One good evening, everyone.
It being Monday, July 28, I would
like to call this regular city council meeting to order.
Please All rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
and to the Republic for which it stands.
One nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.
Thank you everyone.
I don't know if you noticed or not, but we have new mix up here
and I think they are fantastic.
So everyone, these kind of tilt towards you and I
think you can hear us better.
So let us know if you don't hear us.
Madam Clerk, call the roll, please.
Good evening.
Council member Abel here.
Council member.
Nutter here.
Council member.
Hohimer here.
Council member.
Fletcher here.
Here council member.
Hilst council member.
Phillips here.
Mayor Burress here 6 1 absent.
We have a quorum.
We will conduct business.
Chair will now entertain a motion
for the approval of the agenda.
Please Madam Mayor, I move the agenda.
Be approved as presented.
Second Motion made by Mr. Abel and second, by MS hohimer.
Any comments, questions, or concerns of the agenda.
Seeing none.
Council, take your vote, please.
I believe.
We did not have our vote come up.
There we go.
Council, take your vote.
Motion passes 6 minus 0.
Chair will now entertain a motion for the approval
of the minutes, please.
Madam Mayor, I move that we approve the minutes
of the special council meeting of July
14 and regular city council meeting of July 14, 5:30.
Second Motion made by Mr. Abel and second by MS hochheimer.
Any questions or comments, or concerns
about the special meeting or the regular meeting on July 14.
Seeing none.
Counsel, take your vote, please.
Motion passes 6 minus 0.
We have now come down to public input.
But before we start public input,
I would like to read a little letter that
is going to be an announcement from the mayor to everyone
here in this room and to people at home watching this.
But after I'm done, I still want to say
a few things and then anyone wishing
to have their voice be heard.
Please come to the podium, make sure the mic is on,
state your name and remember we have five minutes.
So without further ado, let's start this.
So this is for immediate release.
Mayor announces Excuse me.
Mayor announces the final closing
and purchase of property.
Today marks a significant milestone for the city of Pekin
as we officially announce the final closing and successful
purchase of property.
This acquisition represents not only the culmination of months
of collaboration, negotiation and due diligence,
but it also is a bold move, bold step forward.
In our continuing effort to invest
in the future of our city.
The property, long considered a strategic and high
potential site, will now be brought under the ownership
of the city of Pekin.
Opening doors for development, revitalization
and long term economic benefit for our community.
We are excited about the possibilities
this site presents, and are committed to ensuring
it is utilized in a way that reflects
our shared vision for growth, innovation, and quality of life.
I want to thank our city council,
legal and administrative teams and community
partners who have brought this complex process to a close.
Your dedication and foresight are deeply appreciated.
In the coming months, we will begin
in engaging with stakeholders and residents
to provide excuse me to explore the best
path forward for this property.
As always, we remain committed to transparency, responsible
planning and developing results that
benefit the citizens of Pekin for generations to come.
This is a proud moment for our city
and just the beginning of something great.
Sincerely, Mary J. Burress, Mayor of the city of Pekin.
I have given a copy of this to our reporter.
I have a few more copies if anybody would like to have one.
But there's a few more things I'd like to say.
And that is we worked.
All of us here in this room have worked very hard to push
this project forward.
In 1966, it was the start of the veterans road.
The talks started then.
There was a lot of elevator grain elevators
at the foot of court street by the river,
and the grain trucks went straight out, court street out,
route 9 all day long.
So with the work of the people that were on council, then
the mayors IDOT, they came up with the plan
of moving of moving traffic as the ring road veterans South.
Once that was developed, then in I believe it was around 2008.
I have seen some but not all of the plans.
There was money supposedly given to the city of Pekin
to redo court street.
I don't know if it ever was done at that time, but then in 13.
The rest of veterans was developed
and that was from court street on to Sheridan road.
That was in part of once again dedicated, hard working people
to move the city forward.
This will be the final phase of veterans road
to be connected to 474.
This is a dream.
This is a big dream.
This is a bold step for the city of Pekin.
It takes courage to move things like this forward.
But when you have a vision and you want your city to succeed,
these are the steps you take.
I'm going to give you a couple of examples that steps were
taken and steps that were not taken in the late 60s, I believe
mid to late 60s as well.
ICC wanted to come downtown Pekin and at the time,
the board and the council or excuse me,
the council and the mayor stated that they did not want
and I. I'm sorry, I'm stating what they said.
Those long haired hippie people in our town.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, look at ICC today.
East Peoria ICC is flourishing.
We should have taken that bold step, in my opinion.
Then in 1994.
Another example I'm going to give you is the mayor
at the time was Larry Holmgren.
He was the tie vote to bring the federal prison to down to town
Excuse me.
He was criticized dearly.
That federal prison has brought 277 jobs.
Their payroll budget in 2014 was $24.4 million.
It was stated at the time that we don't
want those kind of people in our town to rape
and kill some of our people.
That hasn't happened.
They have had good federal jobs.
Good careers come out of that choice.
It was the right choice for the city of Pekin.
I believe the mayor took a bold step,
and he thought it would move our city forward.
That is what I am doing as your mayor today.
I am taking this bold step with council,
with staff to move this city forward.
So thank you very much for listening to me.
I hope that the naysayers will help us move, change their mind,
help us move the city forward.
See the good in it.
And make our city prosper and grow.
So once again, I wanted to say this
before public input in case someone
would like to say something about it.
Because just like this letter stated,
transparency and responsibility are
our number one thing that we want to accomplish
here in the city of Pekin.
So thank you very much for your time.
Anybody wishing to have their voice
be heard, please come to the podium and make sure it is on.
Matthew Johnson.
Good evening.
Just a couple things for tonight.
I got a phone call Thursday morning from a lady I've
never met before in my life.
She lives in Sunset hills, bought a home there around 2016,
and she's kind of at the end of her rope.
In regards to what to do with some city owned property.
She lives over in on Flanders drive, which
is it's on the back end of Sunset hills,
and it's got its laundry list of not problems, but
storied history, if you will.
It originally it was kind of a cut
through road to get to veterans while that was being expanded.
And now there's really just five homes there.
They can't cut through there anymore
because there's homes now on the back side facing veterans.
But, she's kind of tired of spending her own money to try
and beautify that property.
If you go to the end of the road, there's about another 20,
maybe 30 feet of road or non-existent road
that goes into the tree line there.
And there used to be a tree.
The tree was cut down.
It's basically been mandated for forever.
And I think it's time that we just bite the bullet
and use some community development block grant money.
I thought I told her I'd bring it up because it closes.
Public input closes for that on Thursday.
So I think that's important.
