PEORIA, IL -- David Berry's report on the Peoria City Council meeting of Aug. 22:
A brief, 52 minute City Council meeting seemed rote, after a quick read of the written agenda. However, a reminiscent theme shone through, by the night’s end. The aftermath of recent white nationalist violence & mayhem in VA made ripples in city politics Tuesday night.
Second District Councilman Chuck Grayeb did not attend the meeting.
During “Proclamations”, Common Place was recognized by Mayor Ardris, for its 50 years of community service. Since 1967, Common Place Family Learning Center has worked on the center south side to eliminate the root causes of poverty, racism, & injustice through education. In 1979 they introduced Peoria’s 1st adult literacy program.
A local student initiative was also acclaimed by the Council. AppsCo Inc is a nonprofit organization that trains, employs and works to develop Richwoods high school students into young tech entrepreneurs.
All “Consent Agenda” items were passed unanimously. Among the resolutions approved was a zoning change for 126 S. Saratoga & 921 W. Smith St., in District 1. These properties were converted from “Single Family Residential” to “Neighborhood Commercial”. This moves hints that new businesses are upcoming. 1D Council Rep Denise Moore gave no details concerning these moves.
Item 17-258 granted a Class D liquor license for Four Points by Sheridan, at 500 Hamilton Blvd. This is a concrete step to the eventual, yet unknown, opening of the much needed hotel in downtown.
In other downtown business developments: the council created a “Special Use District for Indoor Recreation/Athletic Club” at 927 SW Washington. This is to be the site of a new & unique indoor climbing facility, in the Warehouse District.
Other “Regular Business” included approval of sidewalk installation along the south side of W. Giles Lane, in District 3. Councilman Tim Rigggenbach applauded the improvement, which will bring ease of access to the Rock Island Greenway trail.
At-Large Rep Beth Jensen tackled 2 complex & compelling issues in “Unfinished” & “New Business”. She alone took up the cause of finding rare tax savings, in a possible consolidation the City of Peoria with Peoria Township. A new law easing these actions is now in effect.
She sought a “cost analysis” by staff to explore the possibilities of such a move. Peoria Township in lies entirely within Peoria city limits & its services can well be handled by the city, thus reducing overhead & redundancy. Jensen displayed innovative, proactive governing.
Recounting the recent violent & fatal white nationalist crimes in Charlottesville, VA, Jensen also heavily urged city staff to compose a resolution explicitly stating, that Peoria is “against hate, bigotry, racism & violence.” Jensen added that 2nd District Councilman Grayeb also lobbies heavily for this statement. “We as a city are against this” she said. A deadline of one week, for staff, was suggested.
For the second consecutive meeting, resident Doug Johnson continued his progressive criticism of city leadership. He pointed out the city’s lack of response to the national outrage surrounding the events of Charlottesville. As an organizer of a last week’s vigil, he sent invitations to all council members, as well as other government officials. Jensen and At-Large Council Rep Beth Akeson both attended the event. Mr. Grayeb and sent his regrets at having a previous engagement.
No other member even responded to the invitation. Johnson lamented “a lack of leadership” and wondered aloud why the city, itself did not produce a memorial or educational event.
A strong rebuke of 1D Rep Denise Moore was next. Representing the south side, which is the “most segregated “and is the home to the city’s most economically challenged residents, “she consistently endorses multi-million dollar boondoggles, that only benefit rich developers.” Johnson’s mic was silenced mid-sentence, at precisely at 5 minutes. Residents are frequently allowed to go over time to finish their points. Critical, free speech and outspoken protest are necessary to an open, democratic state. Perhaps, in the future City officials can be more tolerant of resident’s frustrations. - 30 -
-- David Berry
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