City Council

City of Peoria 419 Fulton Street Peoria, IL 61602 Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 8, 2015 6:00 PM Joint City Council / Town Board Meeting City Hall Council Chambers, Room 400 City Council AGENDAS AND PROCEEDINGS ISSUED BY: BETH BALL, MMC, OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK CITY HALL, ROOM 401 (309) 494-8565 Agendas/Minutes and supporting documentation are available online at www.peoriagov.org. City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 DISABILITY ACCESS STATEMENT A Joint City Council and Town Board Meeting of Peoria, Illinois, was held September 8, 2015, at 6:01 P.M., at City Hall, Council Chambers, 419 Fulton Street, with Mayor Ardis presiding, and with proper notice having been posted. ROLL CALL Present: 11 - Council Member Akeson, Council Member Grayeb, Council Member Jensen, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Montelongo, Council Member Moore, Council Member Riggenbach, Council Member Spain, Council Member Turner, Council Member Weaver and Mayor Ardis Excused: 0 Recuse: 0 Council Member Akeson arrived at 6:09 P.M. Council Member Weaver arrived at 6:04 P.M. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Jim Ardis requested a moment of silent prayer or silent reflection, and then he led the Pledge of Allegiance. PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS, ETC. Central Illinois Gold Star Families Peoria Public Library - 135th Anniversary German American Central Society - Oktoberfest Weekend Sustainability Commission - Commendation Former Council Member Robert Manning and State Senator David Koehler were in attendance at the meeting. MINUTES Council Member Spain moved to approve the minutes of the Joint City Council and Town Board Meeting held on August 25, 2015, and the Special City Council Meetings held on August 13, 2015, and August 18, 2015, as printed; seconded by Council Member Turner. Yea: 11 - Akeson, Grayeb, Jensen, Johnson, Montelongo, Moore, Riggenbach, Spain, Turner, Weaver and Mayor Ardis City of Peoria Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Nay: 0 0 Excused: Recuse:0 PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES & COMMUNICATIONS – CITY OF PEORIA CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BY OMNIBUS VOTE, with Recommendations as Outlined: Mayor Ardis questioned if the Council wished to have any of the Consent Agenda items removed for further discussion. Council Member Moore requested Item Nos. 15-295 and 15-296 be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. Council Member Turner requested Item No. 15-291 be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. Council Member Jensen requested Item No. 15-293 be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BY OMNIBUS VOTE, with Recommendations as Outlined: Council Member Spain moved, seconded by Council Member Moore, to approve the Consent Agenda items as outlined in the Council Communications under the Omnibus Vote Designation. Yea: 11 - Akeson, Grayeb, Jensen, Johnson, Montelongo, Moore, Riggenbach, Spain, Turner, Weaver and Mayor Ardis Nay: 0 0 Excused: Recuse:0 Approval of the Consent Agenda Council Member Spain moved, seconded by Council Member Riggenbach, to approve the Consent Agenda items as outlined in the Council Communications under the Omnibus Vote Designation. Yea: 11 - Akeson, Grayeb, Jensen, Johnson, Montelongo, Moore, Riggenbach, Spain, Turner, Weaver and Mayor Ardis Nay: 0 0 Excused: Recuse:0 City of Peoria Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 15-290 A Communication from the City Manager and the Finance Director/Comptroller Requesting the AUTHORIZATION to HOLD an AUCTION at the City of Peoria Operations and Maintenance Facility on Dries Lane, Saturday, September 26, 2015. 15-291 Communication from City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request to APPROVE a SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE From CERTIFIED POWER of Bridgeton, Missouri, of SALT MEASURING SOFTWARE AND EQUIPMENT Plus Installation for 30 Snow Plows, for the Total Amount $52,577.00. Council Member Turner moved to rescind a sole source purchase from Certified Power of Bridgeton, Missouri, of salt measuring software and equipment plus installation for 30 snow plows, for the total amount of $52,577.00; seconded by Council Member Montelongo. 15-292 Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works Requesting Approval of a SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT with ILLINOIS OIL MARKETING EQUIPMENT for an EMERGENCY REPAIR of an UNDERGROUND FUEL STORAGE TANK SUMP PUMP at the Public Works Operations and Maintenance Center, in the amount of $19,063.00. This Contract was approved on the Consent Agenda. 15-293 Communication from the City Manager and the Directors of Community Development and Public Works with a Request to Approve CONTRACTS with JIMAX LANDSCAPING and ALL IN ONE RESTORATIONS, in the Not-to-Exceed Amount of $60,000.00, for DEBRIS/LITTER REMOVAL on Public-Owned Vacant Property. In response to Council Member Jensen’s question regarding the care of County Trustee-owned properties located within the City, Public Works Director Mike Rogers said Staff assumed the responsibility of mowing those properties as of last year. For the 2015 budget, he remarked that the goal was to have the mowing done by one department, the Public Works Department. He said there had been confusion with both the Public Works Department and the Community Development Department mowing properties. He said the level of service was also a concern. Because of this, he said Staff was looking at different ways to contract various jobs. He said this contract was for debris removal only, not mowing. He said a lot of dumping occurred within the City, which was not sustainable by the City. Director Black