Just get in there, grind out all those two stumps,
kill all the vegetation, lay rock down, and then
actually remove those two concrete barriers
and put up an actual guardrail.
I think that's important because she really shouldn't be using
her own money to try and solve the problem that she
didn't create or ask for.
This isn't really an easement situation where we have just
grass between the sidewalk and the road and you just mow it
and you walk, walk away.
But this is a much bigger situation
that I think needs addressed.
I wanted to bring that up.
I want to speak about agenda item 8.7.
I see we're buying a new vehicle.
We seem to do that a lot.
But this ordinance is a little different than the ones
in the past.
And there's a phrase in here that speaks volumes.
It says that the old vehicle was damaged beyond repair
in an accident last year while the street
department was conducting road maintenance on Veterans drive.
The key word there is accident.
With an accident comes a police report.
With a police report comes insurance claims.
But I'm not seeing anything like that in the ordinance at all.
It just says that got four quotes.
You're going to pick quote D, which is
43,000 and some change 27 K's coming
from the street department.
16 K's coming from the sewer.
But there's no talk about insurance.
So is there an insurance claim I think
it would be important to ask that question before you vote
on this, because if there is an insurance claim,
then maybe we should probably get some kind of cost recoveries
for that.
And then one last thing, if I may.
I know last time it was brought up
and I'll just bring it up again.
The hotel motel six.
Are we still on track to get that torn down.
Last time we heard, it was in litigation.
It'd be really nice.
I mean, that's an eyesore.
Every time you drive by it, it'd be nice to get
that demoed by January 2026.
OK thank you.
I did see our city manager and our public works director taking
quite a few notes, so I'm sure.
Would you like to say something or.
Oh our attorney.
Sure Mr. vicelli?
Sure I'm sorry, Madam Mayor, can you hear me.
Yes, I can.
Thank you.
Chair city council, thank you so much for having us here tonight.
Yes the matter of the Motel 6 was up on Friday afternoon,
and we successfully argued a motion
to prosecute the foreclosure and what would likely turn
into demolition of the matter.
Thank you.
It came over the defendant's objection,
and I stressed to the judge, who's a very good judge
over in the courthouse kitty corner from here,
that this is a risk to the health, safety,
and welfare of the community.
And while the judge did listen to opposing counsel's arguments
because they are the landowners.
And we do have a right to use our property the way
that we believe that we should.
We made a compelling argument, backed by evidence,
that staff was great to support me with, that this
needed to be taken care of.
So he did object to that.
He said that the judge was overreaching,
but we were successful.
We are filing an amended complaint
to expedite this matter and to obtain more costs and expenses.
We also put on the record that they
need to keep it safe at all times,
that the fencing needs to be there at all times,
and the responsibility is theirs for the maintenance
of the property and so much that no resident or guest of the city
hurts themselves on their property.
So it is we are making progress.
The legal system is slow.
They tried to slow it down further
and we basically just beat them at in court.
Very good.
Thank you so much.
I'm sure his other two questions will be addressed as well.
Maybe not this evening, but yes.
Thank you so much.
Any other.
My name is Elaine Ritchie.
Can you hear me.
Yes now that we have this thing out of the way for everybody,
what are we going to do about Derby street.
I travel Derby street a lot because my sister lives on it.
And every week I really feel that.
I mean, Derby street to me is very important.
It's a main drag.
And I worked at City Hall when all of this, the prison
and the gambling joints and all of this was coming through,
I was right there in the midst of it all.
So I heard a lot as a janitor.
Janitors hear a lot.
So we know how people vote towards all of this.
So my biggest thing is now that we are extending this,
are we going to after it's all done and the taxpayers of Pekin
pay for all this new roadway to extend to 474,
what are we going to do.
Turn it over to the state again and trade it for.
Because that's what we've done.
We traded it for court street, and court street was a mess
because court street was owned by the state,
and we traded of veterans that we paid for as taxpayers
for court street.
That was a mess.
So what are we going to do.
Are we going to trade that to the state
because it's a new highway.
For what.
What is the state going to pay for.
For us, I guess as a taxpayer, I'm worried about that
because that's not a fair deal.
It's not a fair deal at all.
We got streets here that needs repaired.
And I think that's where I'm standing because as a retired
city employee, I seen a lot.
I know a lot.
I know how the federal prison was voted in.
I know how the.
They tried to bring in the gambling Casino
and it was voted down.
I know all of that.
I mean, I could write a book of my years of the city,
and I had great years with me too.
I had wonderful years with the city.
I had a husband that was sick that needed a heart transplant.
The city came forward and helped that happen for my husband.
And I love this city, but I'm just wondering,
are we going to forfeit the rest of veterans
after the taxpayers pay all of this
and our roads look like crap, and we're going
to turn it over to the state.
Oh, well, we'll fix this.
We'll look at court street.
It's still not done.
Still not done.
I guess that's where I'm at right now with all of this.
I'm happy that you all are happy that we're extending,
but I'm worried about our roads here in town,
that we travel every day, that bus drivers travel, people
travel, go back and forth to work, to the grocery store,
to the doctors.
Our streets need fixed.
When do they fit in.
I think that's my biggest thing right here.
It kind of is disappointing.
Thank you.
Well, Elaine, I do want to tell you that I hear from so many
people on what we are doing on court street,
and they cannot believe how far it has come in just a short time
that we've been working on it.
And when I've got people from Morton coming
over here saying how wonderful it is,
I'm pretty doggone proud of it.
Do we have a long way to go.
Absolutely is Derby street forgotten.
No I go there every week because I have a favorite gas station I
go to over there, and I don't know why,
but I keep going back there because I
used to live on South fifth.
I understand.
I mean, it's not right.
I got a new car.
Yeah, I understand, and I don't want to take
up anybody else's more time.
But we are not forgetting about Derby.
I believe they were actually talking on grant money.
Correct am I right.
Yeah so we are not forgetting about it.
Anyone else from the public, please.
Seeing none.
Public input is now closed.
We have now come down to item 6, which is the consent agenda.
Chair would entertain a motion, please.
Madam Mayor, I move that the consent
agenda be approved as follows.
6.1 financial reports June of 2025 accounts
payable paid proof list through July 18, 2025.
Receive and file 2025 26 budget transfers through July 22, 2025.
Pekin fire department monthly incident report June of 2025.
Receive and file 1307 South Third Street.
Demolition bid responses.
Receive and file 1,400 Knapp street.
Demolition bid responses receive and file 2003 hergert street
demolition bid responses ordinance number 4325 dash 2526
amending the city clerk license fee schedule regarding
refuge hauler license fees.
