Category Archives: Peoria Park District

City of Peoria, Peoria Park District, Peoria Public Library, Peoria Public Schools

School board member suggests some “horse trading of civic assets”

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Jim StowellPeoria School Board member Jim Stowell believes the new northern branch of the library is misplaced, and would be better located by Expo Gardens and Richwoods High School. He doesn’t think it’s too late to change locations, either, since no construction has begun yet. A little over a week ago, he sent this letter to Peoria Public Library Director Ed Szynaka, Peoria Park District Director Bonnie Noble, Peoria Public Schools Superintendent Ken Hinton, and City of Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis:

Congratulations to the Peoria Public Library for the much deserved recognition from the Alliance Library Systems for their work in, as PJS described 10/30 “nudging a plan through a laborious process” that ended with 72% supporting a $35 million referendum to upgrade the present system. Full disclosure, I did not support the referendum.

Since the passage of that advisory referendum, however, much has changed economically. While some might think the $1 million spent for 6 acres behind Menards is a worthy investment, I’d suggest that with the pace of growth slowing and no shovel of dirt yet turned on this project, that the leadership of the Library would be prudent stewards of community assets if they re-assessed where to allocate precious resources. Much as city leaders have started to address issues within the heart of our city through Impact Zones, I believe we need to construct a new library where it can serve the greatest good for our community. Councilman Spears offered an idea that was not given adequate evaluation. With ICC, Mid-State College, St. Vincent’s and several public schools within walking distance, a facility near Expo could serve as a catalyst for a north-end transformation that might head off diminished real estate values likely to occur.

While I write only as an individual and not on behalf of the school board, what would be the possibility if the Library could acquire land near Richwoods free? Add the possibility that the school district would consider titling the properties acquired on Prospect to the Park District. The ultimate end would be for the Park District to acquire, over time, other parcels and square off Glen Oak Park from McClure down to Frye. This would open up green space and eyes to what many don’t realize is there.

A caveat to the agreement would need to provide for housing the District 150 Chinese teachers. Given the financial challenges facing municipal entities, it would likely take many years for the Park District to acquire the entire frontage along Prospect and our Chinese teachers could remain good neighbors of the Park.

In exchange for those assets, the School District could take possession of the Lakeview Branch, with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU for up to 30 years) that, through collaboration, the Public Library would remain open and a reading lab for students might also be established. Mentors for the reading lab could be sought from patrons. Usage could be monitored and a new “model collaborative library” might even develop.

In the end, the Library retains land where growth might occur in the next 30 years, and a “new” facility is more centrally located to serve multiple age groups and demographics. The siting could set off positive revitalization efforts throughout Exposition Gardens, with walking trails, etc. Lakeview would be enhanced and the District would have built-in mentor magnet.

In working together, the cost for the horse trading of civic assets – zero. The knowledge that the Library Board led other government entities and acted for the greater good: priceless.

Jim Stowell

Peoria Park District

Some of the oldest oak trees in the city may have to go for Family House

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I knew Family House was going to build a new home, but I had no idea it where it was going to be. That is, not until I read PeoriaIllinoisan’s post today. It looks like it’s going to be built on land that was once purchased specifically to prevent it from being developed — land near Glen Oak Park that was once eyed for acquisition by the Park District. Land with some of Peoria’s oldest oak trees, according to a 1998 Journal Star article. Very interesting story!

Peoria Park District

Still waiting for the Park Board televised meetings report

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From the April 27, 2007, Peoria Park Board minutes:

Mr. Christopher J. Summers read from a letter he wrote to the Park Board regarding the question of whether or not to televise Park Board meetings on the public access channel. VICE PRESIDENT CUMMINGS MOVED STAFF PREPARE A STUDY OR REPORT WHICH WOULD GIVE THE BOARD A SUMMARY OF ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH TELEVISING OF ALL PARK BOARD MEETINGS, OR ALL BUDGET SESSIONS. REPORT TO INCLUDE ALL THE BENEFITS OF SAME AND DISADVANTAGES OF SAME. STAFF TO INCLUDE THEIR SUGGESTIONS OF POSSIBLE DONORS WILLING TO CHAMPION THIS EFFORT IF COSTS ARE HIGH. Motion seconded by Trustee Petty. Deliberation followed with questions raised regarding who pays for the televised service, the previous history of this issue, and possibility of staff doing the taping of meetings and giving pre-recorded tape to Insight Communications public access channel. Motion carried on unanimous voice vote. (Results: 6 Ayes; 0 Nays)

It’s been over a year now. Still no action.

Kellar Branch, Peoria Park District

Park board should take a look in the mirror

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Kellar Branch RailroadJournal Star reporter and columnist Terry Bibo reports today that the Peoria Park Board is flummoxed as to why their plans to convert the Kellar Branch rail line to a trail isn’t moving forward. While they have traditionally pointed fingers at everyone from Pioneer Railcorp to the Surface Transportation Board, they have a new target now: the City of Peoria.