said, in response to Council Member Jensen, the City had taken care of Trustee–owned lots for nearly two decades. He said Public Works always maintained City-owned properties, which were maintained on a schedule. Prior to last year, he said Trustee-owned lots were approached in the same manner as privately-owned properties wherein Code Enforcement oversaw those properties, which was on a reactive basis. He said past practice was to wait until complaints City of Peoria Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 were received for a Trustee-owned lot, wherein the City would then react. He said the City was the only organization that maintained Trustee-owned lots, and he reported that it was more efficient to put these on a rotation cut like City-owned lots, which would reduce the number of citizen complaints. He said the Community Development Department was still handling privately-owned properties, which were mostly complaint driven. He said the City-owned and Trustee-owned properties would be overseen by the Public Works Department. In response to Council Member Moore’s question regarding the number of properties the Community Development Department maintained, Director Black said the Community Development did not maintain property, noting the properties they addressed were privately owned. He said the Department had to wait until the property owner received a code violation. Council Member Moore expressed a concern for vacant properties in the First District that had been vacant for several years and were not properly cared for and continually needed to be addressed. She asked why these properties were not on a schedule similar to the Public Works Department mowing schedule. Director Black said he would discuss the matter with the Legal Department to see if there would be due process issues for private properties in order to address these properties on a regular basis. Council Member Spain moved to approve contracts with Jimax Landscaping and All-in-One Restorations, in the not-to-exceed amount of $60,000.00, for debris/litter removal on public-owned vacant property; seconded by Council Member Akeson. Yea: 11 - Akeson, Grayeb, Jensen, Johnson, Montelongo, Moore, Riggenbach, Spain, Turner, Weaver and Mayor Ardis Nay: 0 0 Excused: Recuse:0 15-294 Communication from the City Manager with a Request to REPEAL Resolution No. 15-188 and REPLACE with a RESOLUTION Concerning Support of the 2015-2017 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GREATER PEORIA MANUFACTURING CLUSTER STRATEGY GRANT APPLICATION. This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. 15-295 Communication from the City Manager and Community Development Director and Finance Director/Comptroller with a Request to ADOPT an ORDINANCE Amending the City of Peoria BUDGET for Fiscal Year 2015 to Allocate $300,000 from the South Village Growth Cell TIF Fund Balance to be Used for Demolitions Within the South Village Growth Cell TIF Boundaries (1st District). City of Peoria Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Council Member Moore requested to defer this matter in order for Staff to return to Council with a better strategic plan. Council Member Moore moved to defer this matter to the September 22, 2015, Regular City Council meeting; seconded by Council Member Weaver. Yea: 11 - Akeson, Grayeb, Jensen, Johnson, Montelongo, Moore, Riggenbach, Spain, Turner, Weaver and Mayor Ardis Nay: 0 0 Excused: Recuse:0 15-284 Communication from the City Manager and the Director of Public Works with a Request to ADOPT an ORDINANCE Adopting a COMPLETE STREETS POLICY for the City of Peoria. (Refer to Item #13-401) This Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: ORD 17,100 15-296 Communication from the City Manager and the Community Development Director with a Request to REPEAL Ordinance Number 17,259, and ADOPT an ORDINANCE Approving a SPECIAL USE in a Class R-4 (Single Family Residential) District for an ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY for the Property Located at 1021, 1027, 1029, and 1031 LINCOLN AVENUE (Parcel Index Numbers 18-08-462-025, -024, -023; and -022), Peoria, Illinois. Enactment No: ORD 17,101 A replacement Ordinance was distributed to all Council. Council Member Moore explained that this item previously came before the City Council and was adopted. She remarked that the Council Communication at that time was unclear, and she said this item was for housekeeping purposes only in order to provide more clarity. Council Member Moore moved to adopt the replacement Ordinance repealing Ordinance No. 17,259 and adopting an Ordinance approving a Special Use in a Class R-4 (Single Family Residential) District for an Assisted Living Facility for the property located at 1021, 1027, 1029, and 1031 Lincoln Avenue (Parcel Index Numbers 18-08-462-025, -024, -023, and -022); seconded by Council Member Turner. Council Member Akeson expressed a concern regarding the waivers, noting it was important not to waive the orientation of the building to the streets or eliminate the porches. She expressed her disappointment with this item coming back before the Council in order to allow the two waivers. She said she would not support this replacement Ordinance. City of Peoria Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Council Member Moore expressed her appreciation for Council Member Akeson’s comments; however, she noted that this project was located on a street that was in transition. She provided an explanation for the need for these waivers and why they were acceptable. Council Member Moore moved, seconded by Council Member Turner, that Ordinance No. 17,261 be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote: Yea: 10 - Grayeb, Jensen, Johnson, Montelongo, Moore, Riggenbach, Spain, Turner, Weaver and Mayor Ardis Nay: 1 - Akeson 0 Excused: Recuse:0 Enactment No: ORD 17,101 15-297 Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel to APPROVE the SITE APPLICATION for a CLASS H (Temporary Outdoor) Liquor License from ST. VINCENT DE PAUL PARISH for an Event to be held at the PARISH HALL, 6001 N. UNIVERSITY, On Friday, September 18, 2015. (District 4) This Site Approval was approved on the Consent Agenda. 