City Council, City of Peoria

More cuts on the agenda for tonight’s council meeting

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Property values didn’t rise as much as the City of Peoria hoped they would, and that means less property tax revenue will be collected — $826,000 less, to be precise. To make up for this additional shortfall, more cuts are being made to the budget. The cuts primarily impact the police, fire, and public works departments, as usual.

Public Works is cutting $451,340 dollars they were going to use to purchase new vehicles. According to the Journal Star, that would have paid for three new trucks “used for snow plowing, removal of storm debris, hauling asphalt, etc.” David Barber says his department can manage without the new vehicles.

The police department will be giving up $90,000 in overtime. The fire department will be reducing their overtime budget by $45,072 and their clothing allowance by $26,815. Staffing is down in both departments, but especially in the police department, which took a big hit during last year’s budget crisis. Fewer cops means heavier reliance on overtime from the remaining officers to ensure everything is covered adequately. Now they’re cutting overtime, too.

And looming on the horizon is a predicted $10 million budget deficit for next year that will have to be filled with even more cuts and higher taxes/fees. Citizens will end up paying more for less service . . . again. I wonder if that’s at all related to the decline in sales and property tax receipts?

City of Peoria, Restaurants

River Station lease renewed for another 10 years

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From the most recent Issues Update for Peoria:

The City has received notice from River Station LLC that it is renewing its lease to the River Station building for an additional ten (10) years. The original lease was dated August 28, 1979. On November 17, 2000, it was assigned from Mathers Co., Inc. to River Station LLC, which is Kert Huber’s entity. The right to extend is given to the Lessee, and the City cannot deny the extension. This matter will not come before the Council.

The original lease dated August 28, 1979, provides for a twenty?year term commencing when the restaurant opens. It provides for three (3) ten?year extensions. The first ten?year extension was executed by Mathers on November 16, 2000, providing for a ten?year extension which would terminate February 1, 2011. River Station LLC has provided notice of its intent to extend for an additional ten (10) years, until February 1, 2021, at which time there will be the probability of another, final ten?year extension until February 1, 2031, at which time the lease will end.

Rent under the lease is two percent (2%) gross sales from the operation of businesses on the premise. There is no minimum amount, so that the City is realizing some income from the presence of Martini’s on the premises.

Martini’s is the only tenant in the old Rock Island Depot, now known as the River Station. Not that other restaurants haven’t given it a try. Most recently, a restaurant called “Tilly’s” tried to make a go of it. Here’s to hoping a new restaurant can be successful in that location someday soon.

Museum Block, Peoria County

County wants more control over museum construction

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An interesting item is on the agenda for the Peoria County Board Rules Committee this coming Thursday evening:

ISSUE:
Establishment of Museum Standing Committee of the County Board and temporary Museum Building Committee

BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
In the initial Capital Lease and Operating Agreement (posted on the County website in February 2010) between the County and the Peoria Riverfront Museum (PRM), it was determined that the County would construct the parking deck and the PRM Board would construct the museum and the perimeter improvements. The following changes to the County Board Rules of Order would establish a standing committee of the County Board to oversee construction of the PRM and leasing of the PRM site and create a temporary Museum Construction Committee to oversee construction of the PRM building.

The Museum Standing Committee would be comprised of County Board Members. The general duties of the Museum Standing Committee would be to: a) make recommendations to the County Board for awarding contracts for the construction of the PRM; b) approve all change orders for the construction of the PRM of less than $250,000 additional cost; c) exercise general oversight of the PRM building and grounds; d) review and comment upon those items provided in the Lease and Operating Agreement with PRM; e) initiate all actions of the County exercising powers under the Lease and Operating Agreement; and f) review all actions of the Museum Construction Committee.

The Museum Construction Committee would be comprised of individuals selected by the Peoria County Board Chairman from the County Board, the PRM Board of Directors, county staff, and/or other citizens with building and construction experience. The Museum Construction Committee is a temporary committee that shall automatically dissolve upon the opening day of the Peoria Riverfront Museum. The general duties of the temporary Museum Construction Committee include: a) approve all change orders for the construction of the Peoria Riverfront Museum of less than $100,000 additional cost; b) Exercise general oversight of the construction of the Peoria Riverfront Museum Project; and c) report regularly to the Museum Committee regarding the progress of construction.

