is a traditional greeting of my people that I am bound to give. Albeit,

it's a short version. What I said in my own language translated into English thusly. [clears throat] Hello my relatives. I have an ogala lot and I come from our very sacred holy land, the Black Hills where Yellow Thunder village is. My mother is from the War Eagle clan and my father's family is from the Crazy Horse Clan. This greeting is to this day the way all Indians throughout the nation still greet one another, those that still know their culture. This is the only way we present ourselves to one another. That is acceptable. We tell you who we are, where we are from, who we are from, our clans, and we do this without ever saying our name. Anything less would be an insult to you and to my people. Senators, So USA and Wanda, I'm saying thank you and welcome you to your my home and your home. As Americans, we supposed to be American people. We supposed to have freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of culture, freedom of anything. So why is my language being taken away? Why can't I speak Cherokee? My kids this last year rollboat report on Native American history. The teachers told him in district 150, we don't talk about those people. Why not? We're still here. So next year, fifth year anniversary may when we do the proclamation again, if you're still here, [snorts] I want to do an honoral here in the

middle American ceremony. It would take about five, six minutes. I'm not going to speak. I'm not going to do nothing. It's going to do the ceremony only as our fifth year anniversary. So I ask all city Canada council members, anybody here that as a Native American, this upsets me today that our Native American people that serve in the armed forces, Marines, Army, Navy does not get recognized as Native Americans as our service as we serve the American people. So again, I want to thank you again, mayor, for inviting me, but I want to bring that issue up to play today that why can I not speak my language? That other cultures that's among us speaks their language. Why can't I speak mine? Thank you. And I got that. And I got that.

Happy Native American Indian Heritage Month. Thank you. [applause] Okay. Thank you, Madame Clerk. We are at the approval of the minutes. Councilman Reagan.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. I move to approve the minutes of the special city council meeting held October 7th, 2025. The minutes of the regularly scheduled joint city council town board meeting held October 14th, and the minutes of the special city council meeting held October 21st as printed. Okay. Seconded by council member Kelly. Any questions or comments? Please cast your ballots. Mo motion passes unanimously. Madame Clerk,

we have two town items. 25-295 is a communication from the town officials budget committee with a request to adopt an ordinance, excuse [clears throat] me, loving and assessing taxes for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2025 and ending March 31, 2026 for the general fund and the Illinois municipal retirement fund of the town of the city of Poria, Poria County and state of Illinois in the amount of $362,000. Trustee Gordon Young. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I move to approve item 25-295.

Uh seconded by Trustee Allen. Any qu questions or comments? [snorts] Please cast your ballots. Motion passes [clears throat] unanimously. Madame Clerk, 25-296 is a communication from the town officials budget committee with a request to adopt an ordinance levying and assessing taxes for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2025 and ending March 31, 2026 for the general assistance fund of the town of the city of Poria, Poria County and state of Illinois in the amount of 1,57,540. Trustee Gorn Young.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. I move to approve item 25-296.

Second by trustee Allen. Any questions or comments? Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Madame clerk, we're at the city portion of the agenda. We're at the consent agenda. 25-297 is a communication with a request to approve an amended settlement agreement in H Highidleberg versus Hibser. 25-298 is a communication with a request to approve an intergovernmental agreement for shared cloud gavvel services between county of Poria and the city of Poria. 25-289 is a communication with request to adopt an ordinance amending section 28-62 reducing the number of members on the transportation committee. 25-299 is a communication with request to adopt an ordinance amending chapter 3 article 2 section 3-52 of the code of the city of Poria to revise the class G liquor license requirements. 25-300 is a communication with request to adopt an ordinance amending chapter 31 of the code of the city of Poria pertaining to storm water utility. 25-301 is a communication with request to adopt an ordinance partially abating the tax here to for levied to pay special service area property taxes on the Holiday M property tax special service area in the amount of $151,000. 25-302 is a communication with request to adopt an ordinance levying a special service area real estate tax in the amount of $148,60 against specified parcels as described in exhibit A for tax year 2025 for the Knoxville Junction Special Service Area. 25-303 is a communication with a request

to adopt an ordinance levying a special service area real estate tax in the amount of $6,400 for the tax year 2025 for the Lamont Avenue SSA. 25-304 is a communication with request to adopt an ordinance partially abading the tax here to four levied to pay special service area property taxes on the Poria Sports Center property tax special service area in the amount of $221,000. 25-305 is a communication with a request to adopt an ordinance leving a special service area real estate tax in the amount of $97,000 for the tax year 2025 for the Westlake special service area. 25-306 is a communication with request concur with recommendation from the planning and zoning commission and staff to adopt an ordinance reszoning property from a class C2 largescale commercial district to a class R3 single family residential district for the property located at 6006 North Big Hollow Road Poria Illinois 25-307 is a communication with request concur with recommendation ation from the planning and zoning commission and staff to adopt an ordinance approving a special use in a class R3 single family residential district for a short-term rental for the property located at 3806 West Thistle Lane, Poria, Illinois. 25-308 is a communication with request request to concur with recommendation from the planning and zoning commission and staff to adopt an ordinance amending an existing special use ordinance number 1631 as amended for a residential cluster development in a class R3 single family residential district to reduce the

previously amended rear yard building setback from 19 ft to 15 ft for the properties identified as 2526, 2602, 2606, 2610, and 2614 West Lauren Lane, Poria, Illinois. And 25-309 is a communication with a request to to approve the site application for a class GD beer and wine co-working space liquor license with the retail sale of alcohol for pallet tasting room LLC doing business as Pallet tasting room at 820 Southwest Adam Street contingent upon the issuance of a certification from the liquor commission to approve. And that concludes our consent agenda.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Are there any items to remove from from consent? Councilman Seir. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Moved uh uh I'd like to remove 25-307, please. 307. Yes, ma'am. Okay. Thank you. And if I can, there's nothing else to be removed. Anybody Anything else to be removed? I'd like to move to accept the waiting to hear. Okay.

