Welcome to City Council Chambers, City Hall, in downtown Peoria. It’s time for another City Council meeting. If you’re following along live this evening, be sure to refresh your browser regularly. Now, without any further ado, here’s the agenda:

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

ITEM NO. 1 Communication from the Supervisor for the Town of the City of Peoria Regarding an UPDATE on the USE OF SPACE for the OFFICE of the TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR at 205 S.W. ADAMS STREET, with Request to Receive and File.

Irving moves to receive and file; seconded by Sandberg. Township Supervisor Joe Whalen is invited to speak. Apparently, the landlord of the space they wanted to rent asked for more money, and so the deal was scuttled. Now they’re going on to Plan B — to use space in the City Assessor’s office. Approved unanimously. Good decision! They should have done that in the first place.

ITEM NO. 2 TOWN of the CITY of PEORIA FINANCIAL REPORT for Period Ending 12/31/2010, with Recommendation to Receive and File.

No discussion. Passes unanimously.

PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES & COMMUNICATIONS – CITY OF PEORIA

ITEM NO. 1 CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BY OMNIBUS VOTE, for the City of Peoria, with Recommendations as Outlined:

A. NOTICE of LAWSUIT on Behalf of WISAM1, INC. d/b/a SHERIDAN LIQUORS Regarding a Complaint against the Illinois Liquor Control Commission and Commissioners, Mayor and Local Liquor Control Commissioner Jim Ardis and Deputy Local Liquor Control Commissioner Eric Turner, the Local Liquor Control Commission, City of Peoria, as Outlined, with Request to Receive for Information and Refer to the Legal Department.

B. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Police Chief Requesting Approval of a SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE of IN-CAR BAR CODE READERS and SOFTWARE from APPLICATION DATA SYSTEMS, INC. (ADSI) for the ELECTRONIC TICKETING PROJECT, in the Amount of $62,400.00.

C. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Public Works Requesting the City Council to Award the CONTRACT to REBUILD the MAJOR COMPONENTS of the FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM in the TWIN TOWERS PARKING DECK to the LOWEST BIDDER, AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRINKLER, LLC, in the Amount of $139,000.00 Plus a 20% Contingency of $27,800.00 for Unforeseen Conditions, for a Total Maximum Cost of $166,800.00.

D. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Public Works Requesting Approval of a STATE MFT RESOLUTION, in the Amount of $1,740,300.00, for 2011 GENERAL MAINTENANCE FUNDS in the MFT Accounts as Outlined; and Requesting Approval of the PURCHASE of ROCK SALT and LIQUID CALCIUM CHLORIDE, in the Amount of $540,000.00, Through the State of Illinois Joint Purchasing Procurement Services.

E. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Assistant Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Zoning Commission and Staff to Adopt an ORDINANCE Granting a SPECIAL USE in a Class R3 (Single Family Residential) District for a PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL for Property Identified as Parcel ID No. 09-30-100-006 with a Temporary Address of 11401 N. ALLEN ROAD, with Conditions.

F. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Assistant Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Zoning Commission and Staff to Adopt an ORDINANCE Amending APPENDIX C of the Code of the City of Peoria Relating to ACCESSORY STRUCTURES and USES.

G. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Planning Commission and Staff to Adopt an ORDINANCE Amending APPENDIX A of the Code of the City of Peoria Relating to FEES for SUBDIVISIONS and SURVEY PLATS. (Refer to Item No. 10-465)

H. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Assistant Director of Planning and Growth Management Recommending Adoption of an ORDINANCE Amending CHAPTER 16 of the Code of the City of Peoria Relating to CERTIFICATE of APPROPRIATENESS FEES. (Refer to Item No. 10-465)

I. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Assistant Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Zoning Commission and Staff to Adopt the Following: (Refer to Item No. 10-465)

1. ORDINANCE Amending APPENDIX B of the Code of the City of Peoria Relating to FEES;

2. ORDINANCE Amending APPENDIX C of the Code of the City of Peoria Relating to FEES.

J. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of the SITE APPLICATION for a CLASS A (Tavern) LIQUOR LICENSE with a SUBCLASS 1 (4:00 A.M. Closing) and a SUBCLASS 2 (Live Entertainment) LICENSE at 801-803 S.W. ADAMS STREET, with Recommendation from the Liquor Commission to Approve.

