City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening everyone. It is 6 o'clock p.m. on Tuesday, November 18th, 2025. I'd like to welcome everyone to the Poria to the meeting of the Poria City Council. I'd also like to welcome everyone in our historic city council chambers as well as our audience watching on cable channel 22 and on 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. [clears throat] 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 Velpula. And Council Member Vespa here. You have a quorum present. Madame Mayor.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Uh, everyone, excuse me. Everyone, please join me and stand for a moment of silent prayer or silent reflection followed by the pledge of allegiance. I allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Madame Clerk,

we are at the approval of the minutes. Okay, I'm just going to back up uh just a moment. Normally, we do proclamations first, but we don't have any proclamations tonight, but we do have an acknowledgement that I would like to share with you. I received a letter from Nicole Stewart. Um, she's the president of the Central Illinois Municipal Clerk's Organization, CIMCO, and she made me aware that Deputy, our own deputy clerk, Courtourtney Cole has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 2025 Presidential Award from this organization. And before we applaud her, I'd like to um read what that means. The Central Illinois Municipal Clerk's Organization, Simco, Presidential Award. This award is given annually to one member whose service, initiative, and commitment go above and beyond supporting Simco's mission to promote efficient clerk operations, foster collaboration, educate the public, and encourage professional growth. Simco, am I saying that right, ma'am?

Yes, you are. Okay. Simco President Nicole Stewart selected Courtney for her outstanding contributions this year. As vice president, Courtney managed online registration for the back to the basics seminar, a two-day training event for municipal clerks to refresh skills, learn best practices, and network with peers, coordinate speakers, and ensure smooth operations. President Stewart highlighted Courtney's initiative, creativity, and reliability, noting her active involvement, thoughtful questions, fresh ideas, and willingness to assist wherever needed. Her dedication and attention to detail have made a significant impact on SIMCO, its members and clerks throughout the state of Illinois, and I can easily say that you're making a tremendous impact on our city government as well. and we're blessed to have you here. Um, we're very proud of all of our clerks. U, Madame Clerk, they're highly credentialed and highly skilled and talented. And we just say congratulations to you, Clerk Cole, on this uh, great honor

and service. You're welcome. [applause] [applause] there was a press release that was uh sent out and it included her picture and it included the information on the award. So we we hope JJ that get that that gets published in your newspaper. [laughter] No pressure. [laughter] Okay, Madame Clerk, back to the minutes. Sure. At the approval of the minutes, Councilman Rigenbot.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. I move to approve the minutes of the joint city council town board meeting held October 28th, 2025 as printed. Seconded by Councilman Councilwoman Jackson. Any questions or comments? Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Madame clerk, we have one town item. 25-318 is a request from the town officials to approve the October 2025 actual expenditures and to approve the November 2025 anticipated expenditures for the town of the city of Poria. Trustee Gordon Young.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. I move to approve town item 325-318. Is there a second? Seconded by Trustee Allen. Any questions or comments? Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Madame clerk, we have two public hearings. The first one, 25-319, is a public hearing regarding the proposed Adams Liberty Tax Increment Financing District. And we need a motion to open the hearing, please.

Okay. Can I get a motion to open the public hearing? Moved by Councilman Carmona, seconded by Councilwoman Gordon Young. Any questions or comments? Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Uh we don't have our um city manager here, but we do have our assistant city manager uh man madam manager uh Kimberly Richardson. Is there any comment? Um madame manager,

good evening. Good evening, mayor and council members. Yes, good evening to everyone. Uh so I'm very happy to bring to the council our public hearing related to the Adams Liberty Tax Increment Financing District. This is consisting of one uh square block uh boundary by uh Liberty to the east, Jefferson Street to the north, Harrison Street to the west, and Adam Street to the south. And this is also the block where we are working on the redevelopment of the P, as we call the PNC bank. and creep core building in adjoining parking deck. This plan is going to represent a part of our strategic goal of reval revalidizing our downtown and incorporating mixed residential and commercial use in our buildings. So today I have um a quick overview of just what we've done so far to get us here today. And I just want to acknowledge that we also have Herb Klein here from Klein and Klein to answer any legal questions as it relates to the TIFF and how we put the TIFF together. Um on December, sorry, on October 15th, we had a joint review board meeting um with u members of the taxing bodies that will be impacted by that meeting. Uh this joint committee met uh and move forward the public move forward this project. Today we have our public hearing and then it will once the public hearing has con um convened on January 13th we'll be able to come back to council with a final ordinance to establish the test district. So if there's any further questions I'm here to answer them and again we have Herb Klein here to answer any questions as it relates to the plan itself.

Thank you. Is there anyone here that would like to speak to the public hearing regarding the proposed Adams Liberty TIFF tax increment financing district? Again, is there anyone here that would like to speak to the public hearing regarding the proposed Adams Liberty Tax Increment Financing District? And finally, is there anyone here that would like to speak to the public hearing regarding the proposed Adams Liberty TIFF district? Can I get a motion to close the public hearing? Moved by Council Member Kelly, seconded by Council Member Oiler. Any questions, comments? Please cast your ballots. Motion passes. unanimously. Madam clerk,

the second public hearing 25-320 is a public hearing regarding the proposed Northwoods Mall Tax Increment Financing District. Madame Manager. Oh, can I get a motion to open that public hearing? Moved by Council Member Allen, seconded by Council Member Gordon Young. Any questions or comments? Please cast your ballots. Motion Motion passes unanimously. Um, madame manager,

thank you, mayor. The Northwoods Mall tax increment area that we are looking to move forward is really a plan to address what we're seeing not just locally, but nationally when it comes to the older infrastructure of our mall infrastructure and commercial and light use in that area. We have 13 vacant parcels that have been vacant for quite some time and have not seen redevelopment really happening over the course of the last several years. And so understanding that this area continues to see a higher rate of vacancy and in infrastructure deterioration, we wanted to provide some abilities for the city to be able to support some type of financial incentive to get development to to continue to um happen in that area. With that being said, we did have a again another uh joint review board committee me committee meeting that occurred um in October. We have our public hearing today and then again in January of 2025 we'll be coming forth to uh be present the uh ordinances to approve the plan and the increment. So with that being said, if there's any further question, I'll be willing to answer at this time.

