Peoria approves $180,000 fire station replacement and riverfront land purchase

Peoria Council Advances Fire Station, Riverfront Deal, and Cannabis Tax While Public Demands Euler's Resignation Over Domestic Violence Allegations

The Peoria City Council conducted routine business on September 10, approving three significant capital items and advancing cannabis tax legislation. Yet the meeting's defining moment came during public comment, when four speakers—a domestic violence advocate, a community organizer, and two residents—directly confronted Councilman Zack Euler over his alleged July 31 arrest for aggravated domestic abuse, interfering with a domestic violence report, and unlawful restraint. Euler made no statement. No council member called for his response.

The convergence of substantive governance and unresolved personal crisis underscored a friction between procedural propriety and constituent demand that defined the evening.

Key Speeches

"I don't think it's quite drinking water out of a firehose but even though he came over from Indiana with a ton of experience I still [am] getting used to our team and we're really excited for Rick's leadership and have him here in Peoria." — Mayor Jim Ardis, on new Public Works Director Rick Powers

"Station four has to be replaced and it's well overdue but I do have some questions…since we budgeted for the replacement of this firehouse almost a year ago and approved it what was the delay and where is this just coming to us now?" — Councilmember Jensen, on Fire Station 4 purchase

"I think the illegal sellers of marijuana, the so-called black market in marijuana earth would be thrilled to know that we're going to add another three percent to the tax burden…I think one way to reduce the amount of illegal cannabis being sold is to get off this tax train." — Councilman John Kelly, opposing the 3% cannabis occupation tax

"I am very concerned about the fact that after the incidents of the past couple of weeks you still haven't made a decision to hand in your resignation to City Council…These council doesn't have as a whole great record of holding their own accountable for the actions." — Jimena Lopez, calling on Councilman Euler to resign

"I find it highly hypocritical that an alleged servant leader refuses to answer his constituents…if these allegations are true…then Euler should resign posthaste." — Zachary, public commenter on Euler's domestic violence allegations

Timeline

Fire Station 4 Replacement (Case 19-290)

• Applicant presentation: Councilwoman Denise Moore presented; noted Station 4 is the oldest in Peoria, located at Jefferson Avenue across from industrial property. New location at 507–517 Southwestern Avenue sits in dense residential area (61606 is among the most densely populated ZIP codes outside Chicago and Urbana-Champaign). Density justifies improved facility and faster response times.
• City Manager / Fire Chief presentation: Fire Chief confirmed response times drop to four minutes or less across entire station territory using color-coded map provided to council. New location allows light pre-emption on Western Avenue, improving hill climb for apparatus. Bradley University area remains served by Station 8 (Homer Avenue). No plans to relocate ladder truck at this time. Construction anticipated to begin within a week; operationalization expected within 12 months, barring winter delays.
• Council discussion: Councilmember Jensen asked about delays in land acquisition; city manager explained prolonged search for suitable location, initially pursued further south before current property became available. Jensen also inquired about impact to Bradley response times; Chief clarified Station 8 remains primary resource for Bradley, though Station 4 footprint now includes capacity for additional apparatus if future decisions warrant relocation. Councilman Graham asked timeline for other county road transfers; Director clarified those depend on funding. Councilman Grab inquired when last firehouse was built; answer was approximately 2002–2003 (Station 2), over 15 years prior under prior administrations.
• Vote: Unanimous approval (11–0).

Cannabis Retailers Occupation Tax (Case 19-291)

