Board of Trustees

Village of Peoria Heights Board of Trustees November 18, 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, Elizabeth Khazzam, Teresa Symmonds, Sarah DeVore, and Brandon Wisenburg. Trustee Jen Reichert was absent. Others present included Mayor Matt Wigginton, Village Administrator Dustin Sutton, Village Clerk Stephanie Turner, Chief of Police Chris Ahart, Superintendent of Public Works Chris Chandler, Interim Fire Chief Austin Szentes, and Village Counsel Mark Walton. Mayor Wigginton asked for a motion to enter a Public Meeting for Proposed Peoria Heights Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District No. 4. Trustee DeVore made a motion to enter the Public Meeting. Trustee Wisenburg seconded the motion. The Public Meeting began at 5:32 pm. Mayor Wigginton called forth Mr. Steve Kline, of The Economic Development Group, to provide context and background. Mr. Kline clarified that this was a Public Meeting, not a Public Hearing as previously listed, and asked that the minutes be updated to reflect that correction. He noted the Village will hold a Public Hearing later in the process of setting up TIF No. 4. Mr. Kline explained to attendees the Village has been taking a proactive approach to development, and, in light of the construction improvements pending on Galena Road, the Village is considering establishing a TIF district within its boundaries on Galena Road. He stated the meeting was the first step. Mr. Kline spoke about the housing, businesses, and properties within the proposed area. He explained the required criteria to establish a TIF and noted the area meets the standards established by state statute. He explained how TIF districts generate revenue to fund public and private improvements. Mr. Kline also noted that TIF isn’t a taxing body, but a method of reallocating tax revenues. Mayor Wigginton repeated that TIF districts do not raise taxes or prevent protest of taxes but are simply a reallocation of where taxes are paid. Mr. Kline agreed noting there are only two things which increase taxes; he spoke about one method which is an increase in the assessed valuation of the property noting that it is separate from the TIF district and based solely on property value. He also stressed that the Village does not use TIF criteria for purposes of eminent domain. He stressed that if the State is going to improve Galena Road then the Village needs to be ready. Mayor Wigginton invited the Public forward for Public Comment regarding Proposed TIF District No. 4. Mr. Don Furkin asked the Village if the district would improve any code enforcement violations in the area. Mayor Wigginton explained that the Village has, at times, included residential improvement components as part of the TIF district. He did express that the issue sounded like a code enforcement one. Mayor Wigginton noted that Chief Ahart had taken note, and the Village will investigate. Mr. Brandon Shaw asked about designations of public versus private use shown on the map. He expressed concern about a large trucking business being next to his home and what options the public have regarding future development. He noted his second question was regarding the connection between upper and lower Grandview Terrace. Mayor Wigginton noted that development of a specific property would fall to zoning regulations. He explained any development would have a zoning hearing which Mr. Shaw could attend and express his opinions as TIF districts don’t supersede zoning regulations. Administrator Sutton explained that the connection between upper and lower Grandview Terrace is for emergency vehicle access only which is posted. Trustee Khazzam noted that Grandview Terrace is a special case with the roadway being private and maintained by the residents of the road. Mr. Kline explained that the map included in mailings to residents is not intended as a plan. He also noted that properties that might develop in the future which are being paid TIF funds require written agreements approved by the Board of Trustees. Mr. Kline assured Mr. Shaw that any agreement would be posted on the agenda, and he could attend meetings to express concerns. Mr. Brian Story stated he was concerned about a trail. Mayor Wigginton explained the Village had completed a comprehensive plan, approximately 5 years ago, and any plans detailed within that document aren’t related to the TIF district. There are no plans for a trail. Mayor Wigginton explained how TIF districts divert existing tax funds, based on property improvements, to a special separate fund for improvements within the district. Mayor Wigginton closed the meeting to public comment. Trustee Wisenburg made a motion to adjourn the Public Meeting, and Trustee DeVore seconded. The Board voted 5-0 to adjourn the Public Meeting regarding Proposed Peoria Heights Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District No. 4 at 6:00 pm. Trustee Khazzam made a motion to approve the Board minutes from November 4, 2025. Trustee Symmonds seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0. Mayor Wigginton opened the meeting to public comment. Hearing no public comment, Mayor Wigginton closed the meeting to public comment. Mayor Wigginton invited forward Misters Bret and Arlan Johnson. Mr. Bret Johnson explained his uncle had been draftsman, and he had discovered draft plans for Pabst from the 1950s in the family’s records. He offered the drafts to Mayor Wigginton who accepted them gratefully. Mayor Wigginton thanked the Johnsons for allowing the Village to safeguard documents for future generations noting what an integral part Pabst was in the Village’s history. Mayor Wigginton invited forward Ms. Erica Taylor and Mr. Jonathan Vota to provide a Mt. Moon fundraiser recap. Ms. Taylor provided a quick history and overview of the festival. Mr. Vota noted it was the fourth festival with its largest attendance. He shared details of vendors and attendees noting the festival had raised over $10,000 for LULA NFP. It’s a local not-for profit that helps unhoused individuals. Trustee Khazzam thanked them for the update. She noted that there were some concerns the Board received from neighbors that were unaware of the road closure. She requested the organizers work closely with the Village and the Chamber going forward to make sure information is distributed. Ms. Taylor thanked Trustee Khazzam and noted they had taken notes for improvements and she would add that concern to their list. The Board moved on to old business. Hearing no old business, the Board moved on to new business. Trustee Khazzam made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-1778: an Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a TIF Redevelopment Agreement by and Between the Village of Peoria Heights, Peoria County, Illinois and King/Donnellan Join Venture, LLC and William E. and Roberta D. King. Trustee Wisenburg seconded the motion. Trustee Khazzam noted representatives were present and explained the group is putting up five