Board of Trustees

Village of Peoria Heights Board of Trustees October 21, 2025 The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. Everyone stood for a moment of silence and the Pledge to the Flag. Upon calling roll, the following Trustees were present: Nate Steinwedel, Teresa Symmonds, Sarah DeVore, Brandon Wisenburg, and Jen Reichert. Trustee Elizabeth Khazzam was absent. Others present included Mayor Matt Wigginton, Village Clerk Stephanie Turner, Chief of Police Chris Ahart, Superintendent of Public Works Chris Chandler, and Village Counsel Mark Walton. Trustee Symmonds made a motion to approve the Board minutes from October 7, 2025. Trustee Wisenburg seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0. Mayor Wigginton announced he was naming Mr. Austin Szentes as Interim Fire Chief. Mayor Wigginton noted both former fire chiefs, Mr. Dan Decker and Mr. Tony Ardis, had endorsed Mr. Szentes as their successor. Mayor Wigginton invited Mr. Nathan Steinwedel, chair of the Fire Department, and Clerk Turner forward for the swearing in of Fire Chief Szentes. Clerk Turner swore in Fire Chief Szentes as Interim Fire Chief for Village of Peoria Heights. Mayor Wigginton opened the meeting to public comment. Ms. Jodi Foster came forward to speak about comments on social media made by elected officials. She spoke about comments relating to the Peoria Heights Fire Department calling it untrue and the Board’s decision to sign an agreement with the City of Peoria. She expressed disappointment in the decision. Hearing no additional public comment, Mayor Wigginton closed the meeting to public comment. The Board moved on to old business. Hearing no old business, the Board moved on to new business. Trustee Symmonds requested to remove Resolution 2025-17: A Resolution Approving the Illinois Municipal League Elected Officials Civility Pledge and Resolution 2025-18: A Resolution of the Village of Peoria Heights Authorizing an Advisory Question of Public Policy Regarding Imposition of a Grocery Tax Within the Village to be Placed on the Ballot During the General Primary Election to be Held on March 17, 2026 from the consent agenda. The items were removed. Trustee Devore made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Trustee Wisenburg seconded the motion. The consent agenda contains Ordinance 2025-1777: An Ordinance Creating Additional Class A-1 Liquor License Within the Corporate Limits of the Village of Peoria Heights. The Board voted 5-0 to approve the consent agenda. Trustee Symmonds stated she believes civility is common sense. She noted she doesn’t believe anyone on the Board has issues treating each other with respect. She expressed she didn’t appreciate Fire Chief Ardis’ email and that safety is important to her. Trustee Wisenburg noted he appreciated the pledge, but he was disappointed by the emails as well. He stressed he also supports public safety. Mayor Wigginton noted he had received the emails from trustees, and those were forward to Administrator Sutton and Chief Ahart. Chief Ahart reported that the emails were investigated, but they don’t fall under the criminal code though recipients have the option to pursue the issue with the State Attorney’s office. Trustee Wisenburg clarified he wasn’t pursuing criminal proceedings but was rather concerned with the ethics of the situation. He noted he has spoken to Fire Chief Ardis, and the situation was resolved amicably. Trustee Steinwedel cautioned the Village avoid overcorrecting and potentially curbing free speech in the Village. Mayor Wigginton read the civility pledge. Trustee DeVore made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-17: A Resolution Approving the Illinois Municipal League Elected Officials Civility Pledge, and Trustee Reichert seconded the motion. The resolution passed 5-0. Trustee Symmonds made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-18: A Resolution of the Village of Peoria Heights Authorizing an Advisory Question of Public Policy Regarding Imposition of a Grocery Tax Within the Village to be Placed on the Ballot During the General Primary Election to be Held on March 17, 2026. Trustee Wisenburg seconded the motion. Trustee Symmonds noted the referendum question would be on the March 17, 2026 ballot, and she supported the referendum but wanted to change the wording. Trustee Symmonds stated she would like to change the word impose to reestablish. Trustee Symmonds made an amendment to change the referendum question to “Shall the Village of Peoria reestablish a one percent local grocery sales tax?” Trustee Wisenburg seconded the