“That sounds like either the city is asleep or the city is in bed with that concept,” said Vice President Jim Cummings.

“That’s an interesting observation,” said President Tim Cassidy.

Oh sure, it’s the city’s fault now. They who have consistently voted in favor of the trail. They who have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on legal counsel to try to get regulatory approval to build the trail. They who signed a 99-year lease at $1 per year with the Park District to use the land for a trail. They’re the ones holding things up, the Park Board says.

I wish. It would be a beautiful thing if the City finally decided to keep the rail line and canceled its contract with the Park District. But I don’t foresee that happening.

If the Park District is looking for someone to blame, it should take a good look at itself. Their all-or-nothing stance on this issue is the obstacle that is standing in the way. If they would try to find a way to build the trail around the rail line, they could have the thing built in a couple of years.

All they need to do is put the trail on the railroad right-of-way next to the tracks where feasible, and then move it adjacent to a parallel street where necessary. It can be done, and they can find grant money to do it, by modifying their ISTEA grant (which they’ve done once already) and/or getting IDNR grants (like they have for the rest of the trail line).

I think I’ve figured out the reason they’re so hard-nosed on this issue, though. The Journal Star article mentions that the Park District is moving their administrative offices to the former IDOT building at Knoxville and Prospect, which is right on the Kellar line. My guess is they want to have the trail going right by their new administrative offices, and that’s the real reason why they’re so unwilling to compromise.

Peoria Park District

Still waiting for Park Board report on televising meetings

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From the April 27, 2007, Peoria Park Board minutes:

Mr. Christopher J. Summers read from a letter he wrote to the Park Board regarding the question of whether or not to televise Park Board meetings on the public access channel. VICE PRESIDENT CUMMINGS MOVED STAFF PREPARE A STUDY OR REPORT WHICH WOULD GIVE THE BOARD A SUMMARY OF ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH TELEVISING OF ALL PARK BOARD MEETINGS, OR ALL BUDGET SESSIONS. REPORT TO INCLUDE ALL THE BENEFITS OF SAME AND DISADVANTAGES OF SAME. STAFF TO INCLUDE THEIR SUGGESTIONS OF POSSIBLE DONORS WILLING TO CHAMPION THIS EFFORT IF COSTS ARE HIGH. Motion seconded by Trustee Petty. Deliberation followed with questions raised regarding who pays for the televised service, the previous history of this issue, and possibility of staff doing the taping of meetings and giving pre-recorded tape to Insight Communications public access channel. Motion carried on unanimous voice vote. (Results: 6 Ayes; 0 Nays)

It’s been six months, and there’s been no further mention of this action item that I can find. Did it slip through the cracks?

Peoria Park District

Bradley Park going to the dogs?

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Dog RunningAt the Peoria Park District’s Planning Committee meeting Tuesday night, they heard a report back on the possibility of establishing a dog park in Peoria. The idea is to fence in approximately five acres of Bradley Park (it was unclear from the picture shown at the meeting exactly what part of Bradley Park is being considered) as a dedicated place where dogs can run free and “socialize.”

Of course, there would be certain restrictions, including, but not limited to: the dogs must be licensed and up to date on their shots, can’t be in heat, can’t be aggressive, and must be well-behaved (e.g., come when called). No explanation was given as to why Bradley Park was chosen for the dog park which will also have an invisible fence for dogs added.

Supporters spoke of how they take their dogs to the dog park in Morton and wished their home town offered the same amenity. They also said that it’s a feature desired by young professionals moving into the area. If you are planning to own dogs, make sure to visit the AmericanListed webpage for more options.

If approved by the full board, the district would have to bid out the job of fencing in the area. The plan is to use chain link fencing.

Peoria Park District

21 landmarks proposed for historic preservation

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Park District LogoThe Peoria Park District Planning Committee today heard testimony from Mike Baietto, Superintendent of Parks, on why 21 district-owned landmarks should be preserved under the district’s new Historic Preservation Ordinance. More will be added over the next 30 days as park district staff work on including notable omissions (such as the Christopher Columbus statue in upper Bradley Park) and the public weighs in with other suggestions.