• City Manager presentation: Ordinance imposes 3% municipal tax on recreational cannabis sales, in addition to existing 9% Peoria sales tax, potential 3% county tax, and state taxes. Deadline of September 30 for adoption required to capture revenues in 2020. Vote is first reading only; final vote scheduled two weeks hence. Does not determine whether city permits cannabis sales—merely secures tax mechanism if council later decides to allow dispensaries.
• Public comment: Three speakers. Rob Hain, real estate practitioner, cited federal felony status under Controlled Substances Act; referenced DEA bomb squad indictment prosecuting large-scale producers with sentences of 50–60 years to life. Argued dispensaries bring criminal activity, traffic, and property value decline; expressed concern that tax rates (up to 25% depending on THC content) drive consumers to black market. Noted opposition from educators, addiction treatment providers, probation officers, and property owners despite their lower public profile. Asserted Council's vote choice will be driven by money in next campaigns. Second speaker (name not clearly transcribed in record) raised similar themes: federal law prohibition, black market incentives, increased medical and mental health costs, drug-driving risks, teen usage, and workplace safety.
• Council discussion: John Kelly reiterated this is tax vote only, not approval of sales. Expressed opposition to legalization itself. Calculated cumulative tax burden: 9% city sales tax + 3% proposed municipal cannabis tax + potential 3% county tax + state taxes (approximately 7%, per Manager's estimate). Called triple/quadruple taxation a "gravy train" and predicted it would encourage black market sales. Quoted state-imposed deadline (September 30) as reason for urgency; acknowledged council still retains discretion to prohibit sales even if tax is approved. Councilman Regan Back restated the distinction: approval of tax is proactive measure, preserving option to permit sales later without procedural delay. Council further noted two public meetings scheduled for September 16 (ICC Peoria campus, 6–8 PM) and September 23 (Frank Campbell Center, 6–8 PM) to address whether city should allow sales and, if so, where.
• Vote: First reading passed 9–2. Voting no: Councilman John Kelly and Councilman Seir. Second reading vote scheduled in two weeks.

Samantha Riverfront Property Purchase (Case 18-231)

• City Manager presentation: Purchase of Samantha property at foot of Spring Street for $180,000, less $58,000 in prior purchase options negotiated as part of defunct River Trail Apartments deal. Property adds 3.9 acres to riverfront park designated under Law and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant. Genesis of requirement: 1999–early 1980s LWCF grant allowed conversion of railroad yards to riverfront park. River Plex development required removal of 3.3–3.5 acres from LWCF designation. City attempted remedy through Southtown land purchases (later displaced by Kindred Hospital and Gateway at River City supportive living facility), then Rocky Glen Park acquisition in West Peoria (2012). River Trail apartments proposal created need for additional land; when that deal fell through, Samantha property remained available for purchase under prior negotiation. National Park Service and Illinois Department of Natural Resources appraised properties as of 2015: River Plex at $364,000, Rocky Glen at $270,000, Samantha at $169,000. Samantha purchase satisfies remaining LWCF obligation and leaves $75,000 surplus. Council approved $500,000 remediation budget in prior fiscal year. Three-year timeline to convert property to open green space with trails.
• Council discussion: Councilwoman Moore moved approval; noted this resolves decades-long LWCF compliance effort. Emphasized riverfront extension—walking paths, green space, public access (including fishing if desired). Councilmember Jensen opposed, citing cost ($874 per square foot including remediation) and arguing alternatives could satisfy $75,000 shortfall. John Kelly acknowledged support despite voting against original River Trail project; called total expenditure "a disaster" and "a scandal" resulting from "free money" (LWCF grant) that proved very costly. Noted difficulty finding comparable residential property at $874/foot outside high-end commercial zones; suggested lesson for future financial dealings. Councilman Regan Back supported, emphasizing family use and safety: noted ten- and twelve-year-olds frequent the undeveloped hump and rough terrain; remediation will make area safe for families and prevent liability. Voted to support despite prior opposition to River Trail, calling result "lemonade out of lemons."
• Vote: Approved 8–3. Voting no: Councilmember Jensen, Councilmember Montelongo, Councilman Euler.

Glen Avenue Jurisdictional Transfer (Case 19-289)

• City Manager / Director of Public Works presentation: Intergovernmental agreement with Peoria County for reconstruction and transfer of Glen Avenue (Sheridan Road to Knoxville Avenue) from county to municipal control. Funding via PTAATS (Peoria area Transportation Authority for Transportation Services) federal program, expected construction in 2022. Resolves long-standing effort to bring remaining county roads within city limits.
• Council discussion: Councilman Regan Back noted change is "long overdue"; Glen Avenue remains classified as county highway despite lying within city. Acknowledged multiple county roads remain on transfer list (Lake Avenue, portions of Sheridan Road); estimated at least half-dozen candidates. Praised prior Willow Knowles intersection work that enabled funding priority shift for Glen Avenue. Encouraged support; noted constituent (Miss Basinski, third district) present, and acknowledged Lake Street and Sheridan Road remain on priority list pending future funding.
• Vote: Unanimous approval.