Thank you. Is there anyone present that would like to speak to the public hearing regarding the proposed Northwoods Mall tax increment financing district? Is there anyone here that would like to speak to the public hearing regarding the proposed Northwoods Mall TIF district? And finally, is there anyone here who would like to speak to the public hearing regarding the proposed Northwoods Mall TIFF district? Can I get a motion to close the public hearing? Moved by Councilman Carmona, seconded by Councilman Allen. Any comments or questions? Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Madame clerk, we are on to the consent agenda. 25-321 is a communication with a request from the CDBG public services commission to approve the 2025 community development block grant public service funding recommendations in the amount of $270,000. 25-322 is a communication with request to approve the funding recommendations from the home for all continuum of care for the 2026 2027 emergency solutions grant in the amount of 156,382 in 2026. 25-323 is a communication with request to approve a change order to the professional services agreement with Patrick Engineering for corridor identification and development step one in the amount of $50,000. 25-324 is a communication with a request to approve an intergovern intergovernmental agreement between the

city of Poria and greater Poria sanitary district to line selected city sewer segments in the low bid amount of $94,800 with an additional authorization of $9,480 for contingencies for a total project amount of $14,280. 25-325 is a communication with request to approve a state motor fuel tax resolution for the Pioneer Parkway multi-use path from Allen Road to Knoxville Avenue in the amount of $190,000. 25-326 is a communication with request to approve a resolution for signatory authority with the Illinois Department of Transportation for authorizing the city manager to sign federal funding forms and electronic signature forms on behalf of the city. 25-327 is a communication with request to concur with a recommendation from the planning and zoning commission and staff to adopt an ordinance approving a special use in a class WH warehouse form district to paint murals on a structure within a historic district for the properties located at 825 Southwest Adam Street. 25-328 is an appointment by Mayor Ali to the housing commission with a request to concur of Marwin Spiller. 25-329 is an appointment by Mayor Ali to the transportation commission with a request to concur of Nathan Johnson. 25-330 is a communication with request to approve the site application for the expansion of an existing class B1 restaurant 25% food liquor license with a subclass one 4:00 a.m. closing hours with on-site consumption and the retail sale of alcohol for J&J Pizza Plus Inc. doing business as Hoops Pub and Pizza at 516 Main Street with a recommendation

from the liquor commission to approve. 25-331 is a communication with a request to approve the site application for a class B1 restaurant 25% food liquor license with a subclass 1 4 a.m. closing hours with on-site consumption and the retail sale of alcohol for 500 through 516 Main Street LLC doing business as TBD at 512 Main Street contingent upon the issuance of a certificate of occupancy with recommendation from the liquor commission to approve 25-332 is a communication with request to approve the site application for a class D hotel liquor license with the retail sale of alcohol for on-site consumption for Poria Hotel Owner LLC doing business as Staybridge Suites at 300 West Romeo BG Garrett Avenue with a recommendation from the liquor commission to approve and 25-33 is a communication with request to approve the site application for a class B1 restaurant 25% food liquor license with a subclass one 4:00 a.m. closing hours with on-site consumption and the retail sale of alcohol for 500 who through 516 Main Street LLC doing business as TBD at 500 Main Street contingent upon the issuance of a certificate of occupancy with a recommendation from the liquor commission to approve and that concludes our consent agenda.

Are there any items Thank you, Madam Clerk. Are there any items to remove from consent? Council member Kelly. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Uh 25331 and 2533, please. 251 31 and 33. 331 333. Correct. Yes, ma'am. Okay. Thank you. Are there any other items? Council member Seir. [clears throat] Thank you, Madam Mayor. Move to approve the balance of the consent agenda.

Seconded by council member Gordon Young. Any questions or comments? Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Madam clerk,

25-331 is a communication from the city manager and corporation council with a request to approve the site application for a class B1 restaurant 25% food liquor license with a subclass one 4:00 a.m. closing hours with on-site consumption and the retail sale of alcohol for 500 through 516 Main Street LLC doing business as TBD at 512 Main Street contingent upon the issuance of a certificate of occupancy with recommendation from the liquor commission to approve. Council member Kelly.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Uh just just for information's sake, TBD does not refer to a situation where the name is to be determined. Right. It is the name of the uh facility. Is that That's my understanding. Uh Council Hayes. Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Yes. um the um developer and and the owner here um we're fortunate Mr. Ritterbush has decided that his one of his retirement passions is going to be redeveloping the 500 block of Maine and this is the first time council's seen action in this arena but we'll see an awful lot of activity there adjacent to the Madison um where he's undertaking a project that will expand the present hoops which is a matter that was already approved on the consent agenda. and then develop the next two units so that that entire block are going to be um entertainment and um and restaurant type facilities. And so in our hospitality district, we're seeing an expansion of hospitality in property that's been idle all too long. And we're very grateful for those efforts. The TBD indicates that we're still working on our redevelopment agreement with them. They're still working on some of their concepts. And TBD really does mean to be determined. They're going to market uh a name, but they haven't come up with it yet. So, both of these items that you've identified with that moniker on them is simply because they were not yet prepared to make a a final determination of how they're going to market those amenities. But we're we're very excited as staff to be providing a local investor coming forward and taking on the task of of revitalizing that entire block. And so, uh, we're looking forward to that. Thank you.

Prior to prior to licensing, we will have that name, correct?

It's it's my understanding that they're close to coming up with a name and that they would draw that. And one of the things that came up just for the council to understand is those places are not ready to open. They won't be ready to open till this summer. We may need an extension. You know that you have to open a newly authorized site within six months or seek an extension. And they're they've already indicated that they may need that, but they're targeting somewhere around July as I understand it. Uh but as we all know, taking on um our older historic buildings often presents some um un unforeseen challenges and so they're going to do what they can to open that this summer, but TBD literally means they haven't come up with their final determination of the name yet. Thank you. Yeah, I think it's a great question, uh, Councilman Kelly, and we're I think we're all happy to see this development take place. And, um, but isn't there a requirement to have that name finalized before we actually issue a license?

Yeah, they'll have to have that for the license. Absolutely. Okay, you're correct, your honor. I'm sorry if I wasn't clear in my response. Okay, no, no problem. Council and mayor if I could have and I I apologize for interrupting but I want to mention something else that we approved in the consent agenda.

Um so present here is Diane Sisman the general manager and Joe Motomedi who's the project manager stbridge u has undergone a tremendous amount of rehabilitation. It's all new furnishings. You've seen the activity over there. You've seen the construction activity. It's been ongoing for a while. This uh license will allow them to provide some amenity for their guests. They're going to be providing that as a as a incentive for their hotel guests, but they're uh going to reopen in February and they got improved on the consent agenda and they're probably going to get up and walk out. But I just wanted to thank them and their organization for their investment in our downtown area. Sure. Thank you,

Absolutely. Councilman Kelly, does that satisfy your question? Uh uh yes it does. And um it's a small point but maybe in the future if we have a similar situation we could put TBD in parenthesis. Uh that way it would be clear that it's to be determined rather than that's the name. But I am uh personally since I have the mic I'm personally thrilled with the [clears throat] revitalization efforts. um uh that are going on there. This is a a a to me a wonderful site, but it's been neglected for quite a long time, and I'm I'm thrilled that uh we have some folks, local folks who uh wish to redevelop it. So, thank you, Madam Mayor.