15-298 APPOINTMENT by Mayor Ardis to the FAIR EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING COMMISSIOIN with a Request to Concur: Ms. Jennifer Manley (Voting) - Term Expires 6/30/2017 This Appointment was concurred on the Consent Agenda. 15-299 APPOINTMENTS and REAPPOINTMENT by Mayor Ardis to the RIVERFRONT PROGRAM AND POLICY ADVISORY with a Request to Concur: Mr. Adam Hamilton (Voting) - Term Expires 6/30/2017 Mr. Adam White (Voting) - Term Expires 6/30/2016 Ms. Kaci Osbourne (Voting) - 6/30/2017 Ms. Susie Stockman (Voting) - 6/30/2017 This Appointment was concurred on the Consent Agenda. 15-300 REAPPOINTMENT and APPOINTMENT by Mayor Ardis to the PEORIA CIVIC CENTER AUTHORITY with a Request to Concur: Mr. Matthew Bartolo (Voting) - Term Expires 7/1/2020 Mr. Jason Stringer (Non-Voting) - Term Expires 7/1/2016 This Appointment was concurred on the Consent Agenda. 15-301 REPORT from the CITY TREASURER PATRICK A. NICHTING for the City of Peoria Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 MONTH of JULY 2015, with a Request to Receive and File. This Report was received and filed on the Consent Agenda. 15-302 Communication from the Peoria Civic Center Authority with a Request to RECEIVE and FILE the PEORIA CIVIC CENTER OPERATING and CAPITAL BUDGET for FISCAL YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 2016. This Report was received and filed on the Consent Agenda. 15-303 Communication from the Firemen’s Pension Fund Board of Trustees Regarding the MUNICIPAL COMPLIANCE REPORT, with Request to Receive and File. This Report was received and filed on the Consent Agenda. 15-313 APPROVE the COMMITTEE REPORT (POLICY SESSION) Regarding a SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL POLICY. This Report was received and filed on the Consent Agenda. REGULAR BUSINESS ITEMS, with Recommendations as Outlined: 15-304 Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel with a Request to Authorize SETTLEMENT of Case No. 14-1232, Jonathan Daniel v. City et al, Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois. Council Member Riggenbach moved, seconded by Council Member Jensen, that this Lawsuit be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yea: 10 - Akeson, Grayeb, Jensen, Johnson, Moore, Riggenbach, Spain, Turner, Weaver and Mayor Ardis Nay: 1 - Montelongo 0 Excused: Recuse:0 15-305 Communication from the City Manager and Community Development Director with a Request from the Advisory Commission on Human Resource (HRC) for the Following: A. SELECT Five (5) Funding Priorities for the 2016/2017 CDBG PUBLIC SERVICE APPLICATION; B. APPROVE the 2016/2017 CDBG Public Service Application, Timeline, and Materials. Council Member Moore explained she included a sixth priority to include employment training in light of the large number of unemployed persons specifically in the 61605 and 61603 area codes. She said it was appropriate to include employment training, noting that she had discussed this issue at previous Council meetings. City of Peoria Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Discussions were held regarding the priorities. Council Member Moore said she spoke with City Staff who indicated that the priorities would not have to be limited to five, but rather it could be any number the Council deemed fit. Council Member Grayeb remarked on the irregularity of the motion. He said the Council should respect the recommendation of the Human Resource Commission (HRC). Council Member Grayeb said he would not support the motion for six funding priorities with the inclusion of employment training as an eligible HUD category, and he remarked that the survey reflected the top priorities. He reminded the Council that it had funded organizations to assist people to prepare resumes and to prepare for interviews because it was a priority from the Commission. He remarked on the importance of respecting the deliberations of the Commission. Council Member Jensen said she understood the concerns outlined by Council Member Grayeb. She remarked that unemployment could very well be connected to the recent violent outbreaks. She said employment development and training should be a top priority included in the CDBG Funds, and she said she would support the motion. Council Member Spain said the HRC was commissioned to develop a system to fund key agencies within the community. He said the Council previously decided to step back from that process and to let the HRC make that recommendation. He commented that furthering employment opportunities was an important topic not only for the City, but for the nation. He said this was a priority for the community, and he recommended deferring this matter and referring it back to the HRC for further inquiry. Community Development Director Black said the HRC would need to schedule a special meeting in order to report back to the Council by the September 22, 2015, City Council Meeting. He reviewed the schedule for filing the application noting that the grant year would begin January 1, 2016. Council Member Spain said he would not want to be burdensome to the HRC, but he said he wanted to respect the comments of Council Member Grayeb and Council Member Moore, noting that perspectives brought something to the table. Hearing no objection, Mayor Ardis granted Privilege of the Floor to Ms. Nancy Rakoff, Chair of the HRC. Ms. Nancy Rakoff, Chair of the HRC, provided a history of how the HRC became involved with the grant