amendment. Trustee Steinwedel proposed additional changes which Mayor Wigginton noted could be debated after the current amendment. Trustee DeVore asked Attorney Walton about restrictions on how the question is created. Attorney Walton noted there were few but cautioned against creating a lengthy question. Trustee DeVore asked if the Village would do any education prior to the ballot question. Mayor Wigginton cautioned against biasing the issue though the Village could put information on the website. The Board discussed options for education individually. Trustee Symmonds noted she was looking for neutral language. The Board voted 5-0 to approve the amendment. Trustee Symmonds spoke to Trustee Steinwedel regarding his proposed changes expressing concern the language was lengthy and potentially restricting. Attorney Walton reminded the Board that the referendum is nonbinding, and the Board would need to request agenda items to take further action as a result of the referendum. Attorney Walton noted that the ballot wasn’t the only option for gathering information from the residents and didn’t exclude other options. Trustee Steinwedel made a motion to change the language of the referendum question to: “Shall the Village of Peoria Heights reestablish a one percent local grocery tax to replace revenue previously received from the State of Illinois grocery tax which the State is discontinuing in order to maintain the general fund which provides public services such as public safety and infrastructure?” The motion failed due to lack of second. The resolution passed as amended 5-0. Trustee Reichert made a motion to approve Hanson’s design for Prospect Road. Trustee DeVore seconded the motion. Trustee Reichert explained she was against going down to two lanes, but she believes the design is better than the other options. She noted that it’s a necessity and better than adding a bike lane. Mr. Mark Lee, consultant of the Village, came forward to speak about the project. Mr. Lee spoke about the design process, partnering with the City of Peoria, and moving forward. Mayor Wigginton asked about funding, and Mr. Lee explained that there will be multiple phases, and the project will require state or federal support. He spoke about the impact of the decisions, and importance of partnering with other agencies. Trustee Reichert noted the importance of the project in allowing the Village to improve infrastructure along the road during the construction phases. Trustee DeVore questioned if choosing the design without the bike lane would hurt future grant funding applications. Mr. Lee stated he didn’t believe so as there wasn’t currently a bike lane and noted the other options in the Village. Trustee DeVore noted in addition to infrastructure issues the Village simply doesn’t have the physical space to update to ADA compliance sidewalks and still provide the space to businesses that is part of the current downtown without reducing lanes. Trustee Symmonds noted that keeping the design low maintenance was important for the future. Trustee Symmonds expressed concern for the businesses. Trustee Steinwedel expressed concern about reducing from four lanes to two lanes of traffic. He spoke about the issue of congestion and impact on businesses. Trustee Reichert asked about the timeline for construction. Mr. Lee provided an explanation of the process, which occurs in sections, as well as procedures to minimize impact on businesses. Trustee Wisenburg expressed support for improving access and ADA compliance. He noted that he had received many complaints from residents in wheelchairs about access. The Board discussed being a good grant partner, the importance of improving the Village infrastructure and access, as well as how to cultivate projects that will get funded. Trustee DeVore made a motion to approve Hanson Prospect Road Design – Alternate 2 (Center Turn Lane Option). Trustee Wisenburg seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0. Trustee Steinwedel made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-1775: An Ordinance Amending Title 3, Chapter 4 Of the Village Code for the Purpose of Establishing Fees for Fire Department Lift Assistance Services to Assisted Living and Nursing Home Facilities. Trustee Symmonds seconded the motion. Trustee Steinwedel expressed concern it was preemptive. He stated the Village has had no lift assist calls in the last six months. Trustee Reichert asked Fire Chief Szentes about previous reports the Board had received regarding calls to nursing homes. Fire Chief Szentes reported he had reviewed the last 6 months only