Sure. Would you like to make the motion? That's a very good idea, Madame Mayor. Okay. [laughter] Um, I uh move to approve item 25331. Okay. Seconded by Councilman Oiler. Any questions or comments? Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Madame clerk. Oh, I'm sorry. Councilman Kelly. Uh, thank you, Madam Mayor. Uh, I move to approve item 25333.

Oh, okay. All right. Is there a second? Councilman Oiler, any questions or comments. Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Madam clerk,

we are at regular business. 25-334 is a communication from the city manager and director of community development with a request concur with recommendation from staff to adopt an ordinance approving a special use in a class CN neighborhood commercial district to adapt establish a halfway house for the property located at 1924 Southwest Adams Street and on your desk there is a handout with an updated council communication and ordinance. Madame Manager,

our assistant uh community development director to present this item today. Thank you.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. Councel. So, this is a request for a special use to establish a halfway house at 1924 Southwest Adams. This property has an existing 2 and a half story building that um was built sometime long ago in the past. It's sorry it's it's been vacant for a number of years. Um at one point in time it was used as a homeless shelter for um or a home for the homeless and mentally ill. The present proposal is for a halfway house for about 10 to 12 proles from the Illinois Department of Corrections that will reside there through a 16-week program. Uh the uh staff, there will be three staff that will be present during normal business hours and then security will be present 24 hours, seven days a week. Um the the program was really intended as the planning and zoning commission heard through their public hearing to help paroleies rebuild their lives, get back on their feet with housing and support. Can I answer any questions?

I I have some questions. I think I see some more questions on the um around the horseshoe as well, but I toured that building with uh Director Dulan and some of his team members and inspectors and so forth. And um we were actually looking for potential locations to support um unhoused populations at the time and this was just a few months ago. um what type of investment is being put into that uh facility to bring it up to par because it it wasn't quite livable at the time. Can you can you talk about that?

Yeah, the the the review through our um building inspections and our development review does require that that property will have to be thoroughly inspected and meet our life safety regulations. So there probably will be as as you mentioned some improvements needed to make sure that it's a safe building to house to house persons there. So they haven't really communicated the level of upgrade that's going to take place. They haven't gone into great detail other than they they're well informed that that will be a requirement if this is approved and ultimately through a a building review inspection to meet all the regulations.

Okay. But they haven't fixing it right from the owners. Uh I believe they may have an option to purchase. Okay. Okay. Council member Kelly.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um uh I'd like to ask whoever should be asked um what the changes are on the yellow sheets versus what what we received. And I apologize for not mentioning that. So the yellow paper is because of the timing of our planning and zoning commission meeting which was held yesterday. So we weren't we didn't have that um information in your original packet. The public hearing was held. The planning and zoning commission voted unanimously to approve with the the conditions as um presented from staff. Um so that that is the update and I apologize for not making that clear to you.

Uh thank you. And uh just [clears throat] a another point, I believe I I believe that that property uh was at least in one of its incarnations uh the uh the I2 hall in Poria uh before they built uh out on Farmington Road. Uh but I'm very happy to hear uh that that that's a wonderful structure. It's a beautiful structure and I'm glad uh to know that uh it's being revitalized and put to good use. So, thank you. Thank you, Madam Mayor. You're welcome. Council member Jackson.

Uh thank you, Madame Mayor. I um would like to know uh Miss Allison is a representative uh from the group here. Uh I got an opportunity to speak briefly with uh one of them last week and I spoke to Mr. Carl Callaway who is affili affiliated with the program and they have been collaborating with them uh already. Um is I was told somebody would be here tonight. Uh is anybody represented? Uh would you uh mind just coming up and uh just giving the council a little bit of an overview about uh the organization, what you've been doing and um what your plans are.

Okay. I I wasn't prepared to come. I was just coming here to listen to the meeting. Mr. James McCoy. James McCoy Pure Illinois. Um you need address and no. uh just tell us your uh position or affiliation. I'm a therap I'm a therapist with grow. Um and one of the things that they talked about with the facility because a lot of people just keep mentioning the halfway house

but the main thing that really needs to be mentioned is it's mental health therapy and that's the main piece but the people that are going to come in are transitioning and as we know one of the biggest problems that we have in the city is we don't have enough mental health providers. And I was happy when I retired from the city and I actually started participating with Grow. They're actually not asking for any funding but yet bringing these services to our our citizens here in town. So when I started working with them and seeing their different visions, we actually service over 100 kids in the schools right now and this is something they're looking to do on their re-entry part. I don't have a lot of details because right now our main focus is the kids we work with in school. But I know that they have a functioning house like that in Chicago and they're looking to duplicate that type of service here and they want to really tap into re-entry and our CEO his big thing is mental health there because he he worked for the social services before he started the business. I'm sure she already gave you girl you know is God restoring order and that's his whole that's his whole purpose. But the big thing that I think really attracted me was I know financial resources are problems why a lot of things don't take place. And when they said they're willing to use their money, bring it here and provide services for people in our community, that's what attracted me to grow.

And I I apologize. I thought uh someone else was going to be here uh who I spoke to well over the weekend and and um was uh given an update and uh so I didn't mean to put you on the spot but uh just for the council who was not familiar with the organization and and the good work they do and uh I just kind of wanted to give them an overview and from what I've had a chance to uh ascertain is that uh it's just temporary uh these individuals will be transitioning into work and things of that nature with the goal of becoming uh viable, productive uh citizens uh wherever they decide to permanently relocate. So, uh, based on the information I was given, I, uh, felt like, mayor, this would be a, a great opportunity for, uh, individuals to get an opportunity to, uh, get back, get acclimated and reintegrated into the community as well as into the workforce given the, uh, supportive and the wraparound services that, uh, Grow provides. Uh, so, uh, based on that, Madame Mayor, um, I, uh, plan to support this program. I think it's a wonderful program and I support everything that I've heard about Grow thus far.

You want to make a motion? Yes, ma'am. Yes. Thank you very much for your opportunity to give us a summary. Uh, Madame Mayor, I would like to go ahead and approve item number 25-334 for approval. Seconded by Council Member uh Rigenbach and continue discussion. Thank you, uh, Councilwoman Jackson. Council member Oiler. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. Can we get an explanation for where the residents of this facility are going to be coming from specifically? Uh what was shared at the public hearing yesterday is that they're from the Illinois Department of Corrections.