The initial 21 landmarks that were presented are:

  1. Decorative Stone Fort, a.k.a. the parapet, including the canon (Glen Oak Park, 1899)
  2. Kinsey Memorial Fountain (Glen Oak Park, 1905)
  3. Small Animal House (Glen Oak Park, 1905)
  4. Iron Suspension Bridge (Glen Oak Park, 1902)
  5. Triebel Lions (Glen Oak Park/Zoo, 1903)
  6. Glen Oak Park Pavilion (1896)
  7. Old Settlers’ Monument (Glen Oak Park, 1899)
  8. Pergola (lower Glen Oak Park, 1917)
  9. Robert Ingersoll Statue (lower Glen Oak Park, 1911)
  10. Historic Grand View Drive Park (already on National Historic Register)
  11. Trewyn Park Pavilion (Trewyn Park, 1913)
  12. Kinsey Sundial (Luthy Botanical Gardens, 1905)
  13. Proctor Recreation Center (1913, already on National Historic Register)
  14. Iron Bridge (Bradley Park, 1898)
  15. Japanese Bridge (Bradley Park, 1921)
  16. Detweiller Park Nature Preserve
  17. Forest Park North Nature Preserve
  18. Forest Park South Nature Preserve
  19. Robinson Park Nature Preserve
  20. Singing Woods Nature Preserve
  21. Giant Oak Park (High Street)

It was mentioned during the presentation that the sundial had been in storage for several years before being put on display in the Luthy Botanical Gardens, so I asked if there were any other historical items in storage that should be added to the list. Mr. Baietto and Bonnie Noble both said that there is not — at least, not that they are aware of.

Other people who were at the meeting included City Councilman George Jacob, a couple members of the city’s Historic Preservation Commission, neighborhood activist Sara Partridge, and the chair of the Junior League.

At the next meeting, a final list will be proposed and if the Planning Committee approves it, it will go to the full Park Board at their next scheduled meeting, and then there will be a public hearing…. It takes a while to get things added to the park district’s historic register.

If you would like to make a recommendation for historic preservation, you can pick up a “Resource Nomination Application” form at the park district offices (Glen Oak Park Pavilion, lower level). It was mentioned that the form will be available on the district’s web site, but it doesn’t appear to be there yet (unless I just couldn’t find it). You can also pick up a copy of the district’s historic preservation ordinance at the office.

The nomination form asks for the name of the landmark; its location; the applicant’s name, contact info, and signature; a description of the “present and original (if known) physical appearance and characteristics”; “statement of significance”; and photographs.

Peoria Park District

Park District to hold historic preservation meeting August 21

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Park District LogoJust a reminder to everyone who is concerned about the preservation of history in our city’s parks, there is a public meeting coming up next Tuesday that you’ll want to attend. Here’s how the Journal Star described it in their August 6 Word on the Street column:

At an upcoming planning committee meeting, park staff will present a district-wide inventory and assessment of what they believe should be preserved. The meeting is at 4 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Glen Oak Pavilion.

Not only is the public welcome to attend that meeting, but, according to the new ordinance, the public can nominate a property to be included for landmark status, which is similar to how the city’s historic preservation ordinance works.

Maybe PeoriaIllinoisan, who’s quickly becoming an expert on historical landmarks around here, will have some nominations for landmark status.

City of Peoria, Kellar Branch, Peoria Park District, Village of Peoria Heights

Kellar Branch Update

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Kellar Branch RailroadThere have apparently been a lot of behind-the-scenes dealings lately in the City’s effort to convert the Kellar Branch to a hiking trail. I recently acquired a copy of the minutes of the last Recreational Trail Advocates (RTA) meeting. Under “New Business” was this interesting info (interspersed with my comments):

Bruce Brown reported that Randy Oliver, city manager, and Randy Ray, city attorney, have sent a counter offer to Central Illinois Railroad (CIRY) stating what would be required for them to continue to use the Keller Branch. The railroad bed must be brought up to a standard so that a train could operate at 5 miles an hour. This would probably cost $100,000 and the railroad company would have to pay 12.2 % of assessed valuation using the appraisal figures this annual rent would be between $160,000 to $190,000. The amount using the appraisal of Klopfenstein would be $204,960. The City offered to allow CIRY to use the western connection for $1.00. The railroad company dismissed this counter offer and said it would make a reply that has not yet been received. Dick Carver and Steve Van Winkle have volunteered to work with CIRY to get an agreement. The city has done everything that J.P. O’Brien and Dave Maloof have asked of them except the modified Public Convenience and Necessity (PCN) Agreement from CIRY.

So the City is putting pressure on Central Illinois Railroad Company (CIRY) to abandon the Kellar Branch by charging upwards of $200,000 annually for use of the right-of-way, plus requiring the line to be upgraded. Meanwhile, the City would subsidize use of the western connection by offering use of it for only $1 per year.

Also, Dick Carver has offered to work with CIRY — I wonder if the Park District is going to fly him into town at taxpayer expense again for that service.

I find this line rather disturbing: “The city has done everything that J.P. O’Brien and Dave Maloof have asked of them….” O’Brien owns O’Brien Steel and is still benefiting from the advantages of rail service via the Kellar Branch because he’s on the southern end of it which will not be converted to a trail. Maloof is a commercial realtor who has land interest in the Pioneer Park area. The City is taking marching orders from these two people whose businesses and livelihoods are completely unaffected by the fate of the Kellar Branch to the detriment of Carver Lumber Company and its fifty employees who are the only ones directly affected. So much for the City trying to shed its anti-business reputation.

