Good evening, everyone. I’m live-blogging from home tonight, as I have had a terrible head cold the last couple of days — especially last night and this morning. So, I’ve got my Kleenex handy and lots of fluids nearby, and my radio tuned to WCBU 89.9 FM. This is probably a good time to encourage everyone who appreciates WCBU’s live coverage of the Peoria City Council meetings to make a donation to them — you can pledge online here.

This is the last council meeting before the April 5 at-large election. There are a couple of controversial issues on the agenda tonight: the low-income elderly housing facility proposed near the corner of War Memorial Drive and Sheridan Road (Item 3) and the East Village Growth Cell and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district (Items 4-6). If you’re following along live, be sure to refresh your browser every so often to get the latest updates. The meeting starts at 6:15, and begins with a few proclamations, so it will be a few minutes before we get into the agenda.

One of the proclamations was a touching commemoration of the life of Les Kenyon. May he rest in peace.

And now, without any further ado, here’s tonight’s agenda:

PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES & COMMUNICATIONS – CITY OF PEORIA

ITEM NO. 1 PUBLIC HEARING Related to the ADOPTION of the COMPREHENSIVE PLAN with a Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management Requesting to RE-SET the DATE for a PUBLIC HEARING Relating to the COMPREHENSIVE PLAN for TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011, at 6:15 P.M. at City Hall, Room 400, 419 Fulton Street, Peoria, Illinois.

It’s 6:35, and we’re ready to start in on the agenda. Moved by Spain, and seconded by Montelongo. No discussion. Motion passes unanimously.

ITEM NO. 2 CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BY OMNIBUS VOTE, for the City of Peoria, with Recommendations as Outlined:

A. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Inspections with Request to Accept the LOW BID for a TWO-YEAR RESIDENTIAL DEMOLITION CONTRACT on a UNIT-BASED PRICE from ACCURATE SITE, with Backup Contractor Provisions for Sequential Low Bidders, as Outlined, in the Amount of $6,825.00 for the First Year and $7,169.00 for the Second Year.

B. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Public Works Requesting Approval of VENDORS for STREET MAINTENANCE MATERIALS as Outlined.

C. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Police Chief Requesting Approval for the ANNUAL PURCHASE of RELOAD AMMUNITION for POLICE TRAINING USE from the LOWEST BIDDER, ULTRAMAX AMMUNITION, in the Amount of $13,860.00.

D. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Police Chief Requesting Approval for the ANNUAL PURCHASE of FACTORY AMMUNITION for POLICE DUTY USE from the LOWEST BIDDER, KIESLERS POLICE SUPPLY, in the Amount of $17,810.00, for all Ammunition except FORTY-FIVE CALIBER, and GIL HEBBARD GUNS, in the Amount of $3,085.00, for Forty-Five Caliber Ammunition.

E. Communication from the Interim City Manager, Police Chief, and ECC Manager Requesting Approval of a SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE of HARRIS P7350 PORTABLE RADIOS for the City of Peoria and Peoria County, in the Total Amount of $337,640.00, from RAGAN COMMUNICATIONS, with Reimbursement Coming to the City of Peoria from the State of Illinois in the Amount of $265,212.80, and Coming from Peoria County in the Amount of $36,213.60.

F. Communication from the Interim City Manager, Director of Public Works, and Police Chief Requesting Approval of the SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT for the CITY SECURITY SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE with MIDCO, INC., for the Three-Year Period of April 1, 2011, through February 28, 2014, in the Amount of $121,515.00 ($40,505.00 per year).

G. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management Requesting Authorization for the City Manager to Execute a CONTRACT with TILLMAN ELECTRICAL SERVICES, INC. and LUMINTEK, in an Amount Not to Exceed $25,000.00 in Corporate Funds, for the ALLEY LIGHTING PROGRAM.

H. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Public Works Requesting Approval of a SEWER IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT with the GREATER PEORIA SANITARY DISTRICT for the REPAIR OF SEWERS, as a Part of the City of Peoria’s Sewer Rehabilitation (Design Area 1 Sewers, Manhole Rehabilitation Project 7), and Concur in the Award of the Contract for the work to J. C. DILLON, INC., in the Amount of $261,644.00.

I. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Public Works Requesting Approval of the Following Pertaining to the IMPROVEMENT of the GLEN AVENUE and UNIVERSITY STREET INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT:

1. MFT RESOLUTION, in the Amount of $1,050,000.00 for ENGINEERING and CONSTRUCTION COSTS;

2. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT with TERRA ENGINEERING, LTD, in an Amount Not to Exceed $67,034.00 for PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING SERVICES; and

3. REPROGRAMMING $1,050,000.00 in STATE MOTOR FUEL TAX FUNDS as Outlined. (Refer to item No. 10-499)

J. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Zoning Commission and Staff to Adopt an ORDINANCE Amending Ordinance No. 14,084, as Amended, in a Class R1 (Single Family Residential) District for a SPECIAL USE for a CHURCH to Add a COMMUNITY ACTIVITY CENTER and COMMUNITY GARDEN, Including Existing Conditions, for Property Located at 411 W. LAKE AVENUE, with Conditions.

K. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller Requesting Adoption of an ORDINANCE Amending the CITY OF PEORIA BUDGET for FISCAL YEAR 2011 Relating to POLICE SUSTAINED TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM (STEP) GRANT for the FY2011 Portion of $17,317.00.

L. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of an APPLICATION for a CLASS H (Temporary Outdoor) LIQUOR LICENSE at 619 S.W. WATER from the PEORIA POLICE BENEVOLENT NO. 27 on SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2011.

M. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of a SITE APPLICATION to Add a SUBCLASS 1A (2:00 A.M. Closing) to a CLASS E (Private Club) LIQUOR LICENSE at 1111 S. WESTERN, with Recommendation from the Liquor Commission to Approve.

N. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of a SITE APPLICATION for a CLASS B (Restaurant, Full Service Bar) LIQUOR LICENSE at 7815 N. KNOXVILLE, SUITE 12, with Recommendation from the Liquor Commission to Approve.

O. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of a SITE APPLICATION for a CLASS B (Restaurant, Full Service Bar) LIQUOR LICENSE with a SUBCLASS 3A (Sidewalk Cafe) at 5201 W. WAR MEMORIAL DRIVE, SUITE 502, with Recommendation from the Liquor Commission to Approve.

P. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management Regarding a SUMMARY of the 2010 HUD CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER), with Request to Receive and File.

Q. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Zoning Commission and Staff to Receive and File the 2010 ZONING COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT.

R. ANNUAL REPORT of the CITY TREASURER, PATRICK A. NICHTING, for the YEAR 2010, with Request to Receive and File.

The following items were removed from the consent agenda by the council member indicated: M (Montelongo). Van Auken/Turner moved to approve the rest of the items, and it passed unanimously.

On Item M, Montelongo wanted to get some more information from Police Chief Settingsgaard before voting on this. The Chief is opposed to the action. Montelongo said he also heard from other citizens with liquor licenses opposed to the action. Montelongo moves to deny the item, seconded by Spain. No further discussion. Motion passes 7-3 (Ardis, Riggenbach, Irving voting nay).

ITEM NO. 3 Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Zoning Commission to ADOPT an ORDINANCE, with a REVISED SITE PLAN, Amending Ordinance No. 13,920, an EXISTING SPECIAL USE as Amended, in a CLASS R3 (Single Family Residential) District for an ELDERLY HOUSING FACILITY for Property Located at 3616 N. SHERIDAN ROAD, with Conditions, and with a Recommendation from Staff to DENY.

Mayor Ardis says the council has been inundated with phone calls and e-mails from citizens. He says they’re going to have an orderly discussion of the issue. Van Auken says Sandberg has requested the privilege of the floor for the developers to make a five-minute presentation.

The developers (3 Diamond Development) take the floor. David Porush introduces all the people with his company. He talks about his company and their local partner, Peoria Opportunities Foundation. He says there is a shortage of low-income elderly housing. When looking for a location, they chose the Sheridan site because it is in the middle of a community, has access to all the amenities elderly people want, including nearby grocery stores, access to public transportation, and location near a stable single-family neighborhood.

The maximum annual income is $32,000 for residents here. This would be required for the next fifty years. This project would create a minimum of 250 construction jobs. A majority of the construction materials would be purchased locally, and the project would use local union labor. Also, the parcel would be subject to real estate taxes (the previous use was a church, which was tax-exempt). They did a traffic study and determined that this project would have little impact on traffic. They also believe that the density would have minimum impact on the neighborhood. They’ve updated their site plan based on concerns from residents and the zoning commission and staff.

We now move into discussion. Van Auken praises the neighborhood for its stability, diversity, and involvement. “Why would we do anything that would disrupt such an area?” she asks. That’s what this project would do, she says. The parcel is zoned R-3, single family residential. The density of 17.7 dwelling units per acre is too large for R-3 zoning, and is incompatible with adjacent residential neighborhoods. “This use of 60 units does not work here because of its density.” She believes that this project would create traffic (especially cut-through traffic) problems for the neighborhood. She says the traffic problems will cause public safety problems as the Fire Station 11 trucks can’t get out onto Sheridan. Big applause from the chambers.