So they are not necessarily folks that came from the city of Peoria originally. Not necessarily. So, the proposal would be that we're bringing more folks to the city of Peoria that need more social service dollars. Is is it possible that they tried to move the residents from uh Illinois Department of Corrections closer to their home where their families are? I guess I have that question as well. I I am not famili I I would I don't know

and I guess I'm really not asking you uh Director Allison, but does anyone else uh Mr. McCoy, anyone with uh Grow know the answer to that question? Yes. Uh we will be basically working with guys that's from Por Can you tell us your name, please?

My name is Daryl Piers. I'm the supervisor of Grow Mental Health. Uh so we'll be basically working with people around in these uh in the central Illinois. We wouldn't be bringing people from Chicago because normally that's not how it go when people come on and it's all out. We also have worked with the ATC. So it's guys that be coming from there uh get jobs here and when they get ready to get parole out they got to go all the way back home. They could be a a nice transitional to if they can get somewhere here and they can stay independent and have a job when they get out and have somewhere to go instead of corolling all the way back to the city when they have jobs and have a new start. [clears throat]

Councilman Oiler, I know Carl Holloway just walked in the door, so yeah, I don't feel like I fully got an answer to my question. I don't know if Mr. Holloway can answer that, but Mr. Holloway, u can you question again once he gets up there? My question is where are the folks that would be moving to this facility coming from? What what is their originating location before they went into the Illinois Department of Corrections

before they went in? So, excuse me. Good evening. My name is Carl Holloway. Uh thank you for this opportunity. Uh, so where were they coming from before they went into the incarceration is their question? Correct. I'm going to say that these are from Peoria. These individuals are from Peoria and they're going to be living in Peoria when they complete the workforce development which is in the halfway house.

So before they went to the Department of Corrections, every one of these individuals was a resident of the city of Por from my understanding when they leave incarceration. But excuse me, prior to their going to incarceration, these individuals coming to this specific halfway house are going to be individuals from Peoria, relocating to Peoria or coming from Poria. And there there's some specific guidelines that outline that somewhere that we have definitive proof that that's the case

at this particular moment, at this particular time. No, but we can get that information for you. So, I could support a deferral on this until we have information like that, but I absolutely cannot support an approval without information like that. And I and you know, just to be transparent, I have extreme amount of concern with this going in the area of town that it's going because we have an oversaturation already of folks that are on public service dollars and needing extra social service agency assistance. that is completely consuming our downtown and we are fighting this issue on a daily basis that it's all clustered in the downtown warehouse district area. I I applaud the effort that's being made and I think that you know the program is a very good thing. I personally have done things like this, so I believe in it on a personal level, but to continue to put all of the needed social service agency programs in downtown does not work for me, so I will not be supporting approval. Thank you.

That's not downtown, though. I I see the warehouse district is downtown. I know where the building is. It's the ware edge of the warehouse district. This is over by UFS, correct? Okay. You're considered that housing district. Yes. Could I also say something, Madame Mayor? Yes.

These are not just individuals that are going to be living off the fat of the land. These are going to be individuals that'll be going through a workforce development program, okay? Dealing with uh getting their soft skills together, getting prepared to be in the workforce environment. So, they're not just going to be eating off the fat of the land. The whole purpose of this halfway house is to help individuals get on their feet so they won't be public ser public uh service individuals, excuse me, public service aid individuals. Okay. So, that's the whole idea of this whole thing and to decrease the violence specifically in this area. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Holloway.

Yes, ma'am. Yeah. Uh, council council member Gordon Young.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, I'd like to add some additional context because I actually work in this field um, and see the importance and the necessity of this uh, this opportunity. That's exactly what it is. Um, inside of the PR County Jail, we begin that process when they're arrested. We're working on rehabilitation. and we're working on um getting their GE um GED um providing mental health services, getting them on psychotropic medication so that they can begin that process of change and then once they go into the department of corrections, they have opportunities to continue that growth or that work on change. Um the reason why this is important is when we're talking about the rec reducing the recetivism rate programming is important and also having a peer group a a group a village around you. My own research has proven that individuals who are released from prison are more successful when they have programming to return to, when they have stable housing, when they don't have to go to someone's house um that doesn't want them there, when they are seeking gainful employment. Um, one of the requirements from this program is mental health and also they're looking at the whole person. I'm looking at vocational training. Uh I I went to this location a couple times because I want I'm always checking to see what the environment is like. Are there homes there? Are there children there? What type of population? You're not talking about I know there's an exclusion of individuals that have been convicted of sex offenses and that's a big concern for people. Um but the main thing is understanding that this is the front line of public safety. that how do we make change if we're not willing to give people the opportunity for change? Um, I do believe that this is an an asset and it's something that

this community needs, but most importantly, we can't say that we want to reduce violence. We want to reduce we want to, you know, improve the quality of life, but we want to give folks a chance. We're talking about 12 10 to 12 beds for people who otherwise may not have the same chance, may not have the programming. And and you know, I I talk to people every day. I just talked to someone who's 34 years old and I diagnosed him with autism. How he went throughout the entire school system. Sometimes things get missed. Sometimes it turns into antisocial personality disorder. Turns into a lot of things. And so when you have people who are willing to step in and provide the support, it's really valuable and it's really rare. um Teen Challenge is just down the street and they've been operating for years and creating these changes. One of our greatest assets in this community who works in re-entry graduated from that program 27 years ago. And so again, I think um this organization has their hand their their finger on the pulse of this community and in particular this population. One more thing I want to add as it relates to people who are parrolling to this community. There are times when there's an individual who may be from another city. They want to change their lives. They don't want to go back into that environment that was detrimental to them. And so there are times when they may relocate to relocate to another place. That's not uncommon. What I'm hearing from this organization is they're going inside of the prisons sometimes on a volunteer basis and meeting with people and almost like recruiting individuals who are in programming, who are ready for change. And when they get out, they've already developed that relationship. They've already qualified and the process continues. So, we're starting at Emporia and the goal is to end it and to create a new change and a new normal for these individuals. I applaud your efforts and I certainly support. Thank you, Madam Mayor.

You're welcome. Council member Reaganbot. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I certainly love the concept of what this is and and hearing the mental health therapy aspect of it. I think speaks to something that this council has talked about quite a bit. So, it it definitely um is hitting the nail on the head, if you will. But to be honest, I never heard of Grow until I saw this on the council agenda. So, you're headquartered in Chicago. Is that what I understand? Yes, sir.