Okay. Any other items to remove from consent? Uh, can I get a motion to uh approve the remaining items? Uh, moved by Council Member Seir, seconded by Council, Member Gordon Young. Any questions? Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Madame Clerk, 25-307 is a communication from the city manager and director of community development with request to concur with recommendation from the planning and zoning commission and staff to adopt an ordinance approving a special use in a class R3 single family residential district for a short-term rental for the property located at 3806 West Thistle Lane, Poria, Illinois.

Council member Seier. Thank you, Madam Mayor. give the floor to Miss Alen.

Thank you, Madam Mayor, councel. Uh, I just need to give a little bit of an update on this request for the short-term rental at this th this property. After the planning and zoning commission meeting, we were made aware of covenants that are recorded uh against the sub the subdivision, Summer Ridge, and we um reviewed those covenants thoroughly with the assistance of our great legal department. We determine that the covenants are applicable in that they state that the um business or commercial uses are prohibited which includes short-term rental uses. So, I do need to revise our staff recommendation to a recommending denial because of those covenants, which um in our code for short-term rentals are something that we need to uphold for that subdivision. There any questions? I'm happy to answer.

Well, Director Allison, I understand in talking with um our corporation council earlier that you're planning to change the process. So, yes. So research is done on the front end and we don't have to absolutely this is what we can learn from this is to do the the research for these covenants on all short-term rentals as as quickly as possible so that we can you know catch it earlier much earlier. So I do apologize for this. Okay. Thank you Councilman Seir.

Thank you Madam Mayor. Uh move to deny the application for special use in a class R3 single family residential. uh for a short-term rental. Seconded by council member Allen. Any questions or comments? [clears throat]

Please cast your ballots. [clears throat] Motion passes unanimously. Madame clerk, we are at presentations. 25-310 is a communication from the city manager and director of public works with a request to receive and file a presentation on snow removal operations. Mr. Manager,

uh thank you, Madame Mayor. It's that time of year again and uh as we prepare for the snow season, uh we wanted to ask our deputy director of public works to come in and give [snorts] you another presentation on our uh snow planning efforts for uh the upcoming winter season, unfortunately. Welcome, Director Mun.

Thank you, Madame Mayor, manager and councel. Um always look forward to being here at this time of the year. Um it just kind of sets the tone for the next few months of what's to come. We don't know, but we are prepared. So, um, we want to talk a little bit, uh, about our snow plan for this year or for this season, I should say. And, um, I'll give you some insight as there are a few changes. So, we'll talk about that here in a little bit. Um, here's one of the changes. Uh, increasing from 21 to 23 snow routes. Um, with the additional full-time staff that we've been able to bring on board the last couple of years, it's now allowed us to um increase our snow routes from 21 to 23. And what that does essentially is it'll help us speed up the process of of completing u the snow removal. Um, as uh as the snow dissipates in the air, we clean up the streets and we move on a little bit sooner. Uh there's also this year, which has been in uh what we've done for quite some time now, designated uh hill routes, four hill routes, um which allows our travelers to get from the bluff to the valley or from the valley to the bluff. And once they're at one end of the uh spectrum there, they should be able to travel, you know, without a lot of concern. The hills are definitely a critical area for us. Um we have eight tandem plow routes. Essentially what eight tandem plow routes will do is we will cover the city with um either two, three or four trucks on a route and we can get curb to curb in in a much quicker time and that opens up the the uh traveling for the traveling uh public. So a a lot sooner. The best time for us to do a tan plow route is um in the overnight hours. It can be done during the day but with the amount of traffic it gets in our way. the overnight hours, very minimal

traffic. Especially if you're talking about 1, 2, or 3:00 in the morning, and we can call a tandem route together, and the next thing you know, we've got three and four trucks going down the street, one behind the other, and we're pushing snow from one curb to the other in a pass, sometimes um in less than a pass. So, I mean, um the TAN plow routes are very, uh very good for us. Um, and then of course we are we have the 24-hour roundthe-clock operations and that does involve the two 12-h hour shifts when two or more inches of snow is forecasted. The reason we do the two or more inches is because at 2 in or more of snow we go into the residential districts. Okay, once we're done with the arterials, the main arterials. So, um, so 2 in, um, is is the is the point where it'll take us into the residential and then we we will continue on with the 12-h hour shifts until those are completed. The map there on the side of of the of the screen uh does show um the 23 routes and they're all color coordinated um so that you can see the size of uh the size of of each route. some larger than others, but but that's uh what we have there. So, this is um um what's highlighted in blue here is what is considered the um ID dot roads in within the city, but within a certain portion of the city. Some of these roads here um we've been maintaining them uh through our intergovernmental agreement. Unfortunately, right now we don't have an intergovernmental agreement with them. So they will be maintaining the traveling lanes and we will be maintaining the parking and the bike lanes. So there's going to be shared responsibility there. Now the complicating thing about that is is