and, while about 30% of call volume came from nursing homes or assisted living, the majority of calls involved transportation. Trustee Wisenburg expressed that he didn’t want to subsidize staffing for private care, but he didn’t want staff to avoid seeking help when needed. Trustee Reichert requested additional information. Trustee DeVore asked Trustee Steinwedel to follow up after a six month study of the issue. Trustee Wisenburg made a motion to defer Ordinance 2025-1775: An Ordinance Amending Title 3, Chapter 4 Of the Village Code for the Purpose of Establishing Fees for Fire Department Lift Assistance Services to Assisted Living and Nursing Home Facilities for six months. Trustee Symmonds seconded the motion to defer. The Board voted 5-0 to defer. Trustee Steinwedel made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-1776: An Ordinance Amending Title 3, Chapter 4 Of the Village Code Establishing Non-Resident Charges for Firefighting Services. Trustee Wisenburg seconded the motion. Trustee Steinwedel expressed concern about language as well as charging visitors to the Village. Trustee Wisenburg expressed he believed the ordinance only applied to services provided by the City of Peoria under the Village’s agreement to non-residents. The Board spoke to Attorney Walton regarding intent and interpretation. Mayor Wigginton spoke to Attorney Walton regarding how the agreement with the City of Peoria impacted the ordinance under discussion. Trustee Wisenburg asked if the ordinance was redundant. Attorney Walton explained it applied to all services while amendments made to the agreement applied only to services covered by the agreement. Trustee Wisenburg stated he wasn’t in favor of going to that length with Trustee Steinwedel agreeing. Trustee DeVore questioned deferring the ordinance for further study. Mayor Wigginton noted he heard a consensus to defer. Trustee DeVore made a motion to defer Ordinance 2025-1776: An Ordinance Amending Title 3, Chapter 4 Of the Village Code Establishing Non-Resident Charges for Firefighting Services for six months. Trustee Symmonds seconded the motion. The Board voted 5-0 to defer. Trustee Steinwedel made a motion to accept FY 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant with Contribution of $12,985.72. Fire Chief Szentes explained the funding is more than $200,000 from FEMA for new radios. He noted that FEMA was currently shut down and not accepting inquiries, but he’ll move forward as soon as possible. Trustee Steinwedel noted the expense was already budgeted. Trustee DeVore congratulated the PHFD. The Board 5-0 to approve the matching local funds. Trustee Wisenburg made a motion to approve payment in the amount of $19,730 to Carpet Weaver’s Flooring and Furniture for new carpet at PHPD. Trustee DeVore seconded the motion. Trustee Wisenburg noted the carpet was very old. Chief Ahart commented it was installed in the 1980s. Trustee Symmonds expressed concern with the quotes. She questioned if it was possible to get a third quote considering the differences. Mayor Wigginton noted that since the Village had announced the price it would be inappropriate to seek additional bids. Chief Ahart explained he had spoken to the vendors extensively, and the blanks were for details like carpet type and colors which were to be determined. The two quotes were comparable. He noted that the company had offered a government discount and had done work for the school as well leading to good pricing. The Board approved the purchase 5-0. Trustee DeVore made a motion Ordinance 2025-1773: An Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Business Development District No. 1 Redevelopment Agreement by and between the Village of Peoria Heights and SRP Capital, LLC. The motion was seconded by Trustee Wisenburg. Trustee DeVore asked Mr. Lee forward to explain the project. The BDD application is for the Prospect Mall building and includes common area improvements. Trustee Steinwedel questioned the application since the landlord charges tenants for common spaces. He asked if the tenants would receive a credit with no answer. The Board spoke about the history of the BDD grant and policy considerations. Trustee DeVore noted she didn’t agree with the application, citing previous denials to a landlord, and expressed BDD grants should be for the businesses generating the sales tax. Mayor Wigginton noted he had heard the Board’s reservations and asked if the Board would like to defer in order to question the applicant or vote on the issue. The Board discussed the options with many members noting the applicants’ presence