The advantages of the County managing the construction are numerous: a) for transparency purposes, having the construction of a public building on public property performed by a public body assures that the discussions will be open to the public; b) the PRM Board of Directors can spend more time focusing on operations, exhibit planning, and fundraising; and c) the County can be assured contractually that our capital contribution is a set dollar amount. In addition to memorializing this change in the County Board Rules, the Capital Lease Operating Agreement will have to be modified. The PRM Board of Directors is scheduled to have their organizational meeting on June 8, 2010. Once organized, the PRM Board can take up the Capital Lease and Operating Agreement and Redevelopment Agreement for either a late June or early July approval by the County Board.

At first blush, it looks like a reasonable action given the benefits listed. But look closer. This establishes a new standing committee, and the County Board Chairman is responsible for making appointments to all standing committees. Only those appointed to the Museum Standing Committee could “initiate all actions of the County exercising powers under the Lease and Operating Agreement.” That stipulation effectively freezes out board members who are opposed to the museum. Board members who believe the museum group is not fulfilling the terms of the agreement will have no way of holding them accountable because they can’t initiate any action on it. How is that in the public’s interest?

Furthermore, the County Board Chairman is free to appoint only those who agree with him, and remove anyone who crosses him. Just recently the Chairman removed board member Brian Elsasser from the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission because he (the Chairman) “owed a political favor to a friend.” Just imagine what political favors might be called in for the museum project, especially since this committee will also “make recommendations to the County Board for awarding contracts for the construction of the PRM,” and the County Board promised to have local contractors build the project.

This is a recipe for political corruption.

General News

Blood Donors to Honor City Councilman George Jacob

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From a City of Peoria press release:

Friends and co-workers of George Jacob encouraged to give blood.

PEORIA, Ill. (June 4, 2010) –George Jacob has served the people in our community as a Peoria City Councilman since 2005. He is known for his dedication to the city, his job, his church and, most importantly, his family and friends. George has been hospitalized since the Memorial Day weekend, receiving treatment for injuries suffered in an accident.

As part of his treatment, George has received blood transfusions. Now his friends, co-workers, city officials/employees and the citizens of Peoria have a chance to give blood in his honor. From Monday, June 7 through Monday, June 14, donors at the Peoria Blood Donation Center can roll up their sleeves to help patients like George. All presenting donors will be able to sign a “get well” card that will be delivered to George and his family.

The Peoria Blood Donation Center is located at 405 W. John H. Gwynn Jr. Ave.

Day Date Hours
Monday June 7 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday June 8 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday June 9 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday June 11 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday June 12 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday June 14 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. *June 14 is World Blood Donor Day

Donors with type O negative blood are especially encouraged to schedule an appointment. Type O negative blood, the universal blood type, is always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations.

How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

City Council, City of Peoria, Peoria Public Schools

Joint meeting of City Council and D150 School Board tonight

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There will be a joint meeting of the Peoria City Council and the District 150 Board of Education tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Gateway Building. The meeting is open to the public and will cover this agenda:

ITEM NO. 1 WELCOME – OPENING COMMENTS by MAYOR JIM ARDIS

ITEM NO. 2 WELCOME – OPENING COMMENTS by DISTRICT #150 SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT DEBBIE WOLFMEYER

ITEM NO. 3 PRESENTATION – PEORIA PROMISE

ITEM NO. 4 PRESENTATION – RACE TO THE TOP

ITEM NO. 5 PRESENTATION – DISTRICT #150 SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION – NEW and RENOVATIONS

ITEM NO. 6 PRESENTATION – SCHOOL/CITY IMPACT ZONES

ITEM NO. 7 PRESENTATION – PEORIA HIGH SCHOOL and READINESS to OPEN in AUGUST 2010

ITEM NO. 8 PRESENTATION – DISTRICT #150 ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE for 2010/11

ITEM NO. 9 PRESENTATION – MAYOR JIM ARDIS — MAYORAL INTERESTS in URBAN EDUCATION

ITEM NO. 10 ANNOUNCEMENTS and CLOSING COMMENTS by MAYOR JIM ARDIS and DISTRICT #150 SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT DEBBIE WOLFMEYER

Item No. 9 should be especially interesting, as it’s being reported that Mayor Ardis hopes to “put to rest” rumors that the City wants to take over the school district.

General News

Councilman Jacob seriously injured in motorcycle accident (Updated)

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I’ve been hearing rumors about this since last night; just received official word from the City:

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According to 1470, Jacob was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and he’s in intensive care at OSF St. Francis Medical Center and will then be prescribed a CBD tangie strain to help deal with the pain while healing. And that’s all the information I can find online. My prayers and best wishes go out to Councilman Jacob and his family. We’ll be praying for a speedy recovery.