The headquarters is in Chicago. They've been around since 2012. They've actually been in Poria a little bit over a year. And there's a Poria office here as well. And we have partnerships with the school district art inc uh where you have partnerships with uh elite as well. So we've been doing work with parole here as well also with probation that being adult and juvenile and working with uh kids starting at age five and working with adults up to at least 65.

You're certainly again um attached with some of the organizations that we all have a lot of respect for. So that speaks highly of of your efforts I think as well. Um I was part of that group that tooured that building with the mayor back in January. Yes. And um it is going to take millions of dollars. Is is what's the financial I mean I don't expect you I I don't know your role with the organization but are they is the organization aware of the condition of that building?

I'm not at liberty to answer that question. I'm I'm a therapeutic mentor.

Okay. Okay. because that is that's we were looking for opportunities for other organizations to step up in the in the unsheltered space and that was one of the buildings that had been recommended to us and we we just walked away shaking our heads with the amount of work it takes. If if we were to defer this for two weeks, would that what kind of impact would that have on the um future moving forward on this? Would that be something that would be acceptable? because I think there needs to be a little more um

assurance from that the the organization understands what they're doing and just to make the council members like myself who weren't familiar with your outreach in Poria to to get acquainted and sit down and have a cup of coffee if you will. [clears throat] Absolutely. Deferral. Absolutely. You want to make that motion to defer to the next council meeting? Yes. that I'll move to defer this item until the December 8th meeting. Seconded by council member Oiler. Um,

so we have a deferral, a motion to defer, and we have some more commentary. Can I go ahead with the commentary council? Do we need to vote on the deferral first? Per the local rule on deferrals, council can direct staff about additional items to develop between now and the next meeting related to, you know, the discussion, but it's supposed to end a debate on the matter. So, it's just the deferral and what additional elements beyond the financial reality and investment required and the clientele uh or origins that Councilman Oiler asked. If there's any other questions that need to be developed, that's appropriate. Thank you. Okay. So, I mean, I don't think you can guarantee that everyone from the organization or everyone uh who's going to live there is originally from Peoria. I I can't see that you can or will guarantee that. But I think intent if there's an intent uh that the majority are from the area, I think maybe you can express that. Sure. But I don't think we can hold you to every everyone you know who resides there is originally from Peoria. I I just can't see that happening.

Okay. Um Madame Mayor, can you hold on for a second? Did you want to say something? I just wanted to tell that we are fix grow is aware of the situation of the building. I went over there about thousand times myself. So they we we not asking for no money to fund the building. Okay. I need to we need to vote on the deferral. We have a motion to defer and a second. Please cast your ballots. Motion is approved and this will be deferred until uh November the 28th. Tuesday, November the 28th.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. December 9th, mayor. I'm sorry. December December 8th. The December 9th. What is it? December 9th is our next city council meeting. Oh, I thought we were doing it two weeks from now. We're doing Yeah, we moved it because of the holiday. Okay. We're in an off week because we would have met next week if it wasn't for more council meetings this month. [laughter] Okay. All right. Thank you.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. Thank you. Madame Clerk, 25-335 is a communication from the city manager and director of community development with a request to concur with recommendation from staff to adopt an ordinance reszoning property from a class 01 arterial office district to a class C2 largescale commercial district and approve a special use in a Class C2 large-scale commercial district for a research, testing, and development laboratory for the property located at 2601 West Richwoods Avenue, Poria, Illinois. Madame Manager,

thank you. Um, again, we have Le Allison here to speak on this item. Um, one thing I w would like to just say upfront, um, Midwest, um, bioprocessing center has a has a this project that we have in front of you today is something that I would say is why it's important for us to continue to work with our small businesses as a startup out of pure um, I was going to say puria next. Um, there have been looking for a graduation space for the last three years. So since I started uh they have been looking for a location and they needed a very particular type of space in order to grow their business and grow their organization and their needs and the fact that we've been able to they were able to work with us helping them find a location and stay within Peoria as they expand their business. So, I just want to acknowledge that this is very exciting to see that they are able to stay within Emporia as they continue to grow as a company and um provide some additional services that we may not see directly, but as for the industry for which they serve you. And so, I'm I will hand it back over to Aaliyah Allison to speak to the the reason why we're in front of you today. But as for the business, I am just so excited to see that we're able to find a location for them to expand into and stay in Poria and grow. Thank you.

Thank you. Anything to add, director Allison? Yeah, madame manager said it well. Thank you, Madame Mayor. I can answer any questions to explain the yellow paper un and I apologize. It's the same. We had the public hearing for this case yesterday, which wasn't available for your packet as it went out. So, the update is the planning and zoning commission's review and vote to approve unanimously for this two-part resoning and special use. This is also a district one. Yes, Councilwoman Jackson.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. I just had one question. Uh, manager, assistant manager Richardson talked about expansion, uh, which we are ex excited about. Um, does this mean I I see they are listed as having 10 to 12 employees now. Is that uh on top of what they already had or are they adding more or that would be their additional? So the 12 will include what they currently have. So that'll be the total.

Okay. All right. Well, uh, it sounds like it's a wonderful, um, opportunity to help a small business, especially, uh, if it means keeping them here in Peoria and doing the research work that, uh, this particular group does. So, um, if there are no questions, Madame Mayor, I would like to make a motion that item 25-335 be approved. Is there a second? Seconded by Councilwoman Gordon Young. Uh questions, comments? Council member Kelly.

Uh thank you, Madame Mayor. Um perhaps it was some sort of an error, but I believe when this was read by our clerk, she said that this was to be on Richwoods Boulevard. And the um uh the packet and and the correction also uh says Forest Hill. That's what I uh figured. Is there a confusion here or just I I don't know what happened here. Who can provide clar clarity? Director Allison,

the correct address is is the 2601 West Forest Forest Hill. Forest Hill. Yes. Now I'm starting to doubt myself. That is the correct address which is what? 2601 West Forest Hill, not Richwoods Avenue. Right. So that is a typo. Well, and that's what was in Yeah. Okay. Uh thank you very much, Madame Mayor. [clears throat]

Good find. [laughter] Uh with that correction, uh we have a motion and a second. Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Madam clerk, 25-336 is a communication from the city manager and corporation council with a request to adopt an ordinance amending chapter 21 parks and public grounds. Council Hayes,

