Hello everyone, and welcome to the Peoria City Council meeting. I haven’t been able to attend the last couple of meetings, but I’m back tonight, liveblogging the event for your entertainment. You can join the fun at City Hall, fourth floor, Council Chambers. You can also watch live on Comcast cable channel 22, or listen live on 89.9 FM, WCBU.
The hyperlinked agenda is here, if you want to see supporting documentation. Otherwise, I’ll list the agenda items below and give a play-by-play on each of them as the council discusses them. This post will be updated frequently throughout the evening, so be sure to refresh your browser. It’s now 6:15 p.m. and time to get started. Without any further ado, here’s tonight’s agenda (it’s a long one!):
[Note: I should mention that I don’t generally cover proclamations, so there won’t be much action here until the regular business agenda starts. There are several proclamations.]
Proclamations are over at 6:44 p.m., and we’re now on Item 1. Also, Spears announced at the beginning of the meeting that he will be asking to defer the Big Hollow Rd. zoning issue. So if you’re waiting around to hear about that item, don’t bother. No action on it tonight.
ITEM NO. 1 CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BY OMNIBUS VOTE, for the City of Peoria, with Recommendations as Outlined:
A. Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with Request to REALLOCATE $35,000.00 of the 2009 SIDEWALK PARTICIPATION CIP FUNDS to GLEN OAK IMPACT ZONE – PHASE 2 SIDEWALK PROJECT.
B. Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works Requesting Approval of the USE of $800,000.00 of CAPITAL BILL INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT FUNDS for IMPROVEMENTS to the INTERSECTION of GLEN AVENUE and UNIVERSITY STREET, with Request to Authorize the City Manager to Sign the Grant Applications and Agreements with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
C. Communication from the City Manager Requesting Approval to SUBMIT an APPLICATION to the ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION (EDA) for a GRANT, in the Amount of $300,414.00, for RELOCATION of SEWER for CITY-OWNED PROPERTY at the CORNER of ELM and REED STREETS with FUNDING for the GRANT MATCH from the SOUTHTOWN TIF FUNDS, in an Amount Not to Exceed 50% of the Total Grant Amount.
D. Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Authorization for a SETTLEMENT OF CLAIM for PERSONAL INJURY to KATHY HENDERSON Arising Out of an Accident on August 28, 2007, at 1601 N. E. MADISON STREET, in the Amount of $20,000.00, and Requesting Authorization for the City Manager to Execute the Necessary Documents.
E. Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of an INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT Between the CITY OF PEORIA and the COUNTY OF PEORIA Pertaining to WILHELM ROAD BRIDGE, and Requesting Authorization for Execution of the Document by the City Manager.
F. Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works Requesting Approval of the PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT with MAURER-STUTZ, INC. for the DESIGN ENGINEERING of the WILHELM BRIDGE Between ALLEN ROAD and RADNOR ROAD, in an Amount Not to Exceed $65,125.00, Subject to the County Entering into the Intergovernmental Agreement.
G. Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller Requesting Adoption of an ORDINANCE Amending the CITY OF PEORIA BUDGET for FISCAL YEAR 2010 Relating to the ILLINOIS AMERICAN WATER COMPANY FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM, in the Amount of $1,500.00 and the FIRE PREVENTION DONATION, in the Amount of $750.00.
H. Communication from the City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Zoning Commission and Staff to Adopt an ORDINANCE Rezoning Property Commonly Known as McDONALD’S RESTAURANT Located at 3600 N. UNIVERSITY STREET from the Present Class C2 (Large Scale Commercial) District to a Class C1 (General Commercial) District.
I. Communication from the City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Zoning Commission and Staff to Adopt an ORDINANCE Rezoning Property Identified as PARCEL ID #14-21-381-033 Located on KNOXVILLE AVENUE from the Present Class R1 (Single Family Residential) District to a Class R-3 (Single Family Residential) District.
J. Communication from the City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Zoning Commission and Staff to Adopt an ORDINANCE Amending APPENDIX B of the Code of the City of Peoria Relating to WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES.
K. Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of a SITE APPLICATION for a CLASS B (Restaurant) LIQUOR LICENSE with a SUBCLASS 3A (Sidewalk Cafe) at 7411 N. GRAND PRAIRIE DRIVE, with Recommendation from the Liquor Commission to Approve.
L. Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of a SITE APPLICATION for a CLASS B (Restaurant, Full-Service Bar) LIQUOR LICENSE at 629 W. GLEN, with Recommendation from the Liquor Commission to Approve.
M. Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of SITE APPLICATIONS for a Class C-1 (Package Liquor) LIQUOR LICENSE at 4814 N. SHERIDAN ROAD, 1919 W. PIONEER PARKWAY, and 2324 W. WAR MEMORIAL DRIVE, with Recommendation from the Liquor Commission to Approve.
N. Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of a SITE APPLICATION for a CLASS B (Restaurant) LIQUOR LICENSE, with a SubClass 1A (2:00 A.M. Closing), SubClass 2 (Live Entertainment), and SubClass 3A (Sidewalk Cafe) at 7716 N. ROUTE 91, with Recommendation from the Liquor Commission to Approve.
O. Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of a SITE APPLICATION for a CLASS C-4 (Beer/Wine Package Goods/Convenience Store/Gas Station) LIQUOR LICENSE at 7225 N. ALLEN ROAD, with Recommendation from the Liquor Commission to Approve.
P. Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of an APPLICATION for a CLASS H (Temporary Outdoor) LIQUOR LICENSE at 104 WALNUT STREET for a FUNDRAISER on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2010.