timing and being that this is the first time we've had to deal with this um it's going to be trial and error so we can till we can figure out the the best process here. Um so some of the examples of um the roads that are ID dot roads are Western Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, Howet, uh Knoxville, Southwest Adams, Northeast Adams. Um there's a number of roads out there, like I said, that are highlighted um on on the on this map here itself. Um, so due to financial and operational impacts, the city and ID do not renew a tenure intergovernmental agreement. That's where now, so this might get confusing to some of the um residents, but again, we're going to work through it and we're going to make sure that we're covering what we need to cover. Um, I do again, we'll we'll cover the drive lanes, we will cover the parking lanes and the bike lanes. Okay. Um there's a picture there that kind gives you an idea of what the parking lanes look like. They will be pushing snow into our parking lanes or to the parking lanes which we do maintain. And we will take the snow from the parking lane to the curb. So that's going to be the process. Now it it's it's going to be different this year than it has been for many years in the past. We understand that. The message is is that um it's it's going to be taken care of. It just again it's a timing factor that's going to make a big difference and we will continue to work on that. Um so [clears throat] our snow routes are that consist of the primary snow routes uh arterial streets 161 miles of the priority two residential streets. There's 332 miles with 80 miles of alleyways that we maintain. Um the city does not have a bare pavement policy as you see on the

screen. What that means is that we treat the streets. We'll we'll pre-treat, we will treat, and we will plow, but there's no guarantee. We cannot give a guarantee that there will be bare bare pavement. In other words, running water is is what we if we get it to running water, that's getting to bare pavement. There's I mean we attempt to do that and that's our goal but there's [snorts] not a guarantee to get to bare pavement and we just want people to understand that um once we plow the snow [clears throat] actually depending on the inches even before we plow the snow you should be able to travel on flat ground without any real issues. Um, our goal to maintain safe travel routes during the winter season and to restore mobility for the traveling public within a reasonable time frame following winter storm conditions. So, that's basically what we talked about. Um, no bare pavement policy when it comes to that. Uh, snow removal is a public safety operation and it truly is a public safety operation. Um so we we we just we want to um make sure that we are understood you know by the public. Um the timing of of uh snow uh snow removal that is between 2 to 6 in um our snow plan allows us for up to 24 hours to clear the entire city. six or more inches is citywide arterial snow removal within 36 hours of u the snow removal. And then of course we have our ABC which we call our ABC sub routes. That's a rotational approach to plowing uh residential streets. So as you can see here the example is storm event one. We start with A go to B and then go to C. And what that is made up of is one route is broken up into three different routes.

Okay. So then the second storm will go BCA and then on down you can see the others. The reason for that is is it's effective first of all, but [snorts] it doesn't give everybody the the um impression. It does give the impression that they're the first or the last all the time, but it nobody is first and nobody is last. every time there's a storm, we rotate that that um uh those routes and then the parking enforcement. U so the parking bands go into effect as you can see the the uh the signs on the right side of the screen. Um no parking two or more inches of snow. Once there's two inches predicted, that goes into effect. The two inches or more of snow, there's no parking on on the arterial streets. two or more inches is um the again would put us back into residentials uh residential plowing clearing. Um two or more inches is um the standard. Now, the downtown business district says no more no parking 2 or more inches of snow, and it's got between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The reason that we have no parking between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. is we can get downtown and clear the business district, the the downtown business district, so that people can get to work in PUI and we can keep functioning. Okay. So that's that falls in line um with um the the streets from for example Spalding to Comp and from the Water Street to to the Bluff. So um we can clear that area in the overnight hours and and Puria can continue to function. One other thing once that goes into effect the two inches of snow uh goes into effect for no parking it's in

effect for 48 hours. That's automatic. It's not something that we would um consistently put messaging out with. If we do get phone calls, we do we do, you know, explain that it is a 48 hour deal. Uh and so this is uh for information um for the public. Um there's releases that are sent through Gov Delivery. We have communication groups, HOI neighborhood associations, subscribers, Facebook, you can see all that that's up there. uh PIA Cares uh the city website and of course during the major storms we've been able to get on the uh on the billboards at different uh large intersections uh in town which has been a donation to us to get the message out. Uh, so that works well on the on the larger storms, but you can see the phone number for PIA Cares and then there's the website of course for information. How to contact public works. Um, our phone number is right there 4948800. Uh, we have a pre-recorded storm update at 4948850, I'm sorry, 8830. So people can call that number and find out without having to have a live voice to talk to. they can call that number and find out what the updates are and what's what's what's happened and what's going to continue to happen during a snowstorm. Um the snow call center uh which we have at Drez Lane is 4948850. Um that's activated during a sign during the significant storms. It's dedicated to staff to uh we have a dedicated staff to answer the phones and um and then there's a voicemail backup. So, if somebody's on the phone and somebody calls in and they can't get the voice, there will be a voicemail so we can return return that call. We won't miss the calls. Um, typically what happens with the snow

call center is those go into effect when we get the large events with a lot of phones ringing. Okay. So, um, this will help, uh, relieve, you know, the phones from ringing throughout the day between the pre-recorded storm update and the snow call center if we if we actually have that activated. So, we talked about ID dot a little bit earlier and um, you know, they're going to be maintaining the drive lanes at this point. Um, we are maintaining again the parking lanes and the bike lanes. Um these this these are the phone numbers or this is the phone number for anyone that has any questions pertaining to the I do roads. Um their phone number is 309-671-4487. That number is for anything and everything related to emergency communications that you need to to to get to ID do with um with questions with concerns with um you know if if the roads are are getting snowpacked and we're having trouble um traveling for any concern trees down you you name it that's the that's the mainline number and I'd really really uh impress upon people that they should use that number. Now, I I get it. Sometimes you're not going to know if it's an ID do call or it's going to be a city call. We get that. If you do call us, we're going to refer you to that number. Not to not want to take care of your issue, but because we know that that it's an I do um jurisdictional responsibility. There's also a um website that anyone can go on to get information about I do roads throughout the entire state and that's www. gettingaroundillinois.com. That's a website that will tell you if you're going to travel to St. Louis, travel to Chicago, or go into the to the

uh east end of the state. It'll tell you what roads uh are out there that and what condition are in those roads. So, we encourage people again uh to utilize that as well. Um, one other thing before we get to um, questions I just wanted to mention, it's kind of a timely thing. Today is first responders um, National First Responders Day, okay? And it comes timely with us being first responders in this event. police, fire, paramedics, military, all public um uh or all um uh first responders and we appreciate everything they do, but public works has been recognized as a first responder as well. We just wanted to put that out there because uh we are all about safety. Thank you.