I'd like to defer to uh city attorney M Perkins on this mayor. Thank you. For once in my life, I had to raise the microphone. [laughter] Good evening, council. Madame Mayor, thank you for the floor again. It's a pleasure to be in front of you. Um, this is an ordinance in front of you amending chapter 21 uh parks and public grounds. It's regarding filming um in the city of Poria on parks and public grounds, specifically streets, sidewalks, places that the city would have a concern of safety. Um, the [clears throat] reason this chapter is being modified is it's being a it's piggybacking on the process we currently have in place for public events. But filming is its own beast. So therefore, there are changes um or additions to the code within this chapter that are being proposed in front of you today. Uh part of it is the application process would be slightly different. The insurance and bond requirements would be slightly different and there's a carveout for student films as we acknowledge that student films might not have the same budget as uh largecale production. There are local incentives of putting this process in place within our code, including attracting temporary workers, uh, spending at local businesses, and benefiting the municipal economy in general. The policy in place would help with the safety and security of our citizens, and it would help coordinate city services for production companies looking to film with Emporia. Now, I know what you're thinking. Why put this process in place? Well, Stacy Peterson has received a communication or two from produ producers um asking and inquiring about

filming in Poria. While bigger cities like Chicago um have a process in place, we're looking to also put that process in place to mirror cities similar in size like Rockford and Champagne who also have processes in place. There is also a tax credit um for producers in Illinois. In 2008, the General Assembly passed the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit Act, offering producers a credit of 30% of qualified expenditures, including post-prouction. So because of this tax credit that has existed for a while, putting this policy in place for PIIA might attract potential producers to see that we have a process and our ducks are essentially in a row um to attract that kind of business. Any questions?

Council Perkins, how do our fees, the application fees for filling permits, how do they compare to say champagnes? I don't want to use Chicago, but how do they compare to Champagne?

Well, very similar. So, we mimicked the the fees similar to our public uh events. Um, so they're very comparable. Um, with that respect, um, there is a carveout for uh 30 days or less if an application is received. The only reason being is that city staff does go through an extensive public events process. Um there are a lot of departments that need to be involved and with the time crunch um and everyone having to drop everything to address a fairly short time request um we felt like that additional fee was warranted.

Would this include I mean like riverfront property? It could potentially. And um if I may, Madame Mayor, it would be application each application would be addressed on its face and there is a spot in the application per location that's being requested. So city staff would acknowledge each location location and dates. Okay. I'm just thinking about people we're only I mean are we talking about professional film? Correct. directors or just your lay people?

Professionals. Just professionals. Okay, that's better. [laughter] Otherwise, it's Yeah. Okay. Council member Allen. Uh thank you, Madam Mayor. Uh me and you were on the same wavelength because I was thinking about how do we determine who's professional versus who's out there with the iPhone maybe being a content creator. And so, uh, how are we determining that and maybe going up to them and reminding them that they may need that permit, uh, just to avoid any confusion?

Yeah. So, a lot of our concern comes with blocking streets, right? Um, so if there is a blockage of some sort on city property, that would need to be addressed through our permit process. We don't necessarily or the intent is not to define what is professional and what is not. There are large scale productions filmed on iPhones. um we've seen multiple movies done so recently. So that's not the intent of this process. It's mostly to find a way to make it safe and secure for the citizens while this filming is occurring.

So if someone is essentially setting up a uh a set essentially that would be considered, you know, and they're impeding on people getting around or moving around the sidewalks or anything like that. But someone out there with an iPhone, maybe shooting some content, you know, we wouldn't look to uh enforce them for enforce this on them. We would hope they would go through our process before they start. And I know what you're thinking might not always happen, but um that's why we have police officers and community development to help regulate that. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Mayor.

You're welcome. Thank you, Council Perkins. Does anybody want to make a motion? Council member Rianba moved. Okay. Seconded by Council Member Allen. Continued discussion or questions. Uh, Council Member Kelly. I was I just punched the button to make the motion. Madam Mayor, okay. All right. Um, Council Member Rian.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. I was just going to say I think this is this this um could potentially open up the opportunity to get Poria out there more often and um if if producers realize that that we are welcoming that opportunity. Um so I'm I'm glad to see this being put in place so that when the opportunity comes, we know how to address it and we're not going to be caught flatfooted, if you will. Great.

So thank you. Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you, Madam Clerk. 25-337 is a communication from the city manager and finance director controller with request to receive and file the month ended September 30th, 2025 unodudited financial report. I'm sorry. Um, yep. I have, madam manager. Yes, ma'am. Uh, I will hand it over to our finance director, Kyle Kate.

Uh, thank you, Madam Manager. Um, in front of you tonight is the month ended September 30th financials. Um, the kind of story is going to be very similar to what you've heard from me the last few months. Um, we do have, uh, revenues down about 1.6% 6% compared to expected budget. Um the re the main driver as to why we're seeing that is really um when we get into this process during the budget, it's always a little difficult to have a assessment of when we're going to receive um our state grant reimbursements. Um so if you look further in the document and you look at the general fund, we're lower than expected on our state sources. Um, and that's really driven by just a timing factor when it comes to us receiving those state grants. Um, because we continue to see strong sales tax as well as income tax receipts. Um, I think the other good piece of news is that we the the revenues are up 1.6% year to year to date versus last year. Um, so we are still seeing a positive growth trend um in our revenues this year. Um, on the expense side, um, also good news, we're down about 3% compared to budget. Um, and then compared to last year, we're down 11.6%. I think that can sound like a very large number, but I think what needs to be put in context with this is um that was really the end of our ARPA spending and we had a lot of expenditures ARPA related that occurred um during that time period. So, that's really why you've seen a drop off in the expenses in the general fund. Um, and you know, I think from an overall standpoint, um, having gone through the the budget process the council approved at the last meeting, um, nothing in this report is is, uh, moving or altering what we had told council we would end, uh, this year with. Um, and with that, I'm available if council has any specific questions.

Council member Seir,

thank you, Madam Mayor. I just got a couple questions and I just need to be I've heard your I think you have answered my question already but I need to be reassured when I look at page nine of 10 uh and I understand our budget is not a linear budget but under revenues year to date the actual we're up $76 million the uh budget was $124 million so we're about we're short and and I mean this is the end of the third quarter so we got one quarter left. So, we're averaging on revenues about $25 million a quarter. And I, like I said, I know this is not linear, but we're $48 million away from your projection. I just need to be reassured a little bit that you feel comfortable uh for the last quarter, we'll we'll generate generate about $48 million in revenues.