Q. APPOINTMENTS and REAPPOINTMENTS by Mayor Jim Ardis to the ADVISORY COMMITTEE for the DISABLED, with Request to Concur:
APPOINTMENTS:
Joy H. Kneebone (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2012
Teresa L. Miller (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
Janet Quintilliani (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2011
Connie M. Schiele (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
Theresa Sies (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2011REAPPOINTMENTS:
Roger Sparks (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
John W. Williams (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013R. APPOINTMENTS by Mayor Jim Ardis to the ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON POLICE-COMMUNITY RELATIONS, with Request to Concur:
William Ordaz (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
Savino Sierra (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2012
Sharon E. Draper (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
Douglas Lindstrom (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
Erica K. Baird (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
Howard E. Williamson (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
James Bryson (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2011
Larry D. Ivory (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2012
George H. Azouri (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2012
Whitney J. Lawson (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2012
Donald R. Jackson (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2011
Greg Collins (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2011
Council Member Eric Turner (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2011
City Manager Scott Moore (Voting)
Police Chief Steve Settingsgaard (Voting)S. APPOINTMENTS and REAPPOINTMENTS by Mayor Jim Ardis to the PEORIA CIVIC CENTER AUTHORITY, with Request to Concur:
APPOINTMENTS:
Robert D. Manning (Voting) – Term Expires 7/1/2015
Sylvia S. Hasinger (Voting) – Term Expires 7/1/2011
Harold Burdess (Non-Voting) – Term Expires 7/1/2012REAPPOINTMENTS:
Bob Marx (Non-Voting) – Term Expires 7/1/2012T. APPOINTMENTS by Mayor Jim Ardis to the PEORIA AREA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU, with Request to Concur:? (Name of Candidates will be forthcoming.)
U. APPOINTMENT and REAPPOINTMENTS by Mayor Jim Ardis to the SISTER CITY COMMISSION, with Request to Concur:
APPOINTMENT:
Gloria Cassel Fitzgerald (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2011REAPPOINTMENTS:
John Day (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
Dr. Camille Gibson (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
Dr. Joan L. Sattler (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
Suzanne Love Smith (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
Thomas N. Stanesa (Voting)? – Term Expires 6/30/2013V. APPOINTMENT and REAPPOINTMENTS by Mayor Jim Ardis to the TRAFFIC COMMISSION, with Request to Concur:
APPOINTMENT:
Patrick A. McNamara (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2012REAPPOINTMENTS:
Mary Jane Crowell (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
John Haverhals (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
W. Joe Hudson (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013W. REAPPOINTMENTS by Mayor Jim Ardis to the PEORIA URBAN FORESTRY ADVISORY BOARD, with Request to Concur:
Glenn E. Herold (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
James Alwill (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
Brent Clark (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
Amy Benecke McLaren (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013X. APPOINTMENT and REAPPOINTMENTS by Mayor Jim Ardis to the ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS, with Request to Concur:
APPOINTMENT:
Honorable Steve Kouri (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013REAPPOINTMENTS:
Henry J. Blackwell (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
Nathan K. Wagner (Voting) – Term Expires 6/30/2013
The following items were removed from the consent agenda (by the councilman in parentheses) so it can be voted on separately: I, J (Riggenbach); R (Gulley). The rest of the consent agenda passed unanimously (moved by Van Auken/Turner).
Items removed from consent:
- Item I — Riggenbach moves to defer until 9/14; requests staff to provide drawing of building envelope standards for R-1 and R-3 zones. Passes unanimously.
- Item J — Riggenbach moves to defer until 9/28. Passes unanimously.
- Item R — Gulley moves to defer until 9/28. Passes unanimously.
ITEM NO. 2 Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller Requesting Adoption of an ORDINANCE Providing for the ISSUANCE of ONE or MORE SERIES of GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2010D, of the City of Peoria, Authorizing the EXECUTION of ONE or MORE ESCROW AGREEMENTS and BOND ORDERS, and Providing for the LEVY and COLLECTION of a DIRECT ANNUAL TAX for the PAYMENT of the PRINCIPAL OF and INTEREST ON SAID BONDS.
Finance Director Jim Scroggins explains the item. They’re going to get a better interest rate and reduce future debt service on the bond, he says. Van Auken/Spain move to approve. Sandberg objects to using state funding to help us “save money”; points out that Illinois is now the state most likely to fall into insolvency, surpassing California. Bond counsel comes forward at Spain’s request and explains that Illinois’ bond rating is A+ — by definition an investment-grade security. Motion passes 8-2 (Sandberg, Montelongo voting nay).
ITEM NO. 3 Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works Recommending Acceptance of the LOWEST RESPONSIVE BID of ILLINOIS CIVIL CONTRACTORS, INC. and AWARD the CONTRACT, in the Amount of $661,075.50 with Additional Authorization of $33,053.78 (5% for Contingencies) for the N. ROCKWOOD ROAD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT (W. Scenic Drive to N. Big Hollow Road), and Approve a SUPPLEMENTAL MFT RESOLUTION, in the Amount of $30,000, for Construction Costs.
Spears/Van Auken move for approval. There is some discussion about a company that didn’t meet EOO (Equal Opportunity Office) requirements and thus had their bid rejected even though it was the low bid. The floor was opened for people to speak on this issue. Two people spoke, one of which was a representative from C&G Concrete. He said the IDOT advertisement did not say bidders had to be precertified by IDOT. Public Works Director Dave Barber disputes that. The guy from C&G has the ad with him, and reads it. It’s vague, and doesn’t specifically say that IDOT precertification is necessary. Mayor Ardis and City Attorney Randy Ray say basically that this discussion is moot because the contractor was not EOO qualified, and the IDOT prequalification question is a separate issue.
Motion passes unanimously.
ITEM NO. 4 Communication from the City Manager Requesting Approval of a RESOLUTION Providing for the ESTABLISHMENT of TAX INCREMENT FINANCING “INTERESTED PARTIES” REGISTRY for the EAST VILLAGE GROWTH CELL TIF, and Adopting REGISTRATION RULES for Such Registry.
Riggenbach/Turner move to approve. Riggenbach asks all interested parties to sign up for this. Motion passes 9-1 (Sandberg).