Consent Agenda & Other Routine Items

• 19-284 through 19-288: Approval of breathing apparatus, thermal imaging cameras ($129,803 combined); Teton Drive culvert replacement contract ($120,333 with contingency); outdoor storage and display ordinance amendment; mayoral appointments to Mayor's Advisory Committee for the Disabled (Erin Nolan) and Planning and Zoning Commission (Brandon Martin).
• 19-292 (Planning and Zoning Commission Appointment – Robin Grantham): Removed from consent by Councilwoman Moore. Councilmember Alley abstained due to family relationship. Passed unanimously with one abstention.
• 19-286 (Teton Drive Culvert): Removed by Councilwoman Moore for confirmation of EEO officer signature on good faith effort document; requested future documents be forwarded to her for acknowledgment. Passed unanimously.
• Remaining consent items: Passed unanimously.

Opposition

Domestic Violence Allegations Against Councilman Euler

• Number of speakers against Euler's continued service: 4 (Jimena Lopez, Zachary, Rob Hain [partially], Rachel O'Reilly [related matter])
• Main concerns:
  1. Alleged July 31 arrest for aggravated domestic abuse, interfering with domestic violence report, and unlawful restraint; release on $100 bond.
  2. Euler's own admission to police of taking survivor's phone (Class A misdemeanor).
  3. Alleged bruising, cuts, and sexual assault allegations per order of protection and survivor claims.
  4. Euler's silence and refusal to make public statement defending himself or allegations.
  5. Hypocrisy of "servant leader" campaign promise contradicted by alleged abuser conduct.
  6. Council-wide silence on holding own member accountable; failure to demand Euler respond publicly.
  7. Survivor's mental health delegitimization as alleged defense strategy—deemed despicable.
• Most compelling argument: Zachary's observation that Euler admitted (in police incident report) to interfering with domestic violence report, which is Class A misdemeanor with potential jail time and fines; no denial offered; constituent right to demand answers lower than legal due process standard, yet Euler refuses basic accountability.
• Organized pressure: No formal group identified; speakers framed as individual constituents and advocates (Jimena Lopez identified with Center for Prevention of Abuse).

Cannabis Legalization / Taxation

• Number of speakers against: 2 (Rob Hain, one unnamed speaker on black market concerns)
• Main concerns:
  1. Federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) makes marijuana dealing a felony; federal indictments carry 50–60 year to life sentences.
  2. Dispensaries as bad neighbors: increased criminal activity, traffic, property value decline, resident/business relocation incentives reversed.
  3. Cumulative taxation (9% city + 3% municipal cannabis + potential 3% county + ~7% state = ~22%+) drives consumers to black market.
  4. Black market incentives undermine public safety and crime reduction goals.
  5. Opposition from educators (difficulty teaching "don't use drugs" when government legalizes and taxes them), addiction treatment providers (difficulty keeping clients clean with legalized access), probation officers, property owners, business owners seeking clean workforce.
  6. Increased medical, mental health, addiction treatment, and occupational health costs.
  7. Increased drug-driving accidents, teen usage, secondhand harms to children.
  8. Opposition by major health organizations.
  9. Projection inaccuracy: actual revenues underperform due to high effective tax rates driving black market.
• Most compelling argument: Kelly's assertion that high tax rates incentivize black market, negating public safety and economic benefit projections; black market dealers "thrilled" by government-imposed taxes on legal competitors.

Support

Fire Station 4 Replacement

• Number of speakers for: 0 (no public comment; council unity and staff presentation drove agenda)
• Key council arguments:
  1. Station 4 is oldest in Peoria; replacement overdue.
  2. Location at 507–517 Southwestern serves densely populated residential area (61606 ZIP code among most dense outside major metros).
  3. Four-minute response time across station territory; improved by light pre-emption on Western Avenue, reducing apparatus hill-climb delay.
  4. High call volume justifies investment and staffing priority.
  5. Relocation jumpstarts economic development on south side; complements approved Complete Streets $12 million Western Avenue project.
  6. Unanimous council support.