K. Communication from the Interim City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of the SITE APPLICATION for a CLASS G (Restaurant, Beer & Wine Only) LIQUOR LICENSE at 5832 N. KNOXVILLE #J, with Recommendation from the Liquor Commission to Approve.

The following items were removed from the consent agenda: J (Turner); G, H, I (Van Auken); C (Sandberg); B (Montelongo). The rest of the items (all two of them) were passed unanimously.

• Item B — Montelongo wants to know why this is being sole-sourced and what our policy is on sole-sourcing. Police Chief Settingsgaard says it’s because it’s an integrated system. When asked if we could purchase this from another vendor, another gentleman with the police department (I’m guessing) said no because of an existing contract/work order with the vendor.
• Item C — Sandberg has some questions about where the money is coming from. Answer: capital funds budget. Sandberg: has no money been set aside from parking revenue for this maintenance? Answer: no. Sandberg: have we historically made money on the parking decks? Answer: it’s been up and down; we’ve made money some years, and lost money other years. Most recently, we’ve lost money because we’ve sold fewer parking permits. Sandberg moves to approve; passes 9-1 (Sandberg).
• Items G, H, and I — Van Auken says these fees did not adequately go through the ZBA, zoning, planning, or historic preservation commissions, and that there hasn’t been enough public input. She’s in favor of raising fees, but wants more review of the recommendations. Moves to defer each item until April 12; each item passes unanimously.
• Item J — Turner requests privilege of the floor for Sandy Fritz, but instead, Jerry Trecek addresses the council. He’s the executive director of Peoria Rescue Mission. He’s concerned about what’s going on in the 800 block of SW Adams. He says “we cleaned up the 500 block” and speaks highly of the bus station, police station, ballpark, etc. He’s concerned “that we’re trying to rebuild the 500 block in the 800 block.” He’s against establishing another 4 a.m. liquor license. He would like to see more “family entertainment” around the ballpark instead of bars and adult entertainment establishments. Former council member Lou Carr then addresses the council. He questions whether a sports bar in the old Brown Bag Video location would have access to the 307 Club, which is a swingers club. He asks that the council not grant the liquor license, but if they do, to bar access between the two businesses. Everett Fritz is next up. He says that these kinds of businesses (Brown Bag Video, 307 Club, bars) drive away business from family-friendly organizations who might otherwise patronize the Civic Center and ballpark. Sandy Fritz now speaks. She’s concerned that young people are not protected. Sam Zabek (sp?), the attorney for the petitioner, says the only question before council is whether this location is appropriate for the retail sale of alcohol — it’s not an application for a 4 a.m. liquor license. Also, he says there’s a brick wall between 307 Club and Brown Bag Video, so there’s no point of access across the alley between the two businesses. Another citizen speaks — didn’t catch his first name, but his last name is Smith — and he’s against this location receiving a liquor license. He also wants to see family entertainment established in Peoria. Savino Sierra speaks and says he supports the liquor license, but opposes 4 a.m. liquor licenses. Mr. Martin, a Peoria Heights resident, rebuts the attorney’s assertion that this isn’t a request for a 4 a.m. liquor license. Indeed, the council communication clearly indicates this request includes a subclass 1 (4 a.m. closing) and subclass 2 (live entertainment) license. Councilman Montelongo moves to defer the item until the second meeting in February, seconded by Spain. Passes 9-1 (Irving). Montelongo wants to see the downtown housing report from Tracy Cross & Associates before the council votes on it.

