Liveblogging: Peoria City Council

November 27, 2007
By Billy Dennis

The meeting starts in about 30 minutes and the chamber is full of regulars, and Tiger Scouts from Den 9, Pack 158 at St. Vincent’s. There are some kids here from Dunlap who are getting extra credit.

I have been asked to not hit my keyboard quite so loudly. It is apparently preventing people from hearing the recordings of the meetings. And it’s coming across on the radio, too.

Sorry, guys.

J.D., a rail fan and frequent commenter, is here. C.J. Summers just walked in. I saw a couple of rail fains, holding those yard signs (apparently pulled up out of their yards) with them. The signs demand the city immediately give them the trail they want.

I’m typing as softly as I can.

I hear that Pat Nichting has not heard one negative comment from a constituent regarding his Miegs Field comment.

I hear the fine-for-landlords plan is being delayed until next meeting.

I hear the meeting might be over by about 8:45 p.m., but the executive session will last well over an hour, as the city discusses responding to the loss of the equal pay lawsuit.

“MIRACLE IN RWANDA” proclamation.  Inspirational play, put on by Bradley University. Profits being donated to Dream Center of Peoria. Mayor Ardis says play came to Peoria several weeks ago at a time Peoria seemed to be having a bit more strife than it should. Check to Andy King of Dream Center for $10,500.

WORLD AIDS DAY – December 1, 2007. Proclamation. Founded in 1998 by World Health Organization. Cassandra Powell, speaking. Important to continue to educate the community about this deadly disease.

Mayor Ardis warns of new policy requiring sign ups for speaking to the council.

ITEM NO. 1: PUBLIC HEARING Regarding the 2008 CITY OF PEORIA BUDGET.

Hearing opened.

First call.

Paul Wilkinson. On behalf of Altamont Park Neighborhood Association. Approx. 14 houses that were selling drugs now empty. 7-8 were selling drugs, now have other people inside. Capital budget. 2 1/2 block session. Maybe a five year timetable. It does not make sense to use to wait five years to do a two block area after we did all this work to clean up out neighborhood. Neighborhood will fall back into disrepair.

Public hearing closed.

Consent agenda:

Taken off and put up for individual consideration: B. Jacob abstaint on item F.

B. Communication from the City Manager and Fire Chief Requesting Approval to PURCHASE FIVE BATTALION COMMAND/EMERGENCY RESPONSE VEHICLES from LANDMARK FORD, INC., in the Amount of $121,625.00 (State of Illinois Joint Purchasing Bid).

Spears says legislature needs to make state buy ethanol, flex fuel vehicles. Not enough money in out budget to buy five flex fuel vehicles. Chief Tomblin: Only way to buy is to buy some flex, some not. Spears wants to bring it back.

Motion to defer for one week.

Unanimous.

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One Response to “ Liveblogging: Peoria City Council ”

  1. Peo Proud on November 27, 2007 at 6:48 pm

    If they were smart they would only be purchasing two or three vehicles this year and the rest next year, that way they won’t have to replace them all at the same time in the future. That is how most fleets are managed.

    I think Bill’s been drinking the ethanol rather than burning it. They don’t make financial sense to purchase and Peoria buying five flexfuel vehicles is nothing more than a token gesture — at the expense of the taxpayer. I don’t think
    Bill tools around in a flexfuel vehicle – unless he’s recently gotten a new one.