Van Auken moves to deny the special use, seconded by Spain. Spain praises Van Auken, and also makes note of all the people who had called and written the council. He says he doesn’t want to “take the risk” of hurting this neighborhood. More applause.

Mayor Ardis also praises Van Auken, and also thanks the developer.

Motion passes unanimously. More applause — lots of it. Short break while the chambers empty.

ITEM NO. 4 Communication from the Interim City Manager Requesting Adoption of the Following Regarding EAST VILLAGE GROWTH CELL TAX INCREMENT FINANCING:

A. ORDINANCE Approving the EAST VILLAGE GROWTH CELL TAX INCREMENT REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND PROJECT;

B. ORDINANCE Designating the EAST VILLAGE GROWTH CELL REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA; and

C. ORDINANCE Adopting TAX INCREMENT FINANCING for the City of Peoria, Peoria County, in Connection with the DESIGNATION of the EAST VILLAGE GROWTH CELL REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA.

Riggenbach moves for approval of Item A (they’re voting on them one at a time). Turner seconds the motion. Now several people want to speak from the floor, so Riggenbach asks for the privilege of the floor for them; they each get three minutes to speak.

• Richard Mitchell — Says he could have moved anywhere when he came back to Peoria in 1991, and decided to live in the East Bluff (on New York Ave.). He’s also the president of the East Bluff United neighborhood association. Says there are people in the neighborhood association who are against the TIF, but it sounds like he personally is for it. He talks about all the advantages that will come from this TIF, including new businesses and restaurants moving into the area, and vocational training from District 150. Asks for the council to vote for it.
• Frederick Smith — Says he’s tried to keep an open mind and has asked for a plan. Says he has never seen a plan. Everything is “pie in the sky,” he says. He says there’s no guarantee that any money gained from the TIF will be used for the things the residents want. He says the crime problem needs to be addressed before anyone will want to move into the East Bluff, and all the infrastructure improvements in the world won’t make any difference.
• Dave Kinney — He’s the District 150 treasurer/comptroller. He speaks in favor of vocational training and the revenue-sharing agreement the City has reached with District 150. “We hope you will all say yes.”
• Sue Wozniak — Representing OSF. She says OSF originally wanted a TIF just from Pennsylvania Ave. south to include part of the near north side, which would “clean up” that area and provide an opportunity for them to add an office building and perhaps some student housing. The city suggested expanding it to include the East Bluff, and OSF agreed, she said. “We have no projects in the near term except for the SIM center which is being developed using donated funds,” she said. She also spoke in support of District 150, and asks the council to support the TIF.
• Sara Partridge — “This will not work,” she says. She calls the plan “socialism.” She also speaks in favor of Bob Manning and against Tim Riggenbach. She also complains about bylaw changes, apparently in reference to the East Bluff Neighborhood Housing Service, I think. She says on several occasions that she feels East Bluff citizens are getting “knifed in the back.”

Riggenbach talks about all the meetings they’ve had to include the residents and get their buy-in for the project. The word of the night is “passionate.” Riggenbach has said that East Bluff residents are “passionate” about 18 times now. He thanks the residents and District 150 for their involvement. “There won’t be a lot of increment in the first few years,” he says. “If we don’t do this,” he goes on, “then I would like to hear what the alternative is.” He asks for the support of the council.

Van Auken thanks Riggenbach for leading on this and “making every effort possible to be inclusive.”

Sandberg has some questions/observations about the plan. The plan is four times the size of Southtown. The initial plan for Southtown was to be residential, but over time it changed to mostly commercial. He notes that the Heart of Peoria Plan is never referenced in the East Village plan. He says the plan is deficient as it doesn’t address density or use or a host of other things.

No further discussion. Motion passes 9-1 (Sandberg) for Item A.

Riggenbach moves to approve Item B. Sandberg says property values in the area under consideration are rising at about 2%, according to the consultant. They’re not falling. Within this area that you’re saying is blighted, there has been four or five hundred million dollars of investment. So, where’s the “but for” of the TIF requirement? He says he doesn’t buy that there are excessive vacancies. He says on Knoxville, the biggest vacancy is the MidTown Plaza TIF. “This is not an area that is nearly as blighted and problematic as you folks want to make it. It needs support, but it doesn’t need a TIF.” He says this TIF is all about giving the city the ability to assemble land via eminent domain.

Ardis says other than OSF, there hasn’t been much investment in the area, and in particular the residential area is not growing. He’s hopeful that this TIF will allow the city to put more resources toward those residential neighborhoods.

Riggenbach says the assessor’s office expects there to be zero growth in the EAV this year, and that last year is it was only 0.2%, but the average over the past several years is 2%. Sandberg says right now the EAV throughout the community is going to be zero because of the economy, not just on the East Bluff.

