Hello everyone. I arrived a little late tonight, so if you want to get the low-down on the first part of the meeting, I recommend checking out Billy Dennis’s blog “From the Newsroom,” or John Sharp’s blog “Word on the Web,” as they’re both liveblogging this evening as well.

Here’s the agenda, starting at the point I came in, so we’re joining “in progress,” as it were:

ITEM NO. 9 Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Zoning Commission and Staff to Adopt an ORDINANCE Rezoning Properties from the Present Class I2 (Railroad/Warehouse Industrial) District to a Class I3 (General Industrial) District Identified as PARCEL ID NOS. 18-03-405-009 (1402 N.E. ADAMS STREET), 18-03-405-010 (1404 N.E. ADAMS STREET), 18-03-405-011 (1408 N.E. ADAMS STREET), 18-03-405-012 (1418 N.E. ADAMS STREET), 18-03-405-013 (1420 N.E. ADAMS STREET), 18-03-405-019 (1327 BOND STREET), 18-03-405-020 (1411 BOND STREET), 18-03-405-025 (1428 N.E. ADAMS STREET), and 18-03-405-026 (213 CAROLINE STREET), 18-03-408-006 (Located Between Two Railroad Tracks at Southeasternmost End of CAROLINE STREET with No Address Assigned), 18-03-277-006 (1924 N.E. ADAMS STREET), 18-03-277-007 (Located on the Southeast Side of ADAMS STREET, Stretching from CAROLINE STREET to GRANT STREET and Adjacent to the Railroad Track with No Assigned), and from a Present Class CG (General Commercial) District to a Class I3 (General Industrial) District for Parcel ID No. 18-03-403-006 (1520 N.E. ADAMS STREET); These Properties are Generally Bounded by ADAMS STREET on the North, ABINGTON STREET on the East, ILLINOIS RIVER on the South, and SPRING STREET on the West in Peoria, Illinois.

Bill Ordaz spoke for the Detweiller Marina neighborhood association; he thanked Mr. O’Brien for listening to them and making significant changes to his plans for this area. He made clear that he appreciated Mr. O’Brien working with them to make this a better project. However, they still oppose “I-3” zoning. Gulley and Sandberg said they understand the concerns, but believe I-3 is needed due to the type of manufacturing that goes on there. Passes unanimously.

ITEM NO. 10 Communication from the Interim City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller Requesting Adoption of an ORDINANCE Amending the City of Peoria Budget for Fiscal Year 2011 Relating to the TIF REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT with O’BRIEN ENTERPRISES, L.L.C. to REIMBURSE the Cost for PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS, in the Amount of $506,000.00, from the NORTHSIDE BUSINESS PARK TIF FUND.

Passes unanimously. No discussion.

ITEM NO.11 Communication from the Interim City Manager Requesting Approval to Enter into a TIF REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT with O’BRIEN ENTERPRISES, L.L.C. to REDEVELOP Property in an Area Bounded by CAROLINE STREET, SPRING STREET, ADAMS STREET and the ILLINOIS RIVER, and Requesting Authorization for the Interim City Manager to Execute the Necessary Documents.

Gulley/Van Auken move to approve. Sandberg asks if the description includes the entire TIF area. Answer: No, only the project area. Quickly cleared up. Gulley and Ardis also take the time to thank Mr. O’Brien for working with the neighbors and for investing in Peoria — especially this area in Peoria (near north side). Passes unanimously.

ITEM NO. 12 Communication from the Interim City Manager and Assistant Director of Planning and Growth Management Regarding the 2010 PROGRESS REPORT for the GLEN OAK SCHOOL NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACT ZONE (as Required Semi-Annually by Ordinance No. 16,461), with Request to Receive and File.

Riggenbach/Van Auken move to approve. Riggenbach highlights several parts of the report and thanks Public Works Director David Barber for getting the infrastructure around the school done in time for the beginning of school. He says they’re going to continue to focus on the “homeownership piece” and their “work with the business community” on Wisconsin. Plugs the East Village Growth Cell.

Sandberg asks about the goal to increase homeownership. He points out that no one had applied for downpayment assistance and asks why that is. Director Pat Landes (Planning & Growth) says “there aren’t that many houses for sale.” She says there are only 10-11 houses for sale in the impact zone.

Motion approved unanimously.

ITEM NO. 13 Communication from the Interim City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of the SITE APPLICATION for a CLASS A (Tavern), SUBCLASS 1 (4:00 A.M. Closing), and SUBCLASS 2 (Live Entertainment) LIQUOR LICENSE in the 400 BLOCK of S.W. JEFFERSON STREET, with Recommendation from the Liquor Commission to Approve.