Ordinance number 4326 2526 approving and authorizing
the execution of a revised TIF district redevelopment agreement
by and between the city of Pekin and Dan Steinbeck
and the Pekin court street TIF district ordinance number 4327
2526 approving a variance request
submitted by Rich Johnson for the property
located at 205 South Street.
Case V202507, ordinance number 4328 dash 2526
approving a variance request by Sylvia Schultz for the property
located at 600 Margaret street.
Case V202508.
Resolution number 321 dash 2526.
Mayor's appointment of Jim Galanis
to fill the unexpired term of Judy Heisel
to the Pekin liquor commission for a two year term expiring
April 30, 2027.
Resolution number 322 5 26, approving a memorandum
of understanding regarding bereavement leave
between the city of Pekin and the Teamsters,
chauffeurs and helpers.
Local Union Number 627 street department resolution number 323
dash 2526 approved approving a forbearance agreement with Randy
and Eleanor Vogel regarding a community development block
grant loan, receiving file quotes for the purchase
of a new 3/4 ton pickup truck.
Second Whew.
That was a mouthful, Mayor.
Just a point of clarification.
I think it was item 6.5.
I think councilman Abel said 1307, just for the record.
And it's 12:07 South Third Street.
Demolition bid responses.
Sorry thank you.
I appreciate that.
Madam Mayor.
Motion made.
Pardon me.
On that note, I believe there was a verbal typo.
It's 203 hergot, not 2003 herget.
Oh three.
Herget correct.
I believe Mr. Abel said 2003.
Just a.
I'm sure it's Mr. MS Ellie's fault somehow.
Yeah here it says 203 all right.
Thank you very much.
All right.
I have a motion made by Mr. Abel and second by MS hohimer.
Any questions, comments, or concerns
on that long consent agenda.
Thank you Mr. yes, indeed.
We have been busy.
Hearing none.
Seeing none.
Council take your vote, please.
Motion passes 6 minus 0.
Chair will now entertain a motion for item 7,
which is unfinished business.
And before we get it started, I don't
know if you want to say something
or if you'd like for me to.
I'd like to.
All right.
I Phillips.
Thank you.
Mayor I need to recuse myself from this issue at this point.
And the proper procedure when somebody has a conflict
of interest is actually not only to say they're not voting on it,
but it's also to leave so that people feel free to discuss it.
That is 100% right.
And therefore, during this discussion,
I'm going to recuse myself, leave the building,
going to go outside.
I'm going to have a cigarette and play on my phone.
When you want me back, if someone would like to text me,
I will be happy to come back in.
And I would also like to say that I have not
read this ordinance proposal, and I have not spoken to anybody
about this draft of it.
Thank you, MS Phillips.
Thank you.
I'm going to drink to.
Let's at least wait till she gets out the door here.
Chair will now entertain a motion for 7.1, please.
Madam Mayor, I move the ordinance number 4324 2526
amending Pekin city code.
Chapter 5, Article 6.
Division Ii, subdivision three.
Litter containers be approved.
Second Motion made by MS hohimer and second
by Mr. Abel Mr. Darcy.
Thank you.
Mayor as council recalls, this matter
was tabled to today's date.
Just a point of clarification.
I think, Councilman Fletcher, for reining it in
because I think staff was looking at this a little bit
more, probably complicating it because we started looking
at the maps and looking at photos of different areas
within the city.
But before council, there's been a couple modifications to this.
We did find where there was a comment
or the part about the cans have to be removed within 12 hours.
Initially, I believe it said actually
it refers to another ordinance that gives within 24 hours.
So we did correct that so that we didn't have to go
change multiple ordinance.
But we do feel that we have been able to put this so that it
applies for everybody with what the spirit and the intent was,
because there are so many variations of this.
And Nick introduced me to conforming
and non-conforming, which is what really complicated
this, at least for me.
And we started looking at a lot of different things.
But I do think ultimately, Chief Rainey, Nick and myself, we
were able to come up with what we feel
is fair and reasonable and applicable to what
the issues at hand are, and would address
the immediate issues before us.
And Chief Raney, if you or Nick have anything further
you want to present on this, by all means, counsel,
do you have questions for chief Raney or Nick mcquigg?
Their house was built in the 50s.
So if you know houses built in the 50s, a single stall garage,
you can barely get a new car in there today,
the way they're built. This couple has to pull their car
outside the garage, bring their trash container from the back
porch out to the curb, pull their car back in, do the same
thing every time the garbage comes,
and they will still do that because they
don't like it sitting out.
But in inclement weather or stuff like that,
this ordinance will help them.
They can sit against their garage
until the weather gets favorable.
And like I said, I appreciate you guys getting this done.
I think it's a great thing.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. netter.
Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you did have something.
Any other council.
Seeing? none.
Council take your vote, please.
Motion passes 5 and 0 with one abstain or recuse Excuse me.
She recused Mr. Darcy, I'm going to ask that you please text
MS Phillips and tell her that.
Or would you like to.
All right.
Thank you.
Officer I still tell the cops what to do Oh, Lord have mercy.
Oh, goodness.
He laughed.
She's probably not ready to come back in.
Thank you, everyone, for being patient with us.
Thank you.
You shut this off.
Yeah I didn't mean to leave it on.
Oh, that's all right.
We have now come down to New business.
So Chair would entertain a motion for 8.1, please.
Madam Mayor, I move that resolution number 3, 24, 25, 26.
Directing staff to bring forth tax increment financing
TIF agreements to award for the TIF
building improvement program.
Second Motion made by MS hochheimer
and second by MS Mr. Abele Mr. Darcy.
Thank you.
Mayor I'm going to have Mr. ray.
Go ahead and read this one off to you.
Thank you, Mr. ray.
Thank you.
Mayor city council's prior meeting on May 27,
you all approved a resolution adopting a set of economic
development program funding, which set a $100,000 program
budget for this year's commercial
building improvement program.
So up to $100,000 of awards.
No individual award could exceed $50,000 or 50% of the eligible
project expenses.
We published notice of the program on the city website
and on social media.
We also notified different business organizations
and several individuals that we knew
were interested in the program.
Applications were opened for approximately 30 days
through the month of June until July 7,
and we received six applications.
Staff initially scored each of the projects
based on the criteria that were published in the program,
including the applicant's history and capacity
to adhere to a grant program.
How well the improvements addressed
issues with the property.
And several other criteria.
The economic development advisory committee
reviewed those applications and the scoring from staff
and made adjustments as a committee.
The score sheet and the packet reflects
that committee activity and their recommendation
for awards this year.
I did want to note that after the committee's recommendation,
the Pekin Moose lodge did decline to move forward.
So this resolution, as written, only reflects five projects as
recommended by the committee.