Yeah. So, your your point is exactly the case. uh our revenues and how we do it. It is linear in the sense of uh it is pretty common in terms of how it works but it's not linear in terms of equal percentages quarter by quarter. Um so really that first quarter of the year we don't get and we don't recognize most of our state sales taxes or our local or our local sales taxes. um we don't also recognize a lot of our income tax receipts because really we have to look at the intended quarter. Um so what you find is in that last quarter of the year, yes, we have those three months um that we'll collect as part of kind of the the normal course, but we also have in some cases with state sales tax an additional three months we collect in the or we recognize in the last quarter. So six total um total months um and then two more months of state income tax. Um, so usually we see that quarter being I think to your point, it's sometimes being close to half of our receipt of our revenue during the year. So that's why I I still feel comfortable saying to council that we're going to be on course with um what we laid out in the budget.

So same question for below there on the expenditures. We're at $88 million. We got 12. So we're $38 million away. I know you have more control on the expenditure side. Same [snorts] question. Yeah. So the the I would say the expenses are a little bit more linear. The one thing that we'll run into um at year end is we do acrew back some expenditures especially payroll that really make that last quarter have a a little bit of additional um expenditure. The other part that is baked into this uh kind of numbers is our large we pay the existing debt for the civic center out of the general fund. Um we have our principal payments that occur at the end of the year. Um so that is the a larger piece of expense that does show up in here. Um but we do take that into account with our assumption that that would be spent in the fourth quarter. But overall um I we are trending in in a place to to be below budget on our expenses.

Thank you sir. Last question would be on page nine I believe. Last page or 10 of 10 I should say.

Yeah. So, I'm always concerned a little bit when we spend more money that we take in. [snorts] And there's about three or four accounts that are that way for last quarter. And uh on the ending fund balance, there's only a couple now. I mean, I'm not going to talk about refuse. I know we're on the garbage. We're on our way to pay that off, but tell us a little bit about the hospitality uh tiff and uh the other one was the healthc care. Where where are we in the negative on these two accounts? Um, so, uh, quickly with the hospitality tiff, um, council may remember that, um, when we extended the hospitality tiff a few years ago, I believe it was back in 2021, uh, the main reason was for us to reamortize our debt. Um, previously our debt uh, payment each year was around $2.5 million. We were able to refinance it with the extension of the TIFF down to about a million and a half. Um, so what we're seeing is it's not going to be necessarily an overnight process. Um, but we're working our way towards getting that that fund back to zero. It's just going to be a number of years. Um, as we start to see growth and we start to see some of the development that was discussed tonight, that will help expedite um, some of that recovery. But that is a that's a fund that we are going to be a little bit more long-term and getting back to zero. Um, in terms of health care, um, you know, as I talked about during the budget process, it's been a very difficult year for us in terms of our health care losses. I think it's a pretty consistent theme you're hearing across the country. Um, and so our uh, health care costs um, just on medical this year up almost $4 million year-over-year. Um, so we are on pace to uh, be close to break even this year. The real difference as we sit here today um is we are self-insured. So we have to work with a third party

reinsurer for our large losses and that has to go through a process where we pay it and they reimburse us. So some of this is some of those large claimments and not getting our reimbursement payments yet. But by the time we get through the end of the year, those will be recognized as revenue. And last question, I'm sorry, Madame Mayor. Um,

I want to talk to uh to you about the accuracy of some of these numbers here. I know you had to make some changes uh during the budget session. The two I'm looking at right now, I just want to make sure these numbers are accurate for OPED and the storm water utility. The account balance, I know they had you had to make some correction. Are they now accurate? So the OPED fund is is accurate uh inclusive of um the the existing loans that are that are part of the OPED fund. So that number is accurate. Um with the storm water, if you remember correctly, part of that discussion was um around the kind of how um fund balance is described in uh business type activities or enterprise funds. The previous number included uh non-liquid assets. the the change in this is only recognizing in essence cash or liquid assets. So that's really to I think that's a better indicator of available resources. So that was the correction on that report.

Thank you very much, Director Katty. Thank you, Madam Mayor. You're very welcome. Do you want to make a motion? Move to approve uh the um what is that called? U move to approve the month budget or financial report I should call called the financial report. Receive and file. Receive and file. Definitial report. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Seconded by Council Member Allen. Any other questions or comments? Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you, Director Katty. Madame Clerk, we are at unfinished business. None. None. Then we're on to new business.

I I have a question on new business. Uh will you just remind us when what are the dates for the remaining council meetings for the rest of this year? I believe we just have one more that would be December 9th. Is that correct? Correct. Okay. December 9th and there's no more after this year. Okay. All right. Council member Rianbach.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, I received an email from a constituent um, last week just with daylight savings time taking place and talking about um, pedestrian safety and bicycle safety and just reminding those people that are riding bikes at dusk that um, cars often times don't see them. So, proper lighting is essential for their safety as well as those pedestrians along the way. So, just want to encourage people to be aware of that. Um, second of all, uh, Director Dulan, thank you for the emails this week about, um, continuum of care funding, and I'm not I'm not sure how much, um, we want to get into that right now, but could you just give us kind of a highlight and just it it's it sounds like it's potentially catastrophic for us as we deal with the unsheltered issue here in Poria.

Uh, yes, sir. Thank you, uh, mayor and council. So uh the continuum of care uh as you all are know is kind of the umbrella organization representing kind of all the social service agencies and local government in our community. Uh that is kind of uh years ago what the federal government wanted to do as the pass through for federal funds. Uh last week they reduced uh they released their updated NOFO uh which uh outlines their uh spending uh requirements in the plan going forward. um due to the government shutdown, it's a little late getting released uh and it shortened the window from 90 days to 60 days. So, it's actually uh going to be due back to the federal government uh in early January. Uh the community governing board, which the city is a part of with a multitude of other organizations, actually met earlier this week to kind of discuss the various changes in that uh notice of funding opportunity. I think the area of changes that we'll see the biggest impact is a shift uh of uh priority from the federal government uh from permanent supportive housing services uh to transitional housing services. So transitional housing services uh is something where uh people who are going to living there have a a time requirement uh of 24 months where permanent supportive housing is kind of the uh housing first model where you provide housing and then you provide services through that process. uh the transitional housing has some additional requirements for people who are uh utilizing it. In addition, they changed the formula a bit. Uh historically, about 90% of the funding the continuum gets as the pass through, which is a little over $2 million. About 90% of that was pretty much guaranteed that they would get uh and the other you could get about 10% more through a competitive grant process. uh that is shifted and changed to our 30% of that amount is guaranteed and then the other 70 goes back into a competitive grant process. Uh so uh and of that 30% that