process, noting that the Council realized they had too many priorities and wanted to limit them. She said the Commission had a brief City of Peoria Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 discussion about priorities at the July meeting. She said the HRC asked Staff to send an electronic survey to the Commission members. She said each person voted independently. She commented that Council Member Moore had attended the August meeting and expressed her concern for the high unemployment percentage in District 1. Council Member Grayeb expressed his appreciation to Ms. Rakoff for her efforts on the HRC. He remarked that it was obvious the City had an unemployment problem. He remarked that through the years the CDBG Funds had dwindled significantly. He said these funds must be leveraged in order to do the most good for the community. He said he would not support any recommendation that would not fully support the HRC. He said the HRC understood the needs of the community and worked with the agencies in the community, and he said he would support their recommendation. Council Member Moore asked Ms. Rakoff whether the vote to move the five recommendations to the City Council was unanimous. Ms. Rakoff responded that the vote was 10 to 1. She clarified stating that the vote was to recommend the City Council select five because there was no agreement about adding employment. She said she was the only one who voted against the request to add employment as a priority. Council Member Weaver said he was concerned that the money would be spread too far and would not be effective. He said he would not support the motion for a sixth priority. He said jobs and employment training were important to the community, but he commented that it may not be effective without sufficient amounts of funds. Council Member Akeson remarked that the HRC was established by the City Council to evaluate whether programs were deserving of CDBG funding. She said workforce development was important, but she inquired whether it was of greater or lesser importance than the recommended priorities. She inquired whether the recommended priorities were underserved and would the CDBG money benefit those priorities to a level more significant than workforce development. Mayor Ardis remarked that all Commissions were advisory, and he said there would always be times when the City Council would chose to go against their recommendation, which was of no disrespect to the Commission. He said Commissions were formed to conduct research and to bring the information back to the Council with a recommendation in order for the Council to make a decision. He said the majority of the Council Members used what the Commissions provided in order to make a decision. However, he said there would always be times when the Council would disagree, and he noted it was part of the decision-making process for the Council. City of Peoria Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Council Member Moore said her motion was to add one more priority. She said she was not substituting or eliminating any of the other priorities. She expressed a concern that this item was brought to the City Council too close to the deadline. She said this was an annual item which could be addressed earlier within the year in order to avoid a time crunch. She said she would stand behind her motion to add an additional priority for employment training. Council Member Turner said, during his time on the Council, he had seen little to no services provided to the 61605 area code. He said if the community could not help find jobs and train some of its citizens, it would not get any better. He remarked on the importance of making a commitment to the community. Council Member Grayeb said he would not substitute the agency for the decision of the Council, and he said he would support the recommendation of the HRC. Council Member Riggenbach said the Council needed to be respectful of the process. He said this item was to set priorities, not to choose specific programs. As policy makers, he said the Council could establish any number of priorities. He said adding unemployment training would not dictate how the money would be distributed. He said adding that priority would voice the Council’s concern and desire for consideration. He said he would be supporting the motion to add an additional priority for employment training. Council Member Moore moved to select six (6), rather than five (5), funding priorities for the 2016/2017 CDBG Public Service Application and to include employment training as an eligible HUD category; seconded by Council Member Jensen. Community Development Director Black said that the HRC discussed prior priorities approved by the City Council. He stated that each year the Commission reviewed 21 categories of funding and brought a recommendation to the Council. Council Member Moore said the voting and scoring took place under false pretenses. She said she would not recommend changing the scoring mechanism. She suggested that one-third of the people in the community deserved to have employment training. She said she would vote for the deferral. She requested additional information at the next City Council meeting asking to provide, for the last five years, what the Council’s priorities were and whether they had ever changed. Council Member Spain said it was important to have a conversation with the HRC to make sure the City was doing well in the category for employment training. He identified other organizations that provided employment training such as the Peoria Area Diversity Employment Action Team, Pathways to Prosperity, and the EDC who had employees dedicated to the workforce efforts. He said the issue could be addressed through other strategies. He said he would support the deferral. City of