ITEM NO. 5 Communication from the City Manager Requesting Approval of a RESOLUTION Providing for a FEASIBILITY STUDY and HOUSING IMPACT STUDY on the Designation of a Portion of Peoria Known as the EAST VILLAGE GROWTH CELL REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA and to Induce Development within Such Area.
Riggenbach/Van Auken move to approve. No discussion. Motion passes 9-1 (Sandberg).
ITEM NO. 6 Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of the DESIGN CONCEPTS for the PEORIA REGIONAL MUSEUM FACILITIES, THE VISITOR CENTER, and the PARKING GARAGE.
Riggenbach/Turner move to approve. Sandberg says he did not always vote against the museum. He voted for the first iteration that was a more urban solution, with greater density and mixed use. Since the project design has changed, he’s been against it because it’s suburban, not urban. He will not support the design changes because they are not compatible with the Heart of Peoria Plan/New Urbanism, which the council adopted “in principle.” Motion passes 9-1 (Sandberg).
ITEM NO. 7 Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of an AMENDED and RESTATED MUSEUM BLOCK REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT with PEORIA COUNTY, CATERPILLAR, PEORIA RIVERFRONT MUSEUM, and ITS PREDECESSOR, LAKEVIEW MUSEUM, and Requesting Authorization for the City Manager to Execute the Agreement and Necessary Documents.
Turner/Gulley move to approve. Mayor is going to allow council members to ask questions of staff and museum folks, then let the council have two rounds of comment from council members, and then vote. Sandberg asks for privilege of the floor for any public comments.
- Bob Marx — He’s the CEO of the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. He’s talking about the national and international (!) interest this project has, and how it will cause lots of people to stay in the new Wonderful Development (Marriott hotel). He uses Moline as a comparable example of what we will have in Peoria. It’s “nothing short of miraculous,” he says.
- Brad Harding — He’s a Peoria County board member from District 16. He wants them to defer their actions tonight because: (1) During town hall meetings leading up to referendum, they only talked about IMAX, not an Imitation Giant Screen Theater (IGST). (2) Management of parking deck is now in the hands of the museum group, and he thinks that once the deck is constructed, it will be closed to the public and used only for museum employees and CAT employees. (3) No nationwide search for CEO of museum; thinks Richerson shouldn’t be it. (4) A Chicago firm is the construction firm for the museum (Turner Construction Company); why not a Peoria firm? (5) Questions whether the $5 million DCEO grant will happen, since the application was falsified.
- Me — Nothing new. My usual objections.
- Mike Everett — He represents the trade unions. He says it’s no big deal that there won’t be an IMAX. He’s tired of driving by a hole in the ground. “It’s time to move something forward,” he says.
- Bob Lawless — He represents some unnamed organization that gave $125,000 to the project. Asks for their support.
- Gene Sanders — Bringing the museum downtown will be an asset. “It’s easy to be a naysayer.” “If you build it, they will come,” he says.
Turner starts off the questioning, saying that he feels the council is in a “pressure-cooker” due to the “bait-and-switch” regarding the IMAX theater. All the financials leading up to this point have been based on the “brand power” of IMAX. He asks if that’s true. Ryan Beasley (of WASHINGTON, ILLINOIS!), speaking for the museum affirms that. Question two, can he name any other museums that have something other than an IMAX theater. Beasley: “Yes” — however, he doesn’t name any, oddly. Turner says he’s heard that IMAX has concerns about the size of the Peoria market. Beasley says that’s not true, and that IMAX is excited about bringing IMAX to the Peoria area.
Montelongo asks for some highlights of his marketing plan. Beasley talks about the benefits of the potential exhibits, planetarium, and theater. Their marketing efforts will revolve mostly around the exhibits. They will advertise throughout Illinois, including Chicago suburbs and southern Illinois. They predict 80% of the traffic will be from a 150-mile radius of Peoria.
Sandberg asks about attendance projections of 360,000 people per year. Beasley says those are best guesses based on attendance at other museums the size of the one planned here. Sandberg questions the accuracy of those numbers, since it seems to include people who get counted twice. He also questions the DCEO grant application that was falsified (the application was filled out by the County Administrator and also signed by the County Board Chairman and stated that the County owns the land — however, they do not own the land, of course). Tom O’Neill, County Board Chairman is here in the Council chambers; he says the State’s Attorney said it was okay because “we were going to have it.” Sandberg asks how they could know that. Also wonders how the State’s Attorney could have told O’Neill to commit perjury. Mayor Ardis says this is irrelevant to the Council’s action tonight.
Spain asks Beasley about the financial importance of the IMAX. Beasley says the pro forma today has IMAX revenues at 25-29% of total revenues. Says the redevelopment agreement states if those projections fall short, they will have to cut their costs to bring the project on budget. Beasley also says the business plan today is not built on commercial films, but rather on “classic” films and second-run releases. Spain asks if the museum group made a distinction between “day and date” films and second-run films in the weeks leading up to the referendum. Answer: no. Beasley says the museum people take responsibility for the “lack of clarity” on that issue. Spain asks when the museum group first became aware that their relationship with IMAX might be in jeopardy. Answer: the last eight weeks or so. Spain is concerned that this was not communicated to the County or City back then — why is it only coming out now, in the last couple of weeks? Beasley reiterates that IMAX is still their preferred company, so it’s not certain that we won’t have an IMAX. Spain asks where we go from here. Beasley says he needs to have all the agreements signed [of course — just like they said they needed the referendum passed in order to sign the agreement with IMAX. The target keeps moving!].
Irving starts his questioning. He asks when was the last time someone talked to IMAX and they were excited. Beasley says the last time they talked to IMAX was Monday, and that they’ve expressed their excitement “several times over the past 6 to 8 months.” [Note Beasley’s language — he keeps saying IMAX is “excited” about the “Peoria market” — not necessarily the museum.] Irving asks if the museum has put together pro formas on other large-screen theaters? Answer: the museum’s consultant, White Oaks Associates, is working on that. [Oh, that’s rich; we have to make the decision to go on the project before we see the pro forma!]