Motion passes 9-1 (Sandberg).

Riggenbach moves to approve Item C, seconded by Gulley. No discussion. Motion passes 9-1 (Sandberg).

ITEM NO. 5 Communication from the Interim City Manager and Corporation Counsel with Request to Adopt a RESOLUTION Pertaining to INTENTION to FINANCE JOB TRAINING in the EAST VILLAGE GROWTH CELL TIF DISTRICT.

Riggenbach moves to approve, seconded by Gulley. Riggenbach says that this item will show that the City of Peoria is serious about helping District 150. The council is “putting its money where its mouth is” in showing the importance it places on District 150, he says. Ardis also speaks in favor of the motion. No further discussion.

Motion passes unanimously.

ITEM NO. 6 Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the East Village Growth Cell Tax Increment Financing Economic Development Advisory Committee and the East Village Growth Cell TIF Redevelopment Plan and Project to Create the EAST VILLAGE GROWTH CELL RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM.

Riggenbach/Gulley move to approve. Riggenbach speaks in favor, no further discussion. Motion passes unanimously.

ITEM NO. 7 Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Planning Commission and Staff to Adopt an ORDINANCE Amending Ordinance No. 15,627 for Amendments to the MULTI-FAMILY PLAN for Property Generally Located at the NORTHEAST CORNER of KNOXVILLE AVENUE and DEERBROOK DRIVE, Along the Western Side of Oakwood Drive and also Known as Oak Brook Park Villas.

Irving/Spain move to approve. Irving speaks in favor of the motion, and it passes unanimously.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

(11-044) TAG DAY REQUEST on Behalf of the SOUTH-WEST KIWANIS CLUB OF PEORIA to Hold Their ANNUAL PEANUT DAYS FUNDRAISER with REVISED DATES of SEPTEMBER 22, 23, and 24, 2011. (Dates are Open.)

Spain/Van Auken move to approve. No discussion. Passes unanimously.

(11-099) Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Public Works Requesting Approval of the LOW BID of ERA VALDIVIA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY and Award the CONTRACT, in the Amount of $86,150.80, with Authorization of Up to $93,665.88 (Additional 10% for Contingencies) for the GLEN OAK IMPACT ZONE, PHASE IV SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS.

Riggenbach/Van Auken move to approve. Riggenbach says our “responsible bidder” ordinance needs to be strengthened, but he would like to move ahead with this anyway. Gulley says he will be voting against it. Spain speaks in favor of Riggenbach’s motion. Sandberg wants to know what the problems are that we’ve had with this firm, if any, and why isn’t staff bringing those issues forward? The council communication does not indicate there are any problems with the low bidder. Director Barber says staff is not aware of any problems or performance issues. Sandberg then asks Gulley what problems are there that he’s aware of? Gulley says he’s not aware of any problems with this particular firm. He says the problem is that we’re getting out-of-town firms that say they’re paying prevailing wage, but are seriously undercutting the cost of local firms to do the same work, and he’s wondering why or how that could be. He wants to make sure that the firms are aware they have to pay prevailing wage, and the City needs to keep a watch on this to make sure they are paying prevailing wage. Sandberg says the difference between the lowest two bids were very close — within about 1% of each other, so he doesn’t see any evidence of impropriety.

Motion passes 9-1 (Gulley).

PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES & COMMUNICATIONS – TOWN OF THE CITY OF PEORIA

ITEM NO. 1 Communication from the Township Supervisor Requesting Approval of a RESOLUTION Authorizing the TOWN OF THE CITY OF PEORIA to Enter into an AGREEMENT with OSF for a DENTAL SERVICE PROGRAM for Those Needing Assistance.

Irving/Van Auken move to approve. No discussion. Motion passes unanimously.

ITEM NO. 2 Communication from the Town Clerk Requesting Approval of AGENDAS for the ANNUAL TOWN MEETING.

Irving/Spain move to approve. No discussion. Motion passes unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

No new business.

CITIZENS’ OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL/TOWN BOARD

• Savino Sierra — Says we’ve been talking all night about the East Bluff, but the South Side continues to be neglected. Asks when they’re going to fix the sidewalks around Trewyn school; District 150 is going to close Garfield and send many of those kids to Trewyn, and the sidewalks flood when it rains. Why hasn’t this been addressed? [Note: Gulley says he’s working on the problem already.]
• Kenny Carrigan — Praises the city for the way they took care of the safety problems surrounding the St. Patrick’s Day parade.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

ADJOURNMENT

There’s an executive session under 2(c)11 and 2(c)21. The regular meeting is adjourned at 8:16 p.m. Goodnight, everyone!