Thank you, Director Marone. um several questions and I'll kick I'll kick these off uh with a few questions of my own. Uh we always look forward to your snow presentation every year and I'm sure your team is going to do another phenomenal job this this winter. Uh so first question is uh when do you expect our first snowfall? Um you'll get that first update as soon as we know. [laughter] Okay.

All right. now more seriously uh under the shared responsibilities because even though I'm optimistic I do have some concerns um with the shared responsibilities this new plan can you go back to the slide that talks about the shared responsibilities and identifies uh the streets okay um this is just a a handful of the streets avenue that is from Lincoln to literally to Farmington Road. Okay. It'll go around the bend for on on on Main Street for two blocks. Mhm. Uh Lincoln Avenue, that's from Jefferson to Griswald.

I'm sorry. Lincoln is from from Laram to to Jefferson. And Howet is from um that's one way going the other direction. So Jefferson to Griswalt. Griswald, right? Uhhuh. And then Knox Knoxville Avenue. Um we've maintained that for quite a number of years and that goes from Pennsylvania actually up from Glenn Oak where you go up the ramp. So from from Glenn Oak at the ramp all the way to War Memorial Drive now is is u a shared well that's no longer shared because there's no parking lanes on that on that street. So that will be their responsibility on Knoxville.

The entire almost the entire street of Knoxville.

Yes. And I will tell you, oh geez, I want to find um so these roads here, we just spoke of them. But if you if you take a look at um northeast Adams, so basically from Wayne Street to where Adams and Jefferson come together at Kamasu, that's going to be shared because there is parking on on on those streets or on that street as well as Jefferson coming from that triangle um from there all the way to Spalding. It goes further than Wayne Street. It goes to Spalding. So there's um you know um well you can see on the map where one goes longer than the other and then um Howitt and Lincoln are the other two that have sidewalks. Uh Glendale has sidewalks and beyond that it's going to be IDOT's responsibilities on the rest of those streets.

Right. And the streets that you named those are the primary streets that now the city in the past has assumed responsibility for snow removal. But now this coming winter ID is going to have responsibility for that snow removal. And I know that we've maintained high standards. High standards. And you described the process of AB and CD maybe not CD but um the process that we have in terms of prioritizing rotating. Do we know what ID do's process is? And do we know, are you assured that we're going to have those same high standards on these streets that are located within the city that we're accustomed to having uh city services?

So, we had a meeting with them earlier today, as a matter of fact, to iron out these issues. And their number one priority is the interstate,

right? But they have streets on all state routes or on all roads on all state routes. We expressed that our biggest concerns are the hills uh for example Spalding Glenn Berkeley because of the ambulances and fire apparatus that need to get there or police. So that that is a concern. And around um um actually that's probably a Western Avenue hill, but that that one also those can get away from you re relatively quickly if we're not staying on it. And that's why we designate trucks solely for the hills so that people can travel. um their plan is that they will I mean we may end up calling them and saying hey we've got these complaints here going on and if they can't get to it we're not going to turn our heads the other way we can't turn our heads the other way we will work with them to try to you know get this figured out and we're going to work with them to get it figured out how how the timing of it's going to work but the fact of the matter is is that we still have to maintain or make sure that these high visibility areas is are being maintained.

Yes. And they are major streets in our city and some of them I mean I can hear the complaints now

that um yeah Lincoln Howet Western why are we being ignored? Why [snorts] are these why is Knoxville a major artery in our in our city? Why are we being ignored? Right? And I just I there has to be a strong backup plan and there has to be high standards for these areas. Um and I I think if we're going to make this change, we have to to make sure that there's going to be high standards continue. Well, the communication is going to be the biggest piece that we're going to have to work with to get the message out so that eventually, I mean, we won't probably have every person in the city of Puria would have heard that message, but once the message gets out and people start talking about it, hopefully that's going to going to drive home what's really happening. But, um, uh, do we know their exact plan? Well, we know what their plans are. you know, the interstates are are priority and the other secondary street or the other routes are secondary, but they say that they'll have resources to to work on that. So, we'll we'll hold them we'll hold them accountable.

Okay. We'll be optimistic and wait and see. Council member Seir, [clears throat] thank you, Madam Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Maroon. Uh, just a couple question. Number one, did we uh finally equip our um truck with GPS system so we know where they're at once there's phone call asking when will a particular street will be cleared.

So we don't have the GPS systems on the trucks right now. um we will take a phone call and then and then find out where they live and then then we can always radio to the truck that's doing that ABC route or that residential route to let them know approximately what time they may be getting there. And sometimes on the ABC routes, you know, we start with A and somebody might live on the C route. It's going to take a while for us to get to them, right? So we want, you know, we want to make, you know, make that understood. We because we don't run and chase all these different locations, but we will get to that

residential street soon, you know, soon after we get started on the ABC routes. Do we have a lot of new drivers this year? And what kind of training they receive and make sure we don't forget sometime we forget called the Sachs or something. So what kind of training they receiving?