Samantha Riverfront Property Purchase

• Number of speakers for: 0 (no public comment)
• Key council arguments:
  1. Resolves 40-year LWCF compliance mandate arising from 1999–1980s grant; River Plex development created obligation later satisfied through phased land acquisition (Southtown, Rocky Glen, Samantha).
  2. Property valuation satisfies obligation with $75,000 surplus; further banking rejected.
  3. Three-year remediation timeline; $500,000 budget previously approved.
  4. Riverfront park extension; green space, trails, public access (fishing allowed).
  5. Safety and family use: undeveloped hump and rough terrain currently unsafe; remediation addresses liability.
  6. Mayor Ardis (implicit support) endorsed staff recommendation; advance notice to neighbors of south-side improvements (fire station, Complete Streets).
• Most compelling argument: Regan Back's emphasis on family safety and current informal, unsafe public use; remediation transforms liability into community asset.

Project Details

Fire Station 4 Replacement

• Case number: 19-290
• Applicant / Owner: City of Peoria (municipal); represented by City Manager and Fire Chief
• Location / Address: 507–517 Southwestern Avenue, Peoria, Illinois
• Current facility: Jefferson Avenue (oldest in system)
• Proposed facility: 507–517 Southwestern Avenue (dense residential area, ZIP 61606)
• Acquisition cost: $180,000
• Project budget (prior approval): $2.5 million
• Timeline: Construction to begin within one week; operational within 12 months
• Service area: High-density residential; response target: 4 minutes or less citywide
• Related improvements: Complete Streets Western Avenue project ($12 million, scheduled 2020)

Samantha Riverfront Property Purchase

• Case number: 18-231
• Applicant / Owner: City of Peoria (municipal); represented by City Manager
• Location / Address: Samantha property, foot of Spring Street, Peoria, Illinois
• Legal designation: Law and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant compliance land
• Acquisition cost: $180,000 less $58,000 prior purchase options = net $180,000
• Prior parcel appraisals (as of 2015 by NPS/IDNR):
  • River Plex property: $364,000
  • Rocky Glen Park (West Peoria): $270,000
  • Samantha: $169,000
• Acreage: 3.9 acres (plus city-owned L-shaped portion)
• Remediation budget (prior approval): $500,000
• Timeline: Three years to convert to open green space with trails
• Genesis: LWCF grant (1999–1980s) required perpetual open-space designation; River Plex development (1990s–2000s) removed 3.3–3.5 acres; city remedied through Southtown purchases (displaced by hospital/facility), Rocky Glen Park, and Samantha acquisition.

Cannabis Retailers Occupation Tax Ordinance

• Case number: 19-291
• Type: First reading of ordinance amending Peoria City Code Chapter 27 (Taxation), adding Article 19 (Municipal Cannabis Retailers Occupation Tax)
• Tax rate: 3% on recreational / adult-use cannabis retail sales
• Additional taxes (cumulative): 9% Peoria city sales tax + 3% potential county tax (pending county deliberation) + ~7% state taxes
• Effective date: Required adoption by September 30, 2019 to collect revenues in 2020
• Applicability: Recreational cannabis only; medical cannabis exempt
• Revenue distribution: Portion of state/sales tax to be distributed statewide to permitting municipalities; local 3% municipal tax mechanism (collection fund) still under General Assembly trailer bill clarification
• Public hearings scheduled:
  • Monday, September 16, ICC Peoria campus, Student Center, 6–8 PM
  • Monday, September 23, Frank Campbell Center (south side), 6–8 PM
• Next action: Second reading vote in two weeks

Glen Avenue Jurisdictional Transfer

• Case number: 19-289
• Applicant / Party: City of Peoria and Peoria County (IGA signatories)
• Location: Glen Avenue, Sheridan Road to Knoxville Avenue
• Current jurisdiction: Peoria County Highway System
• Proposed jurisdiction: City of Peoria municipal street system
• Funding source: PTAATS (Peoria Area Transportation Authority for Transportation Services) federal program
• Construction timeline: Expected 2022
• Prior approvals: Peoria County Board approved; City Council vote this evening
• Related priority roads: Lake Avenue, portions of Sheridan Road, and at least four other county roads identified for future transfer pending funding availability