One other note TCRC reached out after the committee's review
and they wanted to modify their application.
Originally, they submitted it to a parking lot project.
They instead want to do improvements to their building.
They think they have some issues with one
of the walls of their building, so
they would rather address that.
And I think the EDAC would be perfectly fine with that
without having to go through a review process again.
They prefer building improvements
over parking lot improvements.
Also say the committee didn't feel any project was
impactful enough to receive the maximum grant amount,
so they wanted staff to republish the program.
With the remaining funding, there would be approximately 60
or there would be $60,000 available if the resolution
is approved, as is tonight.
We could also roll that into one of the other types
of programs that was approved, such as the return
on investment program.
Ultimately, EDAC recommends approval of this resolution,
directing staff to prepare TIF agreements for each
of the five applications.
So the three projects being awarded $10,000,
two projects being awarded 5,000,
and then it would be good if council would also give staff
feedback on what you want to do with the rest of the money
this year, and you've got several options
I included in the packet.
OK, council floor is open Mr. Chair,
I move to amend resolution three 2425 26 to remove
the project from section 2.
So motion was made to remove tatoes.
Oh I'm sorry.
Who was it.
Seconded by Mr. Fletcher.
I would like.
I would like to amend resolution number 324 dash 2526.
Pulling Sangar steakhouse for a separate vote.
Madam Mayor.
I'm sorry, Madam council member.
Madam Mayor.
Yes do you want to see if there's a combined motion,
or do we deal with one motion and go from there.
Yeah let's see if there is a combined.
So then you would need to see if there's
consent to go forward on from the movement and go from there.
There was a motion made in a second.
Yeah and so normally you would then vote on it.
That doesn't mean you can't make a motion.
The easier process is to probably do them separate.
But if there is a consent to go through that
need to move it to say we'll adopt the friendly Amendment
to the Amendment.
Its normal practices.
You do the second motion to go on from there,
and you still have a right to make that motion.
Absolutely it supersedes the substantive motion pursuant
to the Robert's Rules of Order.
But you need the movement to accept
your friendly Amendment without objection to the other parties.
But the traditional way is you do
Amendment, Amendment Amendment.
Well, then we can do Amendment after Amendment one at a time,
one at a time, whatever you feel is right.
Yeah I'm sorry.
I don't mean to be.
And I don't mean to overcomplicate.
No that's fine.
Yeah, that's.
So if we have one Amendment on the floor and a second.
Yes she wants to make another one.
Do we do it now or wait till this one's voted on.
We vote on the one that's on the floor.
Perfect and then council member hohimer
will then have her opportunity to make
her Amendment based upon whether the Amendment passes or fails.
OK, sorry about that.
That's all right.
Remember, we just need to do it properly.
We don't do any of advice from me, I apologize.
No worries.
If I may, in my legal opinion as a CPA,
that Mr. Vasiliy is correct that you don't do the motions
on top of each other.
But I am interested in what you were going
to move because it could impact how we discuss
the motion that's on the table.
OK thank you.
So parliamentary procedure would have us vote on correct council
members, seconded by Council Member
Fletcher's motion to amend to extract one of the applicants.
Would that be but no discussion.
We can discuss that.
Does anybody we can discuss an Amendment.
We only would discuss the Amendment to change it.
So it's a limited discussion.
All right.
I'd like to know why you're proposing we change it.
Do you want.
So in the TIF.
I've said before, when I look at each one of these TIF awards,
I like to make sure that it benefits
the citizens of Pekin and the business owner,
but more so the citizens.
And on the application that he turned in, he stated that
he's going to remodel the floor area
inside and that would bring in $100,000 more in donut sales.
So I'm not sure that that's correct.
I'd rather see the money spent on something
else that would either draw.
Now, if that would have been something like he
wanted to put a drive-through in.
Yeah, you would probably increase your sales.
Or if you're going to put on an extra employee
and put a van out in the morning and take donuts somewhere
and drop them off, then that's different than remodeling
your floor.
That's where I'm at on that.
I will give you mine also the application.
Unless there is something wrong in the GIS system.
The tax ID number doesn't match up to tato's.
So there's a technical thing in there.
I'd like to get clarified before we move forward with it.
The tax ID number that's on there
is the owner's personal residence versus the business.
So I'd like to get that clarified.
Number one, that's the Biggie.
And I will say tato's was the only applicant
that filled out the document 100% correctly.
So just need to verify the information number one,
and also to verify to make sure that the work
hadn't already been completed.
Now maybe it has, maybe it hasn't.
But we need to verify that.
So that's the reasoning for pulling it.
It's not to say that they can't reapply, apply,
but just to verify this information is correct.
So, Dave, do you know if it was a clerical error here
or if they actually put their home ID on it.
I can help out with that one.
Thank you.
The address, and especially the quotes that are provided
are the correct commercial address.
The PIN number is the private or the individual's residence,
as far as I can tell.
Or at least it's a residential property.
I couldn't tell you why they put it down.
The address is correct, and certainly
the actual tiff agreement.
And just a reminder to all council if this is approved,
nothing's technically approved.
You're just telling us to go pay money to the lawyers
to then draft the actual agreements,
and you'll vote on them all separately.
So when we brought you the full agreement,
it would certainly be for the commercial property only.
Yeah so I guess you consider that a typo on the applicant's
part, if you like.
OK well, I don't know if the work's been completed
or not, but when they turn in receipts
and they turn in their proof of payment
if the work was done before they submitted this application,
it would not be eligible for reimbursement
under council's policy.
Correct anyone else.
Did you get your questions answered to be honest,
I'm not sure my question answered.
I hear what you're saying.
I think that at this point, it might
be worth reserving on that one.
And looking into some of the concerns
that council member Fletcher has raised.
OK anyone else.
So, counsel, take your vote on the Amendment of 8.1.
Correct Mr. Vicelli the extraction of the applicant
or striking of that applicant from the list
of eligible applicants.
OK counsel, take your vote.
Personally, I'd like to have.
Since we voted.
I would like to have a little more clarification,
I understand.
Motion passes 6 minus 0 MS Horkheimer,
I'm going to give you the floor.
I Madam Mayor, I would like to amend resolution
number 324 dash 2526.
And pull Sangar steakhouse for a separate vote.
Second Motion made by MS Horkheimer
and second by Mr. Abel, would you like to state anything or.
This building he's owned since 1985.
And everything that he wants money for
is basically upkeep and.
It's a lot of money.
I know he's putting a lot of money in it.
I'm glad that he's wanting to open
this up as a new steakhouse.
But I just I think that Mr. Sangar has gotten quite a bit
of money from the city of Pekin, and I really am,
really am very hesitant to give him any more.