So we have quite a number of uh new drivers. We have actually 16 that are going through our training right now. We do an in-house training for two weeks of hands-on and um and then on the streets and then we give them the opportunity when that's done to to run their routes, drive their routes so they get comfortable with and familiar with um what the route looks like, how they're going to run it, which um which directions they're going to go in. It's also going to help them to identify manhole covers that they might hit or trees that are low or low hanging wires. So, it gives us an opportunity while we're in dry pavement and and you know, without any precipitation to handle a lot of those things and get a lot of that resolved before we get into the the storms.

Last question. Usually every year during your presentation, you talk about the uh the 24hour and the 36-hour. When does it start? When does the clock start? You didn't I didn't hear you mention this year. The clock starts when we get the phone call. When we get No, that's not the answer I'm looking for is when when do we start playing the roads basically and when that the snow has to stop falling. Is that correct? It doesn't. No. Well, if we know that there's something significant coming, we go out with a pre-treat. We'll pre-treat with um salt and brine. So, that that can that will happen typically before the first snowflake.

Okay. Okay. But I thought the 24 hours you said in prior year that starts or 36 hours starts when the the snow stopped falling at 24 hours. Yes. Okay. I I understand what you're asking now. Yes. It when the snow stops we have 24 hours on 2 to 6 in and 36 hours uh over 6 in. Thank you, sir. Thank you, Madam Mayor. You're welcome. Council member Kelly.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. And uh uh thank you, Mr. Maroon. uh and I'm sure that things will go very well. They have gone well, I think, in in the last few years. And uh thank you for that. I just have a technical question on your last slide. I'm looking at my um iPad and it has the uh Illinois Department of Transportation phone number is is 671333. That's the main line that rings into their uh their front office. So So that that [clears throat] uh 4487 Yes.

is the right number. Thank you. That is the number that that's the number for anything and everything pertaining to ID do. Okay. That goes to their emergency communication center and they're on 24hour. So um the 333 is just a mainline number for the office. Okay. Thanks very much. Thank you, Madam Mayor.

You're welcome. If there's no other questions or comments, can I get a motion to receive and file? Moved by Council Member Seir, seconded by Council Member Gordon Young. Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you, Director. Madame clerk,

we are at regular business. 25-311 is a communication from the city manager and director of community development with a request for the following. A. Accept the executed grant agreement from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in the amount of $2 million for construction cost of the Salvation Army's new men's shelter. and B, adopt an ordinance amending the city of Poria 2025 revised budget relating to the general fund to recognize the receipt of grant funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in the amount of $2 million for the Salvation Army's men's shelter. And item B requires twothirds vote of council members voting, no less than six votes, and we need separate votes on each, please.

Mr. Manager. Uh, thank you, Madame Mayor. I'll turn the floor over to our community development director to explain this item.

Uh thank you, manager. Thank you, mayor. Thank you, council. Uh while I wish this was a new project, uh this is a project we've already told you about uh that actually broke ground excitingly um about a month and a half ago. Uh the Salvation Army is working to expand um their footprint down uh in the North Valley area uh to expand their ability to provide uh shelter to um individuals uh specifically a lot of men who are experiencing homelessness with one of their expansions uh and and just kind of redoing the entire block. Like I mentioned, they broke ground about a month and a half ago. Um, last year we applied with them uh on their behalf uh for a $2 million grant through the state of Illinois. Uh this is just the paperwork to get it finalized to go towards their about $20 million project. So uh very excited to that they uh to actually get this money, but also that they are already starting construction. So happy to answer any questions.

Any questions? Can I get a motion to approve item A? Moved by council member um Rigenbach, seconded by council member Oiler. Yes, council member Rianbach.

Thank you, Madame Mayor, and thank you, Director Dulan, for for that explanation. And I just want to um remind my colleagues that this is something that Salvation Army brought to us about a year ago. So just keep that in mind as we look at the issues involved around the unsheltered that even when you have a motivated provider it there's a lot of time involved in getting things to the finish line. So I also want to recognize staff director Dulan and um Katherine Murphy our grants coordinator for their efforts and being creative in getting this grant awarded to the city to pass on to Salvation Army. So, good work all around and I think it shows the commitment that this council has to addressing this issue and thinking outside the box to get that done. And I'd already moved, didn't I? So,

okay. Yes. And I totally agree. Ditto ditto. And uh it hasn't come without challenges. [laughter] So, Director Dulan, thank you for your efforts in working through those barriers that um you experience along the way. So, any other comments, questions? Please cast your ballots. As to item A, uh, motion passes unanimously. Council member Rianbach. Approval of item B. Seconded by council member Oiler, please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Madam clerk,

25-312 is a communication from the city manager and director of community development with a request to concur with recommendation from the planning and zoning commission and staff to adopt an ordinance amending an existing special use ordinance number 17993 with waiverss for a neighborhood center in a class R6 multifamily residential district and a class R8 multifamily residential district to add property to the boundary of the special use 404 Wayne Street and 817 Northeast Jefferson Avenue and to amend the site plan to add a fence and to add a pavilion for the property located at 800, 814, and 8:16 Northeast Madison Avenue, 801, 803, 809, 815, and 817 Northeast Jefferson Avenue and 404 and 406 Wayne Street. and 724 Northeast Madison Avenue, all in Poria, Illinois.

Mr. Manager. Thank you, Madame Mayor. Uh, now that we're moving into zoning items, I'm going to turn it over to our assistant director of community development, Lee Allison.

Thank you, Mr. Manager. Madame Mayor, Council, um, Pory Friendship House operates a wonderful neighborhood center at 800 Northeast Madison. They have an existing special use and they'd like to amend it for a couple different things. as as described, they would like to add two adjacent parcels into the fold of their existing special use that will be incorporated into their outdoor recreational area. Uh they'd like to construct a pavilion for that recreational area and then also add fencing to their property boundaries. Um I can answer questions if you have any at this time. I don't think so. Council member Rianbach,

I'm prepared to make a motion. Okay.