ITEM NO. 2 Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Public Works Requesting Approval of an AGREEMENT for STREET LIGHT SERVICE LEVELS and PARKING Between the City of Peoria and AMEREN ILLINOIS, and Requesting Authorization for the Interim City Manager to Execute the Agreement.

Turner/Riggenbach move to approve. Public Works Director Dave Barber gives a brief overview of the item. Sandberg asks what the standard monthly parking rate is for the Jefferson parking deck. Answer: $70/month. This recommendation would approve an agreement for $25/month parking rate for 135 spaces in the parking deck. So now the taxpayers get to pay not only for street light maintenance, but subsidize Ameren’s parking as well. We want to lower parking rates by two-thirds, but raise historic preservation fees by 1000%; it’s not right, he says. Mayor Ardis defends the parking rates. Ardis points out that these lots are well under capacity, so they’re making no money on those spaces — so, by providing these spaces at $25/month, we’re at least getting some revenue. Councilman Irving says he won’t support the item because it adds staff to maintain the lights. Ardis says the council already hired those people during the budget process. Councilman Spears asks about the length of the agreement. Van Auken says she’ll be abstaining because she’s a retiree of Ameren. Motion fails 5-4 (must have six votes to pass — voting nay are Sandberg, Spain, Riggenbach, Irving).

ITEM NO. 3 Communication from the Interim City Manager and Police Chief Requesting Approval for a TWO-YEAR CONTRACT with HARRIS S. UNIFORMS for COMMISSIONED PERSONNEL and SIPCO/IDENTITY APPAREL for CIVILIAN PERSONNEL and PARKING ENFORCEMENT, in the Amount of $100,000.00 for Each Year.

Chief Settingsgaard says they have made changes to make sure the bidding process is more competitive as a direct result of Sandberg’s criticisms of the previous process. He outlines some of the changes: they’re now allowing substitutions, allowing mail order companies to bid, and several other changes. Van Auken moves to approve; seconded by Montelongo. Sandberg asks about some of the requirements in the bid specification to protect the City from being taken advantage of by the vendor. For instance, we say we’ll buy their extra inventory stock — what protects the City from having to purchase excessive overstock by the vendor? Answer: the City is not required to buy the extra stock. Sandberg is asking additional leading questions. The method for determining the winning bid was not disclosed in the bid package. He’s still dissatisfied with the results, and doesn’t believe it’s sufficiently competitive. “Is it better than last year? Yes, but that’s like only getting hit in the head twice instead of three times,” Sandberg concluded. Councilman Spears asks why there’s such a large difference in the price of leather jackets. Answer: the City suspects it was an incorrect bid. Spears asks for a deferral until the next meeting to determine why we’re not buying the lower-priced leather jackets (and, by implication, other items that are similarly questionable); seconded by Van Auken. Ardis and Van Auken say that this deferral is going to add “thousands of dollars” in staff hours. They may be overstating it a bit. Gulley has some additional questions. Motion to defer passes unanimously.

ITEM NO. 4 Communication from the Interim City Manager and Assistant Director of Planning and Growth Management with the Recommendation from the Zoning Commission and Staff to Adopt an ORDINANCE Amending an OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN, Ordinance No. 13,168, as Amended, in the N1 (Institutional) District Allowing a MEDICAL CENTER AND ASSOCIATED USES to RELOCATE the CENTRAL CHILLER PLAN for the Properties Commonly Known as METHODIST HEALTH SERVICES CORPORATION Located at 221 N. E. GLEN OAK AVENUE.

Van Auken moves to approve, seconded by Gulley. Sandberg asks Planning and Growth Director Pat Landes for clarification on where the chiller plant is being moved and where the chiller expansion is being planned. Sandberg: why can’t all of the chiller be placed internal to the campus instead of only 100 feet away from a residential area? Answer from the architect: this will be closer to existing electrical hookups and will be quieter than the current chiller. Sandberg asks why nothing was ever done about the current chiller which has been violating our noise ordinance. He also asks why we’re letting institutional zones put their noisy utilities on the edge of their zones next to residential neighborhoods. Nevertheless, motion passes 9-1 (Sandberg).