Peoria Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Council Member Turner said he would support the deferral. He said the City needed to pay attention to the need for employment training. In response to Mayor Ardis’ question regarding the CDBG allocation, Director Black said the City could only spend up to 15% of its total CDBG allocation, which would equal approximately $229,000.00; however, he said the allocation for 2016 was still unknown. He stated that, over the last three to four years, CDBG allocations had gone down. Ms. Rakoff stated that the Commission had not voted under false pretenses. She said the agenda from the July 17 HRC meeting said the Commission needed to select priorities to recommend to the City Council. She said it was at that July meeting that the Commissioners asked Staff to conduct an electronic survey of individual Commissioners. She said the City Council had not selected the priorities at that time. Council Member Moore requested a Report Back on the total amount spent on childcare services, youth services, and the other remaining priorities recommended by the HRC. Council Member Weaver moved to defer this matter to the October 13, 2015, City Council Meeting; seconded by Council Member Johnson. Yea: 9 - Grayeb, Jensen, Johnson, Montelongo, Moore, Riggenbach, Spain, Turner and Weaver Nay: 2 - Akeson and Mayor Ardis 0 Excused: Recuse:0 Council Member Moore requested additional information regarding the award amounts distributed and whether those amounts dwindled correspondingly through the years along with the CDBG Fund, or if the award amount had remained the same. Council Member Weaver moved to defer this matter to the October 13, 2015, City Council Meeting; seconded by Council Member Johnson. Yea: 11 - Akeson, Grayeb, Jensen, Johnson, Montelongo, Moore, Riggenbach, Spain, Turner, Weaver and Mayor Ardis Nay: 0 0 Excused: Recuse:0 15-306 Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works With a Request to Approve a SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE of ANTI-IDLE AND City of Peoria Page 11 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 CLIMATE CONTROL SOFTWARE AND EQUIPMENT for Five (5) Police Vehicles at $4,644.69 Per Vehicle from CAPITOL CITY THERMO KING of Springfield, Illinois, for the Total Amount of $23,223.45. Public Works Director Mike Rogers distributed a replacement communication to all Council Members. Director Rogers remarked that air quality was an issue in this region, and this item would address that issue. He said this region was close to being labeled as non-attainment status. He said non-attainment status would become costly for the motorist, which would require motorists to conduct emissions testing. He remarked that everything the City could do to stay in the attainment status was a positive. He said the City’s Fleet Manager, Mr. Bob Williams, identified a new system that would save the City money. Fleet Manager Williams discussed the new system to the City Council noting that the City would see a return on the initial investment in 15 months. Council Member Johnson moved to approve a sole source purchase of anti-idle and climate control software and equipment for five (5) police vehicles at $4,644.69 per vehicle from Capitol City Thermo King of Springfield, Illinois, for the total amount of $23,223.45; seconded by Council Member Jensen. Yea: 11 - Akeson, Grayeb, Jensen, Johnson, Montelongo, Moore, Riggenbach, Spain, Turner, Weaver and Mayor Ardis Nay: 0 0 Excused: Recuse:0 15-307 Communication from the City Manager with a Request to APPROVE the Sale of 839 W. MOSS AVE to SAM MACH and to Authorize the City Manager to Draft and Execute the Purchase CONTRACT (District 2). Assistant City Manager Setti provided an overview on this item reporting that there were three rounds of Request for Proposals in an attempt to find a buyer for this building. He said the only requirement from School District 150 was that the buyer pay a minimum of $150,000.00. He said the Moss-Bradley Neighborhood Association supported the current proposal. He said Staff sought authorization from the City Council to create a purchase contract and proceed with closing. He said this would come back before City Council in November with a request for a Special Use. Council Member Grayeb moved to approve the sale of 839 W. Moss Ave. to Sam Mach and to authorize the City Manager to draft and execute the purchase contract; seconded by Council Member Jensen. City of Peoria Page 12 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Yea: 11 - Akeson, Grayeb, Jensen, Johnson, Montelongo, Moore, Riggenbach, Spain, Turner, Weaver and Mayor Ardis Nay: 0 0 Excused: Recuse:0 15-308 Communication from the City Manager with a Request to Receive and File the 2015 NATIONAL CITIZEN SURVEY COMMUNITY LIVABILITY REPORT. City Manager Urich reviewed the information from the 2015 National Citizen Survey Community Livability Report. He said a number of citizens provided input regarding City services, the overall condition of the City of Peoria, and provided their perspective on what the City should do to focus on the City’s budget issues. In general, he said the citizens were very positive about the quality of life. The three issues identified from a service delivery standpoint were public safety, street conditions, and the economy. Council Member Grayeb expressed his appreciation for the survey. He stated that over half of the public tax bill went towards the Peoria Public Schools, noting the amount of money the community was spending for education. He said he was glad to see education towards the top of the list. He said the citizens were informed of the consequences of not funding certain things and they would agree taxes would have to be raised. City Manager Urich said Staff looked at different ways to fund infrastructure. He