Um I would move to approve but with a couple amendments on this. If you look at um page four with the um special conditions on this the um number one, all parts of the fence shall be located on private property. that remains the same. Replace all non8a compliant sidewalks along the property for rentage within 3 years. I would like to make that four years. So the motion will be on condition two that the sidewalks will be improved within four years. Condition three stays the same. Um, condition four will be a waiver to allow an 8 foot tall um, chain leak fence. This will be a playground for children. And if if you go down on site, you can see that the the sixoot fence doesn't really give the protection that it needs. And if they're playing ball or whatnot that um, things can easily go over a six-foot fence. So, um, we're going to allow them to have an 8-ft tall fence. And then, um, on special condition five, the transitional buffer yard, um, we're going to lower that to a 5-ft width. Um, because of the size of the lot and the improvements that they're making, there is nothing on the adjacent lot at this time, but it is zoned residential. So if that does become a residential um they would have that buffer of there of five foot. Um as as I walked aside and talked with director um Somerville who sent his regrets. He had a family situation tonight that he had to tend to. Um I think this is something that we'll want

to look at longer term. this project, the the fencing, the the playground equipment, the pavilion, it's about $175,000 project, which doesn't sound like a lot in terms of our budget. But when you look at a nonprofit that uh works with a very challenged group of people, that's a lot of money. And then the way our ordinance currently reads, we would have to they would have to improve the sidewalks, which the depth of the sidewalk frontage that they have would be well over the 175,000 that they're spending on on the project itself. So, I don't I'm not asking for any special action tonight or anything, but I think we need to consider that if there's a way that there's thresholds that nonprofits that they don't need to make those infrastructure improvements. I know I'm talking out of both sides of my mouth here because I want the sidewalks to be improved

and we hear director powers tell us there's more demand than money and that's exactly the same situation our nonprofits are in. So, so by giving them four years, we'll we'll kind of punt on that one, I think. But [clears throat] I do think that's a discussion that we need to have at some time in the future. So with those um amendments, I would move for approval. Is there a second? Seconded by council member Oiler. And I would ask uh Director Allison, were you familiar with these recommended uh amendments? Yes, we had had conversations, so I was I was informed. Yes. Okay. All right. And do you see them causing any kind of conflict? No.

Okay. Well, certainly. Great. All right. We have a motion and a second. Uh please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Madam clerk,

25-313 is a communication from the city manager and director of community development with a request to concur with recommendation from the planning and zoning commission and staff to adopt an ordinance approving a special use in a class C and neighborhood commercial district to expand a non-conforming outdoor storage use for the properties located at 916, 918, 920, and 922 West Lincoln Avenue, Poria, Illinois. Mr. Manager, again, I'll turn it over to our assistant community development director. Thank you.

So, this is um Getat Fire, which is located at 1615 Southwest Adams, uh requesting to expand their outdoor sage area towards the Lincoln side of their property. And that requires a special use because it is non-conforming. it's existing non-conforming um recommending approval and there are some conditions that we've got in place but if there are any questions happy to answer them. Okay. Thank you. Council member Jackson.

Um I don't have any uh questions. Madame Mayor I would just like to uh make a motion if I could. Um excuse me. [cough] [clears throat] I'd like to make a motion to approve item uh 2513. with the following amendments to uh the special use ordinance. Uh number one, excuse me, eliminate condition number one requiring uh the removal of the existing uh chain leak fence and um item number two, eliminate [clears throat] condition number six, requiring replacement or repair of sidewalks. And this will allow for the outdo out outdoor storage to occur but without the requirement to remove the existing chain link fence or replacement of the sidewalks.

Okay. Can I get a second? [clears throat] Seconded by council member Kelly. Any questions, comments? Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. I see you're staying put. uh director Allison. So we'll [laughter] uh madame clerk

25-314 is a communication from the city manager and director of community development with a request to adopt one of the following. A to concur with recommendation from the planning and zoning commission to adopt ordinance A approving a special use in a class R3 single family residential district for a public elementary school for the property located at 100021 North Pacific Street, Peoria, Illinois. or B to concur with the recommendation from staff to adopt ordinance B approving a special use in a class R3 single family residential district for a public elementary school for the property located at 100021 North Pacific Street, Poria, Illinois.

Director Allison. [clears throat] Thank you, Madam Mayor. So, this proposal is for a new elementary school K through 5th grade for the Dunlap school district. It's proposed to be new construction located behind or west of their existing Wilderweight School. Um, it's a two-story 80,000 square foot school. Uh, I think it's helping to address their capacity issues that they have with their student population. Um, it'll include an outdoor playground, basketball courts, a landscape courtyard, and a nature discovery garden. [snorts]

you have two ordinances before you because through the planning and zoning commission's review came uh a slightly different recommendation. So the ordinance A is the recommendation from the planning and zoning commission to approve with a condition that um relates to repair or replacement of the public street that uh Pacific that currently fronts along the existing school. The condition from the planning and zoning commission states if that existing school is ever demolished or removed, the street work would be replaced as the condition it currently is in. Okay, which is it is a township road. Okay. Ordinance B differs and it is from staff's recommendation. same condition of if the existing school is ever demolished and the road work that needs to be repaired or replaced, the condition of that road would be to a city standard. So that's the the the difference is the condition of a future repair replacement of a road if and only if that existing school, the Wild School is ever demolished. If it remains as currently constructed, there's there's no condition that comes into play with the road. And according to the Dunlap school, they may likely just utilize that existing school for, you know, their programming of their students with the new school.