Just personal thoughts.
Anyone else.
Yeah, I'm sitting here thinking.
I know I am, too.
And I hear what you're saying.
The amount of money that we spent for the right of way.
The sign.
Et cetera.
We spent a lot of money on that piece of property.
No doubt we did.
That's a tough one.
However, it's opening a business on court street that otherwise
is probably going to would have sat vacant
the amount of money he's putting into it
and the requests he had on there.
I struggle with that application side of it also.
Yeah And I'll just be quite frank.
I'm struggling with all these applications
in this entire TIF thing.
We have six different opportunities, ease.
And I think two of the opportunities on here
belong under a different category.
But I didn't realize that until today after reading
some more literature.
So after I vote on this, are you wanting to pull the whole thing.
I'm almost thinking to pull the whole thing for review
for complete redo of the application.
And I'll refer to that in a situation
later on in the meeting.
If we can't get the application, then I think they ought
to be struck and not approved.
We need to start being diligent on the application side of it.
I also and Josh and I and councilman Fletcher
have had a comment about the review process.
We're kind of struggling with that too.
So I'm thinking maybe this whole thing
needs to be pulled and reviewed and brought
back at a different time.
I think TCRC ought to reapply on their application
because the application is not correct.
So I'm forgetting the numbers.
I'm forgetting the applications filled out.
I agree with you, council member Nutter
and I would like to make an Amendment
to pull the whole thing.
Madam Mayor, I move that resolution number 324 2526 be
held over until the next council meeting
is the next council meeting going to be enough time.
It's not totally clear to me what the council wants to do.
So I think I understand, Mr. Nutter,
to say that he would like the program itself to be rerun
to basically, for lack of better terms,
throw out the applications and start over.
Is that what I'm hearing.
Because if that's the case, I think you should just reject
this resolution altogether and we can start over
rather than have it tabled.
She wants it clarified as far as each application,
she wants a more professionally done.
Some of them just have lines drawn through the page
or just filled, just.
Having had to fill out many applications in my life.
It should look a little bit more professional
if you're wanting to get large sums of money from the city.
I have some yes Mr. we are going to rework
this or look at it again.
What I would like to see going forward
is each request be voted on separately.
I agree.
OK OK.
So this is a question for Mr. vicelli.
So she's made two motions.
Does she have to rescind the one motion to go for the true.
It's an excellent question, Madam Chair.
If I may address it.
She does not.
So in a specific reading of Robert's Rules of Order.
The motion to table would supersede
a motion of higher precedence than the motion to amend and.
But interestingly enough, if this comes back
off the motion to table, the motion to amend
follows that as well.
So no.
You could just make the motion to table
and that supersedes everything.
And then we can move on to the next item is not debatable.
The motion to table is not debatable.
That doesn't correct.
Council Phillips had a question.
So what I've heard is there's a motion to table.
And there was a suggestion that we just vote down the resolution
as it stands at this time.
That's correct Mr. ray is a very learned man and a wise man,
but he is not a member of this council.
So But I actually heard Mr. Nutter say that.
Yeah Oh, well, yes, I said that.
And then that's when council member hohimer made the tape.
I believe the word.
What did we say.
Table or.
Yeah or table it to whatever meeting Josh
feels that getting enough time for if it's tabled.
Joshua, would you like to give us a timeline.
Should it be the second meeting in August.
What do we got.
Yeah, I would appreciate that actually,
if you would just like to table it and bring it back
with complete applications.
OK I'm looking up the date right now of our second meeting
in August.
That is correct.
It is the 25th.
Oh it's my birthday.
What?
I mean, that meeting.
But that's how I knew it.
Madam Mayor, but if we do that, are we really changing
the process to look at each one of them individually,
or he's just going to table it and bring the same thing back.
In two meetings, I'd like to look at you'd like to have
what councilman Nutter said.
I'd like to have it looked at, maybe even
overhaul the way that we do it.
So I would give Josh the freedom to make that decision.
I would agree he could put something
back on an agenda later.
I would agree, and I think maybe this gives them a little time.
Yes Mr. I apologize, Madam Mayor.
This is my fault. I am not a wiser, learned man.
We do need a second for that motion.
Council member hohimer did council
member able make a second.
OK, so there is a second, I apologize.
No worries.
All right, so there's an Amendment.
We make sure we get that in writing and in the minutes
please we vote on the minutes.
Next time I will make sure I'm here.
That meeting OK.
Thank you.
I just want to make sure.
Councilman Fletcher, are you asking.
Like, in this case, you'd have six agenda items up so
you could talk about them individually.
I would like Josh to look at the program
and see if it's possible for us to vote on each item separately.
OK thank you.
So on the floor we have an Amendment to table.
Oh it's not called Amendment.
Yeah we just have the motion to motion to table.
OK a motion to table 8.1 till August 25
meeting in that Mr. Fletcher would
like to see that each hour individually brought
to us so we can discuss.
All right.
Is everybody good with that.
Counsel take your vote, please.
Motion to table 6 minus 0 with clarification
on the applicant's.
Chair will now entertain a motion for 8.2, please.
Madam Mayor.
Madam Mayor, I move that resolution number 3252525
approving the city of Pekin community development block
grant 2025 through 2029 consolidated plan and 2025
annual action plan be adopted.
Second Motion made by Mr. Fletcher
and second by MS hohimer Mr. Darcy.
Thank you.
Mayor this resolution would approve the city's community
development block grant 2025 2029 consolidated plan
and 2025 annual action plan.
These documents are required by the US Department of Housing
and urban Development in order for the city
to receive entitlement funds for the CDBG program.
This document outlines the funding priorities
for the coming five years and their respective allocations
based on anticipated activities for the individual program
years.
In summary, there is a total of 2.4 million planned to be
available over the next five years,
including 685,000 to be allocated for program year 2025.
The projects planned include continuation of the police
department social worker program, capped at 15% per HUD
regulations.
Sidewalk rehabilitation.
Partial purchase of a new fire apparatus for station three.
Demolition of dilapidated residential structures
and administration of the program, capped at 20% per HUD.
Staff is recommending the approval of this resolution,
authorizing the plans to be submitted to HUD for the review
and approval, and Josh ray would be available
if there's any questions.
Any questions to Mr. Ray.
Council, take your vote, please.
Motion passes 6 minus 0.
Chair will now entertain a motion for 8.3, please.
Madam Mayor, move resolution number 326 dash 2526,
approving contract with Joe's towing for the transport
of two fire apparatus to fire trucks
unlimited for refurbishment.
Second Motion made by Mr. Fletcher and second
by Mr. Abel Mr. Darcy, once again, thank you.
