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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-06-13 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS 27551 : OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS: : OF THE CITY OF PEORIA, ILLINOIS : Council Chambers, Peoria, Illinois, June 13, 2006, a City Council Meeting was held this date at 6:20 P.M., at City Hall, Council Chambers, 419 Fulton Street, Mayor Jim Ardis presiding. ROLL CALL Roll call showed the following Council Members present: Gulley, Jacob, Manning, Morris, Nichting, Spears, Turner, Van Auken, Mayor Ardis — 9; Absent — Grayeb, Sandberg — 2. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Ardis requested a moment of silent prayer or silent reflection, and then he led the Pledge of Allegiance. PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS, ETC. PROCLAMATION: PEORIA HIGH SCHOOL - 150TH ANNIVERSARY PROCLAMATION: FLAG DAY - June 14, 2006 PROCLAMATION: WALK TO D'FEET ALS DAY - June 17, 2006 MINUTES Council Member Jacob moved to approve the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting and Executive Sessions held on June 6, 2006, as printed; seconded by Council Member Turner. Approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Gulley, Jacob, Manning, Morris, Nichting, Spears, Tumer, Van Auken, Mayor Ardis — 9; Nays: None. PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES & COMMUNICATIONS — CITY OF PEORIA CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BY OMNIBUS VOTE, for the City of Peoria, with Recommendations as Outlined: (06-324) NOTICE of LAWSUIT Filed on Behalf of MR. MICHAEL LEVAN Regarding an Alleged Unlawful Arrest and Other Charges on or About February 5, 2004. (06-325) Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works Requesting to Award the LOWEST QUALIFIED BID of SITE SCAPES, in the Amount of $550.00 Per Unit, to Provide 120 DECORATIVE BLACK METAL TRASH RECEPTACLES for a Total Cost of $66,000.00. (06-326) Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Adoption of ORDINANCE NO. 15,957 Ascertaining the PREVAILING RATE OF WAGES for LABORERS, WORKMEN, and MECHANICS EMPLOYED ON PUBLIC WORKS in the City of Peoria. 27552 CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JUNE 13, 2006 (06-327) (06-328) (06-329) Communication from the City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management Requesting Adoption of ORDINANCE NO. 15,958 Granting a SPECIAL USE Amending Ordinances No. 9173 and 9907, which Granted Previous Special Permits for a CHURCH and NON PROFIT NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER; to Permit a CHURCH with an EXPANSION of SPACE for STORAGE and CLASSROOM FACILITIES in a Class R-3 (Single -Family Residential) District for Property Located at 2903 W. NEBRASKA AVENUE, with Conditions. Communication from the City Manager and Director of Economic Development Requesting to Receive and File the MINUTES of the JOINT REVIEW BOARD (JRB) and INFORMATION on TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF) DISTRICTS. Communication from the City Manager Requesting CANCELLATION of the TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2006, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING, due to the Holiday. Mayor Ardis questioned if the Council wished to have any of the Consent Agenda items removed for further discussion. Council Member Morris moved to approve the Consent Agenda items as outlined in the Council Communications; seconded by Council Member Turner. Item Nos. 06-324 through 06-329 were approved by roll call vote under the Omnibus Vote Designation. Yeas: Gulley, Jacob, Manning, Morris, Nichting, Spears, Turner, Van Auken, Mayor Ardis — 9; Nays: None. (06-330) Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works Requesting Authorization for the REPROGRAMMING of Up to $115,000.00 from 2004 PARKING FACILITIES CIP for IMPLEMENTATION of the CITY'S RECENTLY COMPLETED BUSINESS TASK FORCE REPORT CUSTOMER SERVICE IMPROVEMENT ACTION ITEM 4E by Introducing GPS TECHNOLOGY to 53 FIELD OPERATIONS VEHICLES. (Refer to Item No. 06-309) Council Member Manning moved to authorize the reprogramming of up to $115,000.00 from 2004 Parking Facilities CIP for implementation of the City's recently completed Business Task Force Report Customer Service Improvement Action Item 4E by introducing GPS Technology to 53 field operations vehicles; seconded by Council Member Turner. Council Member Van Auken said she did not understand the need for this type of tracking of City vehicles and employees, other than for public safety vehicles and for dispatch reasons. She indicated that management of these vehicles