This is a highly controversial issue. Gulley speaks first. He says he wasn’t aware that a day care operates in the bus station. Points out that the council approved another site earlier (he didn’t say it, but he’s referring to the site next to the Madison Theater). Moves to approve; seconded by Turner. He says he was asked by staff to identify some other possible sites; says that was already done and this is the fifth location considered. Asks the privilege of the floor for the public to speak to the issue, starting with Lynn Costic, owner of the day care center (Myah’s Just 4 Kids Learning Center).

• Lynn Costic — She’s reading prepared comments. Thanks people for their support. Says they moved there fully aware that Swinger’s World was in the next block, but she points out that they have no liquor license or live entertainment; also the building blends in and is unobtrusive. Says this is not a good location for the club. Says it will have a “tremendous negative impact” on her business. Her location is licensed for first and second shift, although they are not currently operating second shift. “Would you bring your … child to a center that was located 164 feet from a strip club?” She says her concern is not with what goes on inside Big Al’s, but what can go on outside. Doesn’t believe the proposed location is best for all concerned, including the ballpark, Civic Center, and other family-friendly locations.
• Brad Dunham — He represents the Coalition of Concerned Citizens. Says they are opposed to the Big Al’s relocation as well as the Brown Bag Video item coming up later. They think this relocation is a “bad idea.” “The question is,” he said, “in the corridor between the ball park and twin towers, are we going to foster and preserve family-friendly businesses and establishments, or bring in the adult-use-friendly atmosphere?”
• Resident of Spring Grove subdivision — She lives downtown and her child goes to Myah’s; she speaks against the item.
• Me — I reiterated my observations that I’ve presented on my blog already, although not very eloquently, alas. I should have written it out.
• Savino Sierra — Speaks in favor of the hotel and the relocation of Big Al’s, “for the sake of progress.”
• Andre Williams — He’s a council candidate. He supports (“qualified support”) building the hotel. But he’s against this relocation of Big Al’s. He’s evidently a Reverend (I didn’t realize this), and he asks about what we’re teaching our young people — are we teaching them that “as long as it makes money,” it’s okay? He gets a standing ovation.
• Tom Muntin (sp?) — He lives in Woodford County. He says that his granddaughter was a stripper at Big Als and all they did was “further her addiction to cocaine.”
• Frederick Smith — He’s concerned about the impact this will have on the Civic Center. “Do we want the people who are bringing their children to events see Big Al’s when they enter and exit the Civic Center?” “Do we think that’s going to be a draw” to downtown?
• Milo Twist — Lives in Washington, IL. But he shops and enjoys the services of Peoria. He is disappointed that the leadership of Peoria is seemingly promoting unhealthy businesses. He says this action will drive more people away from Peoria.
• John Block — He says if you don’t want to go there, don’t. He also says that no one from the Civic Center objected at the Liquor Commission meeting. Calls those opposed “NIMBYs.” “It’s your choice, but mine is not to go into that place.”
• Spanky Edwards — It’s true that it’s your choice, he says, but look at what’s going on around the world. “When the people speak up, things happen.” He dares the council members to vote for this — implying that they will be voted out on April 5 and in two years.

And that’s it for citizen speakers. Now it’s back to the council for discussion. Gulley says he made a list of things the citizens said they were concerned about. Gulley asks, “If it’s not going to go here, where should it be?” [My answer is: it’s not your problem — it’s Zuccarini’s problem.]

Turner speaks now. He gives the standard “it’s tough to govern” speech. “This is about the city of Peoria. He’s doing us a favor to move. He could stay where he’s at and the hotel could go to East Peoria and the Pere Marquette can become an old folks’ home….” He says it’s about jobs and tax dollars. “No matter what we do up here, it’s never right.” He also says the City has been looking for another site and can’t find any. He takes the citizens to task for speaking against it.

Sandberg asks if Big Al’s owns this property or has a purchase agreement or lease on the property. Answer: No. Who owns it? Answer: the City of Peoria. The liquor commission minutes say the current Big Al’s location abuts the Sacred Heart Church property. Is that true? Answer: No, it’s 88 feet away. Question to Randy Ray: Where is your definition of property line in any municipal ordinance? Answer: It’s defined by property interest. Question: Where in the municipal ordinance does it make that statement? Answer: It says “the property line of the daycare center,” which means it has to be determined — what’s their interest? And yet, Big Al’s has no interest in this property (that the City owns) at all. “This council has already approved two locations,” Sandberg says. Why do you feel an obligation to keep finding more and more sites? “You’ve twisted the laws to already come up with two location.” He’s on a roll now. Why are we selling the citizens’ property for a 4:00 liquor license?