townhomes on Duryea Ave. She expressed excitement that it was an opportunity for the Village to address its concern of housing. Trustee Wisenburg questioned the lifetime of the TIF district, and Mayor Wigginton explained the process of extending a TIF for additional years. Trustee Khazzam noted the agreement is expected to be completed within the life of TIF. The Board voted 5-0 to approve the ordinance. Trustee Symmonds made a motion to approve the proposal from Woodard and Curran for design and construction services for Route 29 water main replacement. Trustee Khazzam seconded the motion. Trustee Symmonds thanked Ms. Jacki Hudnall, Woodard and Curran, and Mr. Mark Lee, consultant for the Village of Peoria Heights, for coming to answer questions. She explained the Village will be replacing the water main along Galena Road during the IDOT reconstruction process. Mr. Lee explained IDOT has stated a bidding process for Galena Road will begin in March 2027 with construction to follow. It will be the most cost efficient for the Village to replace the water main while the road is already under construction by IDOT. Woodard and Curran will submit plans to IDOT for the water main replacement that will be included in their construction documents. Mayor Wigginton noted that Representative Sorensen had set aside funds for the replacement of the water main. Mr. Lee noted he has asked for confirmation of the funds from Cardinal Infrastructure, the Village's federal consultants, but has not received word. He stressed that the Village needs to replace the main while the road is open as it would be the most cost efficient. Trustee Wisenburg asked about the age of the main, and Superintendent Chandler explained it was at least 50 years ago, and this was an appropriate time to replace the main under normal circumstances. He clarified that the main provides water to the area but also transports water from the wells and treatment plant to the whole Village. Trustee DeVore asked about costs. Mr. Lee noted that was to be determined, but it would be at least $2 million. The Board spoke about financing options as well as impact on water rates. Mr. Lee noted with current interest rates, and a long loan, the impact would be minimal. Trustee Wisenburg asked if residents would be out of water for a period of time. Mr. Lee noted that would never happen, but that was one of the components adding to the complexity of the project. The Board approved the proposal 5-0. Trustee Steinwedel made a motion to approve the following ballot referendum question regarding fire service: "Should the Village of Peoria Heights pay the City of Peoria Fire Department for automatic aid in the following emergency situations: vehicle extractions, structure fires, and cardiac arrests in addition to the City of Peoria providing training for the Peoria Heights Firefighters at no additional cost?” Trustee DeVore seconded the motion. Trustee Khazzam expressed support for the question as did Trustee DeVore noting the time the Board had discussed the issue. Trustee Wisenburg expressed concern lay people might think the contract was at no cost. Attorney Walton stated it was possible but unlikely. The Board debated the wording and interpretations. Trustee Khazzam made a amendment to change the wording: "Should the Village of Peoria Heights pay the City of Peoria Fire Department for automatic aid in the following emergency situations: vehicle extractions, structure fires, and cardiac arrests in addition to the City of Peoria providing training for the Peoria Heights Fire Department at no further cost?” Trustee DeVore seconded the amendment. Attorney Walton noted that the Board needed a formal resolution that the Board approved after being posted on the agenda. Additionally the Board will need to designate what ballot to put the question on. Mayor Wigginton spoke to Attorney Walton about legal concerns with Attorney Walton agreeing it would be in compliance, but it was customary to vote on a resolution. The Board voted 5-0 to approve the amendment. Mayor Wigginton requested an additional amendment to provide specificity that the Board will put on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. Trustee Devore made the amendment, and Trustee Symmonds seconded the amendment. The Board approved the second amendment 5-0. The Board approved the motion as amended 5-0. Mayor Wigginton opened the meeting to public comment. Hearing no public comments, Mayor Wigginton closed the meeting to public comment. Mayor Wigginton asked for miscellaneous business. Trustee DeVore thanked Public Works for the winter decorations. She expressed they look fantastic. She noted she had been approached by residents requesting private garbage service in the future. Trustee Khazzam questioned individuals not complying. Trustee DeVore noted the Board would have to consider that. Trustee Wisenburg expressed support noting it would be a code enforcement issue. Administrator Sutton expressed concern for the increase in code enforcement in order to maintain compliance. He noted that the current rate is based on the entirety of the Village and the importance of reviewing both pros and cons. Trustee DeVore noted she was bringing it forward because it would require research. She noted it would be after the contract was expired. Trustee Khazzam noted she had received complaints after the previous service, and the Village should research thoroughly. Mayor Wigginton requested the cost analysis consider wear and tear on the road from multiple providers. Trustee Steinwedel asked about notification for emergency services when there’s barricades and road closures. Trustee Symmonds noted there wasn’t a crystal ball to predict. She suggested the OnSolve notifications. Administrator Sutton agreed. Chief Ahart stated Superintendent Chandler already notifies him that a road has been closed. Trustee Symmonds asked Chief Szentes if he was aware of issues. Chief Szentes noted he was not aware of any. Chief Szentes stated the PHFD had accepted a FEMA grant this morning to purchase 20 portable radios. He provided an update on training and stated things were looking good. Chief Ahart reported the PHPD had new carpet installed and encouraged trustees to come visit. Hearing no additional miscellaneous business, the board moved on to payment of the bills. Trustee Wisenburg made a motion to approve the bills. Trustee Steinwedel 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 October, there was $12,476,718.31 in the Village controlled accounts, and $2,634,255.30 in the Water controlled accounts. Trustee Symmonds made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Trustee Wisenburg seconded the motion. The Board voted 5-0 to approve the report. Trustee DeVore made a motion to adjourn, and Trustee Wisenburg seconded the motion. The Board of Trustees voted 5-0 to adjourn at 6:50 p.m. ____________________________________ ______________________________________ Matthew Wigginton, Mayor Stephanie Turner, Village Clerk