could be conducted in other ways, which were more cost effective and more efficient, and she said she felt there were other ways to determine if an employee was performing their job as required and being productive. Mayor Ardis pointed out the Council communication gave specific ways in which the technology would be productive. City Manager Randy Oliver discussed functions such as street sweeping, snow plowing, etc. and he explained this technology would provide a good tool to indicate the areas that had been covered. He said this was an efficient tool to answer citizens' questions, and for management of street maintenance. He said this would be an additional tool for management, rather than a replacement of JUNE 13, 2006 CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS 27553 management. He said the $115,000.00 price was determined approximately six months ago, so the price may have been reduced. He said, if Council approved this item, the Administration would move forward in obtaining bids. He said the bids would come back to Council for approval prior to being awarded. In further discussion with Council Member Van Auken, Director of Public Works Steve Van Winkle discussed the benefits of the proposed technology in the management of personnel and multiple job sites. He said this technology would also provide records of services to the citizens, and it would allow the Public Works Department to better manage and coordinate their resources and activities. Council Member Nichting spoke in support of the motion and he said this proposal would assist the Administration in providing assurance to the citizens that the City was addressing their needs. He said he felt it would provide a tool to manage the routes in a more timely fashion. Council Member Spears expressed concern and stated that he did not feel this would be the best way to deliver services to the citizens. Following further discussion, Council Member Jacob said he shared some of Council Member Spears' concerns. He said he felt the Council would be challenged in the next Budget cycle to do more with less and technology was one way to fill the gap. He said, if approved, he felt this needed to be monitored to make sure the investment had the best return, and he felt this was a first step in trying to perform more efficiently and effectively. Motion to authorize the reprogramming of up to $115,000.00 from 2004 Parking Facilities CIP for implementation of the City's recently completed Business Task Force Report Customer Service Improvement Action Item 4E by introducing GPS Technology to 53 field operations vehicles was approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Gulley, Jacob, Manning, Morris, Nichting, Turner, Mayor Ardis — 7; Nays: Spears, Van Auken - 2. (06-331) Communication from the City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management Requesting Adoption of an ORDINANCE Granting a SPECIAL USE for a PUBLIC PARK to EXPAND the ZOO into the EXISTING PARK PROPERTY in a Class R-3 (Single Family Residential) District for Property Located at 2218 N. PROSPECT ROAD, with Conditions. Director of Planning and Growth Management Pat Landes distributed a replacement Ordinance, adding a #10 to the conditions, to all members of the City Council. Council Member Manning explained the replacement Ordinance and he said a #10 would be added to the conditions for a Special Use, which would make the Special Use subject to successfully completing a federally required environmental assessment. Council Member Manning moved to adopt an Ordinance, as amended, granting a Special Use for a public park to expand the Zoo into the existing park property in a Class R-3 (Single Family Residential) District for property located at 2218 N. Prospect Road, with conditions; seconded by Council Member Van Auken. Council Member Nichting moved to grant Privilege of the Floor to those who wished to address the Council regarding this issue; seconded by Council Member Morris. . Hearing no objections, Mayor Ardis granted Privilege of the Floor to those who wished to address the issue. 