Vote Breakdown

Fire Station 4 Replacement (19-290)

• Final: 11–0 (unanimous)
• Yes: All council members

Cannabis Retailers Occupation Tax, First Reading (19-291)

• Final: 9–2
• Yes: Mayor Ardis, Councilmembers Alley, Grab, Jensen, Moore, Montelongo, Regan Back, Rottger, Denis Cyr
• No: Councilmember John Kelly, Councilman Seir

Samantha Riverfront Property Purchase (18-231)

• Final: 8–3
• Yes: Mayor Ardis, Councilmembers Alley, Moore, Regan Back, Rottger, Grab, Denis Cyr, and one other
• No: Councilmember Jensen, Councilmember Montelongo, Councilman Euler

Glen Avenue Jurisdictional Transfer (19-289)

• Final: 11–0 (unanimous)
• Yes: All council members

Planning and Zoning Commission Appointment – Robin Grantham (19-292)

• Final: 11–0 with 1 abstention
• Yes: Council members (Jensen moved; Euler seconded)
• Abstain: Dr. Andre W. Allen (family relationship)

Teton Drive Culvert Replacement Contract (19-286)

• Final: 11–0 (unanimous)
• Yes: All council members

Consent Agenda Remaining Items

• Final: 11–0 (unanimous)
• Yes: All council members

Minutes Approval (August 27, 2019 Joint Meeting)

• Final: Unanimous
• Yes: All council members

Outcome & Next Steps

Fire Station 4 Replacement

Purchase of 507–517 Southwestern Avenue approved unanimously. City Manager to meet with architectural group Thursday (September 12) to begin design phase. Ground-breaking and construction timeline dependent on winter conditions; anticipated operationalization within 12 months. Prior $2.5 million budget allocation remains available for construction.

Cannabis Retailers Occupation Tax

First reading passed 9–2; receives file. Second reading vote scheduled two weeks hence (approximately September 24). Public comment period at two citywide meetings (September 16 and 23) to address legality question and location restrictions, separate from tax ordinance. Adoption must occur by September 30 to capture 2020 revenues. If ordinance not adopted, tax mechanism remains unavailable, though council retains discretion to prohibit dispensaries regardless. Staff directed to prepare report on tax collection methodology and fund distribution pending General Assembly trailer bill clarification.

Samantha Riverfront Property Purchase approved 8–3. Property acquisition to close; remediation to begin within three-year window. National Park Service and Illinois Department of Natural Resources continue LWCF compliance oversight. Upon completion, property and adjacent city-owned land consolidated as riverfront park with trails and public access.

Glen Avenue Jurisdictional Transfer

Intergovernmental agreement approved unanimously. Peoria County and City of Peoria to coordinate reconstruction design and engineering. Construction anticipated 2022 using PTAATS federal funding. Upon completion, Glen Avenue transferred from county to municipal jurisdiction.

Airbnb Regulation & Sales Tax

New business item: Councilmember Jensen requested staff report and policy session on potential Airbnb regulation and occupational tax (hotel tax analogue). City Manager confirmed staff developing ordinance; target presentation by October 10 (council cannot commit to September 24 deadline due to workload). Staff investigating direct contact with Airbnb platform to collect local hotel tax without ordinance requirement.

EPA Infrastructure Issues

New business item: Councilman Grab requested comprehensive report on outstanding EPA enforcement matters, timeline of prior attempts at resolution, and proximity to final settlement. City Manager to provide at next meeting.

Controversies & Context

Councilman Zack Euler – Domestic Violence Allegations

On July 31, 2019, Councilman Zack Euler was arrested on charges of aggravated domestic abuse, interfering with a report of domestic violence, and unlawful restraint. Police incident report documented bruising and cuts on the survivor; an order of protection was filed the following day. Allegations also include sexual assault. Euler was released on $100 bond. Charges were initially dropped but reissued as domestic battery and interfering with a report of domestic violence; trial anticipated.