said citizens supported a storm water utility fee, raising sewer fees, there was some support for raising sales taxes, and an MFT increase, and less support for a property tax increase to go towards infrastructure. In response to Council Member Moore’s request on how the survey was conducted, City Manager Urich said there was the scientific survey, which was done by mailing, and a non-scientific survey, which was done electronically. He said 1,200 surveys were mailed to various households throughout the City wherein 350 responses were received. He said those households were selected in order to get a geographic distribution across the entire City to get responses back that would be valid for each of the five Council Districts. Assistant City Manager Setti said, for analysis purposes, NCS used the scientific survey in order to conduct their analysis. Council Member Jensen moved to receive and file the 2015 National Citizen Survey Community Livability Report; seconded by Council Member Johnson. Yea: 11 - Akeson, Grayeb, Jensen, Johnson, Montelongo, Moore, Riggenbach, Spain, Turner, Weaver and Mayor Ardis City of Peoria Page 13 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Nay: 0 0 Excused: Recuse:0 15-309 Communication from the City Manager with a Request to Receive and File a PRESENTATION by the GREATER PEORIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Regarding Its Activity During the First Two Quarters of 2015. Ms. Jennifer Daly, CEO of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, provided the first quarterly report update on the progress of the EDC. She reviewed the startup of the EDC and its growth. She reviewed expansion/retention projects, attraction projects, business retention visits, and business creation projects for 2015. She reviewed the projects underway and the jobs created from those projects. Council Member Montelongo inquired whether they were planning to conduct an online survey for the 10,000 businesses within the City of Peoria. Ms. Daly said the primary focus of the EDC was on interstate companies – companies primarily doing business across the country or the world that would create the jobs that grew. She said those were the companies that would create the jobs that grow and be the engine for the economy. She said the local economic teams visited the smaller businesses. She remarked that the EDC and other EDC’s across the country used a tool called Synchronist, which was a tool to report the visits. She said there were specific questions asked to help determine whether a company was in a good place for growth. She said a report would be shared with the City Council at the end of the year. Council Member Riggenbach expressed his appreciation, and inquired whether the City of Peoria was the only municipality that contributed to the EDC. In response to Council Member Riggenbach, Ms. Daly said there were 40 different municipalities and companies that contributed to the EDC on different levels. Council Member Spain moved to receive and file the presentation by the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council regarding its activity during the first two quarters of 2015; seconded by Council Member Weaver. Yea: 11 - Akeson, Grayeb, Jensen, Johnson, Montelongo, Moore, Riggenbach, Spain, Turner, Weaver and Mayor Ardis Nay: 0 0 Excused: Recuse:0 15-310 Communication from the City Manager and the Chief of Police with a Request City of Peoria Page 14 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 to Receive and File a PRESENTATION by the Peoria Police Department Regarding CRIME STATISTICS. Police Chief Jerry Mitchell provided a presentation regarding crime statistics within the City of Peoria. He stated that the presentation was updated on a monthly basis and was made available to the public through the City’s website at www.peoria.gov. In response to Council Member Spain’s inquiry of the Don’t Shoot Program, Chief Mitchell said that program was not a philosophy, but was an initiative. He said the purpose of the program was to reduce gun violence among gang members. Regarding the recent shootings within the City, Chief Mitchel said no initiative would have prevented 5-6 of those shootings. He said those were outside the scope of the program. He remarked that the Don’t Shoot Program was still in its early stages and it would take time to see a positive effect. He said the City modeled theirs after another community that had used the same program for 17-18 years. In response to Council Member Spain’s question regarding the Shots Fired Program, Chief Mitchell said Shots Fired was fully functional in 2014. He said the numbers in the statistical report was lower than the actual capture rate. He said the Department would filter through the shots fired and delete repeated shots or false recordings. In all, he said the information the Department received was accurate. He said when a report was prepared and sent to the FBI at the end of the month, the variances were addressed. Council Member Akeson expressed an interest in non-violent crimes and asked how those were being addressed. She remarked that the number of calls reported and responded to were not all reflected on the report provided. In comparison to last year, Chief Mitchell said the number of calls received for non-violent crimes was approximately the same, noting the Department received approximately 6,000 calls per month. He said that number was trending down slightly from month to month, which ranged from serious crimes to lesser serious offenses. In response to Council Member Montelongo’s question regarding how the Police Department adapted to the growth and expansion of the City, Chief Mitchell responded that calls were moving more North and West, but he said those calls were not high enough to warrant a change in the Department’s