Mayor the fire department is seeking approval to enter
into an agreement with Joe's towing in the amount of $26,399
for the transport of Fire Apparatus
to and from fire trucks unlimited in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Engine two will be taken to fire trucks unlimited to begin
refurbishment, and tower 4 will be
brought back fully refurbished.
This expense was considered and budgeted
in the total anticipated project cost of these two apparatuses.
The expense will come from the same capital line item
as the payments for the refurbishment.
Joe's towing is a local company that was the only company that
had the equipment and capacity to take tower
for two fire trucks unlimited.
Previously, when tower 4 was transported to Las Vegas,
attempts were made with two other shipping companies
selected by a national broker, which revealed that very
few shipping providers have the capability
to transport a 100 foot platform aerial fire truck.
Staff is recommending approval and chief
Reese is available if any further questions.
Any questions Mr. so what's your anticipated date.
Do you have a ballpark figure on the date
that we're going to make the move.
We are actually heading out there
next week to do a final on the truck,
and it'll be based on that.
If there's anything that was missed or whatever,
they'll have to redo or fix items
that were in the refurbishment.
So I don't anticipate there being very many
fixes or changes at that point.
September is, to answer your question a little more directly.
September, September.
OK thank you.
Yep thank you.
Anyone else.
Seeing none.
Council, take your vote, please.
Motion passes 6 minus 0.
Chair will now entertain a motion for 8.4, please.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
I move the resolution number 327 dash 25 de 26.
Awarding bid for contract for demolition
of residential structures at 203 Hargett
street with Littleton storm and timber Services incorporated.
Be approved.
Second Motion made by Mr. Nutter and second
by MS hohimer Mr. Darcy.
Thank you mayor.
And just on the next two their demolition as well.
I don't know if you want to combine those 2
and do if make a motion to make those two.
Is that omnibus?
Is that considered an omnibus motion.
So under Robert's Rules, it's not
a consent agenda under the Illinois Municipal code,
but it is.
It could be combined.
They could be combined under parliamentary procedure if you
wanted to Mr. Nutter, so I move that we do an omnibus vote
on 8.4, 8.5 and 8.68.5 is resolution number 3,
2825 26 awarding bid for contract for demolition
of residential structures at 1,400 Knapp
street with again Littleton storm and timber
Services incorporated.
And finally 8.6 resolution number three 2925 26 awarding
bid for contract for demolition of residential structures
at 12:07 South Third Street with Littleton storm and timber
Services incorporated.
So we had MS hochheimer first, did the first one,
then as an omnibus.
Omnibus we had Mr. Abel.
Is that correct or MS hochheimer,
do you withdraw your motion.
I withdraw my motion.
Any objection to miss Horkheimer withdrawing her motion.
Chair perfect.
Council members.
There's no objection as I see it, Madam Chair.
As such, Madam hochheimer has been permitted
to withdraw her motion.
Council member Nutter, on a proper motion recognized
by the chair, allowed for a superseding motion
to consolidate these three items.
We can proceed.
Second, by Mr. Abel.
Any discussion.
No I'm sorry.
I was preparing to vote.
I want to thank Chief Reese for explaining a lot of information
on these particular bids.
Chief or Chief.
Rainy?
I know Chief Reese doesn't.
Yeah, I'll leave it with Chief.
I get you guys mixed up, it's.
Anyway, thank you very much for the explanations,
especially when it comes to the CDBG aspect of it.
So we've had a good discussion.
I appreciate it and definitely support this.
There's a lot of positives that come out of this.
Absolutely anyone else.
Mayor just to throw in just so it's on the record,
I know I believe chief rainy put out a email to council
that outlined Littleton storm.
I know there were some questions there.
Not necessarily local, but they're kind of new to the area.
But chief rainy did do a background
and follow up on that.
And they received from many municipalities
very positive feedback to the service.
They provide very good and their capabilities very good.
Thank you for doing your due diligence.
We appreciate that, Chief.
OK seeing none other counsel.
Take your vote, please Yes Motion passes 6 minus 0.
We have now come down to 8.7.
Chair would entertain a motion.
Please, Madam Mayor, I move that we adopt resolution number
330-25 26, authorizing the purchase of a 3/4 ton pickup
for the street department.
Second Motion made by MS Phillips
and second by MS hochheimer Mr. Darcy.
Thank you.
Mayor before council is a resolution
to approve the purchase of a new 2024 Ford f-250.
This purchase will replace a 3/4 ton
pickup that was damaged beyond repair in an accident last year.
While the street department was conducting road maintenance
on Veterans drive, this purchase is included in the fiscal year
26 budget, and costs will be split between the street
department and the sewer fund based on average time spent
on sewer related projects, 63% is into the streets and 37%
into the sewer for quotes.
Quotes were obtained in accordance
with retail purchase section 3.3.2 of the city's procurement
policy.
There are chat attached as exhibits B,
C and D. Staff is recommending approval.
And to answer some of the questions that were brought up.
Thank you.
By Mr. Johnson of the short answer is yes.
Insurance money.
Yeah to the tune of just over $18,000 was received
12,001 30 on the truck.
5,500 on the site.
1212 just over 12,000 on the truck, and the remainder
of it was on the signage.
The sign, I believe.
Simon, you could correct me.
That has been replaced already.
Correct the sign board has already been.
Thank you.
The vehicle was outstanding, and I know
some questions about whether.
Why not a half ton.
We had this discussion back during the budget process,
and simply because some of the trailers and equipment that get
pulled on those trailers and the weight of that
requires a heavier vehicle.
The 3/4 ton is also used in some other things.
So that's where we're at with that.
But yes, there were police reports.
Yes, everything was submitted to insurance.
I just think it was some time ago.
We know that insurance sometimes takes a while to do that.
That was all discussed back when we were doing
the budget process, and it was all public information
at that time.
I just think over time, we tend to forget.
So I appreciate it was discussed and it was out there.
Thank you so much.
We do appreciate that.
Any discussion Mr. Fletcher.
So do we ever consider buying a used vehicle so
we anybody who ever wants to.
Yeah I believe we're actually looking for another purchase
to specifically look at a used vehicle.
It becomes a little more complicated.
Just you want to make sure it's going to provide
value for the duration.
Yeah I did that for 33 years.
That's what I did for a living.
So I just wanted to make sure that the citizens
were getting I mean, to me, you're going to beat it up.
It's what we're going to use it.
It's going to get beat up.
We don't need a new one to beat up if you can find a used one.
I just would like that to be done.
Checked before we bought anything new if possible.
And then also, I know I'm new to this and you're new to this,
but I want to give a shout out to Trent and Seth.
When they have something coming up, they'll reach out
or they have reached out and said,
this is why I'm bringing this forward.