During the September 10 council meeting, four public speakers—Jimena Lopez (self-identified as familiar with Center for Prevention of Abuse), Zachary (identified as constituent/observer), Rob Hain (real estate practitioner; tangentially raised issue in cannabis discussion), and Rachel O'Reilly (primarily addressing separate missing-person case)—demanded Euler's resignation.

Key allegations and arguments:

• Euler's own police statement admitted taking survivor's phone, satisfying Class A misdemeanor definition of interfering with domestic violence report (potential penalty: up to 364 days jail and/or $2,500 fine).
• Euler has made no public statement, defense, or acknowledgment of allegations.
• His attorney reportedly told press he "cannot wait to go to trial," suggesting no settlement/admission contemplated.
• Survivors and advocates noted that until the abuser takes responsibility, abuse typically recurs; Euler's silence signals refusal of accountability.
• Speakers criticized council majority for remaining silent on the matter, failing to publicly demand Euler respond or resign.
• Allegations that Euler has privately delegitimized survivor by citing mental health issues.

Council response: None. No council member spoke to the allegations, no motion for investigation or formal response, no statement of solidarity with survivor or domestic violence prevention. Euler remained silent throughout.

Cannabis Legalization – Taxation Concerns & Black Market Incentives

Illinois legalized recreational cannabis in December 2019 (effective January 1, 2020). Peoria's September 10 tax ordinance responds to state deadline requiring municipal adoption by September 30 to capture 2020 revenues.

Two speakers—Rob Hain and one unnamed commenter—and John Kelly raised concerns:

Federal legal status: Marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act (1970). Dealing is a felony. Active DEA indictments (bomb squad case) prosecute large-scale producers with sentences of 50–60 years to life.

Taxation and black market: Cumulative tax burden on legal dispensary purchasers reaches ~22% (9% Peoria sales tax + 3% municipal cannabis tax + potential 3% county tax + ~7% state taxes). Effective THC-based state taxes can reach 25%. High rates incentivize black market consumers and illegal producers, undercutting projections of legal market growth and tax revenue. John Kelly noted that "illegal sellers of marijuana would be thrilled to know that we're going to add another three percent."

Public health and safety: Speakers cited opposition from educators (conflict with drug prevention curriculum), addiction treatment providers (difficulty maintaining sobriety amid legalized access and advertising), probation officers (reoffense risk), property owners (value decline), and business owners (workforce impacts). Increased medical and mental health costs, drug-driving accidents, teen usage, and workplace safety incidents predicted. Major health organizations oppose legalization.

Projection accuracy: Hain noted actual revenues in other states underperform projections due to black market substitution and tax avoidance.

Hypocrisy concern: Multiple speakers criticized conservative-leaning council members (John Kelly, in particular) for championing "personal responsibility" in other contexts while permitting government-sanctioned vice. Hain noted even Beth Acheson (prior council controversy) "had the intestinal fortitude to stand in front of the public" to defend her actions; Euler and council similarly hide from accountability.

Council's response to cannabis concerns was limited. John Kelly and Seir voted no; all others voted yes or abstained from deliberation, largely citing the fixed state deadline and distinction between tax mechanism and later sales-permission vote.

Riverfront Park Compliance & Federal Grant Obligations

The Samantha purchase resolves a 40-year entanglement with Law and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant compliance. In 1999 (or early 1980s, per transcript ambiguity), Peoria secured an LWCF grant for riverfront park development. The grant required perpetual open-space designation.

When River Plex development proceeded in subsequent years, ~3.3–3.5 acres were removed from LWCF compliance. City attempted remedy through Southtown land acquisitions (later displaced by Kindred Hospital and Gateway at River City supportive living facility). In 2012, Rocky Glen Park (West Peoria) was acquired and valued at $270,000 by NPS and IDNR as of 2015.

The Samantha property was negotiated as part of the River Trail Apartments deal (which later fell through). Samantha was appraised at $169,000 (2015). River Plex property was appraised at $364,000. The Samantha purchase ($180,000) satisfies the remaining obligation, leaving a $75,000 surplus. City rejected further "banking" (setting aside surplus for future compliance).

Cost per square foot: At $180,000 plus $500,000 remediation ($680,000 total) for 3.9 acres (~170,000 sq ft), the effective cost reaches ~$4 per square foot for land plus ~$3 per square foot for remediation, totaling ~$7 per square foot—or $874 per square foot if all project costs are amortized.