is now guaranteed only 30% of that can go to permanent supportive housing. Um so I think that uh Kate Green with the continuum of care and all the nonprofit partners are trying to really still understand the impact of what that would like look locally. Um, but we know we have about 250 permanent supportive housing units in our area. Uh, you're talking Glenn Haven, I mean Glendale Commons, uh, Madison 3, uh, the Dream Center, um, Goodwill Center for Prevention of Youth, all have money from this, um, continue of care permanent supportive housing. So, they're going to have to make a decision if they're going to transition those units to transitional housing, uh, which would then add an additional timeline for residents to be able to use it. they could no longer be in there uh indefinitely. They'd be down there for two years and then kind of shift out of that housing. Uh and so it could have uh very very large impacts for our community. Uh unfortunately too, due to the timing, uh some of these funds uh run out in March. uh similar to how we handle our federal funds. Uh sometimes when the federal government doesn't approve things very quickly, uh we can still move forward because their entitlement grants that we know we could get funding and paid back for like our CDBG home, those type of funds, we know we'll get paid back because uh we at least have the allocation even if we might not have the funds in place. uh because of the timing of these in March, uh they don't know if they'll be approved to essentially switch them from permanent supporting to transitional housing. So, you could see uh them having to make a decision on what to do with those units uh before the funding final funding decision is even made. So, um I'll keep continue to keep council updated as the continuum of care keeps working through this issues. I think our social service agencies are going to have to go back to their boards and make a decision of what they're going to do in the future. uh there's additional requirements with the funding that your organization has to agree to um and

they'll have to make those decisions as well if they're going to pursue that. So um it could have a large impact as I said 250 units for our most vulnerable population uh will be a very large thing for our community. Um and I think the continuum will still kind of work on how to to navigate that situation as they prepare for the no uh and if the federal government makes any changes related to it. Thank you. I guess [laughter] but you get more than you bargain for, do you?

But I it's hard to wrap your arms around this when you think about the last 14 months we've been working to find ways to increase permanent supportive housing. That that's been the the the clog in the system by many accounts. and we need more permanent supportive housing

and that opens up the transitional housing and and the emergency shelters and on down the line. So, so to suddenly have the federal government pull the rug out from under us on permanent supportive housing, this this is this is a pause and and think hard moment for for communities around the country, not just Poria, but for us, we're talking about 250 units. So, um, if you have a relationship with Congressman Le Hood or Sorenson or our senators, we need to make them aware of the significance of of of these changes. And

we we're struggling as it is. We still have 50ish people unsheltered, let alone now. So, so, um, this is this is a very dire warning and Director Dulan, thank you for keeping us up to date so far and again appreciate the updates as you get them from the continuum. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Thank you. Thank you, Council Member Allen.

Uh, thank you, Madame Mayor. Uh friendly reminder just for the listening public. Uh tomorrow from 6:00 to 7:00 I'll be hosting a uh information session via Zoom about the business development district proposal happening at Glenn Hollow uh shopping center in district 4. Um if you would like to attend that meeting, you can access the Zoom link registration uh information via the city of Poria's website. Just click on view all events and you'll see it listed uh there. you can register and then you'll get the um information in your email and you can join us tomorrow. Uh we're excited. We have uh representation from our economic development staff that will be doing an overview of what a business development district is. Uh be able to answer any questions, comments, concerns any participants may have and hopefully uh we'll be able to uh feel a little bit better about this potential proposal. So, look forward to engaging and educating people tomorrow and hopefully we have a good turnout. Thank you, Madame Mayor.

You're welcome. That's great. Council member Kelly.

Uh, thank you, Madam Mayor. Uh, Director Dulan, could you step back up, please? I [clears throat] was not aware. Uh, Councilman Rianbach of of these changes. Um, the folks who are currently in permanent housing, uh, uh, when does the clock start on 24 months for those folks? Uh that's a good question. Uh I don't think that's completely clear yet. Uh that's some of the clarification the continuum is trying to seek to see if it's uh the clock starts new as the new funding cycle and that's the 24 months or if you look historically if they've been in kind of new New Hope Apartments for example for four or five years uh has their 24 months passed. Uh we're not entirely sure about that yet.

Okay. Thank you. Yeah. Thank you, Madam Mayor. You're welcome, [clears throat] Madam Clerk. We are at citizens opportunity to address the city council and I believe we have one card.

We have one card. Uh Miss Dusty Moltry. Good evening. My name is Dusty Moltry. Sorry about my dress. I had grandmother duties at dance tonight before I came. Um, I am coming because I did a presentation in front of the safety committee and the mayor on Friday and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I am a therapist. I am a passionate Poria native who moved for nine years and I'm coming home and one of my passions is youth and I seen the guys from grow come in here and I got kind of excited because those are my old peers from youth farm back in the day when we used to work there. So I know those guys have been working also with the community with kids at risk for a long time. What I'm bringing and proposing to the community is something that I have researched and looked that we're not yet addressing. The youth behavior in the community is not just a child's problem. It's a family problem. Generally, youth don't develop violence and behaviors on their own. It comes from within the home. What I've done in the past nine years in San Antonio is work with probation, schools, judges to provide therapy, evidence-based models because what you find and Miss Young can probably say is researchbased models, evidence-based

models suggest that when you go to the family for these problems and you develop the connection problems, the communication problems, the problems within their home. Often times, maybe there's already been violence in the home. That's the first place where they see it. And you can repair some of these things within the home. You have better outcomes. And you can do this through evidence-based models. I work for an agency called Vision Quest. They've been doing this in San Antonio for the past 12 years. I fortunately have had the opportunity to be a part of this for the past nine of those 12 years. We [clears throat] are shown to reduce recidivism, create connection, and it's a model that runs coinciding with a lot of these great programs that Peoria already has. The missing piece is going in the home and repairing the family. I heard a lot about re-entry tonight, too. Having those kids when they come out of placements or, you know, IDOC for youth and they come home, they still come home to the family that they had the problem with before they left. We do that. We connect them. We reconnect. and we make the relationships better because you can put a band-aid on a child through therapy, but they still got to go home. And so what I'm asking tonight is let me sit at your table with you for a little bit and let me tell you about the program because I truly have a passion about this community. I've been in front of you guys for Alexis multiple times,

but I'm here about the whole community and I really want to come back home and I want to bring my experience and I really want to make a difference. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Moldry. Madame Clerk,

we are at executive session. I would like to invite a motion to adjurnn and to convene and close session immediately following adjournment of the city council meeting pursuant to the open meetings act 5CS 122C2 to discuss collective negotiating matters between the city and its employees or their representatives pursuant to the open meetings act 5CS 122C11 to discuss pending litigation and pursuant to the open meetings act 5CS S1 122C 21 for approval by the body of close session minutes. Can I get a motion moved by council member Seir, seconded by council member Allen. Please cast your ballots. Thank you for your service.