So in the future, if you have something, if you
could reach out, let me know.
I'd like to come talk to you or whatever.
Yeah, absolutely.
So in.
That's all I have on that.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Abel.
Simon, I'm really glad to see dealers
getting a shot at bidding, because we
hear this all the time.
I've for years, the public wonders.
Why do you go out and don't let the dealers bid.
But they don't understand the state bid and all that anyway.
I was always under the impression
enterprise would be cheaper.
Was it not.
Is that because the contract you just can't take one
of at any given time in a year.
We had not looked at the enterprise, the leasing option
for and for this vehicle, for the trucks
in the street department.
We generally tried to stay away from at least
vehicle because of the conditions
that we operating under.
We will put them in a little bit more of a rough type situation.
No, locally, even some of the dealers
would tell you we can't compete with whatever state bids
or whatever.
True OK, I just wondered thank you, thank you.
Just one other thing I'll throw in.
I know MS Ritchie, she mentioned earlier,
she just bought a new car and where she bought it from,
and they recently reached out and
we're looking for opportunity.
And I called them and said, hey, here's an opportunity.
And they actually came through.
So I believe that's who this would be awarded to.
And I actually stopped that there and welcomed them as well.
So thank you.
No worries.
All right.
Seeing none.
Council, take your vote, please.
Motion passes 5 0, with one abstaining.
We have now come down to any other business
to come before the council Mr. Darcy, do you
and your staff have something you would like to say to us.
I have just a reminder that staff
will be participating in the strategic planning session
for our staff on August 5.
August 9.
Roger Brotherton is going to be having a planned car show down
by Franklin School off of Front Street
I think that's called yabba dabba doo.
Yeah, yeah, I believe so.
It is from talking to him, he's very excited about it
and he's got a lot of great ideas.
So it'll be interesting to see how this comes out
and what the turnout is going to be.
August 14.
Just a reminder to council there's a business
after hours at 821 Brinkman.
If you get opportunity to attend that and a reminder
to council on the public August 16.
So I don't get finger pointed at me
that we're keeping this quiet.
Council strategic planning session
will be taking place on August 16.
That is a Saturday, and it begins at 9:00 AM right here.
And I think Josh ray has some information about CDBG.
I'll post it as well I believe it's
well, Mr. Darcy, I appreciate you
bringing all those things up.
It gives us reminders, but it also tells the public of things
that the council is trying to stay engaged with the city.
Everything that every.
I try to make all of it.
I don't always make all of them, but I try.
And when I don't I'll usually talk to some of the Council.
Are you going.
Can you show up.
It looks good for the city to be there.
Really, really does.
It shows that we are engaged and it is
here at the Council chambers.
Oh it is.
All right.
And I tell you what.
I learned something from the other day
that there's all kinds of personalities.
And that's what makes the world go round.
And I love working together.
So thank you, Mr. ray.
Thank you.
Mayor I have a CDBG notice that I need to read to you all,
so I apologize.
No worries.
Notice is hereby given that the city of Pekin
will be conducting a public comment period
and public hearing for the purpose of receiving comments
to the city of Pekin draft community development block
grant, 2024 consolidated annual performance evaluation review,
also called the caper.
The paper is different than what you approved tonight.
What you approved tonight is planning moving forward.
The paper is a one year review.
Looking backward.
So we're sorting out all the timelines here.
The next thing that we're going to be doing is the 2024 paper.
In accordance with the city's citizen participation
plan and HUD'S public participation requirements.
There will be a 15 day comment period
for the draft paper beginning on August 11, 2025,
ending on August 25, 2025.
A public hearing on the draft document is scheduled
for Monday, August 11, 2025 at 5:30 PM in the Pekin
city council chambers.
The draft document will also be available by written request
at contact information that will be posted both in the newspaper
and on the city website and the documents.
Any comments on the document will be taken by myself,
in writing, via email, or written and addressed
to the city's address.
There are accommodations for individuals
with disabilities, if requested, at least
72 hours in advance to myself.
Thank you.
Anyone else from staff, Mr. Darcy I think that's it, Mayor.
OK Mr. Nutter.
Well, thank you very much.
I'm going to throw this out to the council
that for consideration, openings on any committees
be published on the website.
So everybody has an opportunity, if they're interested,
to volunteer on certain committees,
be put out there for everybody to see as a consideration.
That's number one.
Number 2, this book, Pekin area community resource guide,
was put together by the United Way.
It is a complete list, except for one thing that popped up
from the County the last couple of days
is addiction services, disability services,
senior resources, health care, financial services, food
assistance, mental health, youth programs.
And there's a few more in there.
After going through this list, there
should not be anybody in this citizen without clothes
and without food.
If you need resources, contact the United Way.
The police department has a copy.
I don't know for sure where it's at.
Probably in the lobby.
Fire department.
I know you guys are getting copies.
Great resource.
A lot of work.
It was put together by a Bradley intern that was going through
to get her degree in social work,
so she put a lot of hard work into it
and want to thank her for that.
Very good.
This next one is impressive.
I had two young men have been watching these council meetings
for I don't know how long, so I want to give a shout out
to Presley and Adler for taking a look at our council meetings.
Being involved as young adults, because that's
where we got to start.
We've got to start getting the younger generation at least
know what's going on, understand it and try to bring them
up through the ranks as we go.
So kudos to you guys.
Thank you very much.
And that's all I have.
Thank you, MS Phillips.
There have been a couple of properties that citizens have
been reaching out about to the council at large via email
and via mail, and I don't want to put anyone on the spot right
now because we didn't ask you to prepare a report on this,
but I would like to have an update on the next meeting
on the 417 Mary and 2,700 Pine Street Mr. Darcy, would
you like more information.
Yeah, I was going to say.
Would you like to fill during litigation discussion.
OK thank you.
That's why.
Is that all.
Yes Mr. Fletcher, you have a couple of things.
I had some citizens reach out first thing.
I noticed that the building at the corner of Brinkman
and Lakeshore that used to be occupied by schwan's is
not for sale anymore.
Is something going on with that building.
And if not, we need to get a hold of whoever does own that,
because there are weeds at least 36 inches tall.
I stopped there and got out of my car.
I drive by it every day to go to work.
We need to look at that.
If you could make a note of that.
Second, and I can't believe this, but supposedly is
there's no garbage cans or can at the splash pad.
Is that true.
Simon it's got to be a garbage can.
They're heading there.
OK, well, I had a citizen contact me
that there was no garbage cans.
So the people just decided just to throw their garbage all over.
Someone might have taken it.
You never know.
I just say maybe we could look into that.
And then the restroom situation.
You did.