Ardis has a couple questions for Beasley. He has some letter he would like to read into the record. The letter is from the Peoria Riverfront Museum group, apparently, and is to the Council, County Board, and Cat. It’s nothing new or different than what was presented at the County Board. Ardis questions why the IMAX problem was not brought to the City’s attention earlier than 8-10 days ago when they knew about it 8 months ago or so. Beasley, on behalf of PRM, apologizes for not keeping the City better informed, and promises to keep the City informed from now on.
Now, closing comments from any council members who wish. Ardis goes first, reading his statement. He talks about the “vision” of Ray LaHood and the commitment of Caterpillar. “This project has had its difficult moments.” “I’m confident we’ll be able to move forward together” by the end of tonight. He says ownership of the land has “always been a concern of the City.” “We’re not backing into this agreement with regret, but driving into it with our eyes wide open.”
Van Auken concurs with Ardis, and gets all teary-eyed talking about Ardis’s “leadership” and “integrity.” “That’s why you’ll have the overwhelming support of the council tonight, including me,” she said.
Gulley has some questions — I guess he missed his turn the first time around. He asks some questions about the agreement; he asks if the County has already gone out for bid on the parking deck. Answer: yes, and it’s contingent on the City conveying the land. Gulley asks if the City’s EEO department was consulted in that. Answer: don’t know.
Riggenbach requests that Ransburg (PRM Chairman) and Beasley keep the City in the loop as a “true partner in this.” Thinks working out the land issue is a tribute to the City’s cooperation with the County. [Sounds like there have been some secret negotiations before the meeting, doesn’t it?]
Gulley says he has to make a decision between “personal gain” and “gain for the community.” He wants to “be part of the group that moves this great project forward.” He hopes everyone will vote for the redevelopment agreement because he says it’s the right thing to do for the community.
Sandberg gives his closing comments. The project has done nothing but get smaller. It’s just another in a long line of projects that have been touted as the silver bullet to save downtown — Civic Center, Riverfront Village, Gateway Building, etc. Asks the City Clerk to add the falsified DCEO application to the official record. Just tonight, the Council stood on principle that the rules need to be followed (see the earlier C&G Concrete issue), but now the mayor calls the DCEO application a “red herring.” Sandberg continues that 70% of the money to build the museum comes from taxpayers, yet the PRM board has closed meetings. “Filling the hole in the ground with baits and switches and broken promises is not what this City needs.” This is supposedly the most valuable property in the City of Peoria, yet tonight we’re going to sell it for a buck. “You don’t do that in real life. You don’t do that in your business. You liquidate. You don’t give away your property for a buck.” “You’re missing the mark, and you know it.” “Peoria has earned the reputation of being ‘better than nothing.'”
No further comments. Motion passes 9-1 (Sandberg). After the vote, the council chambers nearly empties. Most people were apparently here for that vote.
ITEM NO. 8 Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works Requesting Adoption of an ORDINANCE Vacating STRIPS of RIGHT-OF-WAY on the NORTHEAST SIDE of LIBERTY STREET Between WATER STREET and WASHINGTON STREET and on the SOUTHWEST SIDE of MAIN STREET Between WATER STREET and WASHINGTON STREET.
Gulley/Van Auken move to approve. Motion passes unanimously.
ITEM NO. 9 Communication from the City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Zoning Commission and Staff to Adopt an ORDINANCE Amending Ordinance No. 16,462, an EXISTING SPECIAL USE in a WM (West Main Form) District for a RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL PROJECT to Allow 1) the RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL PROJECT to be Developed in Phases, 2) the EXTENSION of the TIME to ESTABLISH from Two to Four Years, 3) MINOR ELEVATION CHANGES and the ADDITION of the STREET WALL, 4) a WAIVER for TWO DRIVEWAY ENTRIES within 75 Feet Along BOURLAND AVENUE, and 5) all OTHER ASPECTS to CONFORM to the PROJECT Approved in Ordinance No. 16,462, for Property referred to as MAIN STREET COMMONS PROJECT and Located at 1014, 1016, 1021, 1023, and 1027 N. BOURLAND AVENUE, 1014, 1016, and 1018 N. UNDERHILL STREET, and 1109 W. MAIN STREET, with Conditions.
Van Auken/Spain move to approve. Van Auken says that this is going to a two-phase process due to the requirements of the financing institution involved. Sandberg asks for the privilege of the floor for public comment.
- Conrad Stinnett — Represents University East Neighborhood Association tonight. They voted to oppose this matter. Complains that the developer hasn’t been very communicative or responsive to questions from neighbors. Feels the neighborhood would have to deal with the stress of construction for an additional two years (four years total). The plan has gone from a sure plan to a “maybe” one. “Value residents over developers,” he says. “Progress that’s not progress for everyone is not progress.” He urges the council to disapprove this; approve phase one only and make the developer come back later to propose Phase II and have it subjected to public scrutiny.
- Golda Ewalt — The vote of the University East NA was 3-2 (there were only five people in attendance). She wasn’t there that night. She says the developer has been very responsive. Asks for this to be supported tonight.
Spain speaks positively about improvements in the Ren Park (West Main) area.
Sandberg points out that the Main Street retail is not really 8500 square feet, but rather 3750 square feet. The rest of the area is for trash and utility services.
Motion passes 9-1 (Sandberg).
ITEM NO. 10 Communication from the City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Zoning Commission and Staff to Adopt an ORDINANCE Amending Ordinance No. 13,450, as Amended, in a Class C2 (Large Scale Commercial) District for a SPECIAL USE for a SHOPPING CENTER to Add a RESTAURANT for Property Located at 3425 – 3525 N. UNIVERSITY STREET, Commonly Known as UNIVERSITY PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER, with Waivers.