Ardis discounts the concern that the property isn’t currently owned by Big Al’s. He says it’s common for a property sale to be contingent on certain things being approved. Sandberg rejoins that there is no purchase agreement for this property. “Therefore, it’s germane.”

Riggenbach says the current location is only a “stone’s throw” away from City Hall, so “let’s not lose sight of that,” he says. He says the proposed site is a “virtual island” and doesn’t have the same “density of foot traffic” as the current site. He says he’s a “man of faith” as well and he sends his daughters to District 150 schools. He says “we don’t have anything to be afraid of” walking past Big Al’s.

Ardis says he doesn’t condone “those types of operations” (meaning strip clubs), and that he’s not thrilled with the location, but he says “they have protections by our Constitution.” He says he doesn’t go to the Paradise or Big Al’s, “and everybody in this community has the right to make that decision” for themselves. He justifies his vote in favor of the location. “Any location we pick, we’re going to have the same number of people who are just passionate about not wanting it next to them.” So he thinks “this is the best location we’ve been able to come up with.” “This is a no-win vote for us.” “The Marriott project is going to happen” regardless of the outcome of this vote. Also, he says the Marriott is going to help us bring more family-friendly events to Peoria.

And that’s it. The motion passes 9-1 (Sandberg). Interesting that Spain didn’t speak to the issue. The council chambers clear.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

(11-032) 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.

Turner moves to deny site application, seconded by Gulley. Motion passes unanimously; no discussion.

(11-035) 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, with SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION.

Van Auken moves to approve, seconded by Turner. This was deferred from a previous meeting so the council could get some clarification on some issues. Police Chief Settingsgaard reviewed those questions and provided clarification. Sandberg says this really wasn’t competitive bidding because the specifications are written so narrowly that only one manufacturer can meet the specs. It’s really a sole source, he said. “When will we get to the point that the specifications on button spacing for shirts is not that critical?”

Van Auken says Sandberg’s comments are misleading and that she doesn’t believe the specifications are that narrow. Chief Settingsgaard says you can’t have a “uniform” if they’re all different. But he said they do allow for substitutions. “We would have looked at anyone’s product if they thought it was a reasonable substitute.”

No other questions or comments. Motion passes unanimously.

(11-045) Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Public Works Regarding a REPORT BACK on QUESTIONS RAISED Concerning the PURCHASE of THREE DUMP TRUCKS, with Request to Receive and File.

Director Barber gives a brief summary. He provided a listing of the fleet (330 vehicles) by department, current life and estimated useful life, mileage, etc., and the replacement schedule. This is all just for information. Gulley says the question the council had was not answered in this report back. The question, he thought, was why don’t we replace the engines instead of buying a new truck? Answer: We believe there are more problems than just the engine — he lists several of these — and the cost to refurbish would not be worth the money.

Van Auken asks Barber if we tried refurbishing trucks in the past and if it worked out very well. Barber says he will check, but that his personal experience (in other cities) is that it doesn’t work very well.

Irving asks staff to make a business case for buying new trucks. He wants to know the impact of keeping these trucks versus buying new trucks.

Spain only speaks because Gulley volunteered him; he basically summarizes what has been said already.

Sandberg says we don’t need to ask for a report back — we need to “challenge the paradigm of what we want to do.” He says the administration doesn’t do that very well.

Spain/Montelongo move to approve. Motion passes unanimously.

(11-049) Communication from the Interim City Manager and Director of Public Works Requesting Approval of an ADDENDUM AGREEMENT with the ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT of TRANSPORTATION Amending Agreement No. 10-133B for the FUNDING of the CONSTRUCTION of ORANGE PRAIRIE ROAD from AMERICAN PRAIRIE ROAD to ALTA ROAD. (New Communication and Agreement)

Irving/Montelongo move to approve. Sandberg says this project will include a 5-foot sidewalk on the west side of Orange Prairie road, and a 10-foot paved multi-use path on the other side of the road. Irving urges the council to approve as it will spur more development.

Motion passes unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

No new business.

PRESENTATION

ITEM NO. 1 PRESENTATION by DOUG CREW and BRAD McMILLAN Regarding PASS FORWARD, with Request to Receive and File.

Request was to reschedule for another meeting. Approved by unanimous consent.

CITIZENS’ OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL/TOWN BOARD

Only one: Savino Sierra. Says he’d hate to see the Mayor go to Springfield. [That can be interpreted a couple of different ways, but I think he meant it in support of the Mayor.] He says he’s “really happy tonight” that the site request was approved for Big Al’s. [That makes one person. No one else (even those who supported it) seemed very “happy” about it.] Makes some comments about the census.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT

And that’s it. It’s 8:38 p.m. and we’re adjourned. The council members, however, have an executive session to sell some downtown property to Big Al’s for a song, and some other business. Good night, everyone!