27554 CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JUNE 13, 2006 Ms. Bonnie Noble, Director of the Peoria Park District, said she looked forward to the presentation that would be made to the Council by the Architect for the zoo expansion, and she requested that the presentation be scheduled soon. Ms. Rita Kress said approximately two-thirds of the funding had been accomplished and the drive for private donations would continue. She said the Park District would not be requesting any money from the City for the expansion. Ms. Sarah Partridge, a City resident, said she lived one block from Glen Oak Park. She expressed concern regarding the proposed relocation of a school in the park area and the expansion of the zoo. She discussed crime in her neighborhood and she said she felt these problems would be a deterrent to the success of the zoo expansion. She also expressed concern that historical landmarks would be destroyed, if these projects were allowed to move forward with construction. Ms. Karrie Alms, 1005 N. E. Perry, expressed concern that the proposed zoning request for the Special Use, if approved, would roll down all zoning for the Park property. She said the new configuration of the park would encompass four parcels of the park and there would be no way to designate a location for the Special Use, so the zoo could expand into the entire park. She said she felt the zoo expansion was planned for the wrong place and was too close to residential property. She also expressed concern regarding the traffic and she said she felt that emergency services would be hampered in gaining access to the park in an emergency. She also expressed concern that the parking would not address the future conversion of the pavilion to a children's museum. She said she did not feel there was a public need for an expansion of the zoo. She urged the Council to deny the request because she did not feel it would be beneficial to the park or those living in the area. Ms. Maleida King, a City resident, said the Zoo Expansion Committee had only raised two-thirds of the money for the project, so she suggested that they build only two-thirds of the project. She said she felt they should stay within their budget. Mr. Paul Sherwood, a City resident, said he was interested in seeing the zoo area developed properly with sound conservation standards and to make sure the animals were given the habitat necessary for a good life. He said a good ecology study should be performed to determine the amount of area versus the diversity and number of animals and species that would be submitted to this piece of land. He said he would like a copy of the plan. Motion to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 15,959, as amended, granting a Special Use for a public park to expand the Zoo into the existing park property in a Class R-3 (Single Family Residential) District for property located at 2218 N. Prospect Road, with conditions, was approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Gulley, Jacob, Manning, Morris, Nichting, Spears, Turner, Van Auken, Mayor Ardis — 9; Nays: None. (06-332) Communication from the City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management Requesting Adoption of an ORDINANCE Granting a SPECIAL USE for a GROUP CARE FACILITY in a Class R-4 (Single Family Residential) District for Property Located at 109 E. ARCADIA AVENUE, with Conditions. Council Member Manning moved to adopt an Ordinance granting a Special Use for a group care facility in a Class R-4 (Single Family Residential) District for property located at 109 E. Arcadia Avenue, with conditions, amending Condition #5 to read "The Special Use is granted only to the Children's Home for the requested operation of a Group Care Facility for six mothers and their babies, for a total of twelve residents, and is not assignable or transferable to subsequent owners, operators, or lessees of the property."; seconded by Council Member Van Auken. JUNE 13, 2006 CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS 27555 In discussion with Council Member Spears regarding whether or not the attic space of the building would be used, Director of Planning and Growth Management Pat Landes said the attic would only be used if it was Code approved. She said the life safety codes had been met. Council Member Spears said he would like to defer this item for one week so that determination could be made. He said the building was located next to a gas station and he was concerned about life safety issues in a house that large. Council Member Spears moved to defer this item for one week until the June 20, 2006, Regular City Council Meeting; seconded by Council Member Manning. Motion to defer this item until June 20, 2006, was approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Gulley, Jacob, Manning, Morris, Nichting, Spears, Turner, Van Auken, Mayor Ardis — 9; Nays: None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (06-295) Communication from the City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management Requesting Adoption of an ORDINANCE Amending APPENDIX B of the Code of the City of Peoria Relating to ZONING for Various Text Adjustments Regarding the N-1 INSTITUTIONAL