ITEM NO. 5 Communication from the Interim City Manager and Assistant Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendations as Follows:

A. Receive and File a SIGN ORDINANCE REVIEW REPORT;

B. Concur with the Zoning Commission’s Recommendation to Adopt ORDINANCE “A” Amending APPENDIX B of the Code of the City of Peoria Relating to SIGNS AND ORDINANCE “B” Amending APPENDIX C of the Code the City of Peoria Relating to SIGNS; OR

C. Concur with the Staff’s Recommendation to Adopt ORDINANCE “C” Amending APPENDIX B of the Code of the City of Peoria Relating to SIGNS AND ORDINANCE “D” Amending APPENDIX C of the Code of the City of Peoria Relating to SIGNS.

Van Auken asks the privilege of the floor for Bill Hardin of Hardin Signs. He says he’s in favor of the sign ordinance, but complains about the non-enforcement of it. He says illegal signs proliferate around Peoria. He also says an illustrated ordinance would help reduce staff time and help those wanting to get signs to know exactly what is allowed and disallowed.

Irving says he supports the Zoning Commission’s recommendations 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7. He wants to allow inflatable signs “only for grand openings.” Hmmm. That will be a fun code to write. How do you define “grand opening”? What if you close for remodeling and then reopen — is that another “grand opening”?

Irving says he appreciates the work of the sign committee, zoning commission, and staff. He moves to approve Item A (receive and file), seconded by Turner; motion passes unanimously. He makes a motion under Item B to adopt Ordinance A, but eliminating the temporary permit requirement. Sandberg has question about “temporary event signs” — he thinks there needs to be a definition of “temporary.” Motion passes 8-2 (Sandberg, Spears). Irving moves to adopt ordinance B as outlined; passes 9-1 (Sandberg).

Irving makes motion to have staff come up with an “aggressive policy” on enforcing temporary signs and allowing inflatable signs for grand openings, and to bring forward ordinances to that effect. Motion passes unanimously.

ITEM NO. 6 Communication from the Interim City Manager and Assistant Director of Planning and Growth Management with Request to Adopt ONE of the Following Recommendations:

A. Concur with the Recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission to Adopt ORDINANCE “A” Amending CHAPTER 16 of the Code of the City of Peoria Relating to FEES for APPLICATIONS for HISTORIC DESIGNATION; OR

B. Concur with the Recommendation from the Staff to Adopt ORDINANCE “B” Amending CHAPTER 16 of the Code of the City of Peoria Relating to FEES for APPLICATIONS for HISTORIC DESIGNATION.

Van Auken moves to defer this item until April 12; seconded by Turner. No discussion. Passes unanimously.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

(10-057) Communication from the Interim City Manager and Assistant Director of Planning and Growth Management with Request to DEFER the ORDINANCE Amending CHAPTER 16 of the Code of the City of Peoria Related to the HISTORIC DESIGNATION PROCESS until the FEBRUARY 8, 2011, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING.

Van Auken/Turner move to approve; passes unanimously. No discussion.

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Ardis gives accolades to a member of the Fire Department who got some additional certification.

CITIZENS OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL/TOWN BOARD

• Savino Sierra addresses the council again, this time regarding combining the police departments of the City and County, as suggested by Ardis at his State of the City address. Sierra is opposed.
• John White gives his thoughts on how the recent state tax increase can be repealed. I couldn’t follow his explanation.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

ADJOURNMENT

There is an executive session tonight — they are reportedly going to talk about contract terms to hire Patrick Urich. I bet it will be a long executive session.

The meeting is adjourned. Have a nice evening, folks. Enjoy the State of the Union address, if you’re not already. The time is 8:36 p.m.