Correct, right.
I want to thank you for that because that
was very unpleasant.
And the last thing, the city phone number
that is on the website that you call for potholes
and that type of thing.
Is there an issue with that.
As far as it goes to voicemail or something and it says
it's full and it has been that way for a while.
Second thing with that is the gov.
Is it working because I understand if you text in
that you have a pothole, that you
get a response back that it does not
recognize what pothole means.
Is that true.
That was corrected.
So it came up, that was corrected.
And Simon can speak to it more, but it now gives an option
and I would say within the past week.
Yeah last week.
So I went back in and how we had that set up
and it did it was kind of in an OODA loop.
We fixed that.
So if you just type pothole, it'll
go through the whole reporting process on the text.
My go.
Great so that piece is going through the phone number that
was an older phone down the street department,
which no one was sitting at.
So we've changed that number to where
it will just they'll get someone on the line at that point.
Great I just said I'd ask and I appreciate the feedback.
Very good.
Thank you Mr. Abel.
A shout out to Steve Bresnahan and his crew
for the Super Cruise Saturday.
They had to fight the rain.
It was still a good turnout and a good crowd
considering everything but just to the people over there.
Had a good time I think so, just wanted to mention that.
And then you think people don't notice things.
But I've had two different people in the last week comment
about the large flower pots.
Oh yeah.
Oh, yeah.
Very positive.
One lady says, I know they're expensive because they're
so large, but couldn't we get more of them around town.
They just raved about them.
I don't know if that's Nikki's handiwork.
It is, but I figured that.
But kudos out to her then.
And finally, my positive comment.
The mayor's coffee with the senators.
The room was packed, and I think that was the one time you could
talk to if not the officeholder, somebody from their staff,
federal, state, County, and I think
about every City Department was represented,
and that was very good.
I think you're right.
And I saw people that I've never seen at a council meeting,
but they always watch.
And I got gotta apologize to Simon because I kept referring
people to him because they had things about streets
and whatever.
But anyway, that was really well attended.
And, I'm not quite sure how many were there,
but that little room was packed.
It was wonderful.
I did make one connection that the mayor
and I have been talking about as far as homeless vets.
Senator Turner has, in her hometown of Lincoln,
tiny houses.
There they go.
Two per normal sized house lot.
And they're for vets that are homeless.
And I wanted to find out more about the program.
And she's going to have her staff send me some information.
Maybe I don't know how many.
Steve Saul could probably tell us how many vets we
have on the streets in Pekin.
I have no idea.
But it's something we've got all these lots we Mo and Mo and Mo
and pay debit mode that we own.
Maybe we could work out something and use some of them
for a very good cause.
So I appreciate that.
And I have talked about this for about a year and a half now.
She just was very positive on it.
And the company that runs them is right next to her office
in Lincoln.
But she just was very positive.
And it's well received there.
And they've been doing it for some years.
I've actually gone to because I had friends down there gone
to a ribbon cutting of one of them,
and you would not believe how grateful the vets are.
It's a beautiful program.
Madam Mayor, yes, I can address your question,
John, about the unhoused vets.
I had a conversation with Mr. Saul, probably three months,
maybe four months ago.
He told me there are no Tazewell County vets that are unhoused.
They are all housed either locally, the facility
in Peoria or other places where they've
been placed, be it Danville or Champaign area,
Springfield area.
But he assured me no.
Tazewell vets are unhoused.
Now, I didn't get the chance to ask the Senator.
Are those strictly vets only or is that vets only.
OK, just wanted to be sure because it went through the VA
down there.
Yeah I knew she said the VA was involved there.
Yeah all right.
Yes miss hofheimer.
Well my positive is I had the privilege
of going last night to the living legacy concert at.
It was at Grace Methodist church, my church.
And it was supposed to be at the Stephen
Skinner amphitheater out of the park,
but it was a little too hot.
There were almost 500 people in attendance.
You didn't hear that fire, Chief.
But everybody was cool and had a place to sit down.
And it was the Fogelberg foundation
of Peoria, in partnership with the Pekin concert band,
this conductor, Sir Robert Sheldon composed
just a phenomenal I don't know what to call it,
symphony I don't know of for the leader of the band,
who is Lawrence Fogelberg, band director at Pekin high school,
who, of course, is the father of Dan Fogelberg.
So they had all the people in the room
stand up that actually played in the band
when Mr. Fogelberg was the director.
It was just a very emotional concert.
It was just it was beautiful and kudos
to the Park District, everybody that put this together.
This was just really something that you just
will remember for a lifetime.
So good for them.
Very good.
Well, my positive once again is going to be
I've said it numerous times.
Attitudes are contagious Tejas, and I
would love to see more and more positiveness
come out of our city.
I think that we are doing a phenomenal job on pulling
everybody together, because I'm just simply going
to start with our city staff.
The head of our city staff has built a phenomenal team
and with teamwork.
And you all have big visions and dream big
and our city will succeed.
I think I've said it numerous times
and you guys are probably getting a little tired
of hearing it, but I go to other cities
and not just the local ones around us, not
in Tazewell County.
I don't mean your Morton and your East Peoria
and your Tremont and your Washington.
I mean, I go to conferences up North
and they're like Pekin, Illinois.
You guys are moving.
This is fabulous.
What we're hearing that makes you feel so good.
I'm not saying that we're doing everything right,
but we are trying to do our best to pull this city together.
So that's my positive.
Other than that, I do want to thank everyone that has
worked on looting and property.
It has not been easy.
It's not going to be easy.
We do have a contract to sell 321 acres to a data center.
And we have.
We have had a developer come down and drive the land
to talk to us about a vision that he would have
if he was to buy some of the acreage,
most of the rest of the acreage, and that is for moderate homes.
High end homes.
Senior living.
Walk walk.
Trails hiking trails.
Bike trails.
He has a vision Excuse me.
He has a vision.
The city has a vision.
And it is the future of this city.
So with that.
Thank you everyone.
It is now time for us to go into executive chair.
Would entertain a motion for executive session.
Madam Mayor, I move that we adjourn to executive session
under five Illinois CS 120 2c5 for the purpose
of purchase of real property for the use of public body.
Six the setting of a price for sale or lease of property
owned by the public body and 11 probable or imminent litigation.
All right.
Motion made by MS Phillips and second, by Mr. Nutter.
Council, take your vote.
Motion passes 6 minus 0.
And we will not be taking action when
we come out of executive motion passes 6 minus 0.
Is everybody good.
I guess we're going to take a quick break.
Some are glad he's gone.
Some of us will miss him.
We'll try to carry on giving a voice to the forest.
Giving a voice to the dawn.
Giving a voice to the.