Van Auken moves (Gulley seconds) to approve, with the exception that condition 5 be replaced with “140 square feet in area” instead of “70 square feet.” She says this has been done in three other locations — Rasmussin College on War Memorial Dr., Shell Gas Station on Allen Rd., and AA Pizza. And there was a variance granted by the ZBA for the McDonald’s across the street. She asks for the Hrubys (the developers) to have the privilege of the floor. Russ Hruby says that Peoria has been wonderful to work with — he singles out in particular Barbara Van Auken, Pat Landes, Leah Allison, and Ross Black. He says national chains “look for this kind of cooperation” when looking for a community in which to “invest.” Chris Hruby (Russ’s son) also has nice things to say about Peoria.
Sandberg questions the rationale of allowing this sign. This is part of a shopping center and so this will be the third sign on or near this shopping center property. He says that the three signs Van Auken brought up should be reasons not to allow this sign — not reasons to allow it. Those signs shouldn’t have been allowed either. “All we’re doing is continuing the plethora of … grandfathering” of big signs. “70 square feet is more than readable.”
Motion passes 9-1 (Sandberg).
ITEM NO. 11 Communication from the City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Zoning Commission and Staff to Adopt an ORDINANCE Amending APPENDIX B of the Code of the City of Peoria Relating to OFF-STREET PARKING, LOADING REQUIREMENTS and LIMITATIONS, and DEFINITION of DRIVEWAY, and an ORDINANCE Amending APPENDIX C of the Code of the City of Peoria Relating to OFF-STREET PARKING, LOADING REQUIREMENTS and LIMITATIONS, and DEFINITION of DRIVEWAY.
Spain/Spears move to approve. Spears speaks in favor of the motion. Motion passes unanimously.
ITEM NO. 12 Communication from the City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Zoning Commission and Staff to DENY an Amendment to Appendix B and Appendix C of the City of Peoria Relating to MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOLS and SCHOOLS for the ARTS. (Refer to Item No. 10-299)
Spears moves to direct the City Attorney to bring back an ordinance that would allow martial arts schools as a special use in a residential zone; seconded by Gulley. Sandberg questions Planning and Growth Director Pat Landes’s research of surrounding communities as it’s characterized in the minutes. Landes defends her research and gives additional info; suggests not to simply allow martial arts only as a special use, but rather to allow “schools of arts” which would also allow tap dance classes, art classes, etc., in residential neighborhoods subject to getting a special use permit. Sandberg supports Spears’ pursuit of this issue.
Spears clarifies that he means “schools of arts” and not just martial arts schools; he also says that he supports limiting the number of people that can be taught at a time so as not to put a burden on traffic in the neighborhood.
Motion passes unanimously.
ITEM NO. 13 Communication from the City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Zoning Commission to APPROVE and with Recommendation from the Staff to DENY an ORDINANCE Rezoning Property Located at 306 N. BRYAN AVENUE and 509 N. E. ADAMS STREET from the Present Class CG (General Commercial) District to a Class I2 (Railroad/Warehouse Industrial) District.
Gulley moves to concur with the Zoning Commission’s recommendation to approve; seconded by Turner. Sandberg says our current comprehensive plan has this area marked as commercial, as does the new comp plan that’s in the works. Sandberg asks why this hasn’t gone before the Planning Commission to change the comp plan first, as has been traditionally done? “We discount the value of the comprehensive plan,” he says. We’re calling this industrial, across the street from residential, three blocks from downtown, and in the new, proposed East Village TIF. It should be vetted not “under the emotion of the specific project,” but with a look to the long-term vision of this land. It should go through the Planning Commission first.
Gulley says that process would be too long and drawn out. More discussion I missed because I was talking to someone. 🙂
Motion passes 8-2 (Sandberg, Spain).
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(10-217) Communication from the City Manager and Assistant Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Administration to ADVERTISE a NOTICE of FUND AVAILABILITY (NOFA) for PUBLIC FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS Utilizing Unobligated Community Development Block Grant Funds, in the Amount of $200,000.00.
MOTION ON THE FLOOR: To advertise a Notice of Fund Availability (NOFA) for Public Facilities Improvements utilizing unobligated Community Development Block Grant Funds, in the amount of $200,000.00.
Spain/Gulley move to approve. Motion passes unanimously.
(10-299) Communication from the City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from Staff to DENY, and with No Recommendation from the Zoning Commission, for a Request to REZONE Property Located at 5211 N. BIG HOLLOW ROAD from a Class R2 (Single Family Residential) District to a Class C1 (General Commercial) District.
Spears moves to defer until Item 12 is resolved, seconded by Van Auken. Motion passes unanimously.
(10-362) Communication from the City Manager and Assistant Director of Planning and Growth Management with Request to DEFER this Item until SEPTEMBER 28, 2010:
A. ORDINANCE Amending APPENDIX B of the Code of the City of Peoria Relating to ZONING EXCEPTION CERTIFICATES for Transfers of Property; and
B. ORDINANCE Amending APPENDIX C of the Code of the City of Peoria Relating to ZONING EXCEPTION CERTIFICATES for Transfers of Property.
Van Auken/Irving move to defer as stated in the motion. Passes unanimously.
[Other Old Business]
Sandberg is concerned about residents along Wisconsin who cannot get into their home while Wisconsin is under construction. Wants to know “what our policies are [for residents in particular] during major construction activities like that [nearly six weeks, or an extended period of time].” Asks staff for feedback on that. Spears says when Forrest Hill was under construction there were lots of meetings with neighbors about it.
NEW BUSINESS
Montelongo talks about a PDC recycling event the first weekend of September.
PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES & COMMUNICATIONS — TOWN OF THE CITY OF PEORIA
ITEM NO. 1 Communication from the Town Attorney Requesting Approval of a RESOLUTION Authorizing the TOWN SUPERVISOR to Enter into a LEASE or PURCHASE AGREEMENT for the TOWNSHIP RELIEF OFFICE.