resource allocation In response to Council Member Jensen’s question regarding the location of the Shotspotters, Chief Mitchel said it did not cover the entire City, but covered approximately 75% of all reported shots fired. Council Member Spain moved to receive and file a presentation by the Peoria Police Department regarding crime statistics; seconded by Council Member City of Peoria Page 15 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Jensen. Yea: 11 - Akeson, Grayeb, Jensen, Johnson, Montelongo, Moore, Riggenbach, Spain, Turner, Weaver and Mayor Ardis Nay: 0 0 Excused: Recuse:0 15-311 Communication from the Firemen’s Pension Fund Board of Trustees Regarding the PEORIA FIREFIGHTERS’ PENSION FUND ACTUARIAL REPORT as of JANUARY 1, 2015, with Request to Receive and File. Council Member Spain moved to receive and file the Peoria Firefighters’ Pension Fund Actuarial Report as of January 1, 2015; seconded by Council Member Akeson. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (Including but not limited to motions to reconsider items, if any, from the previous Regular Meeting) UNFINISHED BUSINESS (Including but not limited to motions to reconsider items, if any, from the previous Regular Meeting) UNFINISHED BUSINESS (Including but not limited to motions to reconsider items, if any, from the previous Regular Meeting) 15-016 Discussion Regarding the PRELIMINARY 2016 THROUGH 2019 BUDGET PROJECTIONS as of August 5, 2015, with a Request to RECEIVE and FILE. Finance Director/Comptroller Jim Scroggins distributed handouts to the City Council. Director Scroggins provided an overview of the City’s largest revenue sources. He said the information was intended to provide a historical perspective into these revenue sources, which included property taxes, Home Rule Tax, Municipal Sales Tax, Local Use Tax, income tax, electric and telephone utility taxes and gaming revenues. He reported that the gap between revenues and expenses would widen in the out years. He provided an overview of the 2015 and 2019 projected revenues. He said the revenue sources would not change drastically in 4-5 years, and he said the majority of the revenue came from local sources. He discussed the property tax rate, which had not increased since 1997. He said there was a $0.02 increase in 2005 to fully fund library options. He reviewed the drop in the tax rate from 1990 to the current levy rate. With the Governor’s proposal to freeze property taxes, he said the City was looking at a loss of approximately $250,000.00 per 1.0% growth in the EAV. Going forward, he said the tax freeze would be figured into the balancing of the budget. He reviewed the Home Rule Sales Tax, which had declined since 2012. He reviewed the Local Use Tax, noting that tax was collected primarily on items purchased outside of the State through internet City of Peoria Page 16 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 sales, which had grown since 2011. He said the Municipal Sales Tax was on track and was doing better than budgeted. He reviewed the income tax, noting it was right on budget and went towards the City’s operations. He reviewed the utility taxes, expressing a concern that they were decreasing, and he reported that gaming revenues had declined drastically. In response to Council Member Spain’s question about how the City was preparing for a possible two-year property tax freeze, Director Scroggins explained how he worked in the potential property tax freeze, noting it would be the same dollars from this year but without appreciation in the budget of the EAV. Council Member Jensen requested Staff review what the cost would be to consolidate the City and the Township. She remarked that this was something that should be considered in light of budget issues. She inquired how consolidating the two entities would save the City money. Mayor Ardis remarked that the City did not have the authority to consolidate with the Township. City Manager Urich said special legislation was required in order for the City and the Township to be consolidated. Council Member Jensen said other municipalities had consolidated with townships in light of budget issues. She said she would like to learn more about it, what it would cost, what it would entail, and the cost reduction for consolidating. Council Member Spain said the City of Evanston had done this recently. He said in order for it to be done, special legislation had to be passed in Springfield first, and then it had to be followed by a referendum. In response to Council Member Grayeb’s request for an explanation of the definition of coterminous, City Manager Urich said the City of Peoria did not share the same boundaries as the Township of the City of Peoria. He said those boundaries were not coterminous. Council Member Jensen asked what it would cost to abolish the Township, and she asked whether it was within Council’s authority to abolish it. Council Member Montelongo requested expert advice from an economist for the short-term and the long-term budgetary needs and overall outlook for the City. Council Member Moore moved to receive and file the preliminary 2016 through 2019 Budget Projections as of August 5, 2015; seconded by Council Member Riggenbach. Yea: 11 - Akeson, Grayeb, Jensen, Johnson, Montelongo, Moore, Riggenbach, Spain, Turner, Weaver and Mayor Ardis City of Peoria Page 17 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Nay: 0 0 Excused: Recuse:0 PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES & COMMUNICATIONS – TOWN OF THE CITY OF PEORIA 15-312 TOWN OF THE CITY OF PEORIA FINANCIAL REPORT Prepared by McGladrey for the PERIOD ENDING March 31, 2015, and TOWN OF THE CITY OF PEORIA REPORT TO THE TOWN TRUSTEES AND TOWN OFFICIALS Prepared by McGladrey dated August 31, 2015, with Request to Receive and File. Trustee Grayeb