Sure. Um, so I hope I'm able to clarify those two ordinances. Everything else remains the same with the recommendation. Okay. If I can answer any questions, I'm happy to. Thank you, director. Council member Seir.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. After discussions with Dr. Scott Dearman, who's a superintendent for uh Dunlap School District, I also had conversation with Scott Adrian, who's the public work u kind of their guru. I I don't know if that's a real uh title, but he's the gentleman in charge of all the public work for Dunlap School District. And a conversation lastly with Tom Felman, who's the chairman of Dunlap School District. All these gentlemen are on the same page and I would move to concur with the recommendation B. B. Okay. As in boy.

Uh, may I get a second? Seconded by council member Carmona. Uh, continue discussion. Council member Kelly. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Just uh to uh [clears throat] uh enlighten me, Miss Allison. Uh, you mentioned that that was a a township road. Um, and I'm not f first of all, it's not Poria Township, right? Uh, it's Madina. Okay. Um, I believe. Yeah. And currently the township maintains that road. Yes, that's my understanding. We do not maintain it.

Okay. Um, and so do we have the ability to specify uh how that road is taken care of or whether it will be repaired or you know that sort of thing. I mean I I don't I don't mind but I is that our power here? Yes, it can be a part of this uh special use approval and it's looking to the future. Yes. Yeah.

But it's not our street or our road. Right. Currently, no. It is not our street or road. in the future, should it ever become, which is possible, we want to have, again, if conditions of that school are removed and they do make repairs or replacement of that street, it's a condition that the city can accept to our standards.

Do do we have the power to today to make such a uh a requirement? I'm not saying we can or can't, but I'm I'm wondering do we Yes. or maybe the and if council wants to weigh in. Sure. Thank you. I'm sorry. Oh, that's okay.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, our extrajudicial authority extends to a mile and a half beyond our current municipal borders and includes subdivision authority which deals with the quality of the infrastructure that's constructed by developers. uh when someone that has an existing use with an adjacent street that isn't up to city standard comes forward for an amendment or an adjustment to that use, we then have the authority to at that point exercise our extrajudicial or extra territorial authority. The assumption is that over time we will be expanding our corporate municipal boundaries and that the orderly development in the future will be consistent if we start applying city standards to that extr territorial area. This is a common method utilized throughout the state of Illinois by municipalities to control how certain streets are improved before it becomes part of a city so that the standards don't have to be retroactively applied later on. Those retroactive street upgrades are very expensive. So this is why many subdivisions that are outside of the city are built to city standard. This is just a small snippet of using that authority for just the area of improvement in front of the school. Thank you.

Thank you. Yeah, my uh question was not as to whether or not we would want this to happen. It it was more a question of can we make this uh requirement and I think you're saying that we can within a mile and a half of our municipal boundary. We have the authority to impose these conditions as if it was within our municipality. Okay. Thank Thank you very much. Thank Thank you, Miss Ellison. And thank you, Madam Mayor.

You're welcome. We have a motion on the floor to approve item B. Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Madame Clerk,

25-315 is a communication from the city manager and finance director controller with a request to adopt an ordinance abating the tax here to for levy to pay principle of and interest on general obligation corporate purpose bonds of the city of Poria, Poria County, Illinois. 2015 series B, C, and D. 2016 C. 2018 series A, 2020 series A and B, 2021 series A, B and C, 20202 series A, and 2023 series A, and the partial abatement of taxes levied to pay principal and interest on 2018 series B general obligation bonds in the amount of $546,938, the partial [snorts] abatement of taxes levied to pay principal and interest on 2019 general obligation bonds. in the amount of $500,000 and the partial abatement of taxes levied to pay principal and interest on 2022 series general obligation bonds in the amount of $372,200.

Mr. Manager. Uh thank you, Madame Mayor. Uh this starts the first three items of adopting uh the budget for 2026 and 2027. and I'll turn it over to our finance director to explain the details of this ordinance item.

Uh thank you, Mr. Manager. This uh this ordinance in front of you tonight um abates close to $18 million in levies that are associated with our with our existing debt. Um it maintains $2 million for the purposes of uh road improvements. Um, if you remember through our discussions in the budget as well as just overall on the truth and taxation hearing, um, this is a component of our rate. Um, and we'll talk more about that on the next item. But really, this ordinance in front of you is to abate that around $19 million and maintain that $2 million for roads. And with that, I'm available if there's any questions. Council member Seir.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Move to adopt this ordinance. Seconded by Council Member Gordon Young. Any questions, comments? Please cast your ballots. [snorts] Motion passes unanimously. Madam clerk, 25-316 is a communication from the city manager and finance director controller with request to adopt an ordinance loving the taxes for fiscal year 2026 for municipal purposes for the city of Poria, Illinois. Mr. manager. Uh once again, I'll turn it over to the finance director. This is our property tax levy ordinance.

Uh thank you, Mr. Manager. Uh the property tax levy in front of you tonight um is in line with the levy estimate that we discussed on September the 23rd. Um we also had a truth and taxation hearing last last Tuesday on this matter. Um because the average or the estimated growth in EAV next year is a little bit over 6 and a.5%. Um the the key I think pieces uh for council and for the public um this levy is anticipated to be $34,418,810. Um from a truth and taxation standpoint the the rate however um is staying flat. Um when you take into account that the abatement of the bond ordinance that you just completed as well as the library bonds um we're actually seeing a slight decrease in our rate um from 1.5381 uh to 1.5284. Um so this ordinance in front of you tonight is in line with the council's uh previous direction on u maintaining the the tax rate at or below the the previous year's rate.