Removed from agenda.
CITIZEN REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL
Savino Sierra complains about motorcyclists weaving in and out of traffic and their excessive noise.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
No executive session. Motion to adjourn, and we’re all done! Thanks for joining me tonight. Good night. Come down to Whitey’s for pizza if you want!
tell the sound guy the sound for tv is very low i’m at 100% and have a hardtime hearing.
Me to.
GREAT SPEECH CJ.
Oh snap. Bravo Gary!
LOVE THE FAKE GONNA CRY BARB.
Maybe Golden Corral can secure an IMAX contract for their jumbo sign – as part of the “revitalization of University.”
no mention of Bob Marx comment that this would be world class bringing people from all over the U.S. and Europe. If that is true we should start looking to upgrade the airport now to handle all the new international flights.
She’s soooo melodramatic …. and really rubs me the wrong way.
That aside — here’s hoping all the energy put towards stopping the museum project (and I believe all against had good reasons and believed current plan not best that could have been devised) can be harnessed and put toward making this a success. Doesn’t mean all of you have to love every piece of it, but the community will be better off now IF this succeeds rather than having a group being able to say “told you so”. Let’s make this the gem it needs to be.
Hey Bob if you didn’t realize it they are upgrading the airport.
Here is a website you can watch the progress of the museum over the next 2 1/2 years
http://www.buildtheblockcam.com
CJ, nice to see you stand up and give your thoughts on the museum. Where were all your fellow bloggers though? No one else in the whole community, not one got up to voice their displeasure with this project. I was expecting a whole group of foes speaking.
Oh, and by the way they started taking up the old rails today on the Kellar Branch.
I would rather drink piss out of a boot then eat pizza with a you!
I would have loved to go but gary pretty much summed it up. BAIT AND SWITCH. I do like this about the parking deck being for employees and fat cat people to afraid to have to walk over from cat world headquarters.
Where is Whitey’s? I’ve never heard of it. A pizza place with a bar? Or a bar that happens to serve pizza?
The latter, Dennis. On Sheridan – one block north of McClure.
Whiteys – formerly known as the Tip Top
Peo Proud,
“…IF this succeeds?”
“IF?” This is going to be a very expensive gamble.
A $140 million “IF.”
Idiots.
peoriafan,
I have attended many of the meetings in the past [excuse me, those open to the public]. Even got to talk once. Don’t think they heard a word I had to say. Sounds like C.J. & Gary got the same old brush off.
I hate to be this way, but if I knew who you were, I would smack that smug look off your face. It’s the same look nearly every council member, board member, and PRM twit has when ever they get together to discuss this project. They know they have complete control over what goes on, whether we are talking about this museum or anything else.
Of course…this is still not a ‘done deal’.
It is amazing that the members of the city council debate the facts, dispute the claims and still vote to approve it…
Were the dog and pony there? I didn’t see them in your blog, CJ.
Any objective person reading this (and skipping over Sandberg’s comments) would think this vote would NEVER HAVE PASSED. No IMAX (figures based on it) false attendance predictions, parking issues, secret deals, international interest??? (Who do they think they are kidding?)
And yet… “what the heck… let’s approve it.”
If we build it they will come… did they forget that reference was from a fantasy?
“can be harnessed and put toward making this a success.”
Don’t bet on it… we would rather eat our own faces than participate in this scam.
peoriafan: You forgot about Brad Harding. He spoke against it, too.
bob clendenin: If you bring your boot down to Whitey’s with you, you can do both. I’m going to guess from your choice of beverage that you’re a museum supporter, right?
“No one else in the whole community, not one got up to voice their displeasure with this project. I was expecting a whole group of foes speaking.”
It’s hard to get motivated when the outcome has already been decided. Seriously, did anyone think this wasn’t going to happen? Thanks to C.J. for speaking his mind.
Plus, it’s hard for your opinion to have any merit since you blog anonymously.
my question is why. why do they line up to support such a bad project? is this about money under the table from a developer (seems unlikely)? i have trouble with the concept that they could really support this for any reason other than crookedness. what makes the back room deals happen?
A good many of us have appeared at council meetings in the past regarding the PRM issue. We also attended community meetings and have emailed many many letters to each of the council members. I myself have done a lot of that with fact and figures. Appearing at tonight’s meeting was not going to change the vote. This was a predesigned event. But as someone said above, this isn’t over just yet. There are still a few air holes in the plan that may arise to put a stop to it. It would be nice to say that since it has been approved we all need to get behind it and support it and make it a good deal, but too many of us know that simply can’t happen with things planned as they are now. I don’t know how many of you remember the movie about the house that was the money pit. Well this piece of ground downtown Peoria is going to be a huge money pit. It will devour our money as fast as it can forever. Please remember who did this when it comes time to vote. This council didn’t even have the guts to put it off for more study. They were pushed to vote now because it was costing money and we needed to get it underway. And the fallacy that the ground was going to remain vacant for years to come was absolutely ridiculous. That prime piece of real estate would sell in a heartbeat if put on the open market. I’m so tired of this ridiculous argument.
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x414776058/City-Council-approves-museum-agreement
For more public “support” of the project…
“what makes the back room deals happen?”
Herd mentality. They don’t want to feel left out.
New Voice — intentionally said IF. But let’s face reality, with the final approval this project is moving forward. I can’t fathom any scenario where it is good for Peoria, the region or the taxpayers who are paying a significant portion of the costs for this project to see this project fail. The only benefit of failure is that those who opposed it (and again with good intentions / beliefs) can say “I told you this project wouldn’t work.” and we’re all out a lot of money, effort and lost opportunity for that block. The only logical position for people to take now is to put aside prior convictions against the project and find ways to help ensure that it succeeds. For some this may mean continued scrutiny and holding of the PRM Board accountable — should be done. Others may find alternative ways to support to assist in its success. But hoping for failure is not a fruitful exercise at this point.