ZONING DISTRICT. Council Member Van Auken moved to defer this item for four weeks until the July 11, 2006, Regular City Council Meeting; seconded by Council Member Manning. Motion to defer this item until July 11, 2006, was approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Gulley, Jacob, Manning, Morris, Nichting, Spears, Turner, Van Auken, Mayor Ardis — 9; Nays: None. (06-297) Communication from the City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management with Recommendation from the Zoning Commission and City Staff to DENY the Request for an AMENDMENT to an EXISTING SPECIAL USE for EXISTING CHURCH FACILITIES in a Class R-3 (Single Family Residential) District for Property Located at 4019 N. KNOXVILLE AVENUE to ADD PROPERTY Located at 124 W. RIDGEMONT for a YOUTH CENTER, and Concur with the Recommendation from the Zoning Commission to DENY a Request for an AMENDMENT to an EXISTING SPECIAL USE for EXISTING CHURCH FACILITIES in a Class R-3 (Single Family Residential) District for Property Located at 4019 N. KNOXVILLE AVENUE, to ADD FUTURE PARKING; OR Concur with the Recommendation from City Staff to Adopt an ORDINANCE Amending Ordinance No. 13,305, an EXISTING SPECIAL USE In a Class R-3 (Single Family Residential District for FUTURE PARKING for Property Located at 4019 N. KNOXVILLE, with Conditions. Council Member Manning moved to table this item; seconded by Council Member Jacob. Motion to Table this item was approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Gulley, Jacob, Manning, Morris, Nichting, Spears, Turner, Van Auken, Mayor Ardis — 9; Nays: None. NEW BUSINESS REQUEST for ACTION Regarding a NEIGHBORHOOD PROBLEM in the 1400 BLOCK of JOHN GWYNN AVENUE Council Member Turner reported that he had received citizen complaints regarding the 1400 Block of John Gwynn Avenue where four families were living on the property, and a trailer was parked in the back yard with another family living there. He said the children were becoming a problem. He requested that the City Manager expedite action to address this neighborhood problem. NNW 27556 CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JUNE 13, 2006 COMMENTS Regarding MEDIA REPORTS of ATTACKS ON WOMEN IN THEIR HOMES Council Member Morris referred to the media reports regarding the attacks on women in their homes '4% and he said he had many inquiries regarding this issue. He requested a report on what precautions citizens should take to protect themselves. Mayor Ardis said that Police Chief Settingsgaard issued a press release today. He requested that Captain Phil Korem make some comments on behalf of the Chief. Police Captain Phil Korem said it was difficult to comment on an on -going investigation. He said the Police Department had been communicating with the media, but there were some precautions that citizens could take. He said citizens should notice any unusual activity or individuals in their neighborhood, lock all outside windows and doors, including those that lead to garages, add lighting to the yard or entry ways, be aware of your environment, notice those unusual individuals who try to visit your home regarding home repair, etc. He said the Police Department would be glad to address any group regarding this issue, and the Police Department would be glad to respond to any call regarding unusual individuals or activity in neighborhoods. ANNOUNCEMENT Regarding the NEW PAINTING AT RUNNING CENTRAL for STEAMBOAT DAYS Council Member Van Auken said Running Central and the founders of Steamboat Days had utilized the talents of Artist Preston Jackson to paint a new mural at the Running Central Store on Sheridan and Main Streets. She urged citizens to drive by and look at the mural. Mayor Ardis said the Steamboat Classic would be held this Saturday, and he said runners were expected from around the world to compete in this race. COMMENTS Regarding the May 16th CITY COUNCIL MEETING Council Member Jacob commended Chief Deputy City Clerk Beth Ball for her handling of the meeting and the minutes from the May 16th Council Meeting, while City Clerk Mary Haynes attended an International Municipal Clerks Conference. ANNOUNCEMENT Regarding NEIGHBORHOOD PRIDE DAY Council Member Gulley referred to the Neighborhood Pride Day and requested that City Clerk Mary Haynes read the announcement. City Clerk Haynes announced that the City of Peoria, in conjunction with the First District Solutions Committee, would be hosting the Second Neighborhood Pride Day on June 17, 2006, from 8:00 A.M. until 12:00 Noon. The clean-up will take place on Western Avenue from Moss Avenue to Adams Street. Volunteers should meet in the