Council member Seir. Thank you, Madam Mayor. First of all, I'd like to say thank you to Mr. Manager and Mr. Katty for their work and also thank you for to all my colleagues, Madame Mayor. Uh, it was a good team effort this year. So, I'd like to move to adopt this ordinance. Seconded by Council Member Gordon Young. Any questions or comments? Please cast your ballots. [snorts] Motion passes unanimously. Madam [snorts] clerk,

25-317 is a communication from the city manager and finance director controller with a request to approve a resolution adopting the 2026 2027 bianial budget for the city of Poria. And this item requires a majority vote of council members voting no less than six votes. Mr. Manager. Uh thank you, Madame Mayor. This is the appropriation ordinance. So this is the actual spending authority that we will then have for u FY26 uh with the estimates built into it for FY27. We'll come back next year with the revised budget for adoption of 2027 at that point in time. Okay, Council Member Se.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. Uh again, thank you, Mr. manager, Director Katty, and Madame Mayor and all my colleagues for all your efforts this uh this budget year. Uh move to approve this ordinance.

Seconded by Council Member Allen. Any questions, comments? I too want to thank our staff leadership, Mr. Manager, Director Katty, and your team. You've done a phenomenal job and uh great report backs and um I think we're on the right track here. Thank you, mayor. And I I really want to thank all the department directors and their teams for putting together a a really solid budget this year as well that we could work with. Okay. And thank you, uh, Council Member Seir for your recommendations early on that we remove fees and, um, I think we all agreed that that was a good thing to do for our residents. So, thank you for your leadership. Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Yay. [applause]

Madame clerk. We are at unfinished business. 25-262 is a communication from the city manager and director of community development with request to concur with recommendation from the planning and zoning commission and staff to adopt an ordinance reszoning property from a class R4 single family residential district to a class CN neighborhood commercial district and P1 parking district and approving a special use in a class CN neighborhood commercial district for auto repair for the properties located at 1039 9 West Lincoln Avenue and 1034, 1036, and 1038 West Howit Street, Poria, Illinois. Mr. Manager.

Uh, thank you, Madame Mayor. This is another zoning item. This is unfinished business. So, we do have our assistant community development director, Lee Allison, back at the at the podium.

Thank you. So, uh, Mr. Raspberry owns the property at 1039 West Lincoln Avenue and he has uh reached out to us about acquiring three adjacent lots that are currently within the land bank program. So, they're owned by the city and he would like to uh reszone the properties all to CN neighborhood commercial. Oh, I'm excuse me, reszone the the um adjacent properties to parking for utilization with his business that he operates at the 1039 West um Howet and also zoning that property to CN Neighborhood Commercial. It's all to um help facilitate his auto repair business and then give him some a little bit of extra parking. With that, uh we recommend approval and the planning and zoning commission also did as well. Um I can answer questions if you'd like if you have any.

Council member Jackson. Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um I just uh would like to say I did get an opportunity to meet with Mr. Raspberry. got a good understanding of uh his auto repair operation and uh became familiar with a lot of the work he's doing and the co-op opportunities that he's providing for young people. So, uh I am in full support of what he's doing and look forward to his continued operation at that location. I would like to move to approve.

Oh, okay. Seconded by council member Oiler. Any questions or comments? Please cast your ballots. Thank you. Motion passes unanimously. Madame clerk, if there is no further unfinished business, we would be at new business.

Okay. Uh two items uh from me. First is uh looking we originally going to pass the vote on the budget on November the 4th. However, we did it today and looking at business items for that day. Um, there are very few. So, originally our meeting was scheduled for November the 11th, which is Veterans Day. We can't do that. So, we moved it back to the 4th. So, unless there's any objection, we're going to cancel the meeting for November the 4th. And our next meeting will be November the 18th. Are we good with that? We don't need to vote on it, but yes. Okay. All right. Thank you uh for that. And then uh secondly, over the weekend, there were a lot of things going on in Peoria Diwali and then there was the NAACP freedom fund banquet and they always have an awards uh program that recognizes uh people and leaders in our community. And um two of those individuals, one was our chief of police was recognized. I don't remember the name of the award that he received, but he received a leadership award from from the NAACP in recognition of his leadership. And the one of the other awards was awarded to Councilman Dr. Andre Allen and he received the NAACP John W. Stinson leadership award. So congratulations. Uh that's a great award named after a great uh individual, former chief of police, the first African-American chief of police uh in the city of Peoria. So congratulations. [applause] Other new business, Council Member Ragenbot. Thank you, Madam Mayor. when we had that item um with the short-term

rental in this new neighborhood and staff did a review of the the covenants on this um I think as you as you look at best practices in other cities also take a look if there's a neighborhood being built without such covenants um obviously there's not going to be an HOA until the houses are built so how do we protect that new construction, that new neighborhood until such time as they can be organized since STRs are something that we have a special use for and it can be limited by covenants or HOA restrictions. So, if you could just include that in your review, I think that would be appreciated.

Good idea, Mayor. Thank you. Any other new business? Uh, Council Member Gordon Young. I was just Thank you, Madam Mayor. I was just going to give you the name of the award that the chief won. Oh, okay. Do you know what it is? The uh hold on, let me roll in here. It's the John H. Gwyn Jr. Courage Award. Oh, he won the John H. Gwen Courage Award. NAACP. That's fantastic. Congratulations, Chief. Any other new business? Madame Clerk, we're at citizens opportunity to address the city council. We have not received any cards. We do not have an executive session. So we would be at adjournment.

Can I get a motion to adjurnn? Moved by council member Velpoola, seconded by council member Oiler. Uh please cast your ballots. We are adjourned. Thank you for your service.