“We’re thrilled,” said Jim Baumgartner, director of corporate public relations with Caterpillar, regarding the council’s actions. “It’s important for Peoria. We think it’s a vital step in making Peoria an attractive place.”
What, isn’t Peoria already an “attractive place”?
Peoria attractive? Well…she’s not unattractive. She’s got a nice personality. I care about her a lot.
“The only logical position ”
The only logical position is to allow these crooks to wallow in the failure. If you do ANYTHING to support this lie, you encourage them to do it again and again.
Have you never been a parent… sometimes you just gotta let them fail.
isn’t Peoria already an “attractive place”?
“It’s better here!” (no one ever said it was attractive… )
“sometimes you just gotta let them fail.”
I agree, but there’s one sticking point: “them” is actually “us”. Taxpayers are significantly on the hook for this project, and if it goes down the tubes, we’re all in the same boat.
The good news is, if the project does come anywhere close to what the developers say it will bring to Peoria, it will be a good thing for the area in the long run.
One thing I did notice though that I’m wondering about is the “future commercial lot” included in the site design posted on the PJStar’s website. Since we did just deed the block over to the County, hopefully this doesn’t mean that we just lost future tax revenues from that tract as well…
Side thought: did the City of Peoria ever release an Environmental Impact Statement on raising Water Street? The government tends to be pretty picky about building new non-permeable things in a 100-year floodplain.
Peoria, baby, it’s not you… it’s me. I just think it would be good for both of us to explore other possibilities.
You know we’ve talked about this before, and for a while now, I’ve been seeing other cities in Texas, North Carolina and Ohio, as well as China and Brazil (oh… those Brazilians)
But you’re my number one girl, Peoria!
Of course, there is this one thing I’ve always wanted you to do. I mean, you don’t HAVE to do it, but I think it will make our relationship stronger – bring us closer together? C’mon, honey, I see lots of other cities doing this kind of thing.
I laugh at Spain. Again, he was and is still a Blockhead. Here was a guy who worked for the Build the Block Campaign and now trying to play the role of mad parent. Then he goes and gives them a yes vote. What a show… what a joke. Go to the video of election night. Spain was there with the rest of the Block Heads with his laptop watching the results come in and CELEBRATING THE RASING OF YOUR TAXES!!!!
VOTE SPAIN OUT THIS SPRING!!!!
@ Jon:
That CAT is one smooth talker.
Just imagine if we had had blogs and Internet in 1979…when there was great debate about building a ‘loser’ of a project called the Peoria Civic Center….just imagine if we had internet and blogs in the late 1980’s when there was debate over spending money to redo Southtown…
Imagine if we had the same blogs in 2001-2002 that we do now when
there was debate over building a new O’Brien Field….
Now, imagine if certain factions had won out.
Imagine Peoria without the Civic Center…
Imagine Southtown without Valeska ECEC, the Medical businesses, Kirby, Grainger, and Spring Grove subdivision..
Imagine no O’Brien Field and possibly no Peoria Chiefs, because Vonachen might have taken them elsewhere.
Back then, many people were skeptical of these projects like they are with the Museum. Yes, I haven’t forgotten about Cub Foods and Firefly…you win some, you lose some. Just hope that you win more than you lose. Let’s all try to make the Museum a winner.
Peo Proud:
Absolutely ….. we do not want this project to fail. The plan has changed so much, that it is not the same plan. It is not even the same plan from the pre-referendum phase. If the money cannot be raised, then Peoria County will seek to asjust the project so that the museum will be living within its means! So, in essence, the plan would be different still? Nevertheless, if you do have a sustainable plan, hoping and praying that your project will be successful will not make it occur. Same song, different project, same promise of shazam, same glitz, and same failed results with more debt.
What would be an alternative path when people who question any aspect of the museum project are not welcome in the tent? When the museum group is not receptive to any ideas other than their own groupthink — what would be the point?
If you support the plan, then you are given unlimited talking time at public meetings. If you question or do not support the plan, then you may get three (3) minutes or won’t be acknowledged to speak at all.
When the various museum partners are willing to say and do anything and to falsify documents to get money or to get whatever else they need on their resource list and not be held accountable, who would want to be in that tent? Integrity is missing. I can just hear my children asking me now why I was hanging out with a group like that after all those parental teaching moments for the past twenty (20) years that I taught them that honesty and intergrity were important character traits to develop.
Perhaps you heard the Peoria County Board Chairman tell the Peoria City Council that the Peoria County States Attorney that told him, the Chairman, that it was okay for him to sign the DCEO grant affirming under penalty of perjury that Peoria County owned the museum site, when in fact, Peoria County does not own the museum site? How do you reconcile that type of behavior and involvement in the museum project? Is that important to you?
Just trying to seek to understand ….. Thanks.
““them” is actually “us”.”
It is exactly the same with parents and our children. (Remember your parents saying, this is gonna hurt us more than it hurts you?)
No one on this stupid project is going to be hurt by this financially. We will. No one who opposed this stupid project should feel any shame or regret, THEY should.
It’s a learning thing… both for us as parents and those politicians as children.
The question will be: What will we learn from it?
Blame it on Kevin Lyons
Thanks, CJ—at least you went down swinging.
Interesting development at CAT today—just found out retirement benefits (for “management”) will be drastically cut back. Hey, gotta pay for the CAT Experience somehow, don’t they?
Dennis — When I imagine blogs and the Internet being around in 1979 and other years, and what might have happened if “certain factions” had won out, I don’t imagine that we wouldn’t have any of those things. I just imagine that they would have been better.
Imagine if we had a preserved and restored Rialto Theater as part of the Civic Center. Imagine Southtown with urban density and mixed-use properties; imagine the old slums removed, but the well-kept Victorian homes preserved. Imagine if Peoria did things with excellence instead of constantly settling for “better than nothing.”