John Kelly called the result "a scandal" and "a disaster" arising from "free money" (the LWCF grant) that proved far more expensive to manage than anticipated. Councilman Regan Back countered that the end result—family-safe riverfront—justifies the expense, and that the hump and rough terrain currently pose safety risks to informal public users (especially children).

EPA Infrastructure Issues

Councilman Grab requested an update on outstanding EPA enforcement actions against Peoria's infrastructure. The nature and timeline of violations were not detailed in the meeting, but the request suggests multi-year compliance battles. City Manager agreed to provide comprehensive report at next meeting.

Duration

• Fire Station 4 item: ~20 minutes (presentation, council Q&A, vote)
• Cannabis tax item: ~15 minutes (presentation, public comment 3 speakers ~10 min total, council discussion ~5 min)
• Samantha property item: ~30 minutes (presentation, council discussion ~20 min, vote)
• Glen Avenue item: ~10 minutes (presentation, Regan Back remarks, vote)
• Domestic violence public comment: ~15 minutes (4 speakers, 4–5 min each)
• Total meeting: ~3.5 hours (including proclamations, recognitions, library remarks, and snow rodeo remarks at top)

Other Notable Items

Alexis Carty Missing Person Case: Rachel O'Reilly formally invited the community to a police-escorted march on Sunday, September 22, 1–2 PM in honor of Alexis Carty. O'Reilly called on church leaders, community organizations (ACLU, Indivisible), and residents to prevent the case from going cold. Social media campaign underway; donations invited. This item, while not directly council business, occupied meaningful public comment time and reflects ongoing community-council engagement on public safety and missing-person support.

Teton Drive Culvert Replacement: Council approved a $120,333 contract (with 10% contingency) to Autobahn Company for neighborhood culvert replacement. Councilwoman Moore requested verification of EEO officer signature on good faith effort document for future compliance tracking. Passed unanimously.

Planning and Zoning Commission Appointment – Robin Grantham: Mayor Ardis appointed Grantham; Dr. Andre W. Allen abstained due to family relationship. Passed 11–0 with 1 abstention. Councilmember Jensen moved; Councilman Euler seconded.

Library Card Signup and Public Relations: Randall Yelburton (Executive Director of Libraries) and Jennifer Davis promoted national library card signup month. Peoria Public Library has 48,000 cardholders and signed up 8,000 new users last year. Notable resource: history and genealogy collection draws researchers from nationwide; Vermont professor currently visiting to conduct research. Library offers digital resources, local history expertise, and significant return on investment. Public invited to sign up for prizes.

Arts in Education Day and Snow Rodeo Proclamations: Mayor Ardis proclaimed September 15 as Arts in Education Day (honoring Miss Arielle Beverly, Miss Illinois). Separately proclaimed September 16 as American Legion Centennial Day, with open house at Post 2. Rick Powers, new Public Works Director (six days into tenure, formerly of Northwest Indiana), briefly introduced himself and committed to learning the department's operations without "stealing thunder from the lightning" (Sigma Rune, Public Works Coordinator). Snow Rodeo event announced for Friday, September 13 at Shops at Grand Prairie (9 AM gates, 10 AM start, 2 PM finish); first time hosted in Peoria, featuring roughly 30 two-person snowplow teams from across Illinois competing under American Public Works Association auspices. Public invited; no admission cost.

MSA Awareness Day Proclamation: Mayor Ardis proclaimed October 3 as World Multiple System Atrophy Day. Larry Kellerman (MSA advocate) and Roger Helena (Parkinson's patient caregiver) spoke; noted MSA is a rare, terminal neurodegenerative disorder with 7–9 year median survival. Former Mayor Dave Randsburg was a victim; Kellerman's wife died of MSA after 8 years. October 3 event scheduled at Monarch Music Hall (9 AM to 1 PM, blues music, silent auction, catered by HyVee). Organizers seek to register participants in global "mile for MSA" awareness walk. Sponsors include U.S. Representative Darin LaHood.

Keep Peoria Beautiful Iris Awards: Ryan Palm (committee chair) recognized 11 residential property winners for exemplary home and