would not change their vote. The motion failed 0-5 with Trustee Steinwedel, Trustee Symmonds, Trustee DeVore, Trustee Wisenburg, and Trustee Reichert voting nay. Mayor Wigginton asked for miscellaneous business. Trustee Wisenburg announced that on November 12, 2025 at 9:00 am the Village will host its second Coffee with a Cop. Mayor Wigginton noted he has tasked Trustee Wisenburg and Trustee Symmonds, on the sign committee, for designating a street and signage in honor of Mr. Ray Picl. Mayor Wigginton reminded the community of services for Mayor Picl. Trustee DeVore requested the Board take action on changing BDD policy. Mayor Wigginton stated he’d have something for the Board’s consideration at the next meeting. Trustee DeVore asked for an update on the events for the Illinois America 250 Community. Trustee Reichert shared Trustee Khazzam and herself have started coordinating with the Peoria Riverfront Museum, the Peoria Heights Alumni Association, and the Peoria Heights Chamber of Commerce regarding the event. Trustee DeVore suggested the Village act quickly if it wanted to host a carnival again. Trustee Reichert questioned budget with Mayor Wigginton noting that was to be determined. Trustee Symmonds reported the lead service line replacement program is winding down. There have been 132 replacements completed, and the remaining funds will be used for inventorying lines. Trustee Symmonds requested the following referendum question be put on the agenda for a vote: “Should of Village of Peoria Heights keep the contract to pay the City of Peoria for structure fires, vehicle extrication, and cardiac arrest while we already have automatic aid at no additional cost?” Trustee Wisenburg noted he would like to discuss a referendum question on the issue with neutral language. Attorney Walton noted the Village had time to discuss the language. Trustee DeVore requested a referendum question be added to the agenda but she didn’t support the verbiage at the moment. Trustee Symmonds agreed to broaden her request to a discussion of a referendum question regarding Resolution 2025-15: A Resolution Approving City of Peoria Fire Department Automatic Aid Agreement. Trustee Steinwedel explained Fire Chief Szentes will be attending advanced training as part of the agreement with the City of Peoria. Trustee Steinwedel noted they had met with Chief Sollberger, and the City of Peoria has offered to allow a member of the PHFD to attend the City of Peoria fire academy as part of the agreement. Trustee Steinwedel noted what a fantastic opportunity it was for the Village and the PHFD members. Trustee Steinwedel noted the Village residents might also see their insurance positively impacted by the agreement with the City of Peoria. He’s following up for more information. Hearing no additional miscellaneous business, Mayor Wigginton opened the meeting to public comment. Ms. Jodi Ford came forward to read a prepared statement. She expressed Trustee Steinwedel had made concerning statements on his social media. She spoke about NFPA standards. She shared information regarding other local firefighting services in the area. She also spoke about MABAS and mutual aid agreements in the area. She expressed concern about the agreement. Mayor Wigginton cautioned Ms. Ford she had exceeded time. Ms. Mary Bair joined Ms. Ford and ceded her time to allow her to continue. Ms. Ford spoke about the precedent of the agreement with the City of Peoria and shared information about contracted fire services in Iowa which had failed. Mayor Wigginton noted Ms. Ford had again exceeded her time. He asked her to conclude her remarks. Ms. Ford stated she had sent the Board her remarks and expressed distrust in the City of Peoria. Hearing no additional public comments, Mayor Wigginton closed the meeting to public comment. Trustee DeVore made a motion to approve the bills. Trustee Reichert seconded the motion. There were no questions on the bills. The Board voted 5-0 to approve payment of the bills. Clerk Turner read the Treasurer’s Report. At the end of September, there was $11,897,337.71 in the Village controlled accounts, and $2,682,484.32 in the Water controlled accounts. Trustee Wisenburg made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Trustee DeVore seconded the motion. The Board voted 5-0 to approve the report. Trustee Reichert made a motion to adjourn, and Trustee Wisenburg seconded the motion. The Board of Trustees voted 5-0 to adjourn at 7:40 p.m. ____________________________________ ______________________________________ Matthew Wigginton, Mayor Stephanie Turner, Village Clerk