requested an overview from the Township’s accountant, McGladrey. Mr. Tom Farrell, from McGladrey, provided an overview of the Township financial report. He said the addition to the report was McGladrey’s opinion attached to the financial statements that stated it was McGladrey’s opinion that the financial statements were fairly stated in all material respects. He said it also noted that the financial statements were prepared on the cash-basis of accounting. Because of this, he said there was not a lot of room for error on the financial statements. Trustee Grayeb said it was important to note that the Township provided assistance to those in need. Trustee Grayeb moved to receive and file the Town of the City of Peoria Financial Report prepared by McGladrey for the period ending March 31, 2015, and Town of the City of Peoria Report to the Town Trustees and Town Officials prepared by McGladrey dated August 31, 2015; seconded by Trustee Spain. Yea: 11 - Akeson, Grayeb, Jensen, Johnson, Montelongo, Moore, Riggenbach, Spain, Turner, Weaver and Mayor Ardis Nay: 0 0 Excused: Recuse:0 NEW BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS “Slow Down” Signs Council Member Jensen said the Sheriff of Peoria County has provided signs to residents that said “Slow Down” to place in their yards. She said she had asked City Staff to look into what it would cost to do a similar project. She said she City of Peoria Page 18 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 wanted to renew that request and she asked for a Report Back. She remarked that a number of citizens applauded the efforts of Sheriff McCoy. Chief of Police Mitchell said Staff had looked into the cost of the signs, and he stated that Staff was working on a design. He said he would provide something to review in the next couple of weeks. Suggestion to Move Citizen Comments to the Beginning of Council Meetings Council Member Montelongo said several citizens from his District requested moving the citizen comment portion of the Council Meeting to the beginning of the meeting. He said they had also suggested having one meeting a month for citizens to address the Council only. CITIZENS' OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL/TOWN BOARD Hearing no objection, Mayor Ardis granted Privilege of the Floor to those citizens wishing to address the City Council/Town Board. Ms. Lavetta Ricca, a Peoria resident, expressed her concern regarding the settlement of the Jonathon Daniel lawsuit. Mr. Savino Sierra, a Peoria resident, expressed his concern regarding the cost of snow removal from sidewalks when citizens continued to walk in the streets regardless of whether the sidewalks were cleared. He mentioned the efforts of the snow plows noting that they blocked cars and sidewalks with snow after they had been cleared by residents. He mentioned the different levels of seating in Council Chambers and possible safety hazards that existed. Mr. Marcus Fogliano, a Peoria resident, expressed his appreciation for the meeting at the Zoning and Planning Commission and their efforts to listen to the individuals interested in saving the Riverfront Park. He said it was determined that the park would remain, apartments would be built, but Water Street would not run through the park. Mr. Tim Lavelle, AFSCME Representative, remarked on the AFSCME contract that was currently in negotiation. He expressed his concern for removing longevity pay and the decreased pay progression. He noted that AFSCME members had saved the City money by doing more with less people. Mr. Phil Harvey, member of the Peoria Association of Realtors, said the Construction Commission began reviewing the 2012 Building Codes. He provided some recommendation for the adoption of the codes. He said they supported safer homes but believed there was a safe way to build homes while protecting consumer choice. Mr. James D. Hogan, a concerned citizen, spoke on oppression, poverty and City of Peoria Page 19 City Council Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 crime. Ms. April Crotts, a concerned citizen, remarked on the Jonathon Daniel lawsuit. Ms. Elaine Hopkins, a Peoria resident and President of the ACLU, expressed her appreciation for the settlement of the Jonathon Daniel lawsuit. She also voiced her opposition on the sale of the Riverfront Park property. Mr. Joe Hranka, a concerned citizen, discussed the potential of the City purchasing the Peoria Boat Club on Spring Street. He said their organization utilized the river, and he remarked that the City of Peoria was a river town. He expressed a concern for ridding the City of boating recreactional resources. He invited Council Members to visit the Boat Club. He said the Boat Club provided a revenue stream to the City that a park would not provide. Ms. Karrie Alms, a Peoria resident, expressed her concern for the City’s purchase of the Peoria Boat Club, noting it was an asset for the community. She remarked on the purchase of the Riverfront property noting that it was open space intended for recreational use. She expressed a concern for how her FOIA request was handled. EXECUTIVE SESSION Council Member Riggenbach moved to enter into an Executive Session to Discuss 2(c)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting, or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that such an action is probable or imminent; 2(c)(21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06; seconded by Council Member Johnson. Yea: 11 - Akeson, Grayeb, Jensen, Johnson, Montelongo, Moore, Riggenbach, Spain, Turner, Weaver and Mayor Ardis Nay: 0 0 Excused: Recuse:0 ADJOURNMENT The Joint City Council & Town Board Meeting adjourned at 10:24 P.M. Council Member Johnson moved to adjourn the Joint City Council & Town Board Meeting; seconded by Council Member Jensen. City of Peoria Page 20