Aldi's parking lot on the corner of Western and Martin at 8:00 A.M. and volunteers should bring gloves and rakes. CITIZEN REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL (06-333) Request for CITIZENS to ADDRESS the CITY COUNCIL Regarding VARIOUS ISSUES. Hearing no objections, Mayor Ardis granted Privilege of the Floor to those citizens wishing to address the City Council. • JUNE 13, 2006 CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS 27557 Ms. June Moore, a City resident, requested that her Co -Chair of the Neighborhood College in September, Rosilee Walker, be reimbursed for $96.36 she spent on refreshments. She also reminded citizens about the Moss Avenue Sale on June 17, 2006, and she urged everyone to attend. Ms. Levetta Ricca, President of Olde Towne South Neighborhood Association, expressed concern that the South side was blamed for crime and other problems that happened in other parts of the City. She said there were many good people, past and present, who were raised and lived in the South side of Peoria. Ms. Karrie Alms, a City resident, thanked the Office Staff of Linda Belcher, Trina Bonds, and Polly Stainback, in the Planning and Growth Management Department for being good ambassadors and good City employees in providing all types of support for citizens. She said she appreciated their assistance. Ms. Sara Partridge, a City resident, said crime problems were everywhere in the City. She expressed her appreciation for all the assistance from the Police Department, members of the Council, and Code Enforcement Personnel in their efforts toward deterring crime in her area. She urged the Council to continue to pay attention to activities in the older sections of Peoria to retain the residents in these areas. She said the City could not afford to lose the City's bluffs, and something needed to be done. Mr. Curly Blue Johnson, a City resident, said he was glad to return to his home town of Peoria after touring 77 countries with the Harlem Globetrotters Basketball Team. He said he had retired and would be spending more time in the Peoria area. Mayor Ardis welcomed Mr. Johnson back home, and he said he would look forward to seeing him around town more often. Ms. Maleida King, a City resident, said that people stayed in their older neighborhoods because that was their home, even though Peoria may not be as safe as it used to be. She said she appreciated the time the City Council spent on neighborhood issues. She said people in her neighborhood did not want Park property destroyed by building a new school on park property. Mr. Roger Greer, resident of Morton, said he was a new owner of Roly Poly Sandwich Shop on Main Street and the building where it was located. He said the downtown businesses were challenged to make a profit or break even financially. He said his wife's purse was stolen in the restaurant and his bike was stolen in the process. He said he gave the name of the person who committed the crime to the Police Department, but he felt nothing had been done. He said this situation had deterred thoughts of further investment in the downtown area. City Manager Oliver requested that Police Captain Phil Korem meet with Mr. Greer following the City Council Meeting. Mr. Paul Sherwood, a City resident, said he had been arrested for criminal trespass five times in the past four months for no reason. He said the police responded quickly, especially in the Glen Oak area, and he felt that the Police Department should respond to more serious crimes. 27558 CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS JUNE 13, 2006 EXECUTIVE SESSION (06-334) Requesting Approval of a Motion for the City Council to go into EXECUTIVE SESSION to Discuss 2(c)(1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee to determine its validity; 2(c)(6) The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body; and 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. Council Member Van Auken moved for the City Council to go into Executive Session to discuss 2(c)(1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee to determine its validity; 2(c)(6) The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body; and 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; seconded by Council Member Morris. Approved by roll call vote. Yeas: Gulley, Jacob, Manning, Morris, Nichting, Spears, Turner, Van Auken, Mayor Ardis — 9; Nays: None. ADJOURNMENT Council Member Van Auken moved to adjourn the Regular City Council Meeting; seconded by Council Member Morris. Approved by viva voce vote. The Council Meeting adjourned at 8:15 P.M. Mary L. Haynes, MMC, City Clerk City of Peoria, Illinois bb