Dennis, those projects still would have happened exactly as they did. You see, while there exist a few who will actually convert their passion into real-world action, most here are just virtual magpies who are unable or unwilling to peel their dead butts off their office chairs long enough to cast a referendum vote or speak at a council meeting. Instead, they simply spew their electronic bravado and vitriol in a repetitive, staccato fashion and kid themselves that they are somehow part of a cause. In fact, it seems that the actual effort expended by individuals has been inversely proportionate to the number of comments they posted here.
Kudos to C.J., Karrie, Merle, et al. who actually expended a great deal of effort toward making change in the real world. And, of course, congratulations to the supporters.
Nontimendum: Thanks! 🙂
Some see things as they are and say, “that’s as good as it gets”. Others see things that never were and say, “why not”?
Ooooh, nontimendum, we have a class A minor league team… Bradley women play better ball, as do The Grey Ghosts and other high school teams in the area. Before you get all excited, I like going to the park, love the sights, sounds, and smells of the stadium… but the quality of the players and the umpires is terrible.
Our Civic Center? Is losing money… they practically give tickets away.
Valeska ECEC? That socialist “it takes a village program”?? Okay.. that may be a good deal, but it is a public school program. What is the controversy about it?
“Instead, they simply spew their electronic bravado and vitriol in a repetitive, staccato fashion and kid themselves that they are somehow part of a cause.”
NONTIMENDUM!
PUT DOWN THE THESAURUS AND STEP AWAY!
LAY ON THE GROUND FACE DOWN, WITH YOUR HANDS LOCKED BEHIND YOUR HEAD…!
charlie, no controversy about Valeska per se, but in Southtown in general.
I started working at PCCEO in 1986, when many homes were still up, but deterioriating because the city had promised to buy them out, tear down,
and rebuild. (I still have video footage of a Southtown tour that resident Bob Grubbs took us on)
But the recession of the ’80s put a crimp to that plan, but homeowners were still told not to repair or improve their homes.
It wasn’t until 1989 or so, with the help of a Federal grant or loan,
that the City was able to complete the Southtown buyout.
Getting back to topic a bit, wasn’t the final vote to build the Civic Center close, with the tie-breaker cast by then-Mayor Richard Carver? I could be wrong on that, but I think that vote was closer than the
Museum 9-1 vote.
CJ, wish you could have been around then to suggest the Rialto/PCC connection. Love that idea!
How delightfully ironic that, in a city with our history, the biggest sticking point with the museum project is now what kind of theater it will have. We debate on whether or not an IMAX or a similar IGST will be enough to bring all the proposed benefits to the museum project while the last grand vaudeville theater in downtown, the Madison, sits rotting behind a row of taverns and a soon-to-be relocated strip club.
Traditionally, museums are seen as places of education on the past, places where we can go and learn about things that once were and to show what we as a society have learned from those discoveries and observations. So, my fellow Peorians, what have we learned?
We’ve turned some of the numerous old theaters that put Peoria on the map into… parking garages. The site of one of these beautiful old theaters became part of a grand Civic Center development that overlooks… a Southtown redevelopment district that is nauseatingly suburban despite being located right next to downtown. Grand plans for a bold new Marriott connected to one of our historic hotels in the heart of the city… turned into a suburban economy hotel with bland architecture. A two-block tract of land that was once eyed for a grand new Embassy Suites hotel will now be… a bland museum structure with an imitation IMAX. Meanwhile, just across the river I see nothing but big box stores and chain restaurants. Why is the urban core of a region of 400,000 people so… suburban?
I live downtown. I work downtown. I play downtown. I shop downtown. Each and every day I look out my window and see three things: what this downtown is, what this downtown could’ve been, and what this downtown could still be. Time will only tell if the PRM will be the shot in the arm that brings back the vitality of downtown, or if it’s just the latest misfire in the City of Peoria’s inadvertant plan to further the suburbanization of downtown Peoria.
While the City Council does their own thing on what they feel is best for the City of Peoria, as long as we have the concerned citizenry that cares for their community as the readers and posters of this blog, there will always be the potential for great things in this City.
Nontimendum,
Perhaps, in your infinite wisdom, you could list for us all those ‘nasty’ anonymous bloggers who don’t seem to measure up to your ‘high’ standards of community involvement.
I will freely admit, that I don’t come close to Karrie, C.J., Merle, etc, but don’t be so sure that I haven’t made myself [and my opinions] known outside the blogger world.
Usually, I don’t spend a lot of time trying to figure out the identity of those who post here. Doesn’t really matter. I will say this, any doubt I may have had about who you are has since been eradicated.
What mathematical formula did you use to determine, “that the actual effort expended by individuals [on this site] has been inversely proportionate to the number of comments they posted here?”
Inversely?
I am thinking you have to be someone very ‘involved’ in this particular project…? Based on your ability to completely skew the data, develop ‘numbers’ from no where, sound like you know what your talking about, but really have no idea what your talking about…. I would guess you are one of the Bradley professors who came up with those…’remarkable’ economic impact projections for the museum [even worse, you might be someone who actually believes them…?].
Maybe not.
Anyway, your intellectual poverty is noted, and mocked.
Groundbreaking for the Block is happening on Sept. 7th at 3pm in case any of you want to join me.
Uh, Peoriafan…….
Isn’t the ribbon cutting supposed to take place after construction, just prior to opening day?
One more thing the idiots in charge of this project got wrong…….
“with the tie-breaker cast by then-Mayor Richard Carver” and in return he got it named after him… sweet deal.
New Voice, I didn’t mention any names. Reminds me of a church sign along University that reads “The truth only hurts when it should.”
I have no vested interest in the museum other than being a citizen who thinks we are better off with the proposed museum than without it. As to being one of the Bradley professors, I am on record here saying I think their economic projections are BS.