UPDATE: The Journal Star has some additional details. The accident took place on a track at the Espy Motocross Park in Hollis Township. He has a severe head injury and several broken bones including fractured ribs but is now receiving proper treatments at Pain Control Clinic in QC Kinetix (Westover Hills).

City of Peoria, Zoning Commission

Committee begins review of sign ordinance

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From this week’s Issues Update:

The first meeting of the Sign Review Committee was held on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. This committee was created at the request of the Zoning Commission to review key issues involving sign regulations of the Zoning Ordinance. The 14?member Committee will meet monthly and intends to forward its recommendations to the Zoning Commission by December 2010.

I happen to be on this committee. All the meetings are open for public observation and will be posted. The first meeting was spent getting acquainted with each other, getting an overview of the current sign ordinance and the portions of it we will be reviewing (it’s not a comprehensive review — we’re just looking at some specific parts of it), and setting the meeting schedule.

The committee members are, in no particular order:

  • Ron Naples (Adams Outdoor Advertising)
  • Tim Shea (Zoning Commission)
  • Bill Hardin (Hardin Signs, Inc.)
  • Mark Misselhorn (Apace Design, Zoning Commission)
  • Julie Waldschmidt (Wald-Land Corporation)
  • Mike Wiesehan (Zoning Commission)
  • Jason Fuller (Manager, Peoria Metro Centre)
  • Marjorie Klise (Zoning Commission)
  • Ed Barry (Farnsworth Group)
  • Margaret Cousin
  • Robert Powers (Historic Preservation Commission)
  • Jim Hardin (Hardin Signs, Inc.)
  • Rob Parks (Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce)
  • C. J. Summers

And the sign regulation issues we will be reviewing are:

  • Size of digital display area
  • Definition of sign area
  • Violation penalties/enforcement
  • Size of wall signs and freestanding signs
  • Multiple application of the same sign (franchise)
  • Signs for multi-family development
  • Billboard extensions
  • Inflatable signs
  • Temporary banners/signs

Something I learned at the first meeting: Peoria used to have an enforcement officer on staff who was assigned solely to zoning violations. As a result of budget cuts, that position is gone and zoning enforcement is now assigned to planners. Each planner is responsible for a defined geographical area. Enforcement is complaint-driven.

Also, the last item on the list of issues to be reviewed, temporary banners/signs, were discussed quite a bit at the first meeting. Apparently, those large banners you see on the sides of businesses or staked in the ground in front of businesses require a permit. Few businesses actually apply for a permit, however. It could be that businesses are simply unaware that these signs are regulated. Or it could be that businesses are taking advantage of lax enforcement.

The next meeting is June 22 at 10 a.m. in Suite 402 of the twin towers (456 Fulton St.) where the City’s Planning and Growth Department is located.

City of Peoria

Does the Wonderful Development have all its financing?

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I got the impression from the City Council meeting Tuesday night that all of the financing for the Wonderful Development (downtown Marriott) was in place, and all he needed was the City’s okay in order to start construction. But then I read this in the Journal Star this morning:

Before the conventions can be attracted, EM Properties, the developer of the Marriott Hotel project, needs approval from the Illinois Finance Authority. The authority next meets June 8, and it’s unknown whether a request for a moral obligation bond supporting the hotel will be on the agenda.

“Realistically, that may be too soon for all the materials to come together after the City Council decision but our team is working closely with EM Properties,” finance authority spokeswoman Marj Halperin said.

So the project is dependent on Matthews getting this IFA loan? Am I reading that right? If so, why was the project characterized as having all its financing in place in the days leading up to the City Council’s vote? Why did the council communication say, “EM Properties . . . has now secured all necessary private financing”? (I know, the IFA is public financing, not private — nevertheless, the council communication gave the impression that the City’s $37 million obligation was the only public financing needed for the project to begin.) Why was it not mentioned during the marathon City Council meeting?

Peoria Public Schools

Unedited video of D150 meetings available on WMBD-TV site

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The Peoria Public Schools Board of Education stopped broadcasting their meetings live in May of this year, opting to show the meeting a week delayed and with the public comments portion of the meeting excised. The first meeting in May was recorded (audio only) by blogger Elaine Hopkins and posted on her site. This week’s meeting was recorded by Diane Vespa (video and audio), and she and Hopkins, on behalf of the District 150 Watch group, have partnered with WMBD-TV to put the video on channel 31’s website. You can see this week’s meeting by clicking on this link: http://centralillinoisproud.com/district-150.

These videos are complete and unedited, and will be uploaded sooner than the replay on cable access channel 17. Plus, they will be available on demand to anyone with an internet connection. Kudos to District 150 Watch and WMBD-TV for providing this public service.