Ray LaHood formally asked for a meeting with the Surface Transportation Board (STB), which would also include the mayors of Peoria and Peoria Heights and several city council members. STB turned Ray down stating that they didn’t want individuals appearing before them. We are still working with Dick Durbin for a favorable ruling from the STB. Bruce would like to arrange an opportunity for Randy Ray, Randy Oliver, Dick Carver and other government officials to see the 6 miles of the proposed trail.

There’s a clear, public process for making your case before the Surface Transportation Board. Having your congressman arrange back-room meetings with the board members is not part of that process. The board could ask for oral arguments if they were so inclined, but then they’d want both sides to be represented.

I think now the only political angle the RTA hasn’t tried is writing to President Bush asking for an executive order to discontinue train service on the Kellar Branch. I’m sure that will be next.

The Peoria Park District (PPD) has been asked to cut the weeds along the trail within the Peoria Heights section this fall. We will wait to hear from the PPD. The RTA might be responsible for doing one section of this area that is the flattest.

Why isn’t the Village cutting the weeds themselves? They own the property and it’s not a trail yet. Why should Park District resources be expended to cut the weeds? Does the Village not own weed cutting equipment?

Ray LaHood’s chief of staff, Tim Butler, is looking to the RTA for direction on how to proceed to further the cause of the trail. Mike Pula feels that someone needs to again talk to Carver Lumber about their opposition to using the western branch. It was suggested that perhaps Patrick Nichting and Randy Oliver could talk to them. Keith Bonds offered to contact Carver Lumber Company about its current position and what it would take to allow the Kellar Branch service to be discontinued.

Yes, by all means, keep trying to convince Carver Lumber to use the most expensive and least reliable transportation option available. As for “what it would take to allow the Kellar Branch service to be discontinued,” we’ve been over this a hundred times. Comparable rates, reliable service via the western connection. That’s what it would take, and what the City, Park District, RTA, Dick Carver, Ray LaHood, CIRY, Union Pacific, et. al., have been completely unable to deliver.

Mike Pula brought up the development off Knoxville (Trail Creek), which is touting their closeness to the trail as a selling point. We need to contact the developers on the north side and see if they would like to become more involved with supporting the extension of the Kellar Branch. Is there a volunteer to make contact with these developers?

Mike Rucker sent Rails to Trails magazine subscriptions to various government officials including Peoria City Council, Peoria Heights Trustees, Peoria Park District members and other park districts officials in the area and to Peoria and Peoria Heights libraries.

Tim O’Hanlon volunteered to get information from Rock Island and Champaign’s trail coordinators as they have been successful in the past few years implementing trails.

More lobbying. Just think what these people might accomplish if they were to put this much time and effort into something productive, like coming up with a way to keep the rail line and build the trail. I mean, they’ve been at this for, what, something like 13 years?

It seems to me that if the primary objective were to get the trail, they would have abandoned conversion of this rail corridor long ago and found an alternative route for the trail. Had they done that, they could have had the trail built years ago and been enjoying it all this time!

Keith volunteered to call Mike Friberg to try to get published a picture and information about the bridge over Knoxville Avenue.

The bridge over Knoxville — this is a pedestrian bridge that would be installed where the Kellar Branch crosses Knoxville at Junction City, near Prospect, if the trail ever gets the green light from the STB. It’s estimated to cost $2.6 million. It’s interesting that this is the only intersection that is planned to receive a bridge. At other major intersections, the Park District is planning to run the trail alongside the road to the nearest traffic signal before crossing. Why they aren’t planning to do that at Knoxville, I’m not sure, but it could have to do with the fact that Knoxville is a state route.

Meanwhile, we’re still waiting for a decision from the STB on whether CIRY or Pioneer should be allowed to operate the Kellar Branch. There is still no request pending to discontinue service on the Kellar Branch (CIRY withdrew their request). So, it looks like we’re in for several more years of haggling over this. I guess all the parties in favor of the project feel this fight is worth the expense, effort, and ever-increasing time it takes to resolve. I can think of better ways to spend taxpayer money.

City Council, City of Peoria, Peoria Park District

Glen Oak landmark designations to be deferred again

The City’s Historic Preservation Commission voted to recommend landmarking nine items in Glen Oak Park. On April 24, that recommendation came before the City Council and was deferred until June 5 to give the Park District time to develop their own historic preservation policy. The Park Board has asked that the city defer this item two more weeks — until June 19 — because they are scheduled to take action on this issue at their June 13 meeting.

My only suggestion: If